#MagicTides & #MagicClaims is two novels in one and if you love Kate Daniels like I do then you will absolutely love this book. These books are written in a way that they can be stand alone but they are definitely in the world of Kate Daniels and if you want to enjoy more of the backstory pickup the previous Kate Daniels novels.

There is an abundance of good urban fantasy on the market right now, and yet Ilona Andrews always manages write my favorite books. Thank you to the authors, narrators, publishers, and NetGalley for this audio-ARC.

It was lovely to dip back into the world of Kate Daniels. Although there is enough explanation for these to function as standalones, the stories will mean much more to those who have been following Kate & Curran through their many adventures. The narration by Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn add to the enjoyment. As always, I am surprised how invested I get with these stories - somehow Ilona Andrews makes me care about characters and situations which, if I tried to explain, would sound ridiculous. In their capable hands, I suspend all disbelief and commit fully to the adventure.

I was so excited to be back with Kate and Curran through this double-audiobook experience. Kate and Curran were always my favorite characters, and so when I saw there was a new novella and a short novel featuring my favorite paranormal family, I jumped on it so fast!

In Magic Tides, Kate helps rescue a kidnapped youth, and their new "low profile" since leaving Atlanta explodes in spectacular Kate fashion. In Magic Claims, the Lennarts are approached by a local business with an offer they can't refuse--which includes confronting an ancient evil that lurks in a nearby forest. Confronting it may cost them everything.

Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn deliver excellent dual narrations. I loved seeing so many old friends make appearances in these two new stories, even though they had left Atlanta in their rearview. And getting more of Conlan, their son, was the absolute best! Thank you to Dreamscape Media for my ALC.

I absolutely love the writing duo that is Ilona Andrews and I can't tell you how excited I was to see that the two newest novellas about Kate and Curran are in one volume. I absolutely loved reading both novellas, Magic Tides and Magic Claims, but listening to the stories was even better than reading them!

Both novellas are about life for Kate, Curran, and their son Conlan after they leave Atlanta and are just trying to live their lives. And boy, does 9 year old Conlan keep them on their toes! It is really nice to see further character development for everyone in their new location and some new worldbuilding. There is magic, danger, and new friends as this family deals with every obstacle thrown their way.

Narrators Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn really bring both stories to life. I love it when a voice actor/narrator can make the pictures in my mind more vibrant and this duo definitely do that. There is just something special in the audio book that will have me searching for every other thing either narrator has worked on. I enjoyed listening to them so much, in case you can't already tell!

I haven't read the previous series from the author but I saw this one and it was such a fun listen!

So many battles and different types of beasts the main character is constantly battling! I will definitely check out more books from this author. Kate can't seem to keep a low profile, but I am here for it! It was such an action packed listen!
The narrators, Hillary Huber, and Michael Glenn did a wonderful job portraying the characters in the book. Michael for me took some adjusting too but once I got used to his deep voice, I began to enjoy it.

For the price of one, you get two books and I think it's a good deal! Incredible world building, out of this world beasts, and great characters.

It was such a wonderful surprise when Ilona Andrews announced more Kate Daniels. I love how removed they are from the original series, yet still obviously connected. This would be a great entry for anyone new to the Kate Daniels world, however, I would always say that this will only make you want to go back to the beginning. I may be a little biased because it's hands-down my favorite series.

Putting the two stories together is wonderful as there are small connections / references from the first book made in the second. Also, I absolutely love this world and spending large amounts of time in it is no hard feat.

This is especially true being in audio format. I love that we get dual narration to match the books switching points of view between Kate and Curran throughout. I believe, though don't quote me, that this is the first time we've officially gotten Curran's point of view in one of the books? I thought that both narrators did a great job with their character. I don't think it's quite what I hear in my own mind while reading the books, but I quickly acclimated myself to these two as Kate and Curran. I thought the emotion and the cadence was perfect and built in the right thrilling moments of action but was also subdued during moments of calm (which isn't much where Kate is concerned)

Overall, I'm hoping that we'll get more new Kate stories from Wilmington. I know it was a special treat, but the end of Magic Claims also speaks a lot about things potentially to come in the Kate Daniels world. Whatever it is, I'm here for it!

