renpuspita's reviews
1353 reviews

Kate and Curran on retirement? Trying to lay low with moving to Wilmington? HA, joke on them, because we always know problems always follow Kate everywhere. Just kidding. I usually give 4 stars for novella in Kate Daniels's world, but the Wilmington novella written as good as the full length novel, my complaint is just a few compared to the delight that I feel after finish read it. 

Review will contain spoilers from previous Kate's books

About Kate: 

I read from some reviews that Kate now more mature. From my observation, it's more like Kate didn't have any high stake threats after her battle against Neig in Magic Triumphs. The sword is no longer dangle above her head, nor that Roland will target Conlan because Roland is entrap in Neig's realms. Oh, Roland will do his best to influence Conlan to his own megalomaniac views but Conlan is lucky to have both Kate and Curran to keep the boy in check. I like that despite Kate want to stay low profile in Wilmington, she can't help to save people in needs although Conlan kinda manipulated her in the first place. I like the discussion between Kate and Rimush, that IA still manage to write Kate as a reluctant leader although she have the capability (and ability) to be a leader. The interesting part is when Rimush said that those who hesitant to use the power of the leadership is those who will benefited people they lead. Also, now Ghastek have a rival because apparently Rimush want to serve Kate, lol (

About Curran and Conlan:

I like that IA decide to give Curran and Conlan their own PoV, since in Magic Tides the Lennart family kind of separated in order to save Darin. Kate in search of Darin and Curran try to hold Fort Kure from the gang that kidnapped Darin in the first place. I like the interaction between Curran and Conlan, how Curran didn't forbade Conlan to meet his grandfather but also constantly remind Conlan that Roland is dangerous. Also, I kinda miss the shapeshifters interaction! There's no appearance of Derek, but a new wolf shifter named Keelan got introduced and he's a hoot. Sigh, IA keep introduced interesting new characters! Keelan seems to be a new role model for Conlan. And speaking about Conlan, he's totes adorable and also prodigy. I will wait the time when he will call Roland of all his bullshit, lol

About relationship between Kate & Hugh, also Curran & Jim:

I don't know what happen after Magic Triumphs and 7 year gaps that happen, but to sum it up the relationship between Kate and Hugh also Curran & Jim is "water under the bridge". We got scenes when Hugh make amends in Magic Triumphs and maybe time sure heal any wounds because Kate and Hugh is now just like a family to each other. Kate even act as one of Iron Dogs when trying to deceive Barrett, a Master of Dead that responsible for Wilmington's People base, the Farm. Their interaction evolve from enemies to family. Even Curran bonding with Hugh over a moat, although I think they will not forget that once they try to kill each other in the past. But, the process happen otherwise for Curran and Jim. The lack of Jim's appearance in Magic Triumphs now make sense. Curran acknowledge that Jim is no longer his best friend and how his views and Jim's regarding the Pack was different. This is very sad to read because of how Curran lost Jim. Jim once was Curran's Chief of Security, he was Curran's Best Man in the wedding. It's thanks to Jim that Kate and Curran met and the rest is history. To see a friendship turn sour is very heartbreaking. I get why some of BDH perceive Jim as one of the worst villain, but I don't know. Loss of best friend happen because life happen. I will wait what IA have for Jim and if there's any chance that Jim and Curran will reconcile

For a novella, Magic Tides as entertaining as the full novel. My complaint maybe because Kate and Curran separated for almost all the book because I like when they are together in the books. It's just me tho, because Kate and Curran is already become a solid couple and maybe one or two distance is fine. I like the touch of the Celt myth that IA used and with some tidbits about Irish people in Wilmington maybe we will get more Celt myth's fiasco in the future. 

Kate and Curran try to stay low and to give a chance for Conlan to live is a normal kid. But maybe, their wish is for naught because we know that they will never back down from any challenge! I welcome for more Wilmington year novella! 

Debut in Magic Slays, then stealing spotlight and maybe will snatch Andrea from Raphael in Gunmetal Magic (also shout his favorite Gandalf lines), then become a wedding planner extraordinaire in Magic Binds, our favorite Black Volvh Roman Grigorinovic Tihomirov finally debuted in his own story. Happen 1 or 2 years after Magic Triumphs, we finally get a glimpse of what Roman do in his times serving his Dark God, Chernobog.

I really enjoy reading Sanctuary although Roman is grumpier than usual, but there's a reason behind that. The story start with Roman give sanctuary to a little boy that got hunted by mercenaries and unknown enemy. The identity of the enemy still a mystery, tho. Roman did what Roman do and I really like the magic battle that ensues. Very different from Kate of course. Roman's magic more like long range magic based on his Slavic deity. Near the end of story, Roman will meet his potential romantic interest, a Vasilisa . Apparently, Roman know her back then and the Valisila (named Andora) was an unwilling victim of Roman's magic going awry when Roman is in his 12-ish. I like that IA didn't sugarcoated that what Roman did was bullying even Roman had his reason and in the end Roman apologized properly to Andora. But, the romance is more like a hint and maybe will explored more in the next Roman's novella. Yep, IA already confirmed that Roman will get another story to be told.

