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Ilona Andrews, January 2012, ebook
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Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. HTML:Now available individually for the first time, a Kate Daniels novella from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Magic Triumphs. It isn�??t often that Kate Daniels and the Beast Lord Curran get to take a break from protecting their pack and enjoy some time for themselves. So when Curran offers Kate a romantic dinner in town, there�??s no way she�??s going to pass. But their quiet night doesn�??t stay quiet for long. The trouble starts with a necromancer dying at a nearby table, continues with bloodthirsty vampires crashing though the windows, and ends with more blood on the walls than any dining establishment needs. Pulled into a deadly game neither wants to play, Kate and Curran find themselves dealing with the vile undead and tolerating a clan of maniacal, hard partying Vikings while desperately trying to save the life of an innocent child... Magic Gifts previously appeared in Gunmetal Mag… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member DijaK
A great Christmas present, but the ending was too abrupt. I was hoping for more of just Curran and Kate and less of everybody else.
LibraryThing member amberwitch
A quick fix while waiting for the next full length Kate Daniels novel. It is clear from the lack of proofreading that this is not a published story, but merely a gift from the authors to their fans - and thank you for this.
The story is lighter than the usual emotional roller-coaster - save the
The story is lighter than the usual emotional roller-coaster - save the
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world fare of the Kate Daniels novels, and offers a glimpse into the daily life of Kate and Curran. I thought is was very nice, and I hope that this, along with the other short stories/novellas set in the Kate Daniels universe will be published in a collection instead of being spread out in different anthologies with other, less accomplished, authors. Show Less
LibraryThing member kayceel
An exciting and fun novella set in the Kate Daniels universe.
Kate and Curran are out for a nice dinner when a woman dies at their restaurant, choked to death by a gold necklace. When the woman's parents and younger brother arrive with the girls employers (The People, rich necromancers), the girl's
Recommended!
Kate and Curran are out for a nice dinner when a woman dies at their restaurant, choked to death by a gold necklace. When the woman's parents and younger brother arrive with the girls employers (The People, rich necromancers), the girl's
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mother sics the jewelry on her son. Kate and Curran, shocked and disgusted, race to save the boy's life, enlisting some hilarious vikings along the way.Recommended!
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
This was a great short novel about a dinner date that leads to all sorts of mayhem and conflict. Curran wants to take Kate to a Korean restaurant for a date. Also at the restaurant are two drivers of vampires out for a romantic date. When the young man gives the young woman a necklace, it kills her
When the parents of the young woman who was choked by necklace come to the scene, the father reaches for the necklace only to have it snatched from him by his wife and clasped around her seven-year-old son's neck. Ghastek wants the necklace as compensation for the loss of his journeywoman and the vampires. Kate wants to protect the child and get the necklace off him. Kate and Curran win this one and start a search to find a way to remove the necklace and save the child that has them dealing with drunk vikings and an undead monster who loves human flesh.
You would think that would be enough on Kate's agenda but the problem with the lack of leadership in the Mercenary Guild is also looming. The Pack owns 20% and the inability of the Guild to choose a leader has made Kate the one who must break the tie. She has been avoiding the issue but is forced to confront it here.
This was a great story with all the romantic byplay between Kate and Curran that we have come to expect. Kate is her usual snarky and brilliant self. Curran is strong, sexy, supportive and more than willing to manipulate Kate for her own good.
This story provides a nice fix as we wait for Andrea's story - Gunmetal Magic - which is coming in the summer of 2012.
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causing the vampires to run amok. Curran and Kate make short work of them but their troubles aren't over.When the parents of the young woman who was choked by necklace come to the scene, the father reaches for the necklace only to have it snatched from him by his wife and clasped around her seven-year-old son's neck. Ghastek wants the necklace as compensation for the loss of his journeywoman and the vampires. Kate wants to protect the child and get the necklace off him. Kate and Curran win this one and start a search to find a way to remove the necklace and save the child that has them dealing with drunk vikings and an undead monster who loves human flesh.
You would think that would be enough on Kate's agenda but the problem with the lack of leadership in the Mercenary Guild is also looming. The Pack owns 20% and the inability of the Guild to choose a leader has made Kate the one who must break the tie. She has been avoiding the issue but is forced to confront it here.
This was a great story with all the romantic byplay between Kate and Curran that we have come to expect. Kate is her usual snarky and brilliant self. Curran is strong, sexy, supportive and more than willing to manipulate Kate for her own good.
