Early Critique: "Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9)" by Ilona Andrews

Note: This review has a few spoilers for those of you who are new to or behind on this series. My review of the first book, Magic Bites, is here.

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance e-copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

Expected Publication: September 20th

Kate and company have overcome immense obstacles throughout the course of this series, but the one who has always loomed largest is Roland, the god-like magician. Kate has always assumed she would face him singlehandedly, but along the way she has picked up allies and even friends in her quest to rid the world of his presence. In the previous book I noted I was growing somewhat fond of him, but he (yet again) reveals his true colors in this book.

The ingredients to the perfect Kate Daniels book haven't changed: there must be sarcasm, prolific action scenes, mysterious mythological elements, and the secret sauce that is the wonderfully exuberant cast of characters to hasten things along. Despite a seemingly impervious group of friends surrounding her, her relationships do suffer with the growth of her power and influence- friendships I hadn't believed would falter did. I was a bit disappointed in several characters as a result of that, which might be why I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of the others in the series.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…
'Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…
'Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.
'The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…'

In my Magic Shifts review, I mentioned Kate and Curran having to deal with the consequences of their actions all by their lonesome- and that theme expands in this book. With a wedding to plan, and Kate being not keen on wedding planning, you get to see some fascinating displays of procrastination that even veteran procrastinators (such as myself) can admire. Kate has always had tomboyish tendencies that clash with the impending festivities, giving lightness to a book that is on the darker end of the spectrum with some of its plot elements.

Making this book more complex is the choices Kate must make by herself, that may affect the future in a myriad of ways. I don't envy Kate's role in this book, as she must confront her fears, and her past, in order to envision a new future for herself, even if it means sacrificing something she loves. True to her character, she rises to the occasion, but I felt concerned about events that may or may not come to pass in the next book.

In addition to all the drama listed above, we also have a returning character I was a bit ambivalent about, given the role they played previously. I did a recent reread of this series and became even more opposed to the return of this character, because some of what they did previously doesn't make much sense with how they're acting now. However, I think this may lead to some developments in the next book, as there are many plot threads yet to be woven together for Book #10.

Magic Binds is preparing us for one hell of a finale, which might be why I hesitate to give it five stars. It ends on a semi-cliffhanger, making you eager to read the next volume of Kate and Curran's adventures, which you will have to wait (likely another year) to read. Nonetheless, this installment should prove curative to those Kate and Curran fanatics who require a fix- myself included.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for exceptional displays of urban fantasy badassery and snark!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for the usual Kate Daniels mix of violence against mythological beings and foul mouthed epithets.

Page Count: 384 pages

"On the Edge (The Edge #1)" by Ilona Andrews

Naturally, since I am addicted to any narcotic substance writing produced by Ilona Andrews, I picked up the entire series during my buying spree at Better World Books. This book has a lot in common with Ilona Andrews' other work, Burn For Me, which I also loved, but is set in a more 'hidden world'. It's also more romance oriented than Ilona Andrews' usual urban fantasy fare, but still can't touch Halfway to the Grave.

There are three worlds in this novel: the Broken, which is basically what normal, non-magical folks like us live in daily, the Edge, which has a bit of magic to it, and has no rule of law, and the Weird, where the most magical people live and is the essential 'magic kingdom'. Most magic users can only visit two worlds, the Edge and the Weird, due to the Broken being 'broken' of magic. Others don't have enough magic to visit the Weird, or have warrants out for their arrest in the Weird. Rose can visit all three, but doesn't have the necessary papers to ensure her and her brothers' rights are respected once they cross into the Weird, hence them living on the Edge, with the occasional venture into the Broken.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.
'Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).
'But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.'

Rose is left to care for her young brothers after her father runs off when she is a teenager. Despite challenges, she raises them as best she can, until one day a stranger comes to her property looking to carry her off as his own. Declan is the kind of hero I usually wince at- he makes all kinds of demands, believes he is entitled to certain things, and will do anything to get what he wants. There are a lot of moments where my eyebrows were *almost* meeting my hairline... but all is revealed in the end, as with any good book.

Beyond Rose, who is a heroine I love (she has no issues telling bluebloods to get off her property... with actions), there are also Rose's brothers: Georgie and Jack. The way the book opens with them featured is somewhat strange- it again harkened back to Burn for Me, which also had zany characters and peculiar scenes. Although Georgie is somewhat dear to me due to his name, Jack takes the cake, as he is a lynx changeling kitten. So if you remember my obsessive Wolf puppy-centric review of Written in Red, you'll understand why I was so excited while reading this- children who turn into small fluffy things in books are on my list of favorite things ever. (Children who turn into small fluffy things in real life... now that's a nightmare waiting to happen.)