One of the highlight of this novella is Evdokia. OMG, she's a hoot, lol. She's such a concern mother that currently nagging Roman to married and make babies, with some commentary that make laughing so hard (low sperm count? Maybe Roman have low testosterone and must get tested? LOLOLOL). The Baba Yaga sure enjoying herself in order to get Roman walk the altar. There's also some explanation about Roman's deceased brother and how Roman got chosen as Chernobog's volvh. 

My one (and only) complaint just this book is short, lel. But, for a novella, Sanctuary pack quite a punch because there's a long essay from Mod R (if you a visitor of IA's blog, you will know her) about Vasilisa, Baba Yaga and stock characters in Slavic Myth. Sanctuary is filled with many Slavic creatures, especially in Roman's nechist that consist of so many creatures with names that hard to pronounce. We also got glimpse into Chernobog's realms, Nav and some of meaningful discussion about what the characters perceive as evil and good. 

A good novella that reveal that our favorite black Volvh have some depths and also a difficult past that shape him as a character that we know and loved. Looking forward to more Roman's story!! 

 5 STARS ++++

After binge reading for almost 2 month, I have reached the conclusion of Kate Daniels's arc against her father Roland that is Magic Triumphs. 

Finally....

Nah, we know that the story still continued to Julie's book in Blood Heir and we also get some of novella from Kate and Curran (and their son, Conlan) in Magic Tides and Magic Claims. Also don't forget Hugh's own book in Iron Covenant 2 and Roman's novella Sanctuary. Godness, BDH aka Book Devouring Horde is a menace and we demand MORE books from Kate & co, because admit it, IA write so many wonderful characters that need their story to be told.

I need time to process, lol. But for me in term of awesomeness and 5+++ stars rating, Magic Triumphs come in third place behind Magic Strikes (the first) and Magic Breaks (the second). It's not that Magic Triumphs was worse written. Quite the opposite to be exact, because IA carefully close some story threads that need to be closed while still left many mysteries open, such as Julie's fate in the end of the book (that we know will be continued into Blood Heir). And not all beloved characters have scenes and parts. Like our naughty bouda Ascanio (that have some part in Iron and Magic) or the good doctor Dolittle. I admit, I'm become so familiar with Dolittle presence since Kate love to get herself to hurt but in Magic Triumphs, surprisingly the amount of wound that Kate inflicted to herself is minimum. Maybe because she's already a mother to Conlan. Reading about her become a helicopter parent is funny, lel

Will write more after I sit it for some times. Maybe, will do some little re-read, heh 

Small Magics is anthology of some short stories from Kate Daniels series that already published in another anthology and another short stories that not from Kate's series

Magic Tests

I had read this short stories before in Magic Breaks and I believe this is the first time Julie get her own PoV. Fun and interesting, Julie show that she is as shrewd as Kate and she have so much potential in the future. Yeah, Julie is a brat but her brattines and know-it-all still in manageable level. Her sensate magic is unique and I wonder how it will get explored in Julie's own book, Blood Heir.

A Questionable Client

First time meeting between Kate and the sexual deviant, Saiman. Apparently Saiman already try to wooing Kate from the first time they meet and if you had read Magic Bleeds, you know that Saiman try his damnedest to get into Kate's pants just to prove his point about emotions and relationship. We all know how its end, poor Saiman (not). I like the touch of Slavic myth that IA used and also got to know some interesting creatures as well.

Retribution Clause

Eh, too short and not much pages to get to know more about Adam Talbot and his partner, Siroun, except for that Adam is Saiman's cousin and both he and Siroun is part of insurance company adjuster. I don't know what Siroun is and if her feeling for Adam is romantic or not. A pity because the story seems interesting

Of Swine and Rose

Cute! As cute as a YA short story can be. It's also end when things become interesting *sigh

Grace of Small Magics

So this short story first published in Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance and in 2009. Maybe that's why the romance is the main focus and also happen fast although still well written. I believe some parts of this short story such as the war between Clan and the unique magic system was expanded more into Hidden Legacy although both Grace and Nassar didn't appear in that series.

 Curran's PoV

This. This is the best part of this anthology. Save the best for the last, hehe. With all of Kate's books told entirely from Kate's 1st PoV, it's a wonder to know what His Majesty thinking. So, IA decide to write some scenes from Curran's PoV from Magic Bites to Magic Bleeds and with one addition, from Magic Breaks. From Unicorn Lane and Fernando's scene in Magic Bites, it's appear that Curran already interested to Kate. The interest become full blown mating frenzy in the Soup scene from Magic Burns. So, His Furriness is falling first and very hard at that, heh. I often read that Kate really, REALLY love Curran and she think that she was unlovable at first. But if only she know what Curran thinking in their first meeting, she may know that Curran also love her so much. We also get to know why Curran didn't appear for his Naked Dinner with Kate and well, no wonder he didn't make it in time. He try to settle some of domestic dispute!

