Magic Binds

Even if Ilona Andrews decided to write a book about Kate and Curran’s every day life I would still read it, praise it and recommend it to everyone I know. They are that kind of characters. I love their interactions with each other and they way they care for everyone around them. I am so sad the series is almost over, but I will enjoy every last word until then. I love this series because it's the perfect marriage between fantasy and romance. You have a great storyline, but it doesn't get buried by the romance. It's the perfect balance. This book is just as good as the last one, everyone still wants to kill Kate and Curran and tear them apart. And I loved it.

Wow, this series never stops being amazing!! The humor, action, and incredible side characters make every time I read such a badass and wonderful experience. It took a bit for me to get into because I had sadly forgotten more than I thought in the past 5 months, but once I started easing back into the world and remember all the different characters it's was so fantastic! All I know is August needs to come sooner, I'm so ready for book 10!!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance May Contain some Spoiler (but I did try not to reveal too much, read at your own risk :) This couple writing team has packed quite a punch with Magic Binds and so many neat and cool truths become revealed but still leaves us hanging a bit with a teaser. Curran and Kate are engaged to be married, and even with all the drama of planning her wedding Kate has to also deal with her fathers shenanigans. “What is this?" "It's a wedding invitation," Julie said. "I didn't order any." Julie grinned at me. "Roman." Ugh. That's right. I waved the envelope at her. "It has flowers on it." "Did you want gore, swords, and severed heads?" she asked.   “The black volhv pivoted to me. “I have questions.” “Can it wait?” “No. Your wedding is in two weeks. Have you prepared your guest list?” “Why do I need a list? I kind of figured that whoever wanted to show up would show up.” “You need a list so you know how many people you are feeding. Do you have a caterer?” “No.” “But you did order the cake?” “Umm…” “Florist?” “Florist?” “The person who delivers expensive flowers and sets them up in pretty arrangements everyone ignores?” “No.” Roman blinked. “I’m almost afraid to ask. Do you at least have the dress?” “Yes.” “Is it white?” “Yes.” He squinted at me. “Is it a wedding dress?” “It’s a white dress.” “Have you worn it before?” “Maybe.” Ascanio snickered.” “The ring, Kate?” Oh crap. Roman heaved a sigh. “What do you think this is, a party where you get to show up, say ‘I do,’ and go home?” “Yes?” That’s kind of how it went in my head. He isn't making it easy for her and Kate learns that unless something changes, she might lose Curran and her unborn son and her father will be the one to cause her the most pain. Kate is forced to make wedding decisions (last priority on her list) even amidst all the drama and stress that she is under. And I know Roland is super evil and all but I still have no idea what I think about him yet. We see that he does care about Kate in his own twisted way, but can't resist his own evil nature at the same time. And we see Kate battle with herself. This is probably the darkest book in the series, because the magic she is using is changing her and she learns of her own strength and what she is capable of. This is more about fighting inner demons than any real enemy. And her relationship with Curran becomes tested. We learn who Christopher truly is and we see more of some of our favorites Jim, Mahon, Julie, Andrea and Raph, Roman, “Yes,” Curran said. “We’d like you to officiate.” “I’m sorry?” “We’d like you to marry us,” I said. Roman’s eyes went wide. He pointed to himself. “Me?” “Yes,” Curran said. “Marry you?” “Yes.” “You do know what I do, right?” “Yes,” I said. “You’re Chernobog’s priest.” and many others. I still am not a big fan of Jim, especially in his treatment of Kate. Never really liked him but in this book I understood him a bit more. There are many surprises, plenty of tension and thrills and chills and these authors bring a powerfully written story that is captivating and irresistible to put down! And on a side note: The narration is done by Renee Raudman and there is a reason why she is one of my favorites to listen to. She brings out the humor and wit so well in this book, and really helps balance out all the seriousness with moments to make you laugh and smile. Click To Buy On Amazon [foogallery id="18404"]

