Magic Stars

By Ilona Andrews

From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an original novella, set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring fan-favorites, Derek, and Curran and Kate’s very independent ward, Julie.
Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta. >br> Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.
“The Wolf and Herald are not to be missed!” —BookNympho.com
“Ilona Andrews pens my favorite flavor of keeper novel: tough characters, marvelous voice, fast-paced with that sharp edge of humor that adds the final grace note.” —Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fire Touched
“One of the brightest voices in urban fantasy. Ilona Andrews delivers only the best.” —Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author of Bound by Flames

• Language: English
• Publisher: NYLA
• Release date: Dec 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781943772384

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.

Book preview

1

Derek moved fast on quiet feet.

The bartender downstairs, a stocky woman with hard eyes and a harder jaw, hadn’t heard him. She just happened to look up as he made his way to the staircase leading to the back rooms. She reached for the shotgun she kept under the bar, then saw his face and changed her mind. The face used to be a problem, but he’d grown used to it. He knew his eyes assured people that the inside matched the outside, and so the bartender turned away and let him walk up the stairs. It was an old wooden staircase, probably pre-Shift, before the magic waves had battered the world and its technological marvels to dust. It must’ve creaked and sung under the weight of humans every day, but the worn steps kept their peace this time. He knew where to put his feet.

A short hallway stretched before him, two doors on the right, three doors on the left. Unlit. The owner was trying to save on electricity or the charged-air bill. The rooms were empty, all but one, the second on the left. He paused by the door and listened. On the other side of an inch-thick piece of wood people talked and moved. Five. All men, drinking and talking in low voices. The draft from under the door brought the odor of cheap beer to his nostrils mixed with the metallic stench of human blood. He’d followed this scent across half the city.

People lied. Scents never did.

The shadows under the door indicated a single light source. The magic was down. The light leaking through the crack under the door was electric, buttery yellow, and judging by the hallway, the owner was too cheap to spring for anything but a single lightbulb. He reached into the pocket of his jeans with his left hand and pulled out a rock he’d picked up outside. This didn’t warrant the claws. He took a knife out of its sheath. It was a simple combat knife, fixed blade seven inches long, coated in black epoxy, so it didn’t catch the light.

The five men inside heard nothing, their voices still calm. Relaxed.

Derek thought back to the house from which he’d come, leaned back, and kicked the door. It splintered, bursting open under the impact of his superhuman strength, and he hurled the rock at the lonely light fixture above the table. Glass shattered, and the room plunged into darkness.

His instincts punched a cocktail of hormones into his bloodstream in an electric rush. Darkness blossomed, opening up like a flower, revealing five heartbeats wrapped in scent. His mind signaled prey, propelling him through the darkness toward the first warm body scrambling to pull a gun. Derek sliced across the man’s throat. The knife sank deep, too deep, severing bone. Overkill. He was a little too excited. He spun to the left, dodging a bullet before he saw the starburst of the muzzle flash across the room, grabbed the man in his way, and punched the knife into his chest. The heart ruptured. Derek jerked his knife out and spun away to crouch by the wall.

Shots popped, loud in the small room. They were firing blind, panicking.

A heartbeat straight across from him, the man spinning wildly, his gun spitting bullets.

Boom, boom, boom . . . click.

He cleared the table between them in a single leap, the impact of his weight knocking the man off his feet. He landed on top of the gunman and severed the carotid and jugular with one fast, precise stroke. The fourth man spun and fired in the direction of the noise, but Derek was already moving, leaping forward in a crouch. He knocked the shooter’s arm aside, sank his knife into the man’s groin, twisted, and dragged it up. The man screamed and went down.

Two heartbeats gone, two rapidly fading, one fast and frantic. Someone in the room was still alive. His nostrils flared. The odor of blood swirled around him, intoxicating, demanding more. More blood; more murder; more living, kicking prey struggling in his fingers; more fresh meat he could bite and rip. He shut the bloodlust off, put the knife on the table, and paused to pinpoint the faint sound of a human being trying to breathe quietly through his mouth. There. He stalked across the room, avoiding puddles of blood cooling on the floor. The man lay flat, hugging the floor. Derek crouched in one fluid motion, locked his hand on the man’s throat, and dragged him up. The man gurgled, writhing in his hand, trying to claw with feeble nails at the arm that held him. One squeeze, one crunch of bones, and it would be over.

Derek dragged him to the back of the room and jerked the thick curtain open. Moonlight spilled onto his captive, enameling his tortured face with blue. White, short dark hair, at least thirty, old enough to know what he had done. A professional criminal.

Derek grabbed a chair with his other hand, set it against the window, and slammed the man into it. The thug sagged, desperately trying to suck some air into his lungs. His eyes widened, his pupils so large with fear, their blackness swallowed the irises, leaving only a narrow ring of blue.