Sadly, there's no Curran's PoV from Magic Rises, because admit it, he's very suck in pretending to interesting to other girl just in order to keep Kate safe. But maybe IA try to not write that part because I know that Magic Rises make some readers upset to Curran (me included). Magic Breaks told about Curran's past when he lost his family to the loups and meet Mahon. The rest when he become Beast Lord is a history although I want to know what Mahon thinking in the first place to sent Curran to fight Andorlf in the first place when Curran is in his 16 or 16-ish. Beside Curran, we also got Jim's PoV when he become Beast Lord after Curran's abdication. While I know that Curran trust Jim and consider Jim as his best friend, I don't know if Jim really cut it to be a Beast Lord since Jim's paranoia is off the chart just like what he did in Magic Binds. Only time will tell, I guess.

Small Magics is a must read if you love Kate Daniels series and especially if you want to know more about Curran, since his voice and PoV is pretty interesting to read 

How to make a questionable villain/anti-hero redeemable? Easy.

#Make him falling to the rock bottom; 
#Give him a conscience and epiphany after all the eeevuuulll & wrongdoings he did in the name of his Sharrum;
#And to add the cherry on top, throw him into a marriage of convenience with a woman that despise him from the start but didn't have much choice because they need each other because of circumstances. 

Sick fuck, ehm sorry, Hugh D' Ambray was known by his villainy from Kate's book. I don't really hate him, I think he was interesting back then in Magic Rises. Magic Breaks make me view him with ewww because he torture & kill some of characters that very dear to Kate (view spoiler). Don't forget what he did to Kate in Mishmar and his unhealthy obsessions because he got a hard-on when fighting Kate. Eww, nope, lel. So when IA decide to give Hugh his own book despite the said book happen because of some April's Fool joke, color me surprise. 

IA already lay the ground for Hugh's path to redemption. After his falling from grace and separation from Roland, Hugh is a former shadow of himself. He drunk himself to stupor just to numb the void that happen because Roland no longer want him to be a Warlord while the Iron Dogs got hunted. So when he finally decide to be sober and agree to a business marriage with Elara Harper, the White Warlock that rule Baile castle in Kentucky, I see a new light about Hugh. See, I know Hugh just from Kate's book and all of them told entirely from Kate's first PoV. I see Hugh from Kate's eyes, I judge him from Kate's insight about Hugh. Of course there will be bias. I like that IA write Iron and Magic from both Hugh and Elara's perspective and use 3rd voice. So I get to know them from outside views. 

Hugh is a villain yes, but he's also not entirely at fault. The fault lay with Roland and his manipulative way to form Hugh from a gifted healer to a ruthless Warlord. Roland temper Hugh to obey all his demands with charisma, suggestion and also some of magic involved. See it unveiled make me realize that Roland is a kind of toxic parents but what make it chilling, Roland didn't see that what he did to both Hugh and Kate was wrong and said that it's parents duty to educate children to their own views. IA didn't glossed over all Hugh's faults and mistakes. Oh, Hugh is still hard, vicious but he also amend for his mistakes. All Hugh did to Kate in Magic Rises and Magic Breaks was because he take Roland's demand to bring Kate to Roland's palace with extreme precautions. I like that IA write about Hugh handle 

Aunt B's death with Hugh let Raphael vents his anger and grief while bleeding each other to death. Hugh apologize but also reasoned while he's regret his Iron Dogs took Aunt B's life, he also count Aunt B as a dangerous key person in the Pack. His insight regarding Jim's retaliation in Magic Binds also very on point and I realize that Hugh is a better strategist. Maybe better than Curran when it comes to warfare and alike. He also come into epiphany regarding his actions toward Kate because he took a wrong approach and maybe the brotherly approach is much better in which Elara pointed that Kate will still reject Hugh, lel.

My opinion regarding Hugh was change and I did realize while Hugh kinda redeemed for his wrong doing, he will still be Hugh with his ruthless charisma and cunning machination. He need all of that to reins the Iron Dogs but, the Iron Dogs themselves also love and respected their Preceptor.

I like Elara and sure she's different from Kate because Elara is a leader to her people. Her past and real magic still didn't get revealed and I have a guts maybe its will be unfold in the next Iron Covenant book. I like the secondary characters from Iron Dogs and also Elara's people. There's a hint of romance between Stoyan, Hugh's second in command, with Johanna, one of Elara's people that have a unique power of her own. Another Iron Dogs, Lamar and Bale provide comic relief while Lamar also act as voice of reason to Hugh. Elara and Hugh hated each other with snipping, snapping and mocking each other. Sometimes its hilarious to read. There's a romance of course, but still in the early phase even though Hugh and Elara is married and don't forget that they have history in betraying their allies. They begin to see each other in new light and also care in their twisted way. The consummation scene, well, kinky, just like Hugh. I have "whaaa" moment when read it because the steamy levels is off the chart and I have a guts because Iron and Magic was self-published, IA didn't hold at all when writing sex scene, lel. 

