Helpful Score: 8
This is the third installment of the Kate Daniels series. It is possible that it could be read as a stand alone, but let's face it, who would want to? Ms. Andrews has created a unique world filled with fascinating characters and exciting dialogue. A must read for anyone who likes magic, shifter or urban fantasy novels.
Kate started the series as a loner, unwilling and maybe unable to depend on anyone but herself. As the books have progressed, she has opened up and is slowly letting people into her life. The overall storyline about her father takes a nice leap in this book.
And the chemistry between Kate and Curran continues to ignite the pages as Kate fights her feelings for the Lord of the Beasts. We are given a larger glimpse into Kate's history and how she came to be the way she is. She is one kick-ass female protagonist.
I was thrilled to get the book and devoured it in one sitting. I even found myself going back to specific points in the book to reread them already. The ending left me wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next book.
Kate started the series as a loner, unwilling and maybe unable to depend on anyone but herself. As the books have progressed, she has opened up and is slowly letting people into her life. The overall storyline about her father takes a nice leap in this book.
And the chemistry between Kate and Curran continues to ignite the pages as Kate fights her feelings for the Lord of the Beasts. We are given a larger glimpse into Kate's history and how she came to be the way she is. She is one kick-ass female protagonist.
I was thrilled to get the book and devoured it in one sitting. I even found myself going back to specific points in the book to reread them already. The ending left me wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next book.
Helpful Score: 4
OK I think my favorite parts have to do with the interaction between Kate and Curran. By the time you get to Magic Strikes, Curran has made it clear he's courting her, but Kate is unwilling to be involved with him. She's got a big secret about her identity and she's still convinced that Curran is just after her for the challenge. The dance between the two is amusing, and I'm not sure who is going to "win" the game because they've both made some bold and brassy declarations. Anyway, this is one of those relationships that span several books where you know they're supposed to get together and the question is when. I'm just having fun watching it, whatever they do.
Another thing I really enjoy about this series is the world building. There's always really well done writing in terms of description - I can read a paragraph or two in this book and my mind's eye easily conjures up the scene and everything going on in it. And there is always something interesting going on, I'm not bored or checking to see how many pages are left, I'm just reading. The series is refreshing in the use of some well-known supernatural creatures and turning them slightly on their head.
Kate's an interesting character - intelligent and definitely falls under the "kick-ass heroine" title - she's got a magical sword, knows power words, and has a special heritage and an upbringing that made her a deadly fighter. Plus she has a smart-ass mouth to go with it. If you have something against this sort of character, you may not like this series, but if you read books 1 and 2 and liked them, I think you'll like this one too. I think there's a little bit of growth to her as the series goes along. In book 1 she's isolated but by book 3 she's surrounded herself with more people she cares about despite feeling like this makes her vulnerable.
Another thing I really enjoy about this series is the world building. There's always really well done writing in terms of description - I can read a paragraph or two in this book and my mind's eye easily conjures up the scene and everything going on in it. And there is always something interesting going on, I'm not bored or checking to see how many pages are left, I'm just reading. The series is refreshing in the use of some well-known supernatural creatures and turning them slightly on their head.
Kate's an interesting character - intelligent and definitely falls under the "kick-ass heroine" title - she's got a magical sword, knows power words, and has a special heritage and an upbringing that made her a deadly fighter. Plus she has a smart-ass mouth to go with it. If you have something against this sort of character, you may not like this series, but if you read books 1 and 2 and liked them, I think you'll like this one too. I think there's a little bit of growth to her as the series goes along. In book 1 she's isolated but by book 3 she's surrounded herself with more people she cares about despite feeling like this makes her vulnerable.
Helpful Score: 2
I was happy to find this book was out & read it in one night, I am going to reread it. lol I loved the snappy comebacks & oneliners from Kate. I love the action & the chemistry, too. There were parts that had me laughing outloud. Great story line & can't wait for another installment.
