Review- Magic Bleeds

 Every long-running series must go through a transition book or two; a time when our hero/heroine has changed their purpose, their character definition.  And a lot of times these alterations can ruin everything you've loved (i wont name names) about a character or story-line. Fortunately, Magic Bleeds nailed it.   The forth and latest installment of the Kate Daniels series has our heroine chasing after an ancient goddess, who has brought seven warriors with her.  With it she also brings Kate's hidden past to the forefront.  

The only beef I had with this book, is that I thought the story/conflict took a back-seat to Kate's personal life.  Normally, this wouldn't be a problem because the plot isn't all that, but I really liked the story-line here.  I think it should have been given a lot more attention than a transition book.  Now, don't get me wrong the story is there through-out, but it really wasn't the main focus.  And I think it should have been.


This means for all you Curran fans out there, this is what you've been waiting for. Because he finally plays a staring role in one of Kate's stories.  I like a good love story, I am female after all, and this one progresses slowly and stays true to both characters.  At times I hated him and I loved him, making Kate and Curran's saga credible.  


Kate has to decide her future in this book, and the chosen path is still very true to her character.  Her relationships change and grow, and some are still up in the air.  I like that everything isn't buttoned up, all nice and neat.  (don't worry there isn't a cliff-hanger ending)  There are still many things that Kate has yet to figure out, and I have some hopes for the rest of the series. 


I know it is a bit ridiculous to keep teetering between 4 and 4.5 reviews on the Kate Daniels series.  To me a 5 star is a perfect book; the story is captivating, the character development doesn't take a nose dive, and the writing must be superb.  Almost every great book I come across is a 4 star.  A 5 star is nothing short of perfection; there's no other way to put it.  So, although I thoroughly enjoy the Kate Daniels series and Ilona Andrews' writing in general, in my opinion they are not perfection, but they're close


4 stars