The battle scenes is very well written and we got not only one but two battle scenes that show that Hugh indeed, is a Warlord. His hostility with the Legatus of Golden Legion, Landon Nez get expanded. There's a new enemy that target Elara's castle and the surrounding villages and their real identity also reason behind attack still shrouded in mystery. Even the reason why Elara and her people, The Departed, got chased by another witch covens is still not clear. Stoyan and Lamar tell Hugh that Elara's people feels like cult and maybe they are really a cult, lel. We don't get explanation why Elara called The White Warlock. There's so much things still unclear and maybe will resolved in the next books. 

It's very entertaining to read Iron and Magic. I very much looking forward to Hugh's path of redemption and to see how he become his own person, free from Roland's influence. Also, I don't know why both Kate and Hugh have a steed that love prancing. Kate with her mammoth donkey, Cuddles and now Hugh with his white stallion that shining like a unicorn every damn time with name as majestic as Buchepalus but called Bucky. IA seems to have things for unique horses and donkey alike. Also the dog, the real dog not the Iron ones, Cedric is adorable! 

 Contain some spoilers from previous books

Kate and Curran is tying the knot. Finally. After 8 books. But, the marriage will not complete without the doom and gloom. Sienna, one of the Witch Oracle see in the future that Kate will lost Curran (and their future son) if she married. Not a good news, indeed. Roland also shed his "best behavior" persona and keep taunting Kate. War is coming. So do marriage. Because apparently Kate can't never have a calm moment in her life.

Magic Binds is slightly shorter compared to Magic Shifts, but still action packed from the first. Kate is anxious, not from marriage, but about her own power, her claiming into the city's magic and if she will one day turn into her father. A tyrant. Despite all of his charming and wise persona, Roland is indeed a tyrant. I like Kate's conversation with Roland (in civil manner of course) that Roland want to shape those who fall under his rule as he seems fit while Kate think people should have a free will. It's just my guts but I think part

when Kate criticize Roland is also a societal commentary from IA to socialism/communist at large? Or more like their critic towards dictators alike? Worth a discussion indeed .

For a book that talk about marriage, the marriage topics is a few but often hilarious to read. Roman, our favorite black volvh is agree to officiate Kate and Curran's marriage but that's mean he also their wedding organizer. The part when Kate insist that her marriage ceremony must be small and intimate get veto'd by many people with argument "wedding night is for Kate and Curran. The wedding ceremony is FOR EVERYONE". Lel, I guess the wedding tradition always hold true for many countries, huh. There's no way with so many faction and people that Kate & Curran know, the wedding will be small. Roland's reaction regarding Kate's wedding also a crack with he complaint about "meat or vegetarian option" in the invitation while insult Curran as a pauper and Kate's wedding should have a big feast. For a man who gung-ho in starting a war and tyrannical, Roland sure is wussy about his daughter marriage.

While Curran is not away like in Magic Breaks or doing suck things like in Magic Rises, his appearance is not that much like in Magic Shifts although of course he still support Kate fully and want to marry her. I guess the part when

Kate hiding Adora's existence from Curran because Kate doesn't want Curran to see her as a carbon copy of Roland can be handled differently. Or maybe because Kate know that Curran is a control freak. But when she finally come clean, I liked that Curran understand Kate and know that Kate will not turn into another Roland in the future

. Honestly? I can't get enough of their interactions, sigh. They are the bread and butter of this series!

Although there's a novella that set before Magic Binds, you can read Magic Binds without reading Magic Stars first. Some event in Magic Stars also written in Magic Binds, although it get explained more in the novella. Such like Julie's status as Kate's Herald and Hugh's fate after Magic Break. We get to know about Julie's background and her affinity for horse and wolf (ehm, more hints toward Metal Rose? *snicker). Nick's pasts and his connection with Kate get revealed. Christopher real identity also revealed and it's funny to know that at first I think Barabas is the top of this couple, but I have a guts it's Christopher instead. Hehe, Christopher and Barabas is another couple in Kate's series that become my favorite and I'm really rooting for their HEA since Christopher admit that he love Barabas *awww. Saiman finally make amend with Kate after his insulted her in Magic Shifts and we got to know that Kate can do ballet, lel. Jim is not in his brightest moment. Yeah, he's a Beast Lord and his paranoia is unparalleled. But he top it to the notch in this book also it seems that he love Dali so much. Sigh, male characters of Kate's series sure love their lover blindly, from Curran, Raphael, Jim and of course Roland even in the end he kill Kate's mother.

The book's blurb also mention a people that Kate know can help her but already long dead and that people is

of course, Eahrratim aka Erra. Erra might talk and act high and mighty, as expected from Roland's sister that knows as City Eater. But she also has a heart and not cruel like her brother. The Water Garden scenes when Kate resurrect Erra and then they exchange memories with Semiramis in attendance is my favorite part. Despite her sneering and insults, Erra care a lot about Kate even in the pretend that Kate is one of her bloodlines. Also, Roland apparently afraid of Erra and Semiramis, I wonder if Erra's power actually are stronger than Roland but she decide to not use it to full potential .

