Well, this book has one hell of a baddie! Very, very creative, but I expect nothing less from the Andrews. Kudos!
On the whole, the book does feel part-filler but it's a very entertaining and enjoyable part-filler. As always, action-packed, witty and heartbreaking at moments(oh, this particular moment)!
One of the things I enjoyed the most is Kate and Curran being together throughout almost the entire book. It's great to see how unwavering their relationship has become. And Kate's vision! And the end! Oh, we have some great things ahead of us in the final two books!
Not sure I'll write a full review but it's possible. :)
September 8, 2015
Pre-read thoughts
The opinions on this one vary. Let's see how much I'll like it. I'm thrilled to know though, this book sets the beginning of the last cycle for Kate - Kate the Sharrim!...more
FLEX: Distilled magic in crystal form. The most dangerous drug in the world. Snort it, and you can create incredible coincidences to live the life of FLEX: Distilled magic in crystal form. The most dangerous drug in the world. Snort it, and you can create incredible coincidences to live the life of your dreams.
So, basically it's Breaking Bad but with MAGIC!!! Like hell I'm gonna miss this! Of course, I'm in....more
Nice story, but way too short and nothing special. The synopsis says it all. It is told from Al's POV and written in third person. You won't lose much Nice story, but way too short and nothing special. The synopsis says it all. It is told from Al's POV and written in third person. You won't lose much if you don't read it. Nevertheless, it was good to learn more about the roots of the war between the demons and the elves, how the ever-after once looked, how cruel the elves were and how innocent Al was back than....more
“True strength isn’t in killing-or ignoring-your opponent, it’s Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, and Monty Cupcake
3 STARS
“True strength isn’t in killing-or ignoring-your opponent, it’s in having the will to shield those who need your protection.�
Or how Kate tricked Julie in growing up a little and taking more responsibility.
I quite like Julie's character, though she can be a bit annoying at times but I think we could forgive her, being a teenager and all. It was nice to see things from her point of view. The story starts with Kate taking Julie to a new school where she has to test her magic(I love Julie's magic) while helping to find a classmate who happens to be a very cool creature. Julie's narration sounds a lot more mature than a 14 years old girl which made her a bit distant and not very true in attitude. On the plus side, I enjoyed all Kate & Curran references very much. Also, we were introduced to some great new characters, the one most exciting amongst them being Yu Fong who we first met in Dali & Jim's short story: Magic Dreams
Overall, nothing special but quick and enjoyable short story....more
This goes only for Retribution Clause by Ilona Andrews.
3 STARS
Very short and kinda filler. This decent story is part of the Kate Daniels world, set not in Atlanta but in Philly with Adam-Saiman's cousin-who deals with all problems Hulk style(which I liked because I love Hulk) and his work partner(only?)-Siroun-a kickass witch with a powerful god like magic due to a traumatizing event in her childhood. I really don't know what was the point of reading this story. It didn't add much(if anything) to the Magic universe for me and ended far too early and far too abruptly. I wanted something more to happen between Adam and Siroun(as it was hinted at here and there). The only interesting fact for me personally was that we met another werereptile bodyguard and they are kinda paradox in this world. May be I'm giving it 3 stars because of it. He(the werereptile) had amazing tattoos! :)
In conclusion, a decent story but you won't miss anything if you skip it. ...more
It seems that from all the buddies I read this book with, I enjoyed iBuddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, Monty Cupcake
3.5 STARS
It seems that from all the buddies I read this book with, I enjoyed it the most. It does have some annoying stuff in there but it didn't bother me so much and I still had fun while reading it like going through the last 36%(which is more than one third of the book) in one sitting for the last 2 hours or so. And I'm rounding my rating up because .... (you already know why, it's one name only but I still have to write it down): ROMAN(yeah, you guessed right!). I'll explain myself in a full review. But not now. No time....more
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, and Monty Cupcake
4.5 STARS
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but I'm rounding up because it was so much fun! It's nicely constructed considering its size, action packed and so so funny! I loved almost everything: Kate and Curran acting together through the entire time(perfect dynamics in an adult relationship); VIKINGS!!!; grand show of power(badass Kate in grey cloak edged with fur); the best ending with a great moral! Pure win! I might add more detailed review at some point in the future. ...more
This goes only for Magic Tests by Ilona Andrews. I might come back to the other stories in this anthology sometime in the future.
3 STARS
“True strength isn’t in killing-or ignoring-your opponent, it’s in having the will to shield those who need your protection.�
Or how Kate tricked Julie in growing up a little and taking more responsibility.
I quite like Julie's character, though she can be a bit annoying at times but I think we could forgive her, being a teenager and all. It was nice to see things from her point of view. The story starts with Kate taking Julie to a new school where she has to test her magic(I love Julie's magic) while helping to find a classmate who happens to be a very cool creature. Julie's narration sounds a lot more mature than a 14 years old girl which made her a bit distant and not very true in attitude. On the plus side, I enjoyed all Kate & Curran references very much. Also, we were introduced to some great new characters, the one most exciting amongst them being Yu Fong who we first met in Dali & Jim's short story: Magic Dreams
Overall, nothing special but quick and enjoyable short story....more