On the Edge is an exceptional escape from reality. If you've ever wondered if magic users frequent Wal-Mart, well, this book may indeed hold the answer for you. If you're addicted to fictional shifter children, this book has one. If you like urban fantasy and paranormal romance, but definitely prefer the urban fantasy bits, have no fear. I recommend this book to those who like books about adult magic users, both prosperous and penniless.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for a new (to me) favorite Ilona Andrews series!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence, sexual content, likely a few naughty words, and irritating bluebloods.

Page Count: 309 pages in my mass market paperback edition

Interesting Fact: Jack and George are also featured in a scene of Sweep in Peace, a book I read last year and haven't reviewed (yet). I'll have to reread it!

"Vision in Silver (The Others #3)" by Anne Bishop

This review features a book that is the third in The Others series, and may have spoilers for those who have not read Written in Red and Murder of Crows. My review of the first book can be found here.

During the last book, I felt that all of the action was very anti-climactic- I knew Meg and Simon would be safe, so it wasn't a very interesting read for me. With this book, that certainty of safety was whisked away, and in its place doubts began to grow. Ultimately, this was a much better book for me due to the presence of those doubts.

I've been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) to get this book at a decent price so I could read it- and it doesn't disappoint. Usually I build my expectations up so much during the anticipation of waiting for it (and salivating as I stroke the cover with my cursor while watching someone else read it on Goodreads), that the book can't ever reach the heights I've predicted. This one took me by surprise on several occasions- maybe because I've forgotten some of the plot points of the previous books (though I never forget the Wolf puppies), or maybe because the characters are becoming more dynamic in their roles.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
'Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
'For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…'

The cassandra sangue have been freed, but they haven't been freed from their addiction. Where things seem to come much easier for Meg, they struggle- and so it becomes Meg's job to be their role model, and help find ways to help them cope. Meg as a character doesn't feel like leader material- over the past few books, she's evolved to be stronger, but by no means is she completely well-adjusted. I think that's why she's such a remarkable heroine- where many authors choose to make their protagonists invulnerable, Meg isn't that type of woman. It's easy for me to see pieces of my younger (and much less confident) self in her.

Beyond the characters, this book has the continuing darker undertones of the series. It's difficult to describe without spoiling, but things are even worse than they seemed in the previous book. Sometimes you get fooled into a false sense of security with authors' foreshadowing and perspective changes, and I feel that may be what is happening with this book.... but then again, I've been played a fool by authors' conniving plot twists before.

Vision in Silver is much better than Murder of Crows, but it doesn't quite hit the heights of the first book for me (still not enough Wolf puppies). I enjoyed the evolving relationship of Meg and Simon, but let's be honest: in which book haven't I enjoyed that??? Anne Bishop has done a spectacular job with a slow-building relationship, which contributes to a large part of my love of this series. All I know is, I can't wait to read the next book, Marked in the Flesh.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a third book that exceeds the sequel!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, cutting, and inhumanity.

Page Count: 493 pages in my mass market paperback edition.

"Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1)" by Patricia Briggs

I loved the start of this book, but once I read past that- there were problems. Problems, which, may be in part due to strong personal preferences on my part- I'm horribly biased against certain male characters who rub me the wrong way. If the book is set in a patriarchal society and I begin to have flashbacks, it instantly nullifies any enjoyment I gathered from the book.

So how did this book overcome my strong dislike, despite this bias of mine? I liked the worldbuilding, the action, and pretty much everything but the male characters. Male characters were most of the cast, by the way- Mercy is one of very few women in this book. I also enjoyed that the characters were of diverse backgrounds, and that Mercy was a mechanic. However, the tug-of-war over liking/disliking this book meant it was somewhat of a chore for me to read.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy's next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy's connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water...'

As much as I liked Mercy, there were issues with my like of her too. It seemed every female she met who was around her age (not younger than her) ended up on her list of personae non gratae. I get it- you hang with the boys, so girls don't like you- except I don't. I think anyone should be able to have male and female friends, regardless of gender. Crazy, right? I understand that that might not come to fruition in the first book, but it really bothered me.

Onto the male characters. Although the author does sufficiently describe them so you get their individuality, I could not remember their names. The main issue was that their names were generic... and also, as much as they rubbed me the wrong way, they didn't strike me as being very different personality-wise from one another. The two male characters I was kinda-sorta okay with were Stefan (because he's a vamp) and Adam (he has his okay moments).

After reading the book, I was very curious as to where the author grew up- as it turns out, she was born in Butte, Montana. My problems with all those male characters likely stem from that- my "father" was from that area as well. I do have relatives I like there, but I'm still very, very uncomfortable around men from there.

Moon Called was a book I likely had too high of expectations for- and my biases kept me from liking it as much as I could have. However, I still bought another of the author's books (because: sale) and don't plan on avoiding her books until it becomes clear whether it's the writing or the books themselves I don't enjoy. If you've read my quandaries and still think this book would suit you, I wouldn't rain on your bookish parade. This book simply spawned too much hubbub with my personal opinions.