The war is coming and yep we get some war chapter although it's more like a battle. Kate finally mastered her magic, get allies and in the end married the man she love more than anything. But, there's one book left so the problem with Roland is still there. Also, I have to know the sick fuck, uhm, I mean, Hugh's fate after he got thrown away by Roland and his book apparently must be read before I read Magic Triumphs! 

Take a little detour from Kate's upcoming war with her father, I decide to read Magic Stars, a novella about our favorite boy wonder, Derek Gaunt. I read this before I continue to read Magic Binds because I try to read the series chronologically in order and well, the story indeed happen after Magic Shifts and will explain some things.

The story is pretty short but still have some IA trademark, like mythology and violence galore. While Magic Stars is about Derek, Julie also accompany him in order to searching the magical rock and also bring justice to the family that had murdered because of said rock. We will learn that Julie had

been in connection with Roland for some times. This is already hinted in Magic Shifts when Roland ask Julie about her school essay. So, Julie decide to become Kate's Herald like Hugh is Roland's Warlord. Julie also know that she bound to Kate and must follow Kate's order while Kate think she still keep that order thingie as secret. Oh, boy, Kate will have apoplexy when knowing that, especially because Julie know from Roland

. Also we get to know the Sick Fuck..ehm, I mean, Hugh's fate after his failure in Magic Breaks that apparently will lead to his own book. As for our boy wonder, we get to know that he really become a loner now. I always wondering why Derek didn't want to be a beta because his skill allow him to be Desandra's beta in Clan Wolf, but this novella explained the reason behind it.

I do like the interaction between Derek and Julie, but if you think they will be romantically involved, maybe it's too early for that. I feel like Derek still think Julie as his little sister, while it's apparent that Julie has crush to Derek. It already hinted when in Magic Strikes, Julie crying over Derek's body when the boy got crushed by the rakshasas, so I'm really not surprised, lel. But, like I said, while there's a hint of upcoming romance, both Julie and Derek is still young. While Derek maybe don't have any romantic feeling toward Julie, I wonder

if deep inside his feeling toward Julie maybe more than a brotherly feeling. When the letavitsa seduce Derek and well, he kinda accept it but maybe the side that accept is the wolf, the letavitsa in the end said that Derek belong to someone. Well, well, who that person could be? The villain explain that men who can resist letavitsa's seduction is men who already love someone. Soooo, is it what I think is it? Hehehe, only time will tell

. I do support Julie and Derek, but if there's other romantic interest for Julie, I don't mind either. Julie and Ascanio will be a crack to read, while maybe if Julie indeed will be with Derek, Derek will go "woe is me" at first. Heh.

Why I discuss the romance, huh? Why? Because speculating about the shipping is always fun.

A pretty good novella that perfect if you like the boy wonder and want to know more about what he think. 

 *will contain spoilers from Magic Breaks

If I can sum Magic Shifts in a simple sentence, that will be..Daddy issues. Lol

While Magic Breaks is the finale of the first arc of Kate's battle against her dad, Roland, it's not the end of the series. Their war didn't happen and it's also not happen in this book. There's some turning event, primarily about Kate and Curran break from the Pack so they are no longer Beast Lord and the Consort. But if you think Magic Shifts will filled with mundane things or just a filler book, you're wrong.

While already separated from the Pack, didn't mean the shapeshifter will not go to them when they have some problems. George, Curran's adoptive sister frantically asking Kate's help to find her missing fiance, Eduardo. Kate and Curran's investigation will lead to a sinister being that they never encounter before. This being also somehow connected to Kate's ancestor (and Roland's as well). Meanwhile Kate and Curran now live among humans, and the Beast Lord no longer a lord, so what Curran will do? Become a model citizen among their neighbor while show how big his lion teeth are? The Mercenary Guild also in some hot water and need Kate's help. Just another cherry on top of many problems that Kate face. 

Contrary to Magic Breaks, Curran is now have many appearances and one of the main focus too while the story still told from Kate's PoV. There's no misunderstanding or unnecessary drama between our favorite couple like what happen with them in Magic Rises, but Curran almost lost control when Kate endanger herself (again). The scene when Kate asking sorry to Curran because she break their promise to no getting hurts is kinda hilarious to read but also endearing. We see that she really change from a loner to a woman who will move heaven and earth to protect those she loves. As for Curran, he's really a natural born leader and also business savvy. He totally can become a CEO of his own company and don't forget that he also make money when he still act as Beast Lord. His leadership and charisma is scary to read, complete with his manipulative and scheming skills lol. I like the scene when

he decide to take the Guild's matter to his own hand. Once a Beast Lord will always be a Beast Lord even Curran already left the Pack

. Kate's status as

"the city owner"

also come in handy when she got endangered but I know that she still hesitant about that. The hot tub scene is, hehehe, HOT TUB, indeed. Steamy, just the way I like it.