Typical Kate-induced reading frenzy. I need more

I read this book in the span of two afternoons and I am not ashamed. I really really loved it. I feel like a reread of the prior books is definitely in order because it reminded me of how much I love these books. If I could marry a book series, this one would be it. This book kind of does it's own thing, which, if you're used to the vague formula of the other books, can be a little jarring. In this book, they're really getting into the meat of the overarching plot of the series as opposed to hinting and doing a scene but having the story be more about whatever big, bad monster Atlanta got stuck with this month. Glancing at other reviews, I can see that that's thrown some people off or made them feel like it went too fast. This is not a book where the characters get to catch their breath and it does go by very quickly. That being said, I don't think it felt rushed to me as others are saying. Streamlined, perhaps, but never rushed. There is a set of goals from very early on in the story and they work toward them the whole book. I'll put the rest behind a spoiler for those who haven't read the book yet. These are just some of my thoughts about the book in no particular order. (view spoiler)[ Hands down, I think getting Roman to officiate their wedding was great, hysterical fun. There was nothing better than picturing the black priest of Chernobog designing wedding invitations with cutesy flowers on them and helping Curran pick out wedding cakes. I fully believe that if they hadn't had him forcibly helping to plan their wedding, it would have been a wedding where everyone showed up in leather armor, carrying crossbows and swords. Curran and Kate had a lot to deal with in this book, though I feel like a lot of the problems might have been avoided if Kate were simply honest with Curran. He points this out himself, of course, but, in more ways than one in this book, it is shown that Kate is her own worst enemy sometimes. I loved having Erra back as a mentor instead of as a true enemy. Sure, she's still a force to be reckoned with and violent as hell, but we got to see more of her world in this book and her perspective. It gives you a brief glimpse into Roland's world as well, though it doesn't manage to explain away his megalomania. I don't think that can truly be explained. I do wonder about this family and their habit of turning themselves into bone weapons for the heir to their families. It gives a whole new meaning to these swords being a family heirloom. I'm so glad Ghastek chose Kate over her father. I assumed he would after the last book, but I feared the worst. I'm also very very glad for Christopher being able to find his sanity after what was done to him. That was a hellishly tense scene when he initially transforms. I look forward to seeing how he and Barabas continue to develop, since there's obviously shared feelings there. Lord knows they both deserve to be happy. I think the only thing that was kind of a red herring for me was when it was mentioned that Curran had eaten the spiritually blessed saber-tooth tiger. I felt sure that was going to do something interesting aside from just being a thing that he just randomly decided to eat. Like he gets stabbed by Roland and is able to bounce back because he had eaten a divine creature. But no. Never mentioned again. Alas. I was glad to see more of Derek in this book. I remember feeling that he was mostly absent in the last book, which was understandable but sad all the same. Thank goodness Julie's not under Roland's thumb. I know that was a concern there. Jim had more of a stick up his ass than usual this time around, but I am so very glad Dali didn't die. I love Dali. I love Dali and Jim together. I love their nearly polar opposite natures coming together so nicely. Losing her would have made me tremendously sad. That being said, so would losing Andrea's baby. I'm glad they have their first child. I do adore Andrea. She's so kick ass. All the ladies are so kick ass. I love them all. I wish there was a way for Kate and Nick to bridge the gap between them. I know he hates Roland for really understandable reasons, but Kate isn't Roland. Even on Roland's best day, Kate is still a better human being than Roland is capable of being. I feel like Nick should be smart enough to understand that. I look forward to seeing how much of a terror Kate is when she's pregnant and has a colony of people doting on her. Curran, Adora, Julie, Derek, Andrea, Barabas, Christopher - I could keep going. If she gets put on bed rest, I'm pretty sure she'll lose her shit. It will also be hysterically funny. (hide spoiler)]

Main review here. • Book 1: Magic Bites ★★★★★ • Book 2: Magic Burns ★★★★★ • Book 3: Magic Strikes ★★★★★ • Book 4: Magic Bleeds ★★★★★ • Book 5: Magic Slays ★★★★★ • Book 6: Magic Rises ★★★★★ • Book 7: Magic Breaks ★★★★★ • Book 8: Magic Shifts ★★★★★ • Book 10: Magic Triumphs ★★★★

I can't believe I'm almost done with the series. I don't want to part with it! I love Kate and Curran and all the side characters so much. I wish I could have 17 spin-off series with Roman, Teddy Jo (my beloved Thanatos), Christopher & Barabas, ... I love the shenanigans between life-threatening incidents and the humorous tone disrupting the heavier stuff with the existential threat and the messed-up family dynamics. I can't wait to see what the authors will deliver for the last installment but I'm also dreading the end because after that there will be no more Kate. I guess I'll just have to re-read the series until the end of time.

Wow. Just wow. There was so much happening in this book. Honestly the events at the start of the book feel so long ago compared to the end. Almost like they happened in a past book. That's not a bad thing it just demonstrates how much was going on and how things progressed. I am so excited for the final book now! Kate and Curran have been through so much together. They definitely tested one another here but I think they showed how strong their love was by the fact nothing truly derailed them. They always came back to each other. I'm going to be so sad when I finish.

This book was amazing. You should absolutely BUY IT. I love every book in the Kate Daniels series and each book just gets better and better, and Magic Binds was no exception. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I have read a lot of books and Ilona Andrews has got to be my absolute favorite author.

SUCH an epic ending!! I love Kate and Curran so, so much. I never get tired of them! Review to come! Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.