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Includes a free bonus: a Kate Daniels novella, "Magic Gifts"
The New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels novels have been hailed as “top-notch urban fantasy” (Monsters and Critics). Now, Ilona Andrews delves deeper into Kate’s world, and reveals its untold stories…
After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend. When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano—the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea’s former lover—die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world…
SouthernSweetie
Posted July 31, 2012
This is a fantastic, fast-paced addition to the Kate Daniels world that follows Cutting Edge employee and ex-Knight of the Order Andrea Nash as she fights ... everyone, really. I thought of making a list of all the nasty creatures that show up, starting with some giant bugs who try to eat her neighbor on page 2, but the list kept growing. The lesson here is that you should never go crawling through the sewers in magical Atlanta. NEVER.
Fans of Andrea and Raphael will [spoiler redacted], but I have to say the Russian dark priest, Roman, stole the show.
I recommend this to all urban fantasy fans, especially to those who love the Kate Daniels series, the Dresden Files, or the Iron Druid Chrinicale.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A Must Read!
I recommend you read the Kate Daniels series in order (Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, Magic Bleeds and Magic Slays) prior to reading this book. However, if you are unfamiliar with the series you can still following along with no trouble. I do warn though, if you are planning to read the series, this book will expose countless spoilers.
I absolutely loved this book! The plot was engaging and adventurous, the story just pulls you in and before you know it you are completely saturated and immersed into the story. I enjoyed this so much, I never wanted this book to end.
Andrea can hold her own with this great addition to the series. The plot had a wonderful whodunit mystery feel to it. The storyline was darkly complex and will keep you guessing until the end. The twisted humor was so plentiful, on several occasions, I found myself actually laughing out loud.
My appetite is wet for the next Kate Daniels novel and following up Andrea’s book with an intertwining free novella with Kate and Curran, was a nice touch. The duo authors have definitely out done themselves and I can’t wait to see what trouble awaits Kate and Your Furriness in the near future.
I highly recommend this book to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and look forward to Kate Daniels book 6 and Jim and Dali’s book – Kate Daniels World #2.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MadHatterReads
Posted August 12, 2012
The Kate Daniels series sat on my TBR list for a long time and friends kept urging me to read it, which I finally did a couple of months ago. Let me tell you, once I read that first book, Magic Bites, I went right out and bought the entire series and sat down and read them one right after the other (that included all the novellas and the extra Curran POV's from the Ilona Andrews website).
With Gunmetal Magic you get a great story set in the Kate Daniels World...PLUS...there's a bonus! At the end is Magic Gifts, a Kate and Curran novella that was previously put on the website. Now I'm not one that will usually encourage you to skip to the back of book, but in this case, you really should. Magic Gifts should be read BEFORE you read Gunmetal magic. They both take place during the same timeframe, but some events will make more sense in Gunmetal Magic if you read it second.
Gunmetal Magic features Kate's best friend, Andrea Nash, whose life as a secret shapeshifter has been turned completely inside out and she has a lot of issues to figure out in a few short days: Will she going to be able to imbrace her inner bouda (heyena) and join the Pack? Will she be able to repair her relationship with Rapheal, the bouda alpha male? Will she solve the murder of four pack members and bring justice for their families?
I adore this series/world! There's fast paced action, badass heroine's, sexy alpha shifters, and tons of humor:
"Roman dismounted next to us, his staff in his hand. He wore a tank top and black pajama pants with an Eeyore pattern."
How could you not be enjoy a book that has a black volhv (dark priest/wizard) that shows up to a confrontation in Eeyore pajamas?
If you're like me and this series has been sitting on your TBR pile, then move it to the top! It's a must read!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 25, 2012
When I heard that the next "Kate Daniels" book was going to be about Andrea, I was disappointed. I wanted more of Kate and Curran and didn't think Andrea and Raphael would be as interesting. Boy, was I wrong! This was a superb book with everything I've come to expect from Kate. There is plenty of action, daring deeds, and the superbly witty conversation I've come to expect from Ilona and Gordon. This is an excellent addition to this series and I give it my highest recommendation. Don't pass this one up because it's not Kate. You'll be missing out on a great book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 1, 2012
I truly enjoyed this look into Andrea's life. The mystery was good and the characters were enjoyable. The writing was of course classic Ilona Andrews, their voice is in all they do. Excellent world building!!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 25, 2012
Why do the hero or heroine ALWAYS have to make STUPID decisions with regards to their Romantic relationships? Does it add to the story, does it make it better, does it make sense? NO it does not. This is why I hate romances--the involved parties are always doing stupid crap, making stupid decisions, especially when you know they are going to end up together more in love than ever before. REALLY? I have no problems with romance and I understand problems. But when Andrea has spent the first part of the book miiserable because she wants to be with Raphael and when the opportunity for that to happen she puts a halt to that occurring because he hurt her feelings! I am so fed up with whiney, angsty relationships. PLEASE stop making an otherwise smart, strong woman look like an pouting 2 year old having a tantrum and pity party. We are in the 21st Century and populated with many strong, important woman so stop writing female characters who turn into idiots when it comes to a romantic relationship! Women and men deserve better than that. If it weren't for that I would have rated this book at 5 stars!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 10, 2012
Great read. This series just keeps getting better. Can't wait for the next one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 6, 2012
Ilona Andrews (husband/wife team) came up with another winner. I didn't think I'd really get into a whole novel around Kate's best friend, Andrea Nash, but I was wrong. As always, Ilona Andrews keeps the tempo going, so Andrea's angst around missing Raphael is woven in with so much action and suspense, I felt it even more strongly than I expected.