I said daddy issues in the start because some characters in this book have problem with their father. The most glaring is George with Mahon. Mahon didn't approve of George choice to be with Eduardo, just like he didn't like Kate to be Curran's mate. I did approve Mahon's support for Kate in Magic Rises because he feels that Kate's situation then was just like him in pre-Shift. They are both outsider. But that didn't mean that his views regarding Kate as Curran's mate will change. You can said that Mahon is more like a boomer, a conservative parent that expect their children to be what they want not what their children need. I feel like the relationship between Curran-George-Mahon and Kate-Roland is pretty much the same. The parent (aka the Dad) have expectation for their children, they want to shape their children to their own views and because children have obligation to the parents. But the children have a mind of their own. Just like George doesn't want Mahon to steer her life choice. Just like Curran realize that Mahon try to manipulate him to be a Beast Lord molded by Mahon's vision. And just like Kate that oppose Roland whenever her father want to claim the city for himself or build another towers.

For a main villain, Roland is still in his best behaviors. His "why no marriage yet, Daughter??" toward Kate is a crack. I will never imagine a term "living in sin" will come from Roland's mouth, lol. For a man with megalomaniac tendencies, he sure have some old views regarding marriage. Although the part when Roland describe Kalina might show that he truly loved Kate's mother despite all of his evil deeds. Of course not all his words can be trusted but for me, Roland is one of the best written villain I've ever read. He wore multifaceted face, he can be charming but also murderous next. No one know what he think and what he has for Kate in the future. Also his intels is scary since he know a simple things regarding his daughter. Like, what Kate and Curran want to eat in the restaurant, lel.

As for the mythology, IA dwell with some Arabian myth and Islamic element as well. As a Muslim myself, I feel that they write the Islam aspects of story with respect. LOL, I never expected to read about Ayat Kursi, Al Fatiha or Surat Al Falaq in this book! I might be grumbling about Dali's origin since I'm also Indonesian as well, but I don't have complaint about the way the write Qur'an verses in this book. The book is fantasy and I think they carefully write about my religion in Magic Shifts so I'm okay with that. Beside, I'm not that religious hahaha, and it's been so many years from the last time I read Qur'an, :3.

Sadly, there's no appearance from my favorite black Volvh, aka Roman. But we get to knowing more about Luther, the PAD mage that first introduced in Magic Slays. I still prefer Roman because he left an impressive impression and he was a cahoot in Gunmetal Magic. While Luther is...I don't know, he's Luther. He's okay, I guess. Nick also have some parts but it seems that he still got grudges toward Kate, maybe because he finally know that Kate is Roland's daughter. I don't know about the Order, maybe they are really fanatics and beyond saving in this points. The shapeshifters beside George also have some minor roles. I miss them already, but every scenes that have them is always a delight to read. While grumbling, Jim seems to accept his Beast Lord position while Dali did her best to become his Consort. Derek is still our boy wonder although I missed his bantering with Ascanio. Maybe because both already have major role together with Desandra and Robert Lonesco in Magic Breaks. This is the problem with a series that have so many interesting characters, you want all of them to have at least one or two scenes.

Magic Shifts is another winner (yeah, yeah, I know, I kinda repeat this words) from Kate Daniels series. Each book that I read is a winner and I always want to re-read. But I don't have all the time in the world. There are 3 books that I need to read (Magic Binds, Hugh's book and the anthology) before I read the end of Kate's journey. Will I ready to read the end? I think I will never be ready, sigh. 

 I'm in awe, sobs.

Also Hugh's status in my eyes just escalated from "interesting villain/antihero" to "SICK F*CK". I wholeheartly agree with Barabas, 🤣. Roland in the other side rather feel like a proud papa to Kate rather than the major villain 😆. The ending is just chef's kiss and already foreshadow from the previous books.

In the foreword, IA said that Magic Breaks is a book that finished Kate's arc but the book also not the end. Magic Breaks is more like a culmination about Kate's impending meeting (or demise, whichever you prefer) with her father, Roland. I stated in my previous comment that this is also the book that have a shifting format treatment from mass market to hardcover. I did wait for a year to buy the mass market and, ehm, 7 years later to read the book, lol. Magic Breaks begin with summary in the form of private journal written by our favorite Pack's lawyer and weremongoose, Barabas Gilliam. Heh, I like his voice, so full of sarcasm, witty remarks and dry humor, basically Kate in a male form, lel. I would love to read Barabas's own novella although the chance of its is low but girl can always hope.