This story provides a nice fix as we wait for Andrea's story - Gunmetal Magic - which is coming in the summer of 2012.
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
My first visit to Kate Daniels' universe - and I don't think it'll be my last. I normally dislike "hard-boiled detective" stories, even with magic, but Kate doesn't seem to quite fit that mold (though the basic lines are there). This is clearly very much in the middle of things - there are
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references to a lot of past events, many if not all of which are probably in other books (how Kate and Curran got together, for one...and Kate's involvement with the Guild, for another). I prefer to read series from the beginning, but I never felt lost or confused - which is amazing, given the complexities of this universe and the relationships within. Magic and Tech waves alternating, necromancers, vampires and stranger undead, shapeshifters of many types, mages and artifacts...plus politics, arguments, puzzles, and saving the life of a child. Twice - once from the necklace and once from his family. Excellent story and an even better hook to draw me into the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kaetrin
Great short which the authors put out for free for a couple of weeks over Christmas. Kate and Curran work together to save a child and Kate gets into it with the Guild. Fans of the series will love it. Mmm, Curran...
LibraryThing member tometender
Magic Gifts was a bonus short attached to Gunmetal Magic. A fabulous, action packed novella by the writing team of Ilona and Andrew.
Kate and Curran go out on a date only to have it interrupted by two necromancers from the People. It seems that they are on a date as well and when the young lady
This story happens simultaneously to Gunmetal Magic. For a short it was loaded and didn't skimp on anything! Provided great insight into some of Gunmetal Magic's story line as well as added a great adventure and a race to save a child. Absolutely 5 stars!
Kate and Curran go out on a date only to have it interrupted by two necromancers from the People. It seems that they are on a date as well and when the young lady
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clamps a gifted necklace around her neck it strangles her to death. So distraught by the loss of his girlfriend male companion looses control of the two vampires chained outside the restaurant. Kate and Curran must jump into action to save the rest of the restaurant patrons from the vampires. When the girls family arrives, at the restaurant, the necklace starts to call to the father. The mother dispassionate about loosing her daughter grabs the necklace and attaches it to her young son, ultimately sealing his death. Kate and Curran demand to take the child away from his uncaring mother and hunt relentlessly for a way to rescue the child before the necklace kills him as well.This story happens simultaneously to Gunmetal Magic. For a short it was loaded and didn't skimp on anything! Provided great insight into some of Gunmetal Magic's story line as well as added a great adventure and a race to save a child. Absolutely 5 stars!
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LibraryThing member MlleEhreen
It's a nice little amuse bouche to tide us Kate fans over while waiting for the next book. The spine of the story is about a killer necklace and Kate's attempt to save a young boy's life. Along the way, a few things happen that could turn out to be important come the next novel, a few fun fights
It's good. It's short. Ilona Andrews gave this story away for free for a short time over Christmas and I think that's awesome. It doesn't have the stakes or the scope of the full-length novels, but sometimes it's fun just to check up on some well-loved characters and remember how much fun they are to spend time with.
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are had, a neat supernatural creature we haven't seen before makes an apperance, and Kate and Curran indulge in witty banter. It's good. It's short. Ilona Andrews gave this story away for free for a short time over Christmas and I think that's awesome. It doesn't have the stakes or the scope of the full-length novels, but sometimes it's fun just to check up on some well-loved characters and remember how much fun they are to spend time with.
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LibraryThing member Capnrandm
I've read this one before, I can't remember where (given how assiduously I stalk the Andrews' blog, there's any number of places I could have come across it).
Whenever I re-read the Kate Daniels series, I'm always trolling for those fantastic character moments that the Andrews write so well. This
Whenever I re-read the Kate Daniels series, I'm always trolling for those fantastic character moments that the Andrews write so well. This
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short gives one of those great little moments, and could have been woven into any one of the books as an in between scene. So glad they chose to share it! Show Less
LibraryThing member tivonut
Definitely should be read before Andrea's book since it runs alongside it in timeline. It could be read after Andrea's book too. Andrea's book is Gunmetal Magic.
A great short read of Kate and Curran. They just were trying to go out to dinner and then get caught up in saving a kids life. Loved the
A great short read of Kate and Curran. They just were trying to go out to dinner and then get caught up in saving a kids life. Loved the
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vikings. Show Less
LibraryThing member mlsimmons
Great short story that was a holiday present from Ilonda Andrews.
