Magic Slays

Written by Ilona Andrews

Narrated by Renee Raudman

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, and 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. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it-fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jun 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452671390

Ilona Andrews

“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian, and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.) They have co-authored four New York Times and USA Today bestselling series: the urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles. They live in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.

Reviews for Magic Slays

[tina_ku · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fifth in a series of seven planned books Magic Slays is not a stand alone work.  To fully understand what is going on you need to have read the four previous books.  The two novellas included above are set in the same world but are not necessarily part of the main story arc.  Because this is the fifth book the review may contain spoilers for previous books so please be warned.

While at its heart the Kate Daniels books are Urban Fantasy with a kick ass heroine they are also novels that focus on the growth and relationships of the characters.  Throughout the series we've followed a trail of bread crumbs about Kate's origins, childhood and capabilities.  Each successive book reveals a bit more and Magic Slays gives us the most complete picture yet.  Who Kate is today is strongly tied to her past and who she is today strongly impacts her relationships with the people around her.  She doesn't trust easily, has been taught to avoid becoming entangled with others and is by necessity in your face independent.  And I love her.  She is one of my favorite UF heroines.  Deliciously flawed, amazingly passionate, and while both physically and emotionally strong she is also vulnerable.

Curran is...well, he's Curran.  Alpha to the max times 100.  Hot, strong, clever, possessive, passionate, and the leader of a volatile people.  He and Kate are explosive together - two alpha personalities learning to live and work together.

While I loved the action and the conflict in this book (they all have awesome conflict and secondary characters) my favorite part was Kate's struggle over her relationship with Curran.  His motivations, her motivations, and the way they have to learn to deal with each other.  In the world they live in both of them put their lives at risk on a frequent basis.  As all people in love do, they want each other to be safe and they find creative ways to compromise while not changing who they are at heart.  Seeing Kate come to the realization that yes, Curran does love her, is touching.  The lengths that both of them go to to protect the people they love show the core of strength and honor they possess.

All of the secondary characters are so well developed in this world that I wish there were novellas for each of them so we could focus on their stories as well.  I don't know if there will be a storybook HEA for Curran and Kate but I trust the writing team of Ilona Andrews and wherever they are taking this.  Through five books they have exceeded my expectations and blown away what I thought I wanted to see for these characters so yeah, wherever they go I'm okay with it.

When does book six come out?

[John Kearney · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book was fantastic. I can't wait to find out what happens in the future.

[jlharmon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The library finally ran out of Kate Daniels audiobooks, so I had to get this one on my kindle. That definitely changed the tone of the book. Or maybe the tone of this one was slightly different. More comfortable. Less serious maybe? In any case, we know what the endgame plot is now: Kate has to take on her evil dad. But she is nowhere near strong enough. So she has to build up her skills. In this installment, Kate learns more about blood magic and vampirism. She gets some extra sidekicks, and oh yeah, she and Curran are officially a thing. They still have some relationship issues to work on, but hey! They at least haven't killed each other yet! And they need to work together because someone is trying to turn off the magic. The fight scenes were definitely less gory in written form. For that I am grateful. But still pretty gory, especially if you pay attention to what you're reading too closely.

I look forward to the next book, and I think I am next on the library's waitlist, so I won't have to wait very long!

[Joshua Combs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have really enjoyed this series this far and it is growing in it's depth of overall material, characters and plot as it goes on.

[carvanz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Audiobook: Narrator – Rene Raudman

What more can I say about this narrator that hasn’t already been said? She’s amazing in her performance of this book/series. Yes, I had to adjust to her in the first book or two but now I can’t imagine anyone else doing the voices as she does. She has literally brought these characters to life for me!


I’m so invested in this series! And holy heck! This book had me on the edge of my seat like none of the previous books. I was frustrated each time I had to set it aside because I needed to know what was going on, and more importantly what Kate was going to do next. It really gives us a lot more of her background, things she didn’t even know. I have to admit my heart hurt for her regarding some of them.


We have a lot more of Kate and Curran time and I absolutely LOVED that! There is also a lot of heartbreak, uncertainty, fear and drama as well. With warnings from book buddies, I worried that the worse that could happen would happen. As the layers peeled back with each step forward I wanted to both shut my eyes/ears to it all and thrust forward as quickly as possible to reach the end.

Like before, as soon as I finished this one I was ready for the next! I need more Kate!

