We’re really in the thick of it now with Magic Slays. It’s halfway through the series, and the story is moving quickly now with established relationships and characters. Angie and love some, and we dislike some, and it always makes for an interesting conversation.

Read on to find out how we felt about book 5 in the Kate Daniels series.

*Please be advised that since this is a discussion, there will be spoilers.

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels #5
Urban Fantasy
Berkley Publishing Group | June, 2011

About the Book: Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

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…

Part 1

Angie Elle: I hate to start off with this, because I feel like this series is so much more than just Kate and Curran’s romance, but I am always a romance reader first. And I love so much how their relationship is progressing. Curran really put his cards on the table in this one just when Kate needed it most, and damn if I don’t love that beast.

Birdie Bookworm: I agree with you! The series is so much more than the romance, but it’s impossible not to think of the romance first. Kate and Curran are so magical. It’s rare that a couple finally gets together and still stays relevant and interesting. Kate and Curran jump that hurdle with ease.

Angie Elle: They really do!

Birdie Bookworm: I didn’t realize how early Curran told Kate that he’d leave the pack for her. I remember that conversation, and I know where things go, but I was a little surprised how fast he gave that to her. I loved it, obviously, but I just thought it came later.

Angie Elle: I wasn’t surprised. I remembered it being right on the heels of his pack essentially turning on Kate when his life was in peril. We don’t get Curran’s perspective in these books, but that is something we found out here (and again in the later books,) really stuck with him and made him feel betrayed.

Even aside from Kate and Curran, the relationship dynamics in this story are so well done, from Derek and Julie to Ascanio and Derek to Kate and Andrea – who by the way, remind me of Thelma and Louise. I love that this series started out with Kate as a loner, but she’s found her ride or die in both Andrea and Curran.

Birdie Bookworm: I think we can add Derek to that list too. She cares about other people in the pack, but really her core circle are Curran, Andrea, Derek and Julie. I think those four are who she considers family.

Angie Elle: Back to Ascanio – I had forgotten about his character, but as soon as he was introduced, I remembered who he was and I knew I loved him to pieces. I don’t remember much about the specifics, just that he was so charming. And that, of course, brings me to Aunt B. It’s hilarious that she is the only one with the ability to pull Kate’s strings. And she does it in such a way that Kate never sees it coming until it’s right on top of her.

Birdie Bookworm: I have always had a soft spot for Ascanio. I guess I’m like Aunt B, but I love him. I love how he started in this book, and I love how he progresses. I think I just have a soft spot for the Bouda’s actually, because I love Raphael too. And Aunt B. I think they’re my favorite sect of the pack, personally.

And yes, I love how Aunt B handles Kate. But, I also love that Kate lets her. I think Kate loves and looks up to Aunt B.

Angie Elle: There were a lot of highlights in this book – I know say it with each installment, and it’s also true of Magic Slays. It once again upped the ante, and that Ilona Andrews is still doing this five books in boggles my mind. The biggest highlight for me here was Kate learning the truth about Voron and her mother, and all the fears that came bubbling up. I feel like it’s so true to life – illusions are often shattered as you come into adulthood and learn hard truths.

Birdie Bookworm: I agree with that. I also thought it was true to life how it made her questions the legitimacy of Curran’s feelings for her. Does he love her truly, or is she like her mother? That was one of my favorite scenes, by the way. I loved reading Curran reassuring her.