I love the humor popping up in even otherwise grim scenes - so much wit that so many other writers do not have. Can't wait for the next novel in this series!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 6, 2012
This was a good addition to the series. It brought out the aspects of Andrea and Raphael that all fans of the series have wanted to see and know more about. It's definitely worth the money. Can't wait for the next one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 5, 2012
Love Love Love this book! The Kate Daniels series is my favorite Ilona Andrews series so I was pleased when I heard that the authors were writing a book based on Kate's best friend, Andrea. Andrea is just as kick-ass as Kate and she turns furry - what's not to love? The story line is intriguing and engrossing and Andrea's relationship status with Raphael and the pack is resolved. This book is a must read for fans of Ilona Andrews and all urban fantasy lovers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 24, 2012
Ilona Andews books are witty and fun. I never know where the mystery
will next lead the heroin. Andrea and Kate are kick ass!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.If you love the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, then you will undoubtedly love this one too. Andrea is the star of the show in this spin-off and she doesn't disappoint. She is growing into her skin, so to speak, and it was a "can't put it down" adventure. A must read for fans of the urban fantasy genre, however I do recommend reading the Kate Daniels series first to become familiar with the characters.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This novel further perpetuates the awesomeness that is the husband and wife writing team. A great exploration and furtherance of this series' supporting character Andrea.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 24, 2012
This was very well written and very entertaining.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CheshireTheEngineer
Posted April 26, 2013
This was a one day read. After having the background of the Kate Daniels books, this was a great story about her best friend. I like the character development with her and Raphael.
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Posted April 25, 2013
I can't harp on how much I loved this book. This is the first book by Ilona Andrews that I've read but it will not be the first or the last. Amazing world building doesn't really describe the easy word flow and scenery of this husband and wife duo. You live it, you breath it and you become part of this world that they have built. When I say that you can all but smell it, I'm not kidding. I was tellaported into the Andrea/Kate Daniels world. Now that's a cool ride!
Andrea was kick ass, and even though at first she didn't want to embrace her true Bouda nature, I loved it when she did. Ever here of the phase "Go Big or Go Home"? Well that is the Bouda that comes out of Andrea and once released she's not looking back or hesitating.
This to me is a true UF book and though there was a small amount of romance in it, our H/H moments were perfect and only added to the story.
Yes read this book and enjoy every moment of this rip roaring fun ride. I loved it and I'm sure that you will too.
Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2013
.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Andrea's harsh past is resurfacing in her sleep, dreams or nightmares. Andrea's neighbor knocks early asking her help as Darin was missing from taking their dog out and Andrea notices the white residue on the walls. Andrea's day starts with magical creatures creating havoc at home and on the streets. Jim calls Andrea at the office of Cutting Edge Investigations, with troubles at one of the Pack's businesses being hit during the night and four pack members are dead. However, the business is run by Andrea's ex-mate, Raphael Medrano - Medrano Reclamation. The relationship seems to have ended on a sour note, and Andrea tries to figure out who she is in relation to her shifter side and human side. Andrea will be strong, as she always is, and carry through with the case for the Pack. She will solve this case on her own, and with a few friends along, even if it kills her in the end.
Gods, snakes, and all sorts of magical creatures are present in this twisting tale while Andrea learns who she is and what position in the world she wants.
Wow! We learn of the harsh past Andrea lived through and when she grew up how she cured those troubles, or most of them, with a gun. We all know by this point, Andrea is the guns specialist, and amazing at what she does whether with knowledge or aiming. This past is haunting Andrea, always has but recently getting worse.
You could read this one without reading the others in Kate Daniels series. There is mention of Kate and whats happening but not enough to spoil Kate's story. Maybe even make you curious more than anything of her happenings. We see why Andrea doesn't trust shifters. We also see she loves Raphael deeply and misses him, but that fight they had about not leaving the Order to help Pack was ugly for them. And what he does to torment her is cruel, leaving a rift in Andrea's heart. Andrea's world is the one and only place that Kate also resides in, but we see her neighbors and familiar parts and new parts of the city, and Andrea's ways of dealing with things. A shifters way, and a shifter with a gun.
Everyone we've meet with Kate is here. Ascanio, the teen bouda working for Kate at Cutting Edge as an intern, is present for much of the first half of the book. He kind of becomes an assistant to Andrea for a short time. Jim, Curran's head of security, makes an appearance as well. Andrea also has Aunt B hassling her to join clan Bouda, sending people her way while trying to get through a strainous and dangerous investigation along with Aunt B's son driving Andrea insane. Andrea goes Beast!! Yes, the one thing you don't expect her to do, she does early on.
My only little complaint about the book, I felt in the first half of the book Andrea and the characters around her were another version of Kate and her top secondary characters. Almost a Kate equation here. But in the second half of the book Andrea became her own person, and took on her own personality 100%.
Kate does make an appearance, along with Curran, that is brief. We get to see her through Andrea's eyes and it's interesting to hear her first thoughts on Kate.
This book did bring one secondary character into a brighter light for me. I do believe I love Roman! The volko. Even though he's of the dark and death, he's opposite in personality. The volko is a job to him, but he's full of life and fun. He has a soft spot I really enjoy and a sense of humor. He's a good man with a crappy job and full of
breezembhm
Posted February 9, 2013
LOVE books by Ilona Andrews both the Kate Daniels series and The Edge series!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 20, 2013
I hate this book it sucks save your mony and buy a better book.
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Overview
Includes a free bonus: a Kate Daniels novella, "Magic Gifts"
The New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels novels have been hailed as “top-notch urban fantasy” (Monsters and Critics). Now, Ilona Andrews delves deeper into Kate’s world, and reveals its untold stories…
After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a ...