Magic Bleeds - book 4 of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews - explored Kate's relationships with various people and groups in the different aspects of her life.
For familial relationships, Kate meets her crazy aunt Erra - and has to stop her from killing everyone Kate has ever loved. Going against every lesson taught her by Voron, Kate has finally accepted others in to her life and in order to save her friends, Kate is willing to sacrifice herself. Even disposing of her aunt could draw unwanted attention from her father and Kate doesn't believe herself strong enough for that confrontation yet (and really, Ilona Andrews is contracted until book 7 so it can't end now!).
Regarding romantic relationships, Kate and Curran have finally hooked up. However, due to their stubborn personalities - plus the shapeshifter politics - has caused huge headaches and huge compromises for both parties. Kate has officially chosen Curran, and his Pack, over The Order, and as Curran's mate, she is now the alpha of all alphas. Changing her status within the Pack caused a huge upheaval, especially when Curran was in the coma; however, Kate was determined to prove herself worthy - against the better judgement of her advisors!
Kate's friendship with her best friend Andrea is now strained, since Kate was free to quit The Order when the Pack needed her. As an estranged beastkin who could have been killed in her youth by other shapeshifters, Andrea feels more loyal to The Order. Even the prejudices of Moynohan aren't enough to dissuade Andrea's faith in the core belief of The Order.
There was an interesting take on biblical stories as well, keeping with the author's theme of mythology. The author chose to use the story of Esau and Jacob, with Esau being the first vampire created by Roland. Another take was on Samson; in this version Samson being one of Erra's crazy offspring - who was growing out his hair because he was balding.
This book was a good read. It wasn't as action packed as the others and Kate's heartache coloured her decisions; however, it was nice to see Kate act more human for a change - it's hard to relate to a character who feels no fear and doesn't have the same emotions as everyone else. I definitely think it's a shame that I'm going to have to wait 8-9 months before I can read the next book. I also do look forward to reading more about Kate's world, her friends and even her family.
Showing posts with label mythos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mythos. Show all posts
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Magic Strikes
Be still my heart!
I am absolutely in love with this series. In book 3, Magic Strikes, Ilona Andrews returns us to Kate Daniels' alternate Atlanta, and she has done a remarkable job of including many more styles of mythical creatures from other cultures, such as Viking, Hindu, Japanese and Chinese.
When Derek returns on the verge of death from a secret mission involving a fighting group called The Reapers, Kate takes a personal affront to it and demands vengence. In order to get her revenge, she must fight in an underground tournament called The Midnight Games - a pasttime which Curran has strictly forbidden all shapeshifters from becoming involved in. When Kate and Jim investigate The Reapers, they discover that they are rakshasas - born warriors who are masters of illusion and have no problem eating human flesh. The rakshasa have also teamed up with Roland to destroy The Pack, with the aid of Hugh d'Ambray, past apprentice of Kate's dad.
Now Kate has the double worry of keeping her friends alive in the ring as well as keeping her identity a secret from Hugh - and by extension, Roland.
Kate is remarkable. She cares so much about her friends that she is willing to impale herself on a sword to save her friends and destroy her enemies. When Derek finally pulls through, Kate is so emotional that she dry heaves with relief. She is also willing to step in to a ring and potentially face discovery, just so her friends don't have to fight short-handed.
Kate is reckless, impulsive and has authority issues; but she is also funny, protective and willing to put on airs so her ward will no longer be alienated at school. She also has a cool head - when she stops to use it. Despite the electricity flowing between her and Curran, she refuses to give, since she is convinced that Curran only wants her because she refused him. And I love that aspect. Eventually she'll give in, but she's making him work hard for it and it's fun to see her deny any sort of mutual attraction - even to herself.
I can't wait to read Magic Bleeds, and see what sort of fun Ilona will come up with next!
I am absolutely in love with this series. In book 3, Magic Strikes, Ilona Andrews returns us to Kate Daniels' alternate Atlanta, and she has done a remarkable job of including many more styles of mythical creatures from other cultures, such as Viking, Hindu, Japanese and Chinese.
When Derek returns on the verge of death from a secret mission involving a fighting group called The Reapers, Kate takes a personal affront to it and demands vengence. In order to get her revenge, she must fight in an underground tournament called The Midnight Games - a pasttime which Curran has strictly forbidden all shapeshifters from becoming involved in. When Kate and Jim investigate The Reapers, they discover that they are rakshasas - born warriors who are masters of illusion and have no problem eating human flesh. The rakshasa have also teamed up with Roland to destroy The Pack, with the aid of Hugh d'Ambray, past apprentice of Kate's dad.
Now Kate has the double worry of keeping her friends alive in the ring as well as keeping her identity a secret from Hugh - and by extension, Roland.
Kate is remarkable. She cares so much about her friends that she is willing to impale herself on a sword to save her friends and destroy her enemies. When Derek finally pulls through, Kate is so emotional that she dry heaves with relief. She is also willing to step in to a ring and potentially face discovery, just so her friends don't have to fight short-handed.
Kate is reckless, impulsive and has authority issues; but she is also funny, protective and willing to put on airs so her ward will no longer be alienated at school. She also has a cool head - when she stops to use it. Despite the electricity flowing between her and Curran, she refuses to give, since she is convinced that Curran only wants her because she refused him. And I love that aspect. Eventually she'll give in, but she's making him work hard for it and it's fun to see her deny any sort of mutual attraction - even to herself.
I can't wait to read Magic Bleeds, and see what sort of fun Ilona will come up with next!
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