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Kate Daniels [Dramatized Adaptation] #5
Magic Slays [Dramatized Adaptation]
Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.
So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price...
This dramatized audiobook also includes 1 short story: Magic Tests
So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price...
This dramatized audiobook also includes 1 short story: Magic Tests
9 pages, Audiobook
Published March 25, 2024
5 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Ilona Andrews
154 books33.6k followersIlona 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 Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 19, 2026
✅ Magic and paranormal creatures
✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ Action and battles
✅ Plot
✅(🆗) Pace
✅(🆗) Mild romantic drama
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: some mild gore, mass murders, shootings
The first half of the book was not as engaging as the previous books, but the second half was addictive and full of action. I do think that was a “me” issue, though, because the plot was complex and intriguing, and there is action throughout the book. It just took me a while to get into it for some reason.
This book introduces us to some slavic paganism and legends, but it was mostly focused on a larger technological threat that could mean the death of many magic users in Atlanta.
I love that Kate finally made a choice and is now living at the Keep. It allows us to see more about the shifters’ way of life, their politics, and also how Kate handles them. We also learn even more about Kate’s childhood and Voron, the man who raised her. There were some revelations, but they were not that shocking.
Julie is more present and important in this book, and I have a feeling we will see even more of her in the rest of the series. I am pretty sure I remember seeing a book about her as a grown-up (or older than she is now at least), and I am excited to see how important she will be in Kate’s series, and how she will gros into the main character of her spinoff book later. It’s tough not to love her; she is sassy and badass, just like Kate, but she also has this vulnerability that comes with being a child who lost everything. Her bond with Kate is heartwarming, and I also love how protective of her Derek is.
Andrea is also back! After leaving and spending a few months away to lick her wounds and deal with all her emotions, she is back and I loved seeing her and Kate kick asses together. Their friendship is one I adore, they complete each other so well, and while they support each other no matter what, they also do not hesitate to tell each other when they are being stupid or full of shit, and I like that brutal honesty and authenticity between them. They don't have any secrets from each other, and they would die before they hurt or betray the other; they just have such a strong and beautiful friendship, and I am a little jealous.
I saw that book 5.6 is actually a full-length book about Andrea, and not a novella. I will still take the time to read it before jumping into the sixth book, and after reading the blurb, I hope it will mean a happy ending for Andrea. She deserves love and happiness, and both she and Raphael need to sit down and talk it out, because they were both a little stupid in their breakup.
There was some very mild romantic drama between Kate and Curran, and in this book, it annoyed me. In the previous book, it added some angst, and it was a good case of miscommunication. In this one, it was a lack of communication that led to Kate being angry at Curran when he was not even there to defend himself and talk about it. It also led Kate to doubt their relationship and Curran’s motivations, as he was once again not there to discuss it. Maybe it’s me who is just being very picky, but Kate’s insecurities, while being very realistic, were presented in a way that slightly annoyed me in this book.
0.5 A Questionable Client ⭐⭐⭐
1. Magic Bites ⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Magic Burns ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Magic Strikes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🔫 3.5 Magic Mourns ⭐⭐⭐.5 (Andrea novella)
4. Magic Bleeds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🐅 4.5 Magic Dreams ⭐⭐⭐ (Dali novella)
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✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ Action and battles
✅ Plot
✅(🆗) Pace
✅(🆗) Mild romantic drama
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: some mild gore, mass murders, shootings
The first half of the book was not as engaging as the previous books, but the second half was addictive and full of action. I do think that was a “me” issue, though, because the plot was complex and intriguing, and there is action throughout the book. It just took me a while to get into it for some reason.
This book introduces us to some slavic paganism and legends, but it was mostly focused on a larger technological threat that could mean the death of many magic users in Atlanta.
I love that Kate finally made a choice and is now living at the Keep. It allows us to see more about the shifters’ way of life, their politics, and also how Kate handles them. We also learn even more about Kate’s childhood and Voron, the man who raised her. There were some revelations, but they were not that shocking.
Julie is more present and important in this book, and I have a feeling we will see even more of her in the rest of the series. I am pretty sure I remember seeing a book about her as a grown-up (or older than she is now at least), and I am excited to see how important she will be in Kate’s series, and how she will gros into the main character of her spinoff book later. It’s tough not to love her; she is sassy and badass, just like Kate, but she also has this vulnerability that comes with being a child who lost everything. Her bond with Kate is heartwarming, and I also love how protective of her Derek is.
