I can’t believe how fast we’re flying through this reread!  We’re already on the seventh book, Magic Breaks.  Not only are we having a great time, talking about everything together, but it’s also helping to bridge the gap until Magic Triumphs comes out!

Things are moving right along in Kate Daniels world.  We’re really getting into the thick of things, which includes Kate and Curran moving forward with their relationship, and we finally get some one on one with Kate’s father.

Read part one of our discussion below, then make sure you click the link at the bottom to continue our discussion on Books & Beauty are my Bag.  You’re not going to want to miss it!

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

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels #7
Urban Fantasy
Ace | July, 2014

Part 1

We’re seven books in now.
What do you think of the world building and the overall atmosphere of the series?

Birdie Bookworm: I feel like the world has become familiar to me, just like the characters.  I mean, that has to be a reflection of good world building, right? Compared to other series I’ve read, I feel like I know this world intimately.

Angie Elle: I love it, and I feel like it hasn’t lessened. Like with Mishmar – the atmosphere was so rich and layered – it reminded me of Stephen King’s Rose Red. The movie, obviously, as I’ve never made it through a King book. I think the authors are master world builders, and I love the scenes they create for us.

Magic Breaks is the first book where most of it is spent with Kate and Curran separated.  How did you feel about Curran’s absence?

Birdie Bookworm: I’ve never ever been a fan of characters being separated for long periods of time.  I remember how much I struggled with this the first time I read it, however this time around I could appreciate the opportunity it gave Kate to prove to herself, and others, how capable she is of putting herself on the line for the pack.

Angie Elle: It didn’t bother me, especially after last installment. I just love seeing Kate separate from Curran, and I love her strength and determination. We always get that, I just felt like it was so prevalent here. And I loved it.

What were your first impressions of Roland?

Angie Elle: My first impressions of Roland came a while ago with the knowledge of what he’d done to his previous children and Kate’s mother. But I have to admit, while I find him funny, I also find him underwhelming in a way. I enjoy his character, but I would like to see a more outwardly villainous man.

Birdie Bookworm: I expected an overtly evil character, one who would immediately try and kill Kate.  I thought the fact that he didn’t was a little underwhelming, but I also thought it was an original move on the part of the authors.  Having him act almost paternally was a huge switch that I never expected.

Kate has laid claimed to Atlanta, seemingly trumping Roland.
What do you think this is going to mean for their rivalry going forward?

Angie Elle: I think Roland was given a great introduction to how deep Kate’s power runs in Magic Breaks, but I still can’t help but wonder how full of himself he is. And does he even feel the need to prepare for doing battle with his daughter. I think Roland is comfortable and complacent. And no matter how much power he has, that’s a dangerous place to be.

Birdie Bookworm: Perhaps, but I don’t think Kate has the power to defeat him yet.  I think when Kate wins it won’t be due to her power vs his. It will be due to Kate and her families power, and that’s what he’s underestimating.  He’s underestimating Kate and Curran, and the people who love and follow them into battle.

Angie Elle: I don’t think she has the power to win, either, but I think she’s a bigger force to be reckoned with than he realizes. He’s underestimating a lot of things here, and it begins with Kate herself. If he gave that some thought, I think the rest would sink in.

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.

Ghastek is a major player in Atlanta, but he hasn’t always been front and center in the Kate Daniels series. Did you like how prominent he was in this book compared to previous installments?

Birdie Bookworm: You know, remembering my first read of Magic Breaks, I thought it was Ghastek and Kate captured in the pit that I disliked, but now I don’t think so.  Their time in the pit turned out to be one of my favorite scenes, because it gave us something about Ghastek to care about.  I mean, he’s still an enemy but now in my head he’s more a gray character. I enjoyed watching them forge a bond beyond just being adversaries.

Angie Elle: I’ve always found Ghastek to be such an interesting character, and I loved Kate learning more about him and making him more human to her, and by extension, us. I thought the authors created such a wonderful foundation to give us more. Also, I almost died laughing at Jim’s ‘Necro in the hole!’ What a freaking hoot.

Now, don’t forget, go read the second half of our chat over on Angie’s blog, BaBAMB!  Before you leave, make sure you show her some love!

Kate Daniels discussion schedule below.