Helpful Score: 1
There isn't much not to love about this book: the interaction between Kate and the Beast Lord, how she helped Julie with her school mates (classic!!), the humor has me giggling and the action is great. Easily the best of the 3 books and I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the third book in the Kate Daniels series and what a wonderful book it was. Very creative, very fast-paced, all the wonderful fight scenes, and hilarious attitude that Kate is known for. I actually listened to this on audio book and the audio book is wonderful. If you have a change to listen to the audio book it's worth it; the lady who reads it does Kate's voice and personality absolutely perfectly.
Something strange is going on. Shapeshifters are being killed and Kate is brought in to find out why. Then Simone catches Derek trying to steal tickets to some forbidden and illegal event called the Midnight Games. Kate has to cut a deal with Simone to get Derek out of there, as such she ends up at the Midnight games, as Simone's date, and watches a team called the Reapers. The Reapers are supposedly human, but end up being much more. Kate needs to figure out if the Midnight Games and the murders are linked.
This was a great book and super hard to put down. Kate has a wonderful dry sense of humor, as does Curran. All the characters in this book are well done, amusing, and likable. The fight scenes are plentiful and extremely well done. The plot is complicated and takes many unexpected twists and turns. Many very creative things happen; you meet some new races and get to venture deep into Unicorn Alley.
The best part is that you learn a lot more about Kate's history with Roland. It seems that the story is winding closer and closer to a confrontation between Kate and Roland. You learn a lot more about Simone's past too. Oh and did I mention the wonderful fight scenes, and the awesome magical weapons?
Overall another wonderful book in this series. I don't have any complaints; except that I want to read the next on sooo bad. For those of you dying for more Kate; Andrews did write a short story involving Kate, Andrea, and Raphael in the "Must Love Hellhounds" anthology called "Magic Mourns". It's a pretty good read. What a great series; I hope Andrews can keep this up for many more books to come!
Something strange is going on. Shapeshifters are being killed and Kate is brought in to find out why. Then Simone catches Derek trying to steal tickets to some forbidden and illegal event called the Midnight Games. Kate has to cut a deal with Simone to get Derek out of there, as such she ends up at the Midnight games, as Simone's date, and watches a team called the Reapers. The Reapers are supposedly human, but end up being much more. Kate needs to figure out if the Midnight Games and the murders are linked.
This was a great book and super hard to put down. Kate has a wonderful dry sense of humor, as does Curran. All the characters in this book are well done, amusing, and likable. The fight scenes are plentiful and extremely well done. The plot is complicated and takes many unexpected twists and turns. Many very creative things happen; you meet some new races and get to venture deep into Unicorn Alley.
The best part is that you learn a lot more about Kate's history with Roland. It seems that the story is winding closer and closer to a confrontation between Kate and Roland. You learn a lot more about Simone's past too. Oh and did I mention the wonderful fight scenes, and the awesome magical weapons?
Overall another wonderful book in this series. I don't have any complaints; except that I want to read the next on sooo bad. For those of you dying for more Kate; Andrews did write a short story involving Kate, Andrea, and Raphael in the "Must Love Hellhounds" anthology called "Magic Mourns". It's a pretty good read. What a great series; I hope Andrews can keep this up for many more books to come!
Helpful Score: 1
Kate is at it again and does she ever get herself in trouble with Curran in this one. Whooeee! Kate doesn't make friends easily but she proves to herself in this one that when she makes a friend it is for life and they will back her up no matter what. This is a no holds barred Roman collesium gladiator fight to the death with all kinds of were-creatures. All storylines are solved except one which means there will be a book 4. Yippee another chance to read about Kate and Curran and see where that's going to go. I can't wait
Really enjoyed this book. Is a keeper.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Kate Daniels, mercenary and Knight of the Order is such a well-rounded and complete character and her story arc is showing great personal growth as well. Ilona does a fantastic job with her secondary characters as well, they are all well developed and make you want a separate whole book for each one! Excellent read!
When Kate's shapechanger friend Derek is almost killed, she vows revenge. In order to succeed and find a cure for Derek, she must help the Beast Lord's second in command, her former partner Jim, go against his master's law and participate in the illegal tournament of the Midnight Games where warriors fight to the death, even though it will mean his death if he ever finds out. This is the first book of the series that I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover. Andrews has hit her stride - the action was plentiful and fast-paced, the characters have settled into their skins, the romance between Kate and Curran is developing nicely, the author has spiced it up with lots of wit, and we finally get to know the secret of Kate's past. I'm actually looking forward to the next book.