Andrea is also back! After leaving and spending a few months away to lick her wounds and deal with all her emotions, she is back and I loved seeing her and Kate kick asses together. Their friendship is one I adore, they complete each other so well, and while they support each other no matter what, they also do not hesitate to tell each other when they are being stupid or full of shit, and I like that brutal honesty and authenticity between them. They don't have any secrets from each other, and they would die before they hurt or betray the other; they just have such a strong and beautiful friendship, and I am a little jealous.
I saw that book 5.6 is actually a full-length book about Andrea, and not a novella. I will still take the time to read it before jumping into the sixth book, and after reading the blurb, I hope it will mean a happy ending for Andrea. She deserves love and happiness, and both she and Raphael need to sit down and talk it out, because they were both a little stupid in their breakup.
There was some very mild romantic drama between Kate and Curran, and in this book, it annoyed me. In the previous book, it added some angst, and it was a good case of miscommunication. In this one, it was a lack of communication that led to Kate being angry at Curran when he was not even there to defend himself and talk about it. It also led Kate to doubt their relationship and Curran’s motivations, as he was once again not there to discuss it. Maybe it’s me who is just being very picky, but Kate’s insecurities, while being very realistic, were presented in a way that slightly annoyed me in this book.
0.5 A Questionable Client ⭐⭐⭐
1. Magic Bites ⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Magic Burns ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Magic Strikes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🔫 3.5 Magic Mourns ⭐⭐⭐.5 (Andrea novella)
4. Magic Bleeds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🐅 4.5 Magic Dreams ⭐⭐⭐ (Dali novella)
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September 24, 2025
Another entertaining and action packed read! Magic Slays doesn’t move the overall plot that has been coming together since the beginning much, but we do get a little more insight into Kate’s family tree (surprise about her mom!) and see her flex her magic more. Of course I loved seeing Curran and Kate being a couple and butting heads over how their relationship is going to work. Curran has an absolutely swoony declaration towards the end that pretty much made the entire book for me. *sigh* The Julie plot line resolved kind of anticlimactically after all that emotional upheaval, but I’m definitely happy for her (compared to poor Daniel). Loving this series on graphic audio, but be prepared for quite a bit of crunching and splattering sound effects because of all the fighting. On to book 6!
June 23, 2025
I'll admit, listening to the rhetoric and the world altering plans of this book's villain was hitting a little too close to home considering the world outside (basically rah rah destroy anything "other") but it just goes to show you that, as terrible as it all is, it doesn't last forever. Evil doesn't prevail. Life is just cyclical and people never learn.
What Kate did learn though (phew, successful segue) in this one about her own history was devastating, though. And it was a very almost mundane realization but just as earth-shattering as if it was about, well. You know who. But listening to that unveiling was.. yeah, it was brutal.
And speaking of you know who, we get a taste of that upcoming confrontation because of what Kate finds herself dabbling in in order to save Julie. So not only do we know consequences of using that magic are a'coming but there are consequences for Julie, too.
There were lots of emotional moments in this one, big and quiet, romantic interludes too (including some fighting!), and between those and the big action scenes, everything just.. flowed. I'll never stop marveling at how this author duo can keep it all balanced so successfully.
This book's bonus was a Julie short (because duh!) and it was just as fun I remember. Poor kid hasn't had much time being a kid and even though this was a little miniature detective adventure.. she does get to be, and be around, kid(s). And that's a delight.
What Kate did learn though (phew, successful segue) in this one about her own history was devastating, though. And it was a very almost mundane realization but just as earth-shattering as if it was about, well. You know who. But listening to that unveiling was.. yeah, it was brutal.
And speaking of you know who, we get a taste of that upcoming confrontation because of what Kate finds herself dabbling in in order to save Julie. So not only do we know consequences of using that magic are a'coming but there are consequences for Julie, too.
There were lots of emotional moments in this one, big and quiet, romantic interludes too (including some fighting!), and between those and the big action scenes, everything just.. flowed. I'll never stop marveling at how this author duo can keep it all balanced so successfully.
This book's bonus was a Julie short (because duh!) and it was just as fun I remember. Poor kid hasn't had much time being a kid and even though this was a little miniature detective adventure.. she does get to be, and be around, kid(s). And that's a delight.
June 21, 2024
Enjoying this reread through the graphic audios.
