This is it. The conclusion to the Kate Daniels series. How do I feel about this? Sad, but you eventually have to finish a series. However, do I think this series could've continued for another 10 books? YES! The Kate Daniels series is one of the few Urban Fantasy series that has been consistently phenomenal. The authors came up with original action-packed story-lines for each and every book. I devoured them all. The stories were funny, emotional, paranormal, romantic, action-packed, mysterious and so much more. There was always a great balance between all these elements. The authors figured out the perfect formula for Urban Fantasy series.

Magic Triumphs. I loved this story and I thought it was a great way to end the series. So many of the characters that appeared in previous books appeared in Magic Triumphs, even unexpected ones. I enjoyed seeing all of them be apart of this book. It all came full circle, and it got me a bit emotional at times. Kate has so much on her shoulders and would do anything to save the people she loves. In this book you'll see how much Kate would sacrifice to make sure her people are safe. I laughed, cried, swooned, and was on the edge of my seat throughout this book. I tried to read as slow as possible to savor it but the writing is so amazing, I flew right through it. Kate and Curran are one of my all time favorite couples, they grew so much in this series, and it makes me so sad to say goodbye. I think this book will be a treat for all the fans!

I loved this book so much. I've been reading (and rereading) this series for years, and Triumphs did a great job of wrapping everything up. It followed a similar structure to the rest of the series with a mystery to investigate, outsmarting the bad guy(s), and an epic final battle. But now Kate and Curran finally get their HEA. There were also some intriguing twists that could lead to spin-off series (I would sooo read what was hinted at in the epilogue!).

Bonus factor: Little baby Conlan stole every scene he was in and was clearly the comic relief. He kinda reminded me of Jack Jack from the Incredibles, constantly surprising the reader (and his parents) with his new abilities. And Kate as a first-time paranoid mom was hilarious.

Magic Triumphs opens with the birth of Kate and Curran's son, Conlan. Then it fast-forwards to over a year later, with their son growing and the family settled into their home. Curran is away when Kate is contacted by Teddy-Jo about a man who's disappearance he was asked to looked into. He has found some of the remains but it's confusing. Now, for readers with weak stomachs, there are going to be some challenging points in this book for you. Kate and Teddy-Jo find a mass grave- an entire village of 200 people, without any bones in it. The remains have been boiled together.

It is bittersweet reading the last book in the series. We know that Kate's father, Roland, would do anything to get his hands on his grandson and turn him into his pet. He doesn't have an issue with Kate dying for that to happen; conversely, Kate can't kill him without dying herself. Kate has become more isolated since taking over protection of Atlanta; instead of seeing Kate, she is the In-Shinar. Kate is all too aware of what sacrifices may be coming to save those she loves. There is a lot of reflection on the choices she's made - everything from choosing to marry Curran (and take his name; it's really the Kate Lennart series now) to her choices for Julie, for the pack, for her son, to how she uses her powers. There are also reflections upon other character's past and current choices in the book but for spoiler reasons I am not going to discuss them.

The book starts with birth and has death throughout it; not just deaths of characters in the book but to life as they know it. For readers of Iron and Magic, the big bad has returned and decided to go after Kate (because she doesn't have enough on her plate?) Magic Triumphs reflects on what has happened to Kate, Curran, and those surrounding them throughout the series, to what has brought them to where they are now and ties them together. It is a strongly woven and intense story that will enrapt readers. A strongly satisfying conclusion for Kate and Curran, though I hope this is not the last we'll see of stories set in their world.

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews is the 9th and final book in her fantastic Kate Daniels series. I am sad to see this series end, though we have been prepared in the last few books that the resolution was forthcoming. I will say that I loved Magic Triumphs, and our Ilona Andrews duo (Ilona and Gordon Andrews) have done a masterful job of bringing this series to a wonderful and satisfying conclusion.

Kate is now the In-Shinar, who protects and rules Atlanta. She is the mother of the most adorable child, Conlan, who only recently shifted to a baby lion. Raaar…. Lol Conlan is growing up fast, and not even a year old. He shows so much promise that shocks both Kate and Curran. He almost steals the story.

