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Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5) in Books

Mar 1, 2018

I'm fairly sure that I missed a Kate Daniels book, because I don't recall some of the events referred to in this book. That annoys me, and I'll have to go back and read whatever the last one was out of order now. It'll be worth it, though, because Ilona Andrews' writing is always fun. Gunmetal Magic is no exception.

This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.

Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.

I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.

This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.

Kudos

ClareR (6054 KP) rated The Stars Now Unclaimed (The Universe After #1) in Books

May 26, 2018

Full on outer space entertainment!

I really enjoyed this: it took me longer than a book this size usually takes me to read, but there was a lot of detail in it that you need to 'get' to understand what's going on.
This has been compared to Firefly, Star Wars and some other science fiction stories and worlds, but I think it's a good story in its own right.
I really liked the main character - a female lead (who we don't learn the name of until near the end) who travels the universe after 'The Pulse" puts most planets back to the dark ages, to find children who have developed gifts because of this phenomenon. The Pax seem to be following her every move (I'm hoping the reason for this will be explained in the next instalment), and they're not good news (think mindless fascist zealots. If you're not with them, you're dead). The unnamed pilot/ soldier/ pilot has some great friends, who along with the telekinetic teen she saves at the beginning, must all work together to save their homeward. It's exciting stuff, believe me!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this fantastic book to read!