I know you, the thug squeezed out, his voice hoarse. You’re Derek Gaunt.

Good. This would go faster. Six hours ago, the five of you broke into the home of Randall and Melissa Ives.

They weren’t shapeshifters, I swear. I swear they weren’t.

You put two shots into Randall in the hallway and left him to bleed out. You killed Melissa in the kitchen, three shots, two to the head, one to the chest.

The man’s eyes bulged.

Then you went upstairs and shot ten-year-old Lucy Ives and her seven-year-old brother Michael. You annihilated the whole family. The question is why?

They weren’t shapeshifters!

No, they were human beings. They were also smiths. Derek reached over and took the knife from the table. Melissa Ives made this knife.

He thrust the knife into the man’s stomach and cut a long shallow line from one hip to the other. Blood gushed from the cut. The air smelled sour as the blade slashed the intestines. The man let out a ragged yowl of pain and choked on his own terror.

Why? Derek asked.

They had a rock. The man squeezed the words between sharp gasps. Some kind of metal rock. Caleb wanted it.

Caleb Adams?

Reviews for Magic Stars

[bookjunkie777 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Derek & Julie's story is intriguing, edge of your seat exciting, & a thrilling ride. They already make a formidable pair at such a young age. Great character, plot, & storyline development. However, Julie is playing a very dangerous game with Roland.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think I might be the last Kate Daniels fan to pick this novella up; I like Derek but I don't love Derek. I do love Julie though, and Julie and Derek together, so when I found out Magic Stars is really about the two of them, I ordered it. Short, but complete, with a fairly decent plot that felt a tiny bit unbelievable even for a UF. I know, Julie is a witch and lived on the streets, and yada yada yada, but she's 16 and was gone 2 nights and neither Curran nor Kate (or any of the others) noticed? It felt odd. I loved the dialogue between Derek and Julie - for me it was the best part of the book. The actual plot was a stretch but served as a nice passive-aggressive way of telling fans that yes, they do belong together, but she's still jail-bait so have some patience. ;-)

[becky_mckenna-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating short story and great start to the Grey Wolf series! Derek and Julie have always been interesting characters in the Kate Daniels series and I was thrilled to see them get their own book. I admit I have a soft spot for Derek. He's been through a lot of stuff and has that "tortured soul thing" going on - my personal kryptonite. I like that he channels all that anger and loss against his enemies. It works well for him. I was impressed to learn that Julie has a few new tricks up her sleeve, too. Pretty impressive!

In this book, Derek tracks down the people responsible for murdering a young family in Pack territory. Soon, he and Julie are on the trail of three pieces of a magical stone and the evil warlock wanting them for some evil plan. I don't know how this writing team pulls it off, but each book turns out to be new and unique. The fight scenes are always great, the spells are new, the evil creatures are new (the ones that are supposed to be anyway). Even the fight scenes have new elements. You never know what to expect, which keeps me coming back for more!

This was a very satisfying read for being so short. Derek and Julie are going to be huge asset to Kate and a powerful force against the darker beings lurking in the magical Atlanta nights. Nicely done!

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful novella featuring Derek and Julie. There was tons of action in here, some interesting magic, and some humor. I really enjoyed it a lot and would definitely recommend to fans of urban fantasy. This is the first book in the Grey Wolf series. Derek is now a lone wolf and, when people he love start being murdered, he takes to the streets to hunt their killers. Julie has been training her magic talent in secret and is determined to help Derek with his mission in any way she can. Their trials lead them into battles with some interesting creatures and involve a new crazy magical item.This novella can be read as a stand alone, but it's nice if you have read the Kate Daniels books so you have some additional background on the characters. There was a lot of magic, action, crazy creatures, and fun witty banter throughout this book. This novella packs in all the wonderful things I love about the Kate Daniels series but also lets the reader get to understand Derek and Julie a bit better.Overall a very engaging and entertaining start to a new spin off series from the Kate Daniels world. I love Derek and Julie as characters so it was wonderful to learn more about them. I also really enjoyed all the action, magic, and crazy magical creatures. As with all of the Andrews books there is some excellent humor throughout as well. Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy.

[willowsmom_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Derek has long been a favorite character from Kate Daniels' world, and I enjoyed this novella mostly as character development. It certainly left me looking to a full length book told from his viewpoint.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While Kate’s away, Derek and Julie handle a case. It begins with the murder of a human couple with connections to the Pack and their two young children. Derek tracks down the murderers and find that they were working for a warlock with a lust for power. They were sent to retrieve a shiny rock that glows in the moonlight. Derek kills them and returns to the house where he meets Pack members who are also searching for something and Julie.It is in the Pack members’ reactions that we learn about Derek’s current reputation as a lone wolf and Cullen’s wolf. Julie uses her magical powers to track down the stone but they have lots of problems before they can get to it including murderous mermaids and an almost immortal hunter. Arrows coated with silver dust almost manage to kill Derek too.I liked the relationship between Julie and Derek which would likely be a romance if only Julie were older. Derek is very aware that she is only sixteen to his twenty. Julie is a very street-wise sixteen and is learning to use her magic, getting her lessons from Roland, much to Derek’s dismay. Meanwhile, Derek is not doing what he should to keep his wolf in check and is in danger of losing control a few times during this story. It is a sign of their relationship that Julie is able to pull him back. As always with Ilona Andrews stories, the dialog is snappy and the new monsters are both fascinating and creepy.