Despite the "breaks" in the title, this book didn't have any break at all. A full action packed and high octane, our Kate seems like can't rest. She has her own hands full with Curran being away almost half of the book and the sick fuck, ehm, Hugh's obsession toward her is escalated through the roof. But, despite the grim situation, desperate and hopeless moment, IA manage to balance the book with humors as well. I liked that Desandra play some role and boy, she's so lewd and didn't ashamed to admit it, it's hilarious to read. I also liked that IA decide to give more spotlight to one of the Rat Alphas, Robert Lonesco. He and his husband, Thomas seems like interesting couple and I would love to read more about them. Ascanio still a crack and have some buddy cop joke with Derek although the boy wonder want to strangle the bouda every chance he got.

The actions is non-stop. We go from Kate try to prevents the war between Pack and People happen (courtesy of Hugh's sinister traps), so she go almost everywhere to solve the murder while also try to hold the Pack together because Curran is away. Then she got transported into magical prison and to finally face her own father for the first time in flesh. Finally. For 7 books we only got trivia and bits about Roland but in Magic Breaks, Roland is finally make appearance. He also have his father-daughter moment with Kate in civil manners but ofc it's happen after they try to kill each other. Heh. For a villain, Roland is way better than Hugh. Hugh was obsessed and want Kate for his bed, also he hate Curran. Roland is..difficult to predict compared to Hugh. Maybe that's what 5000 years live did to you. I looking forward to what Roland will bring to Atlanta and test Kate's patience. 

It didn't complete to review Kate Daniels series without at least discuss about some yellow flag characters, because this is the series that didn't bother to "kill your darling" as IA already implement in Magic Rises. So..

the casualties happen more to people that need to be killed. Like Ted Moynohan and Jennifer. For Ted, finally he got his comeuppance although his demise didn't left that much impact for me. More like, I don't care about him at all. Poor Nick the crusader, though. I would love to know how he become undercover to Hugh's Iron Dogs. As for Jennifer, I already see it coming just from Magic Slays. Daniel died in that book so Jennifer's position is already shaky to start with. Then, we got introduced to Desandra and her scene when she challenge her father already give a hint that there will be trouble for Jennifer especially when Kate decide to bring Desandra into the Pack. So her death is predictable. As for a villain, she is pretty sad characters and honestly she didn't have to become one of the antagonist if only she pick the right decision in Magic Bleeds. Kate was right that Jennifer's life is full of tragedy, but in the other side I like that Desandra now take Jennifer's place. She will become a better alpha compared to Jennifer. As for Mauro, his death is less hard to read compared to Aunt B's death in Magic Rises. Maybe because Mauro's appearance is just a few and his death scene kinda like to show how desperate and hopeless Kate was. I still think Aunt B's death is the hardest to read and accept. We don't get some of badass older female with questionable motive like Aunt B. Aunt B can totally make Victoria Tremaine from Hidden Legacy run for her money

.

While Curran is away for more than half of the book, but every scene he had with Kate is always a winner. Sure he fuck up in Magic Rises, so his support to Kate in Magic Breaks kinda amend that. It's nice to read that Kate is come for a long way regarding her feeling to Curran. She's totally in love and I guess that make her a better character in my eyes. Yes, Kate still kick ass but I also see that her love for Curran is what make her get going. The scene when Curran support Kate when Roland decide to test her power is still my favorite and maybe

while Kate claiming Atlanta for her own, it's not only from her power alone but Curran's magic as well. Without Curran to support her, chance that she can't deflect the power spear that Roland throw to her and all will lose.

Their sex scene is so hot, the hotter that I have read from IA books, lel. And this book is marketed as UF with romance element, but the smut didn't disappoint. I can gush more but it's official that Kate and Curran is one of my favorite alpha couple to date. Hugh can go to the side and cry more because he just didn't get it. Kate told him so many "NO" and he didn't get the memo. You can sulk in the corner, Sick Fuck.

Another winner from IA and Magic Breaks just established Kate Daniels series as one of Urban Fantasy series that I will always recommend to everyone I know. Also, this book have a mammoth donkey as a stead called Cuddles and she loved to prancing. Who doesn't love donkey, eh? 

 Magic Rises is..a book that sure evoke so many reactions and divide fans opinion, lel. For me, the series is going strong and IA didn't afraid to take a punch although some drama in this book feel unnecessary. I state in my review of Gunmetal Magic, for the novella Magic Gifts, Kate and Curran seems like in a happy bliss. They are work as a couple and enjoying their honeymoon phase. Like a calm before storm. Imagine that the storm happen in Magic Rises and not storm either. More like a hurricane. A mix of political bullshit from the shapeshifter, sickening obsession from Roland's warlord and emotional turmoil that Kate feels regarding Curran's decisions and plans.

Many spoilers ahead, you've been warned.

