Friday, May 21, 2010

Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews and a GIVEAWAY!!


Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.


Note: I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher.

It's no secret that I have much love for this series and this author duo. I don't like everything that even my most favorite authors write. I just don't and I don't expect to. However, I honestly don't think there is one thing that Ilona Andrews has written that I haven't liked and in most cases LOVED.

Magic Bleeds is an important book in the series. Kate has been in hiding for years but she's played it a bit fast and loose in the last books, taking chances with her secrets to protect the growing number of people that she considers friends. Kate is a protector by nature. She's willing to fight and die to keep the ones she is loyal to safe. That's one of the things that I've loved about her from the beginning. And in this book she has to decide if her secrets are worth risking those she loves. She has to decide if she should cut and run or if she should stand and fight and take a chance on a real future. It's emotional and sometimes hard to read, but like the hard choices Kate makes, it's worth it in the end.

Kate is one of my favorite protags out there. She's prickly, she's tough, she kills the shit outta bad guys and she LIKES it. I respect that. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not. She doesn't spend pages and chapters bemoaning what she is and isn't. She knows her strengths and her weaknesses and works with them. Yeah, she's stubborn as hell and sometimes noble to a fault, but she's real and relatable and you can't help rooting for her to kick ass and win the day. She's also vulnerable and conflicted at times. She's loving and protective and loyal. You do not want her for an enemy but you would be so lucky to have her as a friend. She's not perfect at the whole relationships thing, but then she's never had them before. She's learning as she goes and she makes mistakes but it's not for lack of trying. Kate is an all in kinda girl. She will never love or hate you half way. You'll always know where you stand with her.

Kate and Curran go through a lot in this book. Do they have what it takes to come out on top? Well, one thing you can be sure of, they're not going out without a fight. And I love that. They are so alike and different enough to make for challenges and to compliment each other.

The villain in this one is fabulously done. I have a real problem with cheesetastic villains and I have called authors out on it before, but this was definitely not the case here. Readers will not be disappointed with how this book plays out.

The support cast of secondary characters are present and accounted for in this one. In my opinion, Jim really shines in MB. It's really awesome to see Jim and Kate together. I love their scenes.

I'm going to end without hopefully giving too much away and simply say that Ilona and Gordon do not disappoint in Magic Bleeds. It is dark, funny (I laughed out loud at some parts), gritty, romantic and leaves you staring at the calendar and counting down the days til the next one.

My final grade: A

Now, I happen to be in possession of a signed set of the Kate Daniels series which also includes a copy of Magic Bleeds (that may or may not be signed, we'll see).

I am giving away the set of four books to a lucky commenter.

Rules: This is going to be open only to the continental US, sorry guys.
You need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.
Contest is open until 6/4 at 11:59 PM PST.

Good luck!

109 comments:

Christa said...

I haven't even started this series, but it's on my wish list. This would be such an awesome thing to win. : )

Thanks for the giveaway.

ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

Tori aka @ggs_closet said...

I <3 Ilona, Gordon, Kate, Curran, & entire series.
And I felt the same way. There is nothing about this series I would change. NOTHING!
And doode. Even though I've read them all I would DIE to get a complete signed set.
Sign me up.

Julia said...

Thanks for the great review, it takes a *little* bit of the edge off while waiting for Magic Bleeds to come out. I'd love this set, I've been holding off buying paper version of the Kate Daniels books, hoping for hardback. Given how often I re-read this series, figured I'd need the sturdiness!

Tala said...

I'd love to win a signed set.

B-ster said...

Nice review. Please sign me up!

Vero H said...

Kate is also one of my favorite charactors. I would absolutely love to win a signed set

Brandi said...

I would love a signed set and am very excited for the new book. I adore the tension and dialog between Curran & Kate and it makes it one of my top book series.

Linda Henderson said...

I haven't read any of these yet, so I would love to win a set. Thank you for the great giveaway.

seriousreader at live dot com

KIKA said...

What?!!!! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! This is an AWESOME give away! Please Please PLEASE enter me!

thebookbluff AT gmail DOT com

What's your poison? I'll happily provide. Chocolates? Sweets? My first born? LOL

Unknown said...

I would love to have the series! I've been checking them out from the library so far but it would great to have my own copies so I can reread them whenever and lend to friends! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

Anonymous said...

This blog rocks! I just discovered your blog, via Ilona's post today, and I love it! Your review of Dead in the Family was spot on and I appreciate the honesty there.

