Magic Rises is one of the most important books in the Kate Daniels saga, I think.  So much changes and happens, both the good and the bad, and it’s so fast paced that you finish before you know it.  It was the perfect book to bring back the topic questions in our discussion, because we did not want to miss a thing!

 So, before you scroll down to read below, please make sure you pop over Angie Elle’s blog BaBAMB to read the first half of our conversation.  That’s where we discuss the necessity of Curran’s actions with another woman, and trust me you don’t want to miss it.

Afterwards, come back and read below for the conclusion.  And as always, thank you for visiting!

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

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels #6
Urban Fantasy
Berkley Publishing Group | August, 2013

Part 2

Three good deeds from Kate stood out in this book – rescuing Christopher, rescuing Hibla, and selflessly saving the creature in the cave. All three things came back to her in different ways. What are your thoughts?

Angie Elle: Oh, man. I loved this so much. I feel like Hibla was the ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ portrayal, and Christopher and the creature were good karma coming back at her. I had completely forgotten about Christopher and the panacea, and when he begged Kate not to cry and told her he would make it for her…my heart just melted. Because one – what has that man been through that his mind is so broken now? What did Hugh do to him? And two – it was essentially Kate who saved the day (and the future of the pack in a way) by saving Christopher here. I was so in love with that thought!

Birdie Bookworm: Christopher, his entire arc, has always been one of the standouts for me in the KD world.  I can’t say too much, because I think I’ll give things away, because I pretty much remember everything.  I just know that her rescue of Christopher, and what it ended up meaning for the Pack is pretty major. That, if for no other reason, should have given Kate acceptance.  Rescuing Hibla, I’m not sure I think Kate would have done it differently if she had known what would happen. Kate is different from Roland in that she doesn’t force suffering.  Even when she thought Christopher was being punished for something bad, she still gave him water and hated his cage. I think maybe she wishes she’d released Hibla and just stabbed her through her evil heart.

What were your initial thoughts about Mahon’s behavior and attitude while reading Magic Rises?

Angie Elle: Mahon has never been a standout character for me, so I didn’t really give his behavior much thought. It was Doolittle’s behavior that shocked me and saddened me the most. My heart broke for Kate in those moments.

Birdie Bookworm: Mahon isn’t a stand out character for me either, however I think he’s integral to the Curran, therefore I keep my eye on him.  I’m not sure I believe the change from previous books to this one, with his new attitude of ‘you will be accepted’. I don’t trust him.

As far as Doolittle, I believe that cares for Kate beyond as her physician.  I think he considers her his friend, and someone that he can rely on and vice versa.  I was sad for Kate that he reacted how he did, but I didn’t blame him. I don’t think he would have been horrified if Kate’s magic didn’t bind people to her.  Nobody wants to lose their free will. I think even Julie would have preferred dying.

Angie Elle: I’m not so sure of that. Maybe in a fit of rage upon finding out (and righteously so,) but when it comes right down to it, deciding to die is a hard decision.

Birdie Bookworm: I don’t disagree, but I think so is giving someone ultimate control over your freedom, even when that person is trustworthy.  I think it would be especially hard for a shifter.

Do you think Doolittle will walk again?

Angie Elle: I’m not sure. I like the idea of seeing that shapeshifters can’t remain untouched by battle, like with Derek and his scars. I think it’s a good reminder for them. Especially with Kate as an alpha, I think it may make them feel even more indestructible.

Birdie Bookworm: I agree with that.  I generally hate when someone is miraculously cured, and I think because they’re shapeshifters it’s easy to fall back on their accelerated healing.  Plus, there’s something about Doolittle in a wheelchair that just fits for me. Does that make me sound horrible?

Angie Elle: Not at all. It’s how we know him now. It’s funny, because I completely forgot about this happening, and once it did, I immediately had an image of him in a wheelchair, so I knew it wasn’t something he was going to snap out of.

Birdie Bookworm: I think I automatically picture him in a wheelchair now, like Professor X or something.  When we started the reread it felt odd when they said he walked.

We lost Aunt B in this installment, and as we’ve both mentioned we loved her character, it was a pretty big loss. What do you think of the way she went out?

Angie Elle: Aunt B went out in a blaze of glory, and as sad as it made me, it also makes my heart happy to know that’s how it played out. She radiated love for her pack, and to think she went out so her line could continue and her son would never have to kill his children the way she did was her perfect swan song. She may have been manipulative, but everything she did was love for pack. Right up to her dying breath.

Birdie Bookworm: She was manipulative, but I think it was always because her heart was in the right place.  I think she found Kate to be someone she could force into being an ally, but I think that was because she also thought Kate was someone she could trust.  I hate that she’s gone now, because she’s always been one of my favorite characters, but I loved that she got a good death. It was impactful.

What do you think the future holds for Desandra and her Lamassu child?  How will the pack handle that?

Angie Elle: I am not sure. I think it will be an issue, for sure. I hope Desandra keeps her spunk. She was annoying at first, but her character really grew on me. I ended up liking her a lot. Especially when she offed her father. I was so happy when she finally showed her strength.

Birdie Bookworm: I like her too!  I hope she finds her place with the pack, even with her lamassu child.  I mean, the child only turns into a lamassu when they eat human flesh, so maybe the strict laws of the pack will be extra important here.

Angie Elle: Yes, I agree. Pack law will really have to be enforced and possibly changed to encompass this situation.

Going into Magic Rises, we both admitted this wasn’t a highlight of the series for us. Did your feelings change upon this reread?

Birdie Bookworm: Actually, when I started this I remembered how high I rated this one the first time.  I think when I was remembering, before starting, I got the scene when Kate falls into the pit (into the water) confused with another book and that was the one I disliked.  I thought when I started reading Magic Rises I’d find that I wasn’t as overwhelmed the second time around, because that happened to me with the last two rereads.  However, I was wrong. I ended up liking this reread as much as I did the first time.

Angie Elle: I, on the other hand, am eating my words. I was more invested in this book than any other in the series, and I felt like this was a huge game changer. (It had to be said – we say it at least once each discussion. LOL) This was originally my least favorite in the series, to the point where I just wanted to get this read over with. It’s my favorite now. I loved it so freaking much. I am so excited for the next one. Because I have no memories beyond this book.

Birdie Bookworm: That makes me even more excited to reread with you!

Angie Elle: Ditto!

Kate Daniels discussion schedule below.