[dearheart_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay, since this says Grey Wolf Book 1, apparently we’re going to be getting more books from Derek’s point of view; and I can’t wait.We learn a lot more about this highly favorite secondary character from the Kate Daniels’ series and at least for this book, he’s paired up with Julie to track down a nasty warlock, all without any intervention from Kate or Curran.Expect a great deal of detailed action scenes. And wow, we’ve seen Julie mature, but what she’s doing now is really impressive.Not only is this something series readers have been waiting for, but it’s a nice to read something new in the series while waiting for the next novel release.

[Khandygirl4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book and I'm can't wait for another. I really liked the part where the creepy beautiful woman with razor teeth said that Derek belong to another. Julie? I hope so. Although she's 16 and he is 20 they both need to grow. They both have feelings for one another but she needs to expand her world and to that I say thanks Derek for letting her do that!

He has reached a great deal of his abilities and she is just learning hers thanks to Kate's dad. But what are his motives? I loved that Julie can do that POWER WORD thing that Kate does. Book was short but full of action. Part 2 soon?

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh, I like these little novellas that fill in other stories. They tide me over so nicely, and fill out the world as well.

[Debi Bell · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Good story, but I really do not like to read books using foul language. I don't use it and try to avoid putting it in my head. So for me, it took away from the good story line and creativity.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Magic Stars
4.5 Stars

In this short novella set within the Kate Daniels world readers are treated to a rare glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of a secondary character, namely Curran's Wolf, Derek Gaunt.

The plot itself is pretty straightforward as Derek and Kate's adopted daughter, Julie, investigate a brutal home invasion and the theft of a rock with apparent magical properties. The actual investigation is action-packed with some intense moments as Derek deals not only with external threats, but with his internal demons as well.

The most intriguing elements, however, are those that make this novella essential to the ongoing story arc as some important details are provided alongside hints of things to come.

Overall, a well-written and enticing prologue to Derek and Julie's eventual spin-off series (one can hope!).

[narilka · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Derek and Julie got a novella! Ok ok, technically it's Derek's novella since he is the point of view character. And technically Magic Stars is the start of a possible spin off series titled Grey Wolf though the story fits directly between books 8 and 9 of Kate Daniels. It also is one of the rare times I'll say the novella is an important addition to the main series as it provides some key information that seems like it will be important.When a family he considers friends is murdered, Derek Gaunt takes it upon himself to hunt down the killers and make sure they can't hurt anyone else ever again. Julie Lennart, stubborn as ever, joins him in his quest for revenge.Derek and Julie make a great team. Julie is growing up! There is the hint of a possible romance in the future. I never imagined who her mentor would be though it makes complete sense. This is a great set up for her own series. Hopefully both possibilities are explored in later books.

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this right before Blood Heir and having this version of Derek and Julie fresh in my mind made the book all that more sad.

[amberwitch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A novella in the Kate Daniels world, picking up after [Magic Shifts]. Derek and Julie are chasing after a magic artefact that someone nasty is ready to kill quite a lot of people to collect, and in the process they range around magic wrecked Atlanta, defeating and killing all sorts of monsters and save each other a few times. Nice and easy read, fleshing out the characters with their own point of view.

[tip44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Would have given it five stars but it wasn't long enough.

[samnreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Derek and I love Julie. Quick, adventurous, satisfying little read.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This novella is set in the same world as the Kate Daniels books but Kate and Curran only have a cameo appearance in the story but it is set after the most recent book. The main focus is on Derek and Julie. I liked this since there was more focus on Julie and her powers and how that will work into the future stories set in this world. The story is a revenge story that quickly veers into something that will damage the city. What I did like was there was enough background salted in that a new reader could get up to speed on what was going on without leaving the reader feeling like they were reading nothing but info dumps.

[pnrlist · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Too short! I love Derek and Julie and am super excited for their story - if only they would hurry up and grow up! (3.5 stars)

[phyllis2779 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice short novella about Julie and Derek in the Kate Daniels world. It was nice but it was too short to really get invested. We learn a little more about the characters but some of the things come out in later books. It was amusing to get Julie's perspective on Kate and Curran's interactions and relationship.