January 31, 2025
My love affair with Ilona Andrews continues
April 13, 2025
As I re-read the series in audiobook edition, I am really enjoying listening in to the Graphic Audio edition full of sound effects, music, and a talented voice acting cast who bring the stories alive. Magic Slays had a few deeply emotional moments and these were done so well.
I appreciate how the authors blend an action-packed urban fantasy situation with Kate's personal character growth and her growth with Curran as a couple. She stumbled when the witch revealed hard truths about her past and made her question even Curran's honesty about their relationship. She is writhing under the stress of having loved ones to lose or get close enough to hurt her emotionally, but that was exciting to see her grow through it all.
Here's my original review:
This fifth installment of the series was as much an internal battle as the usual big, bad monstery external battles that Kate usually faces.
Kate has come to accept Julie as her child and all a parents fears and hopes with it, she is warily accepting matehood with Curran knowing that with two strong personalities that it is more like armed neutrality and she is vulnerable after giving her heart. There is also the comfort of friends and betrayal of her nearest and dearest to set her back on her butt. This is all just in time for the next adventure to catch up with her.
Kate has opened her new detective agency after walking away from the order and she is without a case. But then a co-worker in the form of a despondent Andrea, unasked for side-kicks in the form of Derek the werewolf and Ascanio the werehyena, and a case land in her lap almost at the same time. And boy is that case a humdinger. Solve it and she establishes herself at the top of her game, but fail and the whole city of Atlanta will pay.
I honestly don't have anything new to say after reviewing four novels and a few short stories in this series. I am eager for each story, I devour it and then I hunt up the next one. The world, the backdrop, the plot and the characters are magnificent.
I appreciate how the authors blend an action-packed urban fantasy situation with Kate's personal character growth and her growth with Curran as a couple. She stumbled when the witch revealed hard truths about her past and made her question even Curran's honesty about their relationship. She is writhing under the stress of having loved ones to lose or get close enough to hurt her emotionally, but that was exciting to see her grow through it all.
Here's my original review:
This fifth installment of the series was as much an internal battle as the usual big, bad monstery external battles that Kate usually faces.
Kate has come to accept Julie as her child and all a parents fears and hopes with it, she is warily accepting matehood with Curran knowing that with two strong personalities that it is more like armed neutrality and she is vulnerable after giving her heart. There is also the comfort of friends and betrayal of her nearest and dearest to set her back on her butt. This is all just in time for the next adventure to catch up with her.
Kate has opened her new detective agency after walking away from the order and she is without a case. But then a co-worker in the form of a despondent Andrea, unasked for side-kicks in the form of Derek the werewolf and Ascanio the werehyena, and a case land in her lap almost at the same time. And boy is that case a humdinger. Solve it and she establishes herself at the top of her game, but fail and the whole city of Atlanta will pay.
I honestly don't have anything new to say after reviewing four novels and a few short stories in this series. I am eager for each story, I devour it and then I hunt up the next one. The world, the backdrop, the plot and the characters are magnificent.
June 21, 2025
I binged the graphic audiobooks of the Kate Daniels Series #1-#5. Just saw that I kind of skipped the x.5 stories.
I enjoyed the series and I'm waiting a while to finish the other books, until the graphic audiobooks are released. I think I need to re-listen and then expand the reviews.
I enjoyed the series and I'm waiting a while to finish the other books, until the graphic audiobooks are released. I think I need to re-listen and then expand the reviews.
November 9, 2025
The story is great. The narration is great. This audiobook is amazing! This book has fantastic world building, character development, and plot. There is action, romance, and lots of witty dialogue.
This story is a continuation of the Kate Daniels series. So no major spoilers- you should read the whole series! Actually you should read everything written by Ilona Andrews because they have a gift for creating characters I want to know and worlds that I want to live in.
Kate and Curran continue to navigate being a couple, plus all of the challenges they face because of who each is individually. I was happy to see favorite old side characters and meet new ones.
The narration is fantastic! I am somewhat obsessed with the Graphic Audio productions. But the narrators themselves are so talented! The only downside to multicast narration is that have to work harder to figure out the names of the narrators so I can find other audiobooks they have narrated.
Highly recommend!!
This story is a continuation of the Kate Daniels series. So no major spoilers- you should read the whole series! Actually you should read everything written by Ilona Andrews because they have a gift for creating characters I want to know and worlds that I want to live in.
