Thanks to the recommendations of my good book friends, I discovered the Kate Daniels series. This series has quickly become my favorite. Filled with action, romance, mystery, and humor, each book is a rollercoaster ride. I was thrilled to find out that the latest book was coming out last month and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. Though the word slays is in the title had me worried that one of the characters will be killed, I wasn't too worried how the awesome husband and wife duo, Ilona Andrews, was going to handle the book.

Description: Kate Daniels has some major life changing events: a new job and a new relationship status to name a few. Stubborn and determined to make it on her own, Kate jumps at an opportunity for an impossible case when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose. Since nothing is easy for Kate, the loose vampire is not an isolated incident but just the beginning of a very probable apocalypse if Kate doesn't get to the bottom of it. The fate of the city and everyone dear to her is in Kate's hands.

Review:  Magic Slays is a terrific addition to the Kate Daniels series. It is well written, intricately woven novel that builds upon its previous installments. While Magic Bleeds may have the tone of a happily ever after, Magic Slays reminds us that the fairy tale ending is not very realistic. Kate faces new obstacles, new enemies, and once again her past threatens to shatter her one chance of happiness. 
  With each book in this series, the writting becomes better and stronger. There is definitely a shift of focus in the writing as it has matured just like our heroine. There is one major storyline which involves an anti-magic “bomb” that is being built in the city and could kill hundreds that draws our attention. While there are some deviation from this storyline, they actually add something to the overal plot and character development. What I love about the Kate Daniels series is that there is no filler. 
  There are a few twist and turns in Magic Slays including startling revelations about Julie and Kate's parents amongst other things. I enjoyed watching all of the established characters grow as well as be introduced to new ones too.
 Kate is one of my favorite heroines. She has a tough as nails exterior but a warm, vulnerable heart, which makes her all that much more endearing and lovable. I have to say that I loved her much more in Magic Slays. There are moments when she could easily back track and remove herself from everyone, but she moves past this and faces her problems head on. I loved watching Kate embrace her magic and her heritage, though it meant for her to go to the dark side.
  I think many readers of the Kate Daniels series will agree with me when I say that the best part of this series is watching Kate's and Curran's relattionship change and grow. They remind me of an urban fantasy version of Elizabeth and Darcy. Their banter always makes me smile because they are so alike and it feels very natural. 
 I know I said this before, but those who haven't read this series must put it on their to be read pile. If you are new to the urban fantasy genre or have thought about diving in but not sure where to start, I would highly recommend this series. If this book piques your interest, please start from the very first book and not the latest one. Though each book is written as a standalone, the character development and world building that occurs in the previous books are crucial to this series. You can find the reading list for the Kate Daniel series here.  

Rating: 5 stars

Words of Caution: There are strong language and strong violence in the book along with a few allusions to sex.

If you like this book try: Bloodsong series by Cat Adams, Mercy Thomspon series by Patricia Briggs, Fray or Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 graphic novel series by Joss Whedon

Image Credit: Ruby Reads

GIVEAWAY: I preordered all the Kate Daniels books this past January, but I had no idea that a friend of mine also preordered them for my birthday this May. Since I love this series so much and I highly recommend them, I'm going to giveaway all of them to one lucky reader. That's right, one person gets a chance to win ALL 5 Kate Daniels books! Since I have the books on hand, this giveaway is open to US Residents only. You don't have to follow my blog to enter, but it is appreciated. To enter, please leave your name/alias along with an email address so I can contact you if you win. I will use Random.org to select the winner. This giveaway ENDS July 22nd at 11 pm EST! Good Luck!