Thus far, this series is getting better and better. This is the best book so far. I am enjoying the storyline. We find out Kate's parentage, which was hinted at in previous books. This series so far has had a perfect blend of badassness, humor, action, gore, you name it. The buildup between Kate and Curran is well done and has me most definitely wanting more!
Excellent 3rd book in the series. I think it was better for the first two. Characters are more developed and plot is very interesting and deep. Can't wait for the next one. Love Curran and Kate.
This is an interesting series. I truly enjoyed the first book and felt so so about the second even thought I gave it a four star rating (should have been a bit over three stars) but I liked this one immensely (four and half stars). Why do some series wax and wane?
Kate Daniels, employed by the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, finds herself watching the illicit Midnight Games where teams compete to live. The crowds love it but Kate feels sick. How can anyone enjoy watching others die? Most important why did she allow Saiman to talk her into attending?
When her once-protector, Derek, is severely injured and almost dies Kate vows to avenge him against the Reapers, a team that participates in the games and almost destroy Derek. Putting together a team of her own, she enters the games with the order's quiet approval. What happens next is bloody, deadly, terrifying and terribly frightening. It's a good read and mighty exciting. The authors did a fine job putting together a thrilling and a bit romantic read. If you like fantasy and don't mind violence and blood this one might be right for you.
Kate Daniels, employed by the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, finds herself watching the illicit Midnight Games where teams compete to live. The crowds love it but Kate feels sick. How can anyone enjoy watching others die? Most important why did she allow Saiman to talk her into attending?
When her once-protector, Derek, is severely injured and almost dies Kate vows to avenge him against the Reapers, a team that participates in the games and almost destroy Derek. Putting together a team of her own, she enters the games with the order's quiet approval. What happens next is bloody, deadly, terrifying and terribly frightening. It's a good read and mighty exciting. The authors did a fine job putting together a thrilling and a bit romantic read. If you like fantasy and don't mind violence and blood this one might be right for you.
Best book so far in the series! What a fantastic world and an amazing set of characters! This is a definite must read for any urban fantasy or paranormal romance fan. LOVED IT!
I love this series and have devoured all the books in it. The series is a nice, light read, but very entertaining. There are good action scenes, but the author doesn't get bogged down in the details. Lots of humor both high and low brow. This book sees more development of the shapeshifter culture which I found very interesting. There is some good character development with Kate. She's started to trust other people to help her (or at least isn't fighting against their help as much). I'm really hoping the love story with Curran comes to a head in the next book. Relationships developing so slowly always drive me nuts. :-)
4 1/2 stars. This is book #3 in the series and Im still listening to the books on audio because I have almost no real reading time. Sigh and boo hiss on the real life. I found my mind didnt drift away too much on this one. This time around we learn a bit more about Kate, poor Derek is put in harms way (poor Derek, that kid really deserves a break), Kate and Curran do the humorous verbal sparring thing they do so well and a lot of other magical and gory stuff happens. Sorry, thats all Ive got. I listened to it last week and had no time to write and my short term memory just aint what it used to be.
I think I enjoyed this book more than the previous two. I found the wit more sharply honed and became very invested in several of the characters. I just loved the bit with Raphael and the romance novels especially the fact that he read them and knows he cant/wont/doesnt want to measure up to them, LOL. So very cute. I also adored Currans menu at the very end. That was hilarious.
It made me laugh and even get a little teary. Good stuff. I will move on to the next one soon.
I think I enjoyed this book more than the previous two. I found the wit more sharply honed and became very invested in several of the characters. I just loved the bit with Raphael and the romance novels especially the fact that he read them and knows he cant/wont/doesnt want to measure up to them, LOL. So very cute. I also adored Currans menu at the very end. That was hilarious.
It made me laugh and even get a little teary. Good stuff. I will move on to the next one soon.
Best book I've read in awhile.
If you like her other ones and you like The Hunger Games this is a mix b/w the two!
A+
If you like her other ones and you like The Hunger Games this is a mix b/w the two!
A+