Kate Daniels has come a long way, and now is almost as powerful as her ultra-powerful god like father. The two have an uneasy truce, which Kate and Curran expect will end soon in an all-out war. Over the course of this series, Kate has made many friends and enemies, and now she must bring them together to fight Roland, who still wants to take full control of the world. But first there is a new danger from a powerful ancient legendary god, who wants to destroy their world and humans, not to mention kill Roland. With supernatural destruction, and horrific deaths, Kate must bring together unlikely allies; pack, vampires, witches, druids, Hugh & Elara (from Iron and Magic ), and Roland to team up and fight an enemy that is indestructible. We get to see all the recurring characters that we have come to love; Julie, Derek, Rowena, Dali, Doolittle, Erra, Saiman, Roman & Christopher to name a few. Will they survive? Will Roland help? Can they trust Roland?

It is always wonderful to see how much Kate and Curran love each other, and how far they will go to protect one another. The addition of Conlan makes this bond stronger, as they are even more protective of him; especially with knowing that her father will betray them at some point.

Magic Triumphs was an amazing story that is not only intense and exciting, but with so much pulse pounding action from start to finish that makes this an epic adventure. Even if she can defeat this god, will she be able to stand up to her father and win? There is so much happening that you cannot blink even for a minute. I do not want to give spoilers, as it would ruin the story for you, and this being the finale, it would be an injustice. I had to go back and read this again, since I wanted to be sure not to miss a thing.

Magic Triumphs was a wonderful and epic conclusion to this series. Kate Daniels is a fantastic heroine, and I for one will miss her and Curran. Though this story was her swan song, I do hope that in future books (novellas ) in this world, we will possibly get glimpses of them.

I cannot say enough about the Ilona Andrews duo, who once again blows it out of the park. They have given us everything we could possibly want in a finale, and then more, and I bow down to their fantastic expertise. Magic Triumphs is a must read, especially if you are a Kate Daniels fan. Bravo to Ilona Andrews.

Wow...just a. wonderful ending to this series. Love these authors and highly recommend the series. Kate finally has her showdown with her father, but not like you expect. The whole book has a lot of unexpected twists, which all mostly get resolved. Buy this book!

What a perfect end to the Kate Daniels series. Seriously, if you haven’t read the books don’t start here. Sad that the series had ended but we’ll hopefully visit with other characters in the future. I always buy multiple copies for me & my library. Now I’m going to go back & start at the beginning. :)

I stayed up half the night to read this book! A perfect ending to a great series! Ilona Andrews creates fantastic worlds and has really developed the story throughout this entire series. I'm terribly sad to let Kate, Curran, and all of the other characters go.

Note: This is the last book in the Kate Daniels series. This will contain heavy spoilers for the series in general, and I really recommend you check out the first book, MAGIC BITES, if you’re into Urban Fantasy stories! The book before this in the series reading over, IRON AND MAGIC, is a separate trilogy about side characters in this book. You can find my review for that book over here: https://onewayoranauthor.wordpress.com/2018/06/29/arc-review-iron-and-magic-by-ilona-andrews-the-iron-covenant-1/

This book reigns TRIUMPHANT in all ways.

Ilona Andrews does not disappoint with this finale of the Kate Daniels series. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book, and my expectations were WAYYY up there. How could they not be, after I basically devoured all of the authors’ books and short stories after discovering Kate Daniels? Ilona and Gordon Andrews really know how to write a grand finale, and MAGIC TRIUMPHS hits readers in all the right ways. There’s the usual fast-paced action, witty dialogue, unique characters, and daring expositions. But tying these aspects – and this series – all together is Kate herself (Kate Lennart now!), and her stubborn exterior that guards the care, love, and loyalty she has to the people around her.

Fans will NOT be disappointed.