[teknokat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this series. These novels by the Gordon writing team have the humor and sexiness of a Stephanie Plum romp, the mystery and thrill of a Cotton Malone caper, and the philosophical questions of a Heinlein sci-fi adventure.

I think these stories resonate so strongly with females due to the emphasis on character relationships. I particularly liked how the authors portrayed Kate's broad, accepting definition of 'family', which includes the Pack, an adopted daughter, etc. To provide a sharp contrast, the bad guys in this tale are an anti-magic/pro-technology group that intends to cleanse the world of tainted/unclean/cheater magic users to return the world to 'the good old days'.

Another thing that I love about Kate is that she is always developing as a person. (That was my big problem with the Stephanie Plumb novels: no matter what Steph experienced, she remained the same gal she was in high school.) Kate basically has to develop a workable 'marriage' with Curran, which is no easy feat, given their warrior personalities. There was also a particularly nice scene where Kate does a pretty good impression of Judge Judy.

[funstm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first time I read Magic Bites I didn't get why there were so many rave reviews. I mean it seemed pretty average. The world building was cool and Kate seemed alright but a bit standoffish. The romance between Kate and Crest was mediocre - it seemed like she didn't like him at all and it felt forced and awkward. The romance between her and Curran wasn't any better. It didn't make sense why he followed her home while he was on his date. I liked Derek and Ghastek was creepy. There was lots of snappy, witty dialogue and I had a few laughs - but I was just confused. It was good but it wasn't great. Yeah - read the rest of the series. It gets SO MUCH BETTER. Kate stops being standoffish and starts letting people in. Derek becomes a total badass. Ghastek - well he's still pretty creepy. But also funny and kind and sweet when he wants to be. And Curran - I love him now. He is an absolute ass in this first book. But I forgot. He becomes everything you want in a love interest. There's a ton of new loveable characters; Julie, Andrea, Aunt Bea, Raphael, Barbaras. Some new evil ones; Hugh, Roland. So much action and adventure and intensity and laughs. So do yourself a favour. Keep reading. This series is crazy intense. So much happens in every book. It can be kind of exhausting at times. I love Derek deciding to branch out with Kate. Julie almost dying ARRGH!!! Asciano is hysterical.

[tetisheri-604255 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love anything by Ilona Andrews, but the Kate Daniels series is my favorite. I want to be Kate when I grow up.

The world building in this series is wonderful and each book adds onto its complexity. The characters are nuanced and layered and so very real. Each book sucks me in and doesn't want to let me go. I will be very sad when the series ends.

[skybalon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

By all rights this series should have jumped the shark a book or so ago. Instead the series if anything keeps getting better. There's a reasonable amount of character growth and some progress towards the main arc that spans the novels. Highly recommended.

[letora · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kate Daniels is on her own. Opening up her own agency sounded like a good idea until the lack of clients makes her think otherwise. When a familiar face from the past shows up asking for help, Kate has no choice but to accept the case. A man by the name of Adam Kamen has engineered a magical device and gone missing. What does the device do? No one will tell Kate, but from the looks of it, things might just explode. As Kate dives into the investigation, she finds that magic is disappearing. Vampires begin to run wild as the People lose their hold on them, wards vanish and age old enchantments are suddenly lifted. And in the midst of it all, Julie has decided she no longer wants to be away at school and runs away back to the city. Chaos at its finest and in the middle of it all Kate Daniels. Could we really have it any other way?

Kate has her hands full this time around. Between trying to balance pack politics, running her first solo investigation and dealing with Julie wandering the streets of Atlanta, there is never a dull moment. Then again, the Kate Daniels series always keeps you on your toes. Ilona Andrews has built a series where each character becomes endeared to you. And Andrews takes plenty of liberties with those bonds as she decides to slice through the heartstrings with this novel, just as precisely as Kate would behead a vampire with Slayer.

[starknits_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

9/18 reread
Kate is now with Curran and living with him. He’s given her a business. That’s an “arrangement” with the pack actually she has to pay it back. Only thing they don’t have any clients.
In this book Kate learns somethings about her mom.

[roses7184_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Here I am at the fifth book in the Kate Daniels series. I've ravenously read this series until they are no more (published) books to read, and I'm so hooked I can't even explain it to you anymore. Magic Slays is amazing. It seems with every book I just grow closer and closer to the characters who inhabit Kate Daniels' little corner of the world. For me to still be hooked after this many books? You know it's a good series.