LibraryThing member sharrow
This was a brilliant read, loved it. I cannot get enough of Kate and Curran, bit of an addict! Clever storytelling with wonderful characters.
LibraryThing member aoibhealfae
Two words : Dwemer and Draugr.
S-K-Y-R-I-M
Damn, I'm obsessed about that game. So as the readers of Kate Daniels know, the authors love to include mythos into their books; this time its nordic. Which is kind of cool btw; helps with the imagery.
This was a stand-alone Kate Daniels (which you can skip
The book's short but pretty entertaining. I would have wanted more Kate Daniels instead of Andrea's summer book. I know Kate was happy with Curran definitively even with her daddy issue (like if-your-dad's-voldermort issue). Although I like Andrea but I dont really want to go into the ping pong love problem she and her mate have. But naturally, I'd still read their books whether I like it or not.
S-K-Y-R-I-M
Damn, I'm obsessed about that game. So as the readers of Kate Daniels know, the authors love to include mythos into their books; this time its nordic. Which is kind of cool btw; helps with the imagery.
This was a stand-alone Kate Daniels (which you can skip
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on read this) and its started innocently, Kate and Andrea bringing a kraken-like jellyfish back into their PI HQ, Cutting Edge, and Curran brought Kate to dinner in a korean place called Arirang. Then while they're waiting for their menu, a journeyman guy in love gave his girlfriend a necklace which gave a crackling noise and kill her off. What a bad way to start a date, I'd say. So, after 5 second or five page worthy of insta-kill two vampires on rampage (the lovebirds'), they found the necklace had stuck to the girl's neck until the girl's family came over and the mother grab the necklace and slapped it on her son's neck (right after the necklace kill her daughter, mind you). So, with the necklace got himself a fresh kill, it was now taking its moment to kill the boy, and Kate-Curran duo must go find a viking, battle a giant zombie (dont you love them?), and get a clue about why the asshole of a mother would do something like trying to kill off her 5 years old son?The book's short but pretty entertaining. I would have wanted more Kate Daniels instead of Andrea's summer book. I know Kate was happy with Curran definitively even with her daddy issue (like if-your-dad's-voldermort issue). Although I like Andrea but I dont really want to go into the ping pong love problem she and her mate have. But naturally, I'd still read their books whether I like it or not.
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LibraryThing member JennyJen
Wawawewa. Why must it end?! I could read about Kate & Curran's world forevermore. Now I'll have to suffer through the long wait until the next installment, but I'm grateful that we got a tidbit. Super generous of the authors. This novella was classic Kate, classic Curran, classic Ghastek, classic
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Jim, just classic. Read it. That is all. Show Less
LibraryThing member cmlloyd67
Enjoyable novella, quite funny in places. Don't recommend to anyone unfamiliar with the series - since it will spoil you on prior events, and confused on current ones.
The Kate Daniels novels much like the Dresden Files build on each other...and are best if read in order.
This one delved into Norse
If you are looking for paranormal romance or smut, look elsewhere, Illona Andrews focuses on character relationships and is heavy on "action" - such as fight scenes. The sex scenes much like the other books tend to be fade to black.
The Kate Daniels novels much like the Dresden Files build on each other...and are best if read in order.
This one delved into Norse
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mythology but not to quite the same degree as the prior novel Gunmetal Magic delved into Egyptian mythos. Yet it is clear the writers did some preliminary research, since it's not your typical mythos. And they use Norwegian terminology.If you are looking for paranormal romance or smut, look elsewhere, Illona Andrews focuses on character relationships and is heavy on "action" - such as fight scenes. The sex scenes much like the other books tend to be fade to black.
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LibraryThing member dearheart
This story had originally been included at the end of Gunmetal Magic with a little bit of overlap with a scene with Andrea from that book.
Kate and Curran go out to dinner when they witness a couple of journeymen out on a date. The man gives his girlfriend a necklace that immediately strangles her.
Humor, action, tension and some Norse mythology. I’ve read this a number of times and still enjoy it.
Kate and Curran go out to dinner when they witness a couple of journeymen out on a date. The man gives his girlfriend a necklace that immediately strangles her.
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When the parents show up, the mother is totally without emotion and when her husband reaches for the necklace she snatches it and throws it around her young son. Kate and Curran are in a race to find the answers to this magic to save this boy’s life before the necklace kills him too. Humor, action, tension and some Norse mythology. I’ve read this a number of times and still enjoy it.