I was thrilled to find out we were getting more stories in the Kate Daniels world! Magic Tides and Magic Claims are the newest installments. Kate Daniels is one of my all-time favorite UF series! Ilona Andrews is such a talented writing team, so I was all smiles diving back in!

With Magic Tides Kate and Curran have moved to Wilmington to get away from the Pack and have a more normal kind of life for their family. They wanted a place where no one knew them, their powers, their history. Of course, when someone is in trouble Kate can’t deny help. Especially when it’s their son Conlan requesting the aid for one of his friends. The friend’s cousin has been kidnapped by The Red Horn, a nasty criminal gang. When Kate finds out the details she decides to go and get him back. The father, Tom, is more than a little skeptical of Kate’s abilities, but has run out of options. However, his opinion changes as he sees Kate in action. And, oh boy, was it fun to see Kate in action again! Even when she’s embarking on a mission on the fly, she’s still several steps ahead of any opponent.

Magic Claims makes it evident that Kate, Curran, and Conlan won’t be able to stay under the radar, or avoid the responsibilities that come with the power they have. They all feel such a duty to those in need and both were born to lead. With Magic Claims, there’s an evil power demanding tribute from the town of Penderton in the form of human sacrifices. The deadline is coming for another payment, so the leaders reach out to Kate and Curran to help. Another exciting story and the end hints at more stories to come. I’m so excited!

If you haven’t read the Kate Daniels series, you need to drop everything and start it! You’ll love Kate, a smart, impressive heroine and her Beast Lord hero, Curran! The plots are riveting, with action, mystery, danger and romance! I’m so happy to get anything more in this world!

There’s been one narrator for the series up until these two novellas. She was the voice of Kate to me, so of course I was worried to find out there would be a new narrator. When Hillary Huber was picked (I was part of the group voting) I was ecstatic because I knew Ms. Huber would make a fantastic Kate! Love her rich voice, gravelly voice, and her comedic timing is perfection! She’s taken on the role splendidly! Michael Glenn, a new-to-me-narrator, slipped right into the role of Curran and made him come alive in all his alpha glory! I highly recommend the audio! I listened at my usual 1.5xs normal speed.

Two wonderful novellas showing us Kate and Curran’s life after the end of the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed these little slice of life glimpses into their family’s world outside Atlanta. They’re full of the usual Kate Daniels humour, action, and entertainment but in smaller bites and with (somewhat) lower stakes.

Having the two together in an audiobook was delightful, and I whizzed through both. I would absolutely love if we got more of these in the future, because they’re wonderful!

5⭐️ 2🌶️ 5🎧

I cannot tell you how happy I was to be back in the world of Kate Daniels. The original series is one of my top favorite series of all time and a huge comfort read. Reading this was like a warm hug from an old friend. I missed Kate and Curran so much.

Magic Tides was a short and sweet reminder of why I love Kate and Curran so much. Only Kate would take on a gang of 50 people looking for a good time only to find herself fighting a god. I love how Curran just stayed back and prepared for the inevitable chaos she would send his way. Conlin has grown so much since we last saw him and oh boy do Kate and Curran have their hands full with him.

Magic Claims made me feel like I was reading OG Kate again and I loved it so so much. Kate and Curran have such an amazing relationship. I love their banter and how they love and support each other. They are both total baddies and hilarious. My archaeologist heart loved the pre-historic elements of this book so much.

I cannot wait for more!

I listened to the audiobook and Hilary Huber and Michael Glen did an amazing job. Hilary was fantastic as Kate and I even really liked her voice for Curran. Michael had to take on a few accents and did a wonderful job with those. His voice for Curran was everything I hoped it would be.

Love this series.
Kate and Curran leave the pack and Atlanta and move to Wilmington to have a less hectic life to raise their son Colan.
But thigs just doesn't go as planed they get involved in a mystery and danger..
Good drama adventure intriguing story and of course great characters.
Enjoyed good narration and narrators.
Voluntarily reviewed.

