Ilona Andrews is a renowned author duo who gained popularity for their urban fantasy novels. One of the aspects that make their books stand out is the incorporation of magical elements and claims. In the Ilona Andrews' books, magic is a central theme that drives the plot and shapes the world in which the characters live. The magic system in their novels is often unique and intricate, adding depth to the storylines. The authors' magical claims are diverse and vast. They create imaginative worlds where individuals possess various magical abilities and powers.
One of Kate's more defining characteristics is her sarcastic (if slightly off-color at times) humor. Kate often responds to threats with extreme sarcasm.
She s tall for a woman at 5 7 with a lean-muscular build with numerous scars from a lifetime of fighting and a tattoo of a Raven holding a bloody sword with words Dar Vorona Raven s Gift in Russian on her left shoulder. Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their low prolife, when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can t refuse.
They create imaginative worlds where individuals possess various magical abilities and powers. From elemental magic to telekinesis, the Ilona Andrews universe is filled with a wide range of magical claims. Magical claims in their novels often have distinct rules and limitations, further enhancing the sense of realism within the fantastical setting.
Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews @ilona_andrews @nyliterary #Favorite
Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews
Series: Wilmington Years #2, Kate Daniels #10.6
Published by NYLA on June 13, 2023
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 245
Format: eARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their 'low prolife,' when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The ‘due date’ is rapidly approaching.
It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail. well, fail is a four-letter word.
There is nothing more exciting than a new Ilona Andrews book. I am ecstatic they have continued beyond the Kate Daniels series. These stories are shorter than full books, and tell of Kate, Curran and Conlan and their life in Wilmington NC. They are trying to lay low and just provide a normal childhood for Conlan. Well, that’s over.
Kate and Curran have been reticent to make the mistakes of their parents or even repeat ones from their past. But they want to fight to protect people. So they are starting to figure out how to do it in a different way. They were building their own beach compound but now they are offered a forest one if they help remove the evil there.
Conlan may be only 8 but he is a talented and trained boy. He is having to grow up fast. They are teaching him the best they can and he eventually is part of this fight. He is just beginning to see the hard decisions and reality.
The world building and character development are exquisite. I enjoy the humor too, but part of that is enjoying the personalities and characters as themselves. For that, one needs to have read the series, in order, which is always a good strategy with urban fantasy. For example, I was tickled to see Luther Dillon. But he only means something if you have read the other books. I’m also laughing at the people who have no idea about Kate. Or Curran.
There is so much here. The politics of the Order, the Farm, and the Pack. The tentative grasp of the humans to survive in some areas. We get some insight into the problems of the Atlanta pack and how some of the issues started in Curran’s time. Now they may start over with new and better rules.
The source of the evil is not easily understood. But they start to get an idea based on the fighting style and when Conlan finds “the elephant creature” in a historical picture book. There’s more mythological creatures out there in this crazy post shift world. I love how Kate knows almost all the rules, the details, the mythology of the many creatures who might fight her. She understands the different types of magic.
This is my favorite author and my favorite series ever and it is worth reading from the start, in order. So I would not read this as a stand-alone. If you haven’t read this series, you are seriously missing out. There is so much character growth and world / mythology development to understand. It’s the beloved characters that are the foundation with their compassion, courage and intelligence.
About Ilona Andrews
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
Follow me Blogger at Books of My HeartI can't really remember any time when I wasn't reading. I LOVE books and what they give me. It's an opportunity to learn new things, see new places,live different emotions in a "safe" way. It lets me live in a new world.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews
Series: Wilmington Years #2, Kate Daniels #10.6
Published by NYLA on June 13, 2023
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 245
Format: eARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
The authors provide explanations for how magic works, including the source of power, the conditions for its use, and the consequences of its misuse. Ilona Andrews also explores the societal implications of magic, delving into the relationships between magical and non-magical individuals. This recurring theme adds depth to their stories, as it reflects real-world issues like prejudice and discrimination. Furthermore, the authors skillfully blend magical claims with other genres, such as mystery and romance. Their novels incorporate intricate plot twists and character developments that keep readers engaged while exploring various magical elements. Overall, the magical claims in Ilona Andrews' books contribute to creating vivid and captivating worlds for readers to explore. Their imaginative and intricate magic systems, combined with compelling storytelling, make their novels an enjoyable read for fans of the urban fantasy genre..
Reviews for "The Mystical World of Ilona Andrews: Fact or Fiction?"
1. Alex - 1/5 - Ilona Andrews' magic claims are nothing more than a bunch of empty promises. The whole concept of magic in her books is poorly developed, making it hard to immerse yourself in the story. The magic system lacks depth and consistency, leaving the reader with more questions than answers. I found myself constantly getting frustrated with the inconsistencies and contradictions in the magic rules. Overall, I was disappointed and felt like I wasted my time reading these books.
2. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for Ilona Andrews' magic claims, but unfortunately, they fell short. The magical elements in her books felt forced and unoriginal. It seemed like she was trying too hard to create a unique magic system and it ended up feeling contrived. The explanations of how magic worked were confusing and vague, making it difficult to fully understand and appreciate the story. It's a shame, because the premise had potential, but the execution was lacking.
3. John - 2/5 - I was not impressed with Ilona Andrews' magic claims. The magical elements in her books felt underdeveloped and thinly-veiled attempts to create a sense of wonder. The magic system lacked depth and complexity, leaving me wanting more. Additionally, the rules and limitations of magic were never fully explained or explored, making it difficult to follow the story. Overall, I found the magic claims to be unconvincing and unsatisfying.
4. Sarah - 2/5 - Ilona Andrews' magic claims were a letdown for me. The concept of magic in her books was intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The magical elements felt disjointed and poorly integrated into the story. The rules and limitations of magic were poorly explained, making it hard to suspend disbelief. I kept hoping for more depth and detail, but it never came. It was a missed opportunity to create a truly immersive and captivating magical world.