Haven't read this series yet- not sure what the heck I'm waiting for but I have heard so many great things. They've been on my wish list for awhile- must go shop!

Have a great weekend!

Anna
vampchixreadbooks@gmail.com

s7anna said...

Oh wow this is an amazing giveaway! Too bad I'm in Canada so I don't qualify...Oh well.

Good luck to everyone!

*hugs*

Becca Boo said...

hi!!! comment....:D

Claudia said...

Your review is further whetting my appetite to get my hands on Magic Bleeds!!

Please enter me in the contest :-)

BeckyW said...

Love this series! I even got my stepdad into it too! I would love a signed copy of the books since mine are always going missing from someone else reading them! frostbite9@live.com

CrystalGB said...

Great review. I have not read this series. It sounds awesome.

Crystal816[at]hotmail{dot}com

Nichole said...

This is an awesome series and Magic Bleeds was GREAT.

Unknown said...

ok. so i leave as far waay from barnes and nobles as you can get. so i'm hoping a independent bookstore would be able to order it for me. but a signed copy would be awesome so sign me up baby.

Unknown said...

I am so excited for the book to come out next week. A signed set would be amazing to own. : )

Unknown said...

Want. Need. Give. Now. PLEASE. (these words just about cover it. Nice review and thanks for the chance.)

Jacqueline C. said...

Great review and thanks for not giving anything away! I'm so anxious to get my hands on Magic Bleeds. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

What an swesome review. I am so excited to read this. Please count me in.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

Christine V. said...

Love the name! Love the site! Love the contest!! Sign me up please

Mary W said...

Sign me up please. It would be great to have signed copies. Mine seem to be on permanent loan to my DIL.

Unknown said...

Fasntastic giveaway! I follow and I am here leaving a comment right now as I type... <---- There it is!

Cannot wait to read this series.

Thanks Dear!

hedwigsangel said...

I would absolutely positively love to win these. These books and this author are my favorite. :)

Lotti Wulf said...

I want to win. I love this series, and because of them, I've become a raving fangirl! I hope I win

Amanda P. said...

Oh my gosh I completely agree the series is awesome and deserves an A. I have reread this series and it doesn't get old for me because it is wonderfully written. I would love to be considered for a signed set. Here's hoping and thank you for this great chance.

Amanda

Stephanie said...

I agree with what you said about Kate not constantly moping about what she is and isn't. That's one of the reasons this series is one of my favorite. I go in expecting no high school whiny bullshit & I'm never disappointed.

Count me in for the contest also.

Anonymous said...

I love this series.I can't wait to read 'magic bleeds'.

Tammy

Anonymous said...

Yes! Please put me in for a signed set!! Awesome of you to offer the contest!

Thanks!

Keslynn said...

Put me down for an entry. I've been wanting to check out this series. Heard very good things.

Brandee P said...

I've been waiting awhile for Magic Bleeds...it's been a looonnnggg wait. I LOVE this series. I'd love a signed set. Thanks!

Steph S said...

I love this writting team too, they do great work and I totally agree with you that I've enjoyed EVERYTHING they've written, even there couple of short stories like Silent Blade and Grace of sm. magics. Can't wait to read Magic Bleeds!!!!

(I follow your blog through google)
thanks!

Katie said...

I love this series and would love to win the set!!

Twimom227 said...

Please pick me! I can't wait until Tuesday for Magic Bleeds!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

YAY, signed copies!!! EXCITING!!! Thanks for this chance!! :D

Angiegirl said...

Love your review! And a signed set?! Count me in, please. :)

Bookie said...

I would love to have a signed set! Nice review. :) I can't wait to read Magic Bleeds.

Heather (DarklyReading) said...

I loved this book! So many great things happened! I've already read it twice...

KT J said...

I absolutely LOVE the kate daniels series

Martha Lawson said...

Great contest! I'd love to win this one. She's a new to me author.

I follow on gfc

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Persephone said...

Wow....I am drooling over this giveaway! I have read all the books, I just don't own them...yet! I am so excited to read Magic Bleeds!

patronus89013 at yahoo dot com

Crossroads said...

These books are great, can't wait for Magic Bleeds.

myrandaroyann said...

I'd love a set of the books!

Fiji said...

Yaaay lucky #190 :D

I'm like biting my nails hoping I can be maybe one of the lucky ones who can pick it up early. lol I don't know why I'm rushing, it'll just make the wait for the next book that much longer

draconismoi said...