We start this book out with the birth of Conlan, Kate and Curran’s child. I absolutely adored this energetic, spunky baby and all the trouble he got into. I love how we could see bits of both Kate and Curran in him, and I enjoyed all his page time. Maybe we could see a novella about his adventures? Anyhow, the authors do a phenomenal job in balancing the way having a baby affects Kate and her relationship dynamics with friends and family alike. It’s a tough act for Kate because while she wants people to see her as, well, Kate, they can’t help but be in awe of her powers and standing. She’s not just Kate to them. She’s a princess, the daughter of Nimrod, the protector of Atlanta, and Im-Shinar. For someone who didn’t ask for those powers, it’s really changed the relationship she has with some of her friends, and in an isolating way. All those titles come with responsibilities that demand her time, and sometimes that can be so tiring. However, Kate prevails, and with the love and support of her husband and close friends, manages to balance everything while planning to save Atlanta.

“We were living in the Apocalypse. Slowly, with each magic wave, a little more of the old technological world died, and the new world and its powers and monsters grew a little stronger. Being one of the monsters, I supposed I shouldn’t complain.”

The dialogue in this book is quick-witted and cunning as usual, with many familiar faces popping up. While Kate prepares to defend her family against her father, Roland, another evil presence is popping up in Atlanta. This presence is exceptionally powerful and magical, making them believe that it is an elder being. Thus begins the research and conjunction we usually see in Kate Daniels books. What Kate and her friends soon find out, is that this being might test them and the city of Atlanta in a way that no presence has ever done before.

I want to take up a paragraph to extol the characters in this book. I love how everyone plays a role in figuring out the case, and how each character shines. Of course, the Pack was awesome to see (even if they aren’t affiliated with Kate and Curran anymore), as well as all the shapeshifters we’ve grown to love in the past books. The Order had intriguing interactions, and Nick remains an elusive character as ever. There’s the pervert, Saiman. The big honchos at the Mage College. All the pagans, witches, and half-gods you can think of from the previous books. And the People, a sect that I’ve always had a soft spot for – especially Ghastek and Rowena. All of them have amazing roles to play in the story, and I really appreciate how the authors took so much care, planning, and patience in writing their unique personalities. The cast of characters in Kate Daniels was what really stood out to me throughout reading the series.

“Atlanta would come together. We weren’t just one thing. We were many: shapeshifters, necromancers, witches, mages, mercenaries… We came in all shapes and sizes, in every age, in every human color, in every variation of magic, and from that we drew our strength. We were surprising and unexpected, and we were united.
Atlanta would hold its own. It always did.”

After reading IRON AND MAGIC, I have a new appreciation of Hugh that carried on to this book. I love how the conflict between him and Kate was resolved, and the dynamics that they carry after the fact. It’s really a testimony to how amazing the authors are, as they turn even the most dangerous of antagonists into someone you can sympathize with and forgive. The writing is sharp, direct, and cutting – making every page a smooth read and creating a quick pace.

As always, there are super cute and funny moments that will make you want to giggle and cry-laugh. There’s an amazing climax and perfect resolution that ties the book up. Of course, being these authors, they leave a lot of room for more stories to come. But this ties up the part of Kate’s story, and it’s a beautiful conclusion. I honestly could not have asked for better. I love how much attention and care they put into Kate character in this book, and how flawed she can be despite having such powerful abilities. The other characters in this book were gold stars, and their interactions were just a blast to read. I’m so happy to have stuck with this series, and I highly encourage Urban Fantasy lovers to check it out. (It would be perfect for a binge read with the release of this last book!) MAGIC TRIUMPHS is grandiose, glowing, and glorious. The perfect conclusion to an amazing series that will forever be in my heart.

Content/Trigger Warnings: heavy violence, mention of suicide, blood and gore, sexy times

A huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the review copy!

(a full review will post closer to the release date on Goodreads and online)

I'm going to miss this series so much. But I finished Kate's journey with a huge smile on my face and a tear or two that got wiped away. Well done Ilona Andrews, well done. A hugely satisfying end to a series I've loved from book 1. It defied the 'book series' odds and got better and better with each installment and it's a series that is truly going out on top, which is very rare to find these days.

Now bring on the spin offs - any character, any story line, as long as I can have random peeks into this world again, I'll be a happy reader! 5 huge stars.