I love this sequel series. Our protagonists have spent many books saving the world and defeating gods. Now, they are trying to settle down and keep a low profile. The problem is that that's hard to do when your first instinct is to start chopping off heads and slaying monsters.

This novela packs a fairly simple story. The main point is to show off our characters in the new challenges they're facing: nosy neighbors, home renovations, and dark gods stealing children. I love this homey feel to the familiar gang.

The audiobook, tho with a different narrator of the main series, fits the characters perfectly. Both the voices for Kate and Curran are well performed.

A video review including this book will appear on my Youtube channel, @ChloeFrizzle, in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Netgalley and NYLA for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Magic Tides & Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews
FIVE STARS

I received this audio book from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

Magic Tides & Magic Claims are two longer novellas within the Kate Daniels world, they come after the main series. I have not read the main series but I feel like Ilona Andrews did a really good job at making sure I knew everything I needed to know to enjoy these books. I am certain that I would have enjoyed them even more if I had read the main series first but I definitely enjoyed them on their own too.

Kate and Curran are so good together, the way he treats her just melts my heart! I'm probably going to go read the main series just to get more of them together because I love them so much! In Magic Tides the little family has just moved to Wilmington to try and start over on a more low key level. Of course that lasts all of no time at all before some stuff happens and Kate just cannot let it be. These two books follow their settling in and the events that come after changing their entire worlds but I think for the better. I don't know Kate that well but I don't think that she would have been happy long term living a quiet life. Conlan is such a smart kid and his parents are raising him right, I cannot wait to follow that journey. I mean I assume there is more...there has to be more, right?!

The spice level in this is about 1 out of 5 but it was a good little scene and romance is not the main objective in this book. I recommend this book even if you haven't read the previous series but if you're going to start somewhere you might as well start at the beginning.

Title: Magic Tides & Magic Claims -Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years 1-2. You need to read the Kate Daniels series first; these are NOT standalones.
Release date: 7/10/23, read 7/19/23.
Author: Ilona Andrews
Book cover: love them, all of Kate.
Format: audiobook
Run Time:12 hrs. 21 min.
Narrators: Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn. Love all the distinct voices.
POV: dual Kate and Curran w/ Conlan thrown in once or twice.
Setting: Wilmington, NC
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Tropes: shapeshifters, magic
Source: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions are my own.

Quick summary: Kate, Curran, and Conlan (8) have settled into a quiet life until Conlan introduces Kate to Jason-their contractor Paul's nephew. His brother Darin (a merman) has been taken by human traffickers- The Red Horn Nation. Kate can't turn away from helping anyone in need, so she and Curran do what they do best-help and fight. Magic Tides and Magic Claimed deal with land and sea monsters. Kate and Curran tried to relinquish leadership, but it's who they are. They start fighting and create a new Pack and Keep.

Content warnings/triggers: gory deaths, children kidnapped.

Characters: Main and Minor
Kate-The ex-Consort with blood magic and Sarrat (her sword)
Curran- the ex-Beast Lord, ex-leader of the Pack in Atlanta
Conlan-their lion shifter son
Roland-Kate's father
Jushur and Rimush-Roland's former spymaster and his son. They swear loyalty to Kate.
Keelan-alpha of werewolves in Atlanta exiled to N.C. He joins them after reporting problems with Jim's (the new Beast Lord) leadership.
Cuddles-Kate's donkey

Review: There was plenty of action and suspense. Kate and Curran have epic battles and the ones in these two novellas were no exception. Kate and Curran made the decision to get back to protecting the pack and its business while training Conlan. Loved the Julie and Derek mentions, as well as Ascanio's possible pack leader challenge.

Rating: 5*****

Loved both stories and how far Kate and Curran have come as a married couple raising their son. Though I miss the original series narrator, I was able to enjoy the stories none the less. It was great catching up with everyone and I look forward to more adventures in the future

Ok so I really should have checked where these two long novellas fall in the series because I’m only up as far as book 3 and I did spoilify myself to an extent. However, I enjoyed this audio book so much that I wasn’t upset – it just made me want to get back to the books sooner. Why do I keep forgetting that I love this series? I definitely know what I’m reading next!