Magic Slays is the book where we finally get to see Kate and Curran as a couple. A COUPLE. Up until now they've fought, loved, and bantered, but at the beginning of this installment these two are officially hitched. I was a little worried. Would the Kate Daniels I know and love go soft on me? Would she stop being as kick-ass and amazing as before? I don't even know why I worried. She's still the same Kate Daniels! With the addition of being a little more grounded, and allowing Ilona Andrews the chance to give us a peek into the adoration between these two. *swoon* I ate it up.

In fact, this book heavily plays on Kate's new relationship and how it is going to affect her life from here on. There are new pieces of her past uncovered, and little tidbits of learning how to now be part of a twosome, rather than a lone wolf. As Consort, Kate has to learn how to balance her responsibilities to the Pack with the ones she has to herself. Trust me, this is a novel where she grows! So many crazy emotions flitted through me as I read. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more.

So many things happen in Magic Slays that drive the story forward, and I'd be a total liar if I said I didn't almost sob when I got to the ending. Kate Daniels is my favorite character. Hands down. Her kindness, her loyalty, her ability to be so selfless, I just can't express to you how much I adore the whole package that Andrews puts forth in her main character. Trust me, you need to start this series if you haven't already. In the meantime I'll be barely containing my impatience as I salivate over the next installment.

[narilka · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Magic Slays is the fifth in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It's another solid entry to the series.As magic and technology continue their unending cycle for dominance, Atlanta remains as deadly as ever. Kate has quit her job at the Order and opened her own paranormal investigation business. It turns out that rebuilding your reputation from the ground up is no easy task and it's making clients hard to come by. So when one of the Masters of the Dead calls for help when a vampire gets lose, Kate jumps at the chance. A Master of the Dead losing control is rare enough but when it turns out not to be an isolated incident, Kate knows there is something very wrong. She must get to the bottom of things quickly before the situation goes from bad to worse.I'm mostly enjoying Kate and Curran's evolved relationship. The dynamic has changed a bit as you'd expect given the situation with Curran having some serious jealousy and possessiveness issues any time Kate even looks at another male that he has GOT to get over. I like that Kate is still learning to navigate the Pack and it's not always easy. I did miss many of the side characters but am happy to say that Andrea's back!! She's a great side kick for Kate. The dialog continues to be sarcastic and funny and there is action galore. About the only downside is the bad guys. Andrews didn't pull from myths as deeply as in previous books instead using a secret society angle as the big bad. While the threat they represented was quite dire, it felt less personal as it was more generalized instead of being tied directly to Kate and her crazy family. The very end of the book leaves us with a great hook for the next installment, which looks like it might finally start leading to Roland.

[phyllis2779 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed this very much. Very suspenseful. The authors are great and world-building. The characters are very interesting, although sometimes too perfect. I'm really addicted to this series and have been zipping through it. Binge-worthy.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Magic Slays
5 Stars

In Magic Slays, the plot, world building and characterization diverge from the previous installments and move in an altogether new and compelling direction. As such, readers looking for more of the same might be disappointed while those who are not adverse to change are in for an exciting ride.

Rather than dealing with creatures from various mythologies seeking to take over the world, the story revolves around a routine investigation with far reaching consequences - the kidnapping of an eccentric scientist and the disappearance of his doomsday weapon set off a chain of events that could destroy the world as Kate knows it. Numerous magical factions co-existing within post-apocalyptic Atlanta, new and old, must work together to combat a common enemy. The dynamics between the different groups, sometimes dark and mistrustful and at other times hysterically funny, adds a fascinating dimension to a world readers thought they were familiar with.

The writing is fast-paced as always and the action scenes exhilarating, especially the showdown at the end. Despite their self-proclaimed humanity, the villains in the book commit some of the most heinous atrocities in the series so far and that is saying a lot. The underlying message condemning ethnocentrism and the crimes committed throughout history, ostensibly for the betterment of human society, is particularly apt.

The most significant changes, however, concern the characters. Kate and Curran are now officially together but the course of true love never did run smooth. Readers who expect Kate to remain the same independent lone wolf are likely to be displeased. However, the argument that she is now a shadow of her former self and caves in to Curran's demands is simplistic and even inaccurate. Kate and Curran are both struggling with the changes in their dynamic and are forced to find a balance in order to be together. Kate remains a powerful force to be reckoned with; she stands up to Curran when the situation warrants it and compromises when necessary. This is what being committed to another person entails and it would be naive to believe that she would not develop both as an individual and as part of a pair.

