Member Reviews
Magic Binds would be an impossible read without all the previous books building up the story, laying the groundwork for the relationships, and painting the world Kate works in. When you think about the progression from Magic Bites to this, it's pretty staggering -- the whole scope has changed, the stakes are huge, and there are so many characters of all kinds to love and hate.
I think one of the best things about this book is the nuance it brings to the relationship between Kate and her family. From her heritage being almost completely hidden in the first book to the reveal of what she's been raised to do to her claim on Atlanta to this... I won't say too much, but there's a surprisingly moving scene with someone who you don't expect to have a quiet moment with. Actually, a couple of moving scenes with very unexpected people, honestly. And some very interesting developments with Christopher...
The ending feels a little cut off at the knees; the book accelerates toward the ending and then, of course, stops. And the next book doesn't pick straight up from there or something -- it's quite the anticlimax. It feels like there was too much ending to do in one book, so then it just kind of abandons ship.
It gets harder with each book to do reviews without spoilers, and this is not a book where anyone could jump in, pick it up alone, and understand what's going on. I highly recommend the series, but don't start here!
I did it! I am caught up on Kate Daniels! This series has been such a delight to read, and I’m so glad I made the ridiculous decision to request book nine in a series I’d never read. Thanks to Meg for giving me encouragement on this totally genius plan. Magic Binds isn’t my favorite in the series, but it’s really good and heartbreaking, as these novels tend to be.
Magic Binds was another one that went really slowly for me, much like Magic Rises a couple books ago. However, there I had some plot quibbles, but with this one I think the book’s thoroughly excellent plot-wise. Similar to that one, though, Magic Binds has a darker tone and loses some of the humor that I love so much. I also love the snarky ones the most.
I continue to adore the complex relationship between Kate and Roland, and there are some fascinating new developments on that front. Christopher and Barabas are totally becoming a ship, which I called ages ago and I SHIP IT, and also Christopher’s getting some new development which YAY. Kate and Curran remain perfection, even though they have a fight here but it’s such a them fight and I love them endlessly. Cheers to Kate and Curran, but also omg the ending has me so scared.
Kate Daniels is one of the best urban fantasy series out there, right up there (slightly under) with October Daye. I love it fiercely.
I love Ilona Andrewes and I especially love when she (they) are writing Kate Daniels books. Kate is such a relatable heroine; strong, funny and not perfect. The dynamic between Kate and Cullan is interwoven throughout this book and it helps support the awesome plot. This is definitely a keeper.
The Kate Daniels series has become one of my new urban fantasy favorites! I mean, I've made it through eight books so far, it's unlikely that I'm not going to enjoy book 9.
I really love the variety of supernatural creatures in this series. Want a dragon? Let's go for it! Vampires? Sure, we've got those too.
Also MY SHIP. Going so strong! But honestly, I love these characters to death and not sure how I feel about one more book because I don't want to leave them.
My only real issue with this book was this one scene involving a battle that was just. . . not very exciting? I wanted more from it but it was done so quickly that it didn't really have the impact I think it could have.
I'm quickly learning reviews are very hard to write without spoilers this far into a series. Anyway, loved Magic Binds and looking forward to the next book!
Ilona Andrews never fails. I was wrapped up from start to finish.
The Kate Daniels books are almost impossible for me to review because they are among my absolute favorites, individually and as a whole.series. I will admit that I wasn't ready for a baby, but that is most likely because it means that the books are in the home stretch and I won't have new ones to read and re-read anymore. I can't recommend this series highly enough. If you enjoy paranormal, urban fantasy, and/or wonderfully weird circumstances and characters -- or even if you just think that you MIGHT like it, READ THIS SERIES!
There are not enough words to properly express my love for this series. Each book just continues to delight and I cannot wait for them to be released. This latest installment in the battle of Kate and Curran versus Roland didn't disappoint. I love the action and the snarky humor, but most especially I adore the connection between Curran and Kate. And with the ending of this book, I am massively excited find out what happens next!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I haven't read it before now because I was hoping to be able to read the whole series prior - and unfortunately that never happened. I love this author, though, and will definitely be reading, rating, and reviewing this in the future. Thank you!
LOVE THIS SERIES FOREVER! What an excellent addition to the Kate Daniels universe. Kate and Curran are ever adorable (although they would hate being described that way). And as always there is a stellar subset of secondary characters.
Kate and Curran have finally set a date for their wedding, but planning a wedding is hard work, especially when you’re trying to grow a business, defend land you never meant to claim and deal with your soon-to-be husband’s former pack.
Now that Kate’s father has moved in at the edge of her land and called a truce, he keeps poking at her, hoping to incite a reaction. She’s mostly able to resist going after him directly until he kidnaps Saimon, a demi-god and former sort-of friend of Kate’s. Roland is bleeding him dry in his bid for more power, and Kate knows she can’t leave Saimon to his fate..especially since that would mean giving dear old dad power over her. The witch oracle has warned Kate she has devastation in her future, but she can’t sit back and do nothing. Plus, she’s changing. Since she claimed Atlanta as hers, she can feel pieces of herself slipping away. She doesn’t like the person she’s becoming, but she isn’t sure how to stop the change from happening.
Of course Curran still has her back. No matter how she acts or what challenges they face, Curran accepts Kate as she is. She also has a lot of support from her friends and psuedo-family. Despite herself – or maybe in spite of herself – Kate has formed stronger bonds and attachments than she ever expected.
These characters are so multifaceted. Take Roland for example. He is Evil Incarnate. The Killer of Innocents. The Scourge of the Earth. The Builder of Towers. Yet he has flashes of goodness, too. It’s clear he cares for Kate in his own way, and wants a relationship with her. I know there’s no way he can ever be redeemed, but a small part of me holds out hope I’m wrong, while another part anxiously awaits the day Curran rips him to pieces for hurting Kate.
This was such a fantastic read. I can’t believe how fresh and exciting this book was, considering we’re 9 books into the series. I was sucked in from page one. There was a surprising amount of humor considering the darker overtone of the book. I literally laughed out loud several times.
My heart hurt, my blood pumped and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I can’t wait to see what Andrews has in store for us next.
4.5 out of 5
Andrews does it again with another fantastic story. It's almost impossible to describe the awesomeness that is Magic Binds unless you have read all of the series, because you would not only be spoiled, you won't understand what's happening without all the information in the previous books. Suffice it to say, long time fans will not be disappointed!
Being the 9th book in a series, it's hard to discuss or talk about without a) spoiling the book and/or the entire series as a whole. And b) fangirling like a super obsessed book nerd.
Kate Daniels has been, and always will be, my favorite urban fantasy series. There isn't anything within these pages that I don't just love. The bad assery that is Kate. Her wit, fierceness and love for everyone that she holds dear is one of my favorite things about it. She continues to grow throughout the series and it is truly a journey to witness.
The romance, as well. I actually love how the series didn't burn out after the Kate and Curran got together; which tends to happen a lot within series. It's like the chase drives the story and once it's over, so is the book. And again, I love how that isn't the case here. They continue to grow together and as individuals, challenging each other and leaning on each other equally. Especially in this installment, where Kate continues to hold back certain parts of herself to protect Curran (and others around her) Sure, it's upsetting but they learn from it. They're my favorite couple, evah!
We learn more about Roland, and other parts of Kate's family. While he isn't my favorite person by any means, we (me) as the reader has a better understanding of him and his motivations. I am actually looking forward to learning more about him.
Oh, and we also find out more about Christopher. Finally. haha
Anyway. I could go on and on for days about this series. Laugh out loud moments, non stop action and a fascinating world that continues to grow and amaze me, this series is seriously a must read.