Magic Tides & Magic Claims
I have read the novellas when they first came out so this review is mostly for the audiobook narration.

I thought the narration was great, fast paced and snarky for Kate Daniels is a must, it wasn’t overdone but made the story and characters come alive. I believe both narrators are new to the authors, but they didn’t skip a beat with the same pronunciations I was accustomed to from previous audiobooks in this series.

A fun magical ride with lovable characters, I just love to dive into any of the worlds from Ilona Andrews.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook copy.

Sometimes it really sucks being the person who has the special magical powers. Sure, it must be nice to be super powerful, all the way up until a whole bunch of non-magical people depend on you to go stop a monster that's killing them. As they say, heavy is the head that wears the crown - or in this case has blood magic. Kate and Curran are trying to keep a low profile but when duty calls and it has a large personal incentive attached to it, then their anonymity goes right out the window. This is definitely one of my favorite series, and the new setting is breathing fresh life into characters I already love.

I received an ARC of the audiobook via Netgalley, which is really two books in one because it also included Magic Tides. The narration is simply fantastic! I especially loved the voices of Kate, Curran, Conlan, and Keelan (say that ten times fast). So if you enjoy audiobooks, this is definitely one worth picking up.

Magic Tides
by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Hillary Huber; Michael Glenn

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this audiobook through Netgalley.

I really enjoyed this novella. I have been missing Kate Daniels books so fervently and for so long, that this book was like a siren song calling me home.

The story centers around a kidnapped boy that Kate seeks to free, and as always, chaos ensues. Kate never met a ‘No’ that she wasn’t willing to turn on it’s head.

Getting to know Curran and Conlan as a father/son duo was awesome.

I hope there will be many more books like this - I would happily listen to them all!

The narrators worked seamlessly with one another. It was never jarring going from one voice to the other. I enjoyed their narration very much. Even though they weren’t Renee Raudman - they were still quite good!

- - -

Magic Claims
by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Hillary Huber; Michael Glenn

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this audiobook through Netgalley.

There’s been a hole in my life where new Kate Daniels books used to live… I am so glad I now have something to fill that hole.

Kate, Curran, and their son, Conlan, have moved to Wilmington. Their days of being blissfully new and relatively unknown gets shot out of the water pretty quickly.

Kate handles life by facing it head on, running as fast as she can, and does so without stopping to ask if life has any curveballs in store, because, of course it does!

Kate is now older, wiser, a bit more subdued, but she’s still fiery and flawless!

Kate and Curran work together to keep their new area safe. There is a battle. There are casualties. And it is as exciting as you’ll want it to be!

I always highly recommend any book in the Kate Daniels universe!

I so loved this set of books! I’m a huge fan of the Kate Daniels series, I loved seeing this new side of Kate and Curran, the storyline was interesting and action packed! The characters were well done as always, and I enjoyed this set of books!!! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!,

Ilona Andrews is an auto-read/buy author for me, especially the Kate Daniels series. Magic Tides was everything that I love about their books: creative paranormal, a bit of romance, adventure, lots of stabby stabby, and a great plot.

Magic Tides: This is the first one that I have read that had Curran's perspective and I REALLY enjoyed that. Also, you get a bit of Conlan! All of which I greatly enjoyed. This was a typical Ilona Andrews book, filled with mythology, creative magic and action-packed fight scenes.

The only thing I can say that is slightly negative about this, is that I wish it was longer. I really think it could have been a normal 250-300 page book. Other than that the only reason you may not like it is if you expect it to be more romance than paranormal, or if you don't like a bit of gory killing of the bad guys.

Magic Claims: Wow, just wow. This book was everything that I love about the Kate Daniel's universe. I think it might be my favorite book yet! I love being back with Kate and Curran on their new adventures and I cannot wait to see where this goes.

I have absolutely nothing even slightly negative to say about this book. The audio was absolutely fantastic. I loved how it set up a basis for a new series. All of the characters from other books are starting to come into play and I am absolutely thrilled!

As always, I will be on the lookout to read other books by this author. They never disappoint and continue to come up with creative and fresh material in a universe that I have fallen in love with.