Kate is also forced to face some harsh revelations about her mother's relationship with her stepfather and accept the bitter truth of Voran's feelings for her. These have the potential of undermining her romance with Curran but thankfully the angst is not too drawn out and the strength of their love for each other prevails.

The secondary characters are engaging as always. Andrea returns after her disappearance and while this is glossed over quickly, more details will hopefully be forthcoming in her book,Gunmetal Magic. Julie also plays a pivotal role in the story and there are also tantalizing hints at things to come with Derek and the new kid, Ascanio.

Overall, this series continues to amaze and I cannot wait for the release of Magic Rises.

[yas4735-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An epic battle, lots of snarky banter, and a load of angst makes this book a must read. Still not as good as the others but worth reading.

[shiinale · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amazing! Even though curran n Kate are mated, they still have all of their tension. I love the way Kate doesn't just fall madly in love with him at first sight. I love their dynamic. I feel the conclusion was too jumpy. The climax wasn't what I had expected, everything went too smoothly. But awesome overall.

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anyone who has followed my reviews knows that I am in love with this series. Seriously....it is just the best. I loved this book when I read it over 4 years ago and I loved it during this re-read. I probably liked it even more the second time around because I know how some things are going to work out and it is really interesting to see some of the ground work being laid. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent listening to this book.This book starts with a lot of excitement. Kate gets a call that there is a loose vampire heading her way. She acts quickly and is able to capture the vampire but then everything falls apart fast. With Andrea's help, Kate works her way through the situation. Andrea accepts Kate's offer to join her business and they get their first client. The case turns out to be a very serious one that could put everyone with magic in danger.All of the characters that I have grown to love over the course of the series make an appearance in this book. Kate and Curran are now officially a couple and I have to say that I like them both a bit more together. They still speak their mind with each other but there are plenty of more tender moments that melted my heart. I was glad to see Andrea play an important role in this story. Julie has some serious life changing events happen in this installment. Derek was awesome as always and Ascanio proved how awesome he can really be. I enjoyed the narration. After a rough start with the audio for this series, I have come to really appreciate Rene Raudman's performance of these books. She handles a wide variety of character voices with ease. The emotions that she is able to convey during the story really take the book to a whole new level. The pacing was perfectly done. This was an audiobook that I didn't want to put down and was able to listen to for hours at a time.I would highly recommend this series to others. This is the fifth book in the series and I really do feel that this is a series that needs to be read in order. I loved this book even though it wasn't quite my favorite in the series it was really close. I can't wait to continue with my re-read!

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After a self-imposed hiatus (to avoid burn-out from back-to-back reading) of several months, I picked up Magic Slays and did exactly what I thought I would do: devoured it. I liked this one more than the last one; the crises in this book felt more realistic (relatively speaking) than Kate taking on a goddess 'mano e mano' so to speak. I also loved that she and Curran stopped fighting long enough to enjoy each other's company once in awhile (the dinner scene was awesome!). Kate comes close to my ideal for a fictional heroine. I'm just going to give in and buy the rest of the books. Bring on the binge reading!

[nonesuch42 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The library finally ran out of Kate Daniels audiobooks, so I had to get this one on my kindle. That definitely changed the tone of the book. Or maybe the tone of this one was slightly different. More comfortable. Less serious maybe? In any case, we know what the endgame plot is now: Kate has to take on her evil dad. But she is nowhere near strong enough. So she has to build up her skills. In this installment, Kate learns more about blood magic and vampirism. She gets some extra sidekicks, and oh yeah, she and Curran are officially a thing. They still have some relationship issues to work on, but hey! They at least haven't killed each other yet! And they need to work together because someone is trying to turn off the magic. The fight scenes were definitely less gory in written form. For that I am grateful. But still pretty gory, especially if you pay attention to what you're reading too closely.

I look forward to the next book, and I think I am next on the library's waitlist, so I won't have to wait very long!

[theyodamom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Whirlwind action and tear jerking happenings. Kate steps up and kicks arse big time. She confronts enemies from outside and inside the pack, with style. Curran, what a man, he does not let her down. He loves her and believes in her and nothing will change that. There is sadness and death, a dear one is lost, another one is hanging on the edge. Did I mention tears.. because the authors have twisted my heart all over the place again, and I loved it. The book is an amazing addition to the Kate Daniels series. I already want to re-read it.