Kate and Curran continue to navigate being a couple, plus all of the challenges they face because of who each is individually. I was happy to see favorite old side characters and meet new ones.
The narration is fantastic! I am somewhat obsessed with the Graphic Audio productions. But the narrators themselves are so talented! The only downside to multicast narration is that have to work harder to figure out the names of the narrators so I can find other audiobooks they have narrated.
Highly recommend!!
April 15, 2024
I really like these graphic audios. I was surprised how little if the story I remembered. Getting Magic Tests bundled in was a nice extra treat.
August 11, 2024
This series is so good. No urban fantasy author compares to Ilona Andrews.
February 6, 2025
Basic plot: A group of anti-magic terrorists have a device capable of killing people with magic, and it's up to Kate and the Pack to find and destroy it before it detonates and kills most of Atlanta.
This installment of the Kate Daniels series was a bit more investigative than the others. As Kate now has to build her new business, she's trying to find clients and employees while still leading her life with the Pack and take care of her ward, Julie. She is also learning to navigate her relationship with Curran and her new place in the Pack. It's a lot to deal with. This volume shows a slightly less snarky Kate who is taking on a lot more responsibility. There's a definite shift in tone and in the style of plot. This isn't a bad thing, just different. Kate continues to learn more about her own powers and develop them more fully.
Onward!
This installment of the Kate Daniels series was a bit more investigative than the others. As Kate now has to build her new business, she's trying to find clients and employees while still leading her life with the Pack and take care of her ward, Julie. She is also learning to navigate her relationship with Curran and her new place in the Pack. It's a lot to deal with. This volume shows a slightly less snarky Kate who is taking on a lot more responsibility. There's a definite shift in tone and in the style of plot. This isn't a bad thing, just different. Kate continues to learn more about her own powers and develop them more fully.
Onward!
April 16, 2025
This time I listened to the audio graphic novel version. I enjoyed it. I think I actually laughed more. Tone of voice can really affect how you take something.
June 3, 2024
***Donderdag 30 mei 2024***
✨5 - loved it (even if it has flaws, this was the story for me)
Narrators: Nora Sofyan as Kate Daniels, Michael Glenn as Curran, Emlyn McFarland as Andrea,
This had everything I love about the Kate Daniels series. Lots of Kate and friends, lovely moments with Curran but no him saving her, a mystery that is very light, lots of travelling through the city, some background on Kate's life and explanations of magical theories!
I had fun with this one.
✨5 - loved it (even if it has flaws, this was the story for me)
Narrators: Nora Sofyan as Kate Daniels, Michael Glenn as Curran, Emlyn McFarland as Andrea,
This had everything I love about the Kate Daniels series. Lots of Kate and friends, lovely moments with Curran but no him saving her, a mystery that is very light, lots of travelling through the city, some background on Kate's life and explanations of magical theories!
I had fun with this one.
June 14, 2024
Another entry into the world of Atlanta and magic. With this entry of the Kate Daniels story, it's gotten far more interesting. The characters that have been built upon in the previous books, angraphic audios. Are bringing to light more and more interesting things.
Established characters and new characters are coming into fruition. This constantly keeps building the world and its universe. It also continues to expand the main character's past and origins in ways I haven't seen in other fantasy novels without having to go into some long diatribe.
This entry does a fantastic job of building on the previous without becoming annoying. Of course, I listen to this on graphic audio, and I suggest you do the same because the entertainment is worth it.
The books do not whack either.
Established characters and new characters are coming into fruition. This constantly keeps building the world and its universe. It also continues to expand the main character's past and origins in ways I haven't seen in other fantasy novels without having to go into some long diatribe.
This entry does a fantastic job of building on the previous without becoming annoying. Of course, I listen to this on graphic audio, and I suggest you do the same because the entertainment is worth it.
The books do not whack either.
November 4, 2024
The most annoying thing about this Graphic Audio is that every time one section completes, it would go back to the beginning of that section.
The second most annoying thing are the coincidences at her new business resulting in something really bad, a very irritating example of plot device.
The rats have a bit more role than before. I think the only significant appearance of the rats was when the alpha rats voted against Kate in the previous book, because they were neophobic.
The second most annoying thing are the coincidences at her new business resulting in something really bad, a very irritating example of plot device.
The rats have a bit more role than before. I think the only significant appearance of the rats was when the alpha rats voted against Kate in the previous book, because they were neophobic.