Ooooo, physical copies of books....it has been awhile. I'd like to get back into that now that I don't move all the time.

Maybe I need to start reviewing books on my blog so I can get my greedy hands on those mythical ARCs I've been hearing so much about.....

Unknown said...

This is my favorite series, hands down. I can't wait to get Magic Bleeds, and I would love to have a signed set! My copies of the first 3 are falling apart!

donnas said...

What a great contest! I cant wait for Magic Bleeds.

I am a follower

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Jade said...

I would love to win a signed set!!! *does high-school girl squee!*

Pretty please?



jade dot case at gmail dot com

Sarah said...

Ilona and Gordon's Magic series is the BEST I've come across in this genre. Sign me up for the contest please! :)

Does it matter that I'm following you with my yahoo account and not my gmail (which is what I'll leave this comment with)? I couldn't figure out how to sign in with my yahoo to leave this comment.

Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) said...

This is one of my favorite series, and strangely enough, hubs didn't care for it - which means I wouldn't have to share signed copies with a notorious book spine bender!!!

Please enter me - thanks! (I hate to say "I'm a follower" b/c it makes me feel like a sheep, but I am. A follower, I mean.)

JenM said...

The great reviews for Magic Bleeds are driving me crazy. I want this book so much. I've been trying to convince myself to hold out, hoping Amazon and Penguin will settle their differences so that I can get a Kindle version, but I may have to break down and buy the paperback next week anyway. Would love to win a signed series. Thanks for the giveaway.

Melissa said...

I'd love to get this series! I enjoy your blog, keep up the good work.

CHRISTIE said...

I’ve heard this series rocks! I’d love to enter.
Oh and I’m a follower :)

TheFictionEnthusiast @live.com

Cathy M said...

I've heard such great things about this series and would love to read it.


am a follower


caity_mack!yahoo.com

sweedreams said...

I can't wait for the next installment of this series. They had me hooked from " Here Kitty, Kitty!"

Chris L. said...

My girlfriend absolutely loves this series and I'm broke :/ so this contest is awesome!! Loved to win it for her :)

Bookyurt said...

Hell yes! I love this series and would love a signed set =)

katiealtman(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Kate is an excellent character. I have re-read each of the books again as new ones come out in order to send more time immersed in her world.

Shawn.Skriver@gmail.com

Shradds5 said...

Kate is my hero...plain and simple. Yes she's flawed, but remains true to herself and her ideals. Plus she kicks butt ;) I can't even tell you how many times I've re-read the series...the books are starting to look a bit worn! I would absolutely love a signed set.

Unknown said...

Love these books. Can't wait for book 4 to hurry up and come out. thanks
mignonne70@hotmail.com

misskallie2000 said...

I have the series on my wish list. Would be awesome to win. Since I am a GA girl, got to read this series.

Llona Andrews sent me over to your blog, and I like. So many great posts to read.
Thanks for this great giveaway.

I am follower via GFC


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

MarisaW said...

Loved the review! I am literally counting down the hours until I get Magic Bleeds on my Nook. I'd love to win the books giveaway.

jellybelly82158 said...

This is a great review. I haven't had a chance to get this set yet but it is on my want list.
Please enter me in your contest

Unknown said...

Ilona Andrews has all the elements of a great paranormal book. She is my new favorite author!

Elizabeth said...

Found you via Ilona's twitter feed. I'd love to win the signed set. Regardless, I'll explore your blog. ;)

Julissa said...

Hi! Lurker here :) I would love s signed set of Ilona's books!!

Peggy in La. said...

"Magic Bleeds" What can I say after months of anticipation?

Totally Captivated. I couldn't put it down. Thrilling, sexy, heart warming, and witty. Once again this Author Duo blows me away and sometimes even brought me to tears!!!

Was how I reviewed it. I also laughed out loud at a few parts. I think you did a good job on the review without giving away too much to take from the others whom will soon to be reading this book.

Laria said...

Thanks for a great review and giveaway! Please enter me. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your reviews.

Van Pham said...

omg a signed set! Thanks for the giveaway!!

Blog follower

van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com

Corrin212 said...

Great, another give away! I desperately want a signed copy...

Anonymous said...

I love this series; can't wait to read the book!

Sarah Nelson said...

This is my favorite series! I MUST win! =) Pick me, pick me PLEEEEASSE!

Sarah Nelson said...

Just in case, I didn't sign up for the google account before but I have now... if that helps! Eeee!