[cmlloyd67 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great read. The mythology and folklore referenced in these books is above par. This one focuses on Russian folklore and mythology - using Russian words and phrases. You can tell the writer is intimately familiar with the folk narrative.

The heroine's (Kate Daniels) back story is explored further - and in an interesting manner. This round we learn about her mother, who it turns out - wasn't all that much better than the father. Talk about your dysfunctional families. Her story is a decidedly dark twist on the King Arthur legend.

We also get more on the supporting cast, Andrea Nash, and the bouda clan, as well as Curran.
Plus a few new characters...a Russian wizard - Roman, a shapeshifting lawyer, who happens to be gay, Barrabas, and a Russian Witch, Evodokia.

Nash is fledged out more and is Daniels's best friend/bud.

You do, however, have to read the first four books prior to this one. And this one isn't quite as good as Magic Bleeds and Magic Strikes, but it has its moments. Along with a few game-changers.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened for Fun (Audible)Overall Rating: 4.25Story Rating: 4.50Character Rating: 4.00Audio Rating: 5.00 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: Other than the unnecessary relationship drama in Kate's head (at least she calls herself on it) Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews was another KICK ASS addition to the series. I am just plowing through these (I am going to regret it when I have to wait with everyone else). Loved the fighting and the detective agency. Can't wait to see where the story goes now!Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Renée Raudman / Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins Broken Record Alert: Love Renee's narration of this series. It is a MUST LISTEN!Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

[aly3636 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Who does love some Kate Daniels? This book is great, her and Curran always kick butt. There are some great moments in this book and some moments that make me laugh. I love what these two have together it makes for a fun and exciting book series.

[msralways · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

AMAZING book! Just awesome! Can't decide whether this one or Magic Bleeds is my favorite, but I can say that I can't wait to read the next one!

[drhapgood · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really wish I could remember fine details of books I read for pleasure, because it would make picking up books like this so much easier. This is probably a five-star book, but given my poor recall of what happened in the last book, I spent of lot of time in "huh" moments. The writers do a great job of trying to help mindless sots like me out with lots of reminder statements throughout the book (and to those readers that hate those summary statements, I say SUCK IT!) but they can only do so much. If I don't really remember Kate and Andrea interacting (I remember the whole fight club thing, but that's about it) I struggle to identify with the friendship.

There was a dog in the last book? Really? I know, I'm hopeless and deserve to never read a series until it is completely published.

[lquilter_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The 5th Kate Daniels novel does not disappoint. Although it doesn't especially stand out, it was competently done, kept my interest, everything moved ahead, and some interesting ground was laid for future developments. Kate & Curran wrestled with their new live-in relationship. Julie comes back to Atlanta, and her relationship with Kate is solidified. A new character -- Ascanio -- is introduced. Kate's backstory is filled out, and a little bit of a mystery is laid in: Who was the voice in her head when she was doing the blood ritual with Julie? And I liked Curran's response to said blood ritual: Don't fucking do that again! That was some fucked-up shit. What can I say, I'm a Southerner, and we cuss. Recommended if you like this series. If you haven't started this series, but like well-written urban fantasy with a quippy edge, strong female characters, and a satisfying relationship with a minimum of annoying relationship drama, then pick up the Kate Daniels series.

[creativejunkie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars

Another great book in the Kate Daniels series. This team definitely hit their stride with book three and just kept on coming.

My only criticism was the overwhelming number of characters introduced. I find myself confused about who is who through a great deal of their books.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book - the storyline, the action, the sexy times (*cough I wouldn't say no to more cough*).

Now I've run out of books to read and have to sit around and wait like the rest of you. Harumph.

[sharrow_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant!!

[scorchingrevs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this series. I was worried that I wouldn't like this one as much now the "chase" of Kate by Curran was up. I was worrying needlessly. The series seems to be getting better and better with each passing book and the more I read these characters, the more I love them. In this one, Kate has once again to save the world but in this one she has to do it with the pack.

I can't wait for the next one. Favorite scene in this one is where Curran proves to Kate that he doesn't want her for the power she can provide for the pack....*swooooon*.

Andrea's book is next and I'm happy about that one...far too little Raphael in this one for me! :)