About Kate and Curran,

yes, I know that many reader were pissed off about Curran's plans regarding Lorelei. Yes, Kate's jealousy in valid and also hard to read because we know Kate is WAY BETTER and ABOVE the spoiled princess. But, to knowing and to experience it is a different things. IA show how shapeshifter behave and also throw some hints that in the future Curran and Kate will left the Pack because admit it, Kate endure the Consort role because she love Curran not because she want to lead the Pack. Their love and relationship were tested in this book and while Curran apologize and explain his plan because he just want to ensure Kate's safety,it's no wonder that Kate feel hollow and empty in the end. I will do the same if I in her shoes, because Kate has a big trust issues and commitments. We follow her journey from Magic Bites and how she slowly open to people around her while dreading the time when Roland will find her and kill everyone she hold dear. I can't blame Curran totally because his plan actually make sense, but he doing a suck job about it. I feel like Kate forgive Curran TOO easily and I need Curran to grovel more, lol. Contrary to their first big fight in Magic Bleeds that feel immature and juvenile, their conflicts in Magic Rises resolved in a calm and mature way. Oh, Kate still angry, Curran also throw some rocks and roar menacingly. But in the end, all is end well

About Lorelei,

I pity her. I don't think she can become Kate's rival and come on, she didn't hold the candle. She just a spoiled wolf princess and as much I want to bitch slap her, in the end the right way is totally ignore her. Desandra described that Lorelei is a sociopath while Curran said that she is a naive and totally sheltered in her own point of view regarding shapeshifter's politics. So her end seems fitting, she become forgettable in the end. Still want to see Kate bitch slap her in the end, tho. Not killing, just bitch slap. It's will be satisfying to read but alas, we can't have it all

About the yellow flag character

farewell Aunt B, you will be missed. I read one of my friend review that said someone beside the villain always end up died. Aunt B's death is painful to read. Bran's death in Magic Burns is kinda hard because Bran actually can make Curran run for his money and he seems like a good candidate for become Kate's love interest. I forgot who died in Magic Strikes and in Magic Bleeds, Erra's death didn't count because she was a villain. Daniel's death in Magic Slays more like a plot device to let Jennifer out from the page in the future so basically his death is just.. there. Aunt B is different. We know her from the Magic Bites, she is one of Pack Council and she also play big role in accepting Andrea to her Bouda Clan. I feel like her death is to pave the way for Andrea to become the alpha for the boudas. But, is death the only way? Sure we can see Aunt B retire peacefully so she can live to see her grandchildren? Aunt B's death is difficult, sure she died heroically because in the end she saved both Raphael and Andrea. I think maybe she didn't have regret because her husbands (both Raphael's dad and her late husband that play minor role in Magic Mourns) already dead but the future for Bouda Clan is secure. Still, her death is one of the most painful scene I read, more than Bran's death in Magic Burns

Regarding Hugh d'Ambray, he feel like an anti-hero rather than villain. If people ship him with Kate, I will just, umm nope, they are too much alike they won't work. Hugh's sick obsession with Kate is entertaining to read. He's cunning, manipulative, but he also a strategist and tactician, so I look forward to read more about him (and yeah, I know that IA already write a spin-off about Hugh).

The European shapeshifters are nasty and their political maneuvers suck. No wonder Kate's hands totally tied regarding Lorelei's act toward Curran. They constantly underestimated her but I'm glad our girl make from rock while I know her emotions was running high. I like the myth regarding the lamassu and I'm curious about 

Astamur the shepherd. Who is he? Astamur more like a name that he used like Roland using a new name so the original identity of Astamur is still in mystery. Atsany is more like a hobbit creature and apparently an original creatures that IA created because when I search for atsany myth, I got their blog, lol

. There's no memorable characters from Obluda, Volkodavi and Belve Ravennati pack because admit it, they are all sucks with their own agendas. Anyway, I really like Desandra! Sure she behave like a difficult person in the first but do not forget that she is heavily pregnant and Desandra actually is not what she seems to be. She's more than a dumb wolf princess and she hide some surprises that will revealed in the end.

What surprised me in Magic Rises is Mahon. From the start, it seems that Mahon is disagree about Curran's decision to mate with Kate but he still accept Kate as the Consort. But, when Kate is cornered to the back because she is the only human in a castle full of shapeshifter, it's Mahon who support Kate because he knows how it feel to be an outsider. My opinion regarding Mahon drastically change and I hope Mahon will become Kate's father figure too in the future. Derek is Derek, a boy wonder that will support Kate. We also got introduced to Jim's sister Keira that have interesting past with one of Mahon's subordinate in Clan Heavy, Eduardo. Saiman also play some roles and while still hate each other, both Saiman and Curran let go of their animosity and join hands to get the panacea. Poor Dr Doolittle, but I get to know his real name. Also I'm totally support Barabas and Christopher!

The start of the book is kinda slow and I agree that the story can go round and round but the last chapter is totally worth to read. I can said that chapter alone is the saving grace for Magic Rises although I know that some reader maybe feel that it's a little bit rush. Not an easy book to read and maybe not one of my favorite Kate Daniels book because you know.....CURRAN SUCKS!!!! (although he pack a mean home run), but still entertaining to the end.

Oh, how can I forget the weredolphin? WEREDOLPHIN, y'all. The more you know. But, they are pirates, so they are far from cute and adorable. You've been warned.