Nera said...

wow this is so amazing!! thank you for offering such a great gift!

Michelle said...

Oh goodness - I'd love to win a signed set of these books. Kate is truly my fav UF heroine and I seriously CAN. NOT. WAIT. for book 4. Can. Not. Wait.

mmillet at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love this series! thanks for the chance to get these books signed.

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

I love hearing the passion in your post. Please add my name to the hat for a chance to enjoy this series as well.

Thank you ~ Miranda
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

Kate L (S-V) said...

Nice review. Kate Daniels is a character who is well-rounded, easy to like and has warts, I mean flaws like everyone. She will not run from danger to protect a friend or loved one, even if the voice in her head alludes to her being stupid for not fleeing from danger.

Great book, just like Magic Strikes! Definitely a signed series is in order.

Unknown said...

*GASP* I would worship you FOREVER! This series is one of my favorites and I have been dying for Magic Bleeds. Ilona Andrews is one of the few authors I don't have an autograph from.

MelanieB said...

I LOVE this series!! I wouldn't change a thing about it and I can't stop rereading it!! It makes me laugh out loud and sit on the edge of my seat. Please consider me for the giveaway!!!

Jennifer H. said...

What a great review! I can't wait!

Amy Page said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series! Kate and Curran are two of my all time favorites. I have been chomping at the bit to get Magic Bleeds!

Wellwords said...

I read the preview - it was awesome - I can't wait to find out what happens next..

joanna-kuang said...

I think it's awesome that you're hosting this giveaway!! What a wonderful prize! I love Ilona Andrews's (couple) Kate Daniels series with a passion.

Followed! and *fingers crossed*

jellybelly82158 said...

This series sounds great. I haven't got to even start this series but I would love to win a set. I have got to make time to read them.

follower

tetewa said...

I'm a follower and I'm always looking for new series to read, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Please don't enter me in this contest because I've already purchased and read the book. I just wanted to say LOVED your review and FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! I had super high expectations for it, I couldn't help having them, and they were totally met.

Anne said...

I love this series too. I haven't bought the books yet because I still haven't decided to buy paper or ebooks. Since I have an ereader, I guess I should go all digital, but I love having a book in my hands.

thanks for the opportunity, Queen B!

acm05atjuno.com

Megan said...

I love all of Iona's books and short stories (the ones on their web sit are awsome!) Sign me up for the contest!

Allie said...

Love this series! Started after my friend said she had a book that she thought I'd love.... and she was right! I'm always waiting to find out more!

Alliehendren@gmail.com

Unknown said...

This series sounds wonderful. Please enter me in the contest.
I'm a GFC follower.

Unknown said...

Forgot my e-mail.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I just finished the first Edge book and am completely in love with the Ilona Andrews writing duo. Can't wait to start on this series too!

cfisher1504 said...

I havent read Ilona Andrews work yet...From everything I am hearing she sounds like a must read!!
I am a follower....cfisher at gmail dot com

Julie S said...

I haven't read this series yet but I've been hearing about it lately and I'm intrigued.

juliecookies(at)gmail.com. I'm a follower.

Anonymous said...

I love Iona Andrews! All their books and short stories are so vivid and interesting. Sign me up!

megan.sweetdeath@gmail.com

jellybelly82158 said...

I would love a signed set of Iona Andrews' Books. I think they are great

jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

what a fun giveaway. I follow the blog.

-Lauren

lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shirley said...

wow the whole series? Thats fantastic! I'd love to be entered,
Thanks, shundelt@yahoo.com

heatwave16 said...

Wow!!! Thanks for the great giveaway. I've not started the series, but every review I have seen give this series an A or A+. I'd love to start it.

heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

Emily said...

Shoot! What an awesome giveaway! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Count me in . sounds great!!
christina101092@yahoo.com

FurryReaders said...

I have to enter on behalf of my husband, although this is one of the series both of us enjoy reading, this entry is really for him. Why, you ask? Because he attended last years Romantic Times Convention all by himself (come on girls you know that is really not guy turf) just so he could meet some of his favorite authors inlcuding Ilona Andrews.

His email account: chee94 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

This is an awesome giveaway! I'd love to be entered. Thanks!

chirth7@yahoo.com

jellybelly82158 said...

I haven't started this series yet but it would be great to win this one.

jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

debbie said...

Your review makes it sound so good, I would love to read it. Please enter me.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

You write a great review!

lovemybabysquid@yahoo.com

 
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