Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #5)

*Mild spoilers ahead*

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate. 

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price…

Paperback.

Full-length novel.

First person.

Yes. 

I don't think you can read these books without having read the other books in the series.

They're happy for now. 

It's Urban Fantasy, no HEA occurs (or is certain) until the final book.

Yes.

What I Liked: 

We got more info on Kate's past, which was awesome! We got plenty of Kate and Curran action, which was awesome, and Andrea returned and joined Kate at Cutting Edge Investigations! (Which was - you guessed it! - awesome.)

The plot was pretty grim - when faced with genocidal fanatics it's never going to be a picnic - and there were a few heartbreaking moments but I absolutely loved the humour in this book which really lightened the tone of the book despite the darker plot.

I had a great time reading about the witches and learning about the volhvs and all in all this world keeps getting richer and I'm really loving it.

What I Didn't Like: 

Julie. 

The kid is not endearing she is annoying as hell with an over-inflated sense of her own importance.

Other Thoughts:

I'm curious as to why Roland hasn't cropped up in these books yet. Seriously, we're five books in now and still he hasn't appeared. 

He's the freaky big bad. 

Kate's doing ever more risky magic and still no sign of him... Although I'm curious about the 'voice' in Kate's head at a especially risky magic moment near the end of the book... I did wonder if it was him - and if so why he helped her - but I guess only time will tell!

"I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.” 

💬

“May I say that I am delighted that my favourite alpha is feeling better. Why, you'll be running recklessly into danger against overwhelming odds anytime now.” 

💬

“Put your badass faces on and follow me.”