Rating: 3 of 5 Stars for a good start to a series I have very mixed feelings about.

Content: Ages 16+ for violence and sexual misconduct.

Page Count: 288 pages

"Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles #1)" by Ilona Andrews

Full Disclosure: I only read this book because it was written by Ilona Andrews. I wasn't terribly interested in the plot or the cover, but then again, when I picked up Magic Bites, I wasn't *that* into urban fantasy, either. Since I've become an Ilona Andrews fangirl, all their books are on my Amazon wishlist, and this one had a recent price plunge. Given I'm in a rather 'meh' book mood, I assumed it couldn't hurt to read something by some authors I stalk.

Although this isn't technically like Written in Red, it gave me the same impression from the start. We have a lone heroine who runs an inn for some mysterious characters (at this point, only one). When dogs in her neighborhood start getting killed off, she decides to take action, especially when the werewolf in her neighborhood won't get involved. So what's a normal human woman to do? Perhaps things aren't as they seem...

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.
'And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.'

My favorite part of the book is... things aren't as they seem. I love that there's a bit of a mystery aspect to this book with regards to its paranormal content. More than that, there's plenty of snark to be had, an old sentient mansion (love that), and most importantly, a shih tzu. Why most importantly?

Tsuki and Torrie: Camping Canines

Back when Torrie was a freshly adopted beastie, we had another older dog named Tsuki, who was a shih tzu mix. I had adopted Tsuki when he was 15 (unbeknownst to my mother and I), and I was 16 at the time. It had come as a shock he was 15, and I made him promise me he would live a year. He lived to be a month shy of 18 years old. Shih tzus, for all their fluff, are tough little things- and I was glad to see that feature exhibited in Beast, the female shih tzu in Clean Sweep.

Beyond that, I just liked the way the characters interacted- Ilona Andrews is great at making me laugh and making characters come to life. Dina really doesn't want the help Sean wants to give her, but she gets it anyway. The mysterious killings kind of took a backseat to that, so in a way this book was character driven- not a bad thing, in my opinion.

Clean Sweep is an absolutely flipping adorable urban fantasy read. I finished it with a smile on my face- more than I can say for most of my reads, which sometimes leave me with mixed feelings. However, it was on the short side, and being a lover of longer books, I had wanted a little extra- a little extra I'll have to get whenever I get my hands on Sweep in Peace, the next book in the series. So if you like urban fantasy and don't mind some sci-fi crossover, I recommend you look no further than Clean Sweep.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a read that brightened my day!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence.

Page Count: 235 pages

"Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs #1)" by Elizabeth Hunter

About a month ago the author (who is one of my favorites) emailed me about perhaps reading and reviewing her newest addition to the Cambio Springs series. The problem was, I hadn't read it yet, although when I looked it up, it wasn't the genre I thought it was. I'm not sure why, but I'd gotten the impression this was a contemporary romance series rather than a paranormal/urban romance and fantasy series. So when the first two books in this series came up as a super cheap Kindle Daily Deal, I snagged both of them.

Fast forward to when I actually picked it up: I was pretty much hooked from the start. It always seems like there is a static heroine for paranormal romance books: independent, but down on her luck, single, usually (and boringly) of European descent, and usually pretty alone in the world, so the vampires/shifters/paranormal beings can scoop her up into their weird version of the world. With this book, the heroine, Jena, is already part of the paranormal world, when an outsider arrives to become their sheriff. She also has children (two boys), family, and friends who all live in the small town of Cambio Springs. Jena has a more varied ancestry than your usual heroine, along with more responsibilities- and it makes her so much more interesting because of it.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Somedays, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs—big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.
'Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.
'When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.'

Caleb, being the token outsider in an insider town, had much more to adjust to. He realizes something fishy is going on in the town, but isn't certain what until he starts drinking the Kool Aid, so to speak. After he drinks said Kool Aid, everything becomes much clearer, even as what he thought he believed gets turned upside down. He was easy to relate to but I didn't find him as interesting as Jena, maybe because he wasn't already embedded into the culture of Cambio Springs.

Some of my favorite characters in this book weren't even really a part of the main storyline, which makes me want to pick up the next book right now and cross my fingers that their number didn't come up. Joe Quinn, who we meet on the first page, reminded me of quite a few 'characters' in my own family. There is an obvious set up for the next book within this one, but really it only gives you something to look forward to. I can't really put my finger on why this book hasn't made it to the four stars ranking, but despite the charm and excellent characterization, I felt something was missing.

Shifting Dreams is a genre-bending paranormal romance that has a wide range of appeal to niche readers. So you like small towns? Mysteries set in small towns? But with some romance? How about some outside the box elements? Perhaps some paranormal aspects? And add in some kids for 'aww' moments? If you answered yes to all of those queries, this will be an ideal read for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great, mysterious shifter romance!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence and steamy scenes.

Page Count: 260 pages