August 29, 2025
This story is so engaging. Full of tension. The development of Curran and Kate's relationship is so relatable (and yet not based on circumstances), and I love the growth that slowly continues. They face new information that sheds doubts and fears, confronting the past and making plans for their futures. It is a continuation of a beautiful, violent, and complex love story.
The central plot involves saving the city (again), but always in a new and unique way. I like how Kate is slowly forced to use more and more of her magic, pushing her out of her comfort zone of "always hide". There is a lot of personal reflection and growth that she goes through.
As usual, the Graphic Audio is wonderful and adds so much inflection and emotion to the characters.
The central plot involves saving the city (again), but always in a new and unique way. I like how Kate is slowly forced to use more and more of her magic, pushing her out of her comfort zone of "always hide". There is a lot of personal reflection and growth that she goes through.
As usual, the Graphic Audio is wonderful and adds so much inflection and emotion to the characters.
July 28, 2025
I Give this Book a 4.5-5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
*Audiobook Review at Bottom
Cliffhanger(?): In its own way, yes.
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Pacing: Mid, thankfully there was much more detail in this book and I’m absolutely grateful for it!
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 4-4.5:5
*Audiobook Review
Overall: 5/5
Story: 4.5-5/5
Performance: 5/5
Narrators: Graphic Audio Cast
This was definitely my favorite books so far and again the Audiobook doesn’t disappoint at all.
Jumping into next book, sorry, I can’t wait! 😆
*Audiobook Review at Bottom
Cliffhanger(?): In its own way, yes.
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5/5
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Pacing: Mid, thankfully there was much more detail in this book and I’m absolutely grateful for it!
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 4-4.5:5
*Audiobook Review
Overall: 5/5
Story: 4.5-5/5
Performance: 5/5
Narrators: Graphic Audio Cast
This was definitely my favorite books so far and again the Audiobook doesn’t disappoint at all.
Jumping into next book, sorry, I can’t wait! 😆
June 25, 2025
This series keeps getting better. The more I read, the more I want to read - sort of like eating potato chips but no weight gain. Kate, Curran and crew go after a nasty sect which has a magic-killing machine. Lots of action, lots more character development and great dialogue. This series has everything I enjoy and the surprises keep coming.
GraphicAudio does a splendid, exciting, tense-filled production.
GraphicAudio does a splendid, exciting, tense-filled production.
May 25, 2024
I will never get enough of this series. I think this one is my favorite because we get our favorite couple in their official domestic setting. Not a lot, because they both get caught up in handling some nasty business separately. But I find myself rereading this installment more than the other books. I love all of the sound effects and the whole cast does an amazing job with these characters.
December 27, 2024
See review for Magic Bites Dramatized Adaptation or for the original of the book!
210824-220824 (audio, Storytel)
210824-220824 (audio, Storytel)
February 23, 2026
Another enjoyable Kate Daniels story presented by Graphic Audio. This installment provides more background on Kate's family, specifically her mother, and gives us a clearer glimpse into her new life and relationships. There is a great bonus at the end about Julie. I'm looking forward to her playing a larger role in upcoming books.
November 5, 2025
Well that's definitely a way to apply modern day to the mix of magic.
Massive battles and secrets moving around in this one and heart strings pulled.
Also Grendel and Andrea return. already happy to check the next one out soon
Massive battles and secrets moving around in this one and heart strings pulled.
Also Grendel and Andrea return. already happy to check the next one out soon
April 15, 2024
I've loved this series for a long time, but I'm really enjoying the Graphic Audio dramatized adaptations.
May 6, 2024
Reread
This time with graphic audio and wow!
Still one of my favourite series and was surprised then sad when the book ended again. Always a great sign of a great book world
4.8 stars
This time with graphic audio and wow!
Still one of my favourite series and was surprised then sad when the book ended again. Always a great sign of a great book world
4.8 stars
June 18, 2024
This series is even more AMAZING in Graphic Audio
June 23, 2024
I loved the character development in this book and the way this fantasy highlights what happens in real life.
September 1, 2024
I love this series on Graphic Audio soooooo much. So so so much.
March 9, 2025
Loved this audiobook! The voices were spot on & really made the story come alive.
October 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Love Currans voice. Forgot how much I love this series
Love Currans voice. Forgot how much I love this series
October 24, 2025
Still obsessed w this audiobook series. 4 stars because how Kate decided to save Julie was just too risky and seemed out of character, even if she was desperate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews