That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Review: Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews
Magic Stars is a great little side novella for fans of the Kate Daniels series. Told mostly from the third person POV of Derek, the story shares Derek and Julie’s adventures as they work together on a deadly investigation. It is a straight forward tale, giving readers insight into both Derek’s precarious emotional/mental state and Julie’s magical training. We learn some of the rather shocking and dangerous activities Julie has been exploring, all of which make me very nervous for what is in store for her as she grows and matures. *bites nails*.
Derek and Julie discover a human family brutally murdered over a mysterious rock. Because this family was a friend, and because children were involved, the pair decide to put a stop to the mad warlock behind the deaths. Along the way, they encounter several of the deadly threats that exist in magical Atlanta. Parts can be rather brutal; it felt more gruesome and gory than is usual in a Kate Daniels story, but it probably wasn’t. The battles mirror and highlight the nature of Derek’s near-loup wolf and Julie’s upbringing on the streets of Atlanta.
One of the great appeals of this series is the extensive history of the magic shift and its impacts on the human world that the authors continue to build and share with readers. Kate's Atlanta is utterly riveting, and the authors find just the right way to share their vision with the reader, enriching the whole reading experience. I found myself equally engrossed by the sights and details the pair comes across, as the plot to find the madman behind the deaths of friends.
All-in-all, Magic Stars is a must read for Kate Daniel series fans. While not specifically tied to the overall series storyline, the book sheds light on two its more significant supporting characters, especially Kate’s daughter, Julie. The implications of what she’s doing will certainly have resounding impacts in future books.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