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LibraryThing member emblue
This was at the back of Gunmetal Magic -- wish I'd known to read it FIRST, since in the storyline it happens first.
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is a novella that I have been wanting to read for a while. I was excited to see it was going to be published as a stand alone for Kindle. It ended up being a fantastic read full of all of the fun, action, humor, and magic that I have come to expect from this series.
This book takes place after
This novella (more of a short novel) had all the wonderful elements that I enjoy so much with the Kate Daniels series. There is a lot of action, some mysterious magic, and lots of humor. We get to visit the neo Vikings again and witness a fight with a truly evil duergar.
Overall I just loved this story and can’t wait to read more Kate Daniels. This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series and just never gets old. I love the action, humor, and wonderfully entertaining characters. I am all caught up on the series but have a few ebook novellas that I haven’t read yet. I am hoping to pick up Magic Stars soon and start reading Derek and Julie’s story. This series is highly recommended to all urban fantasy fans out there.
This book takes place after
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Magic Slays and is set in the same time frame as Gunmetal Magic (Andrea’s story). Kate and Curran finally get away from the Keep on a rare dinner date only to have things go amok. A Navigator couple at the table over are exchanging gifts when the necklace the male Navigator gives the female Navigator clamps around her neck and kills her. Things get even stranger when the DA’s wife shows up and removes the necklace from the Navigator and clamps it on her young son. Kate and Curran take the young boy into custody and end up in a race against the clock trying to figure out to remove the necklace without killing the kid.This novella (more of a short novel) had all the wonderful elements that I enjoy so much with the Kate Daniels series. There is a lot of action, some mysterious magic, and lots of humor. We get to visit the neo Vikings again and witness a fight with a truly evil duergar.
Overall I just loved this story and can’t wait to read more Kate Daniels. This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series and just never gets old. I love the action, humor, and wonderfully entertaining characters. I am all caught up on the series but have a few ebook novellas that I haven’t read yet. I am hoping to pick up Magic Stars soon and start reading Derek and Julie’s story. This series is highly recommended to all urban fantasy fans out there.
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LibraryThing member Becky_McKenna
Another great story! This novella centers primarily around Kate and Curran as they tracked down the maker of a dangerous piece of jewelry that is slowly killing a young boy. The action starts right away and takes you on an adventure that includes Vikings and several amazing battle scenes. It was a
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quick read with lots of humor and a touching ending. Don't miss this one! Show Less
LibraryThing member devilwrites
The premise: ganked from Goodreads: Available as FREE download from Ilona Andrews Website for 2 weeks from Christmas Day, this novella takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book [GUNMETAL MAGIC], right after MAGIC SLAYS, and the two stories intersect.
A dinner date after a hard day at work
Read at your own risk.
MAGIC GIFTS will appear as a bonus in the back of GUNMETAL MAGIC, Andrea’s book.
My Rating: Worth Reading, with Reservations
While it's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and the trademark snarky humor is ever-present, it's obvious Magic Gifts is a novella that's missing a few things. While Kate's stories are wrapped up (and in a kick-ass fashion no less), the novella's really a kick-off for the Andrea-featured spin-off, Gunmetal Magic. Not that I mind too much, as I plan to pick it up (and for those of you who missed out on this free gift, the edited and polished novella Magic Gifts is reportedly going to be published with Gunmetal Magic). Being an ARC of sorts, there were plenty of typos, and sometimes I felt things weren't explored quite as well as they could've been. The stories, save for Andrea's which was obviously a tease, wrapped up a little too easily. But that's okay. It's fun, and if you're a fan of the series, you'll want to get your hands on it. I'd rather see such plot threads explored in smaller forms anyway, rather than the author trying to stretch it out into a novel when it has no business being a novel. I'll be looking forward to Andrews' next offering in this world, that's for sure!
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Not really. The story is short and sweet, so I'd hate to spoil it for you. The full review is in my blog, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome!
REVIEW: Ilona Andrews' MAGIC GIFTS
Happy Reading!
A dinner date after a hard day at work
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sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.Read at your own risk.
MAGIC GIFTS will appear as a bonus in the back of GUNMETAL MAGIC, Andrea’s book.
My Rating: Worth Reading, with Reservations
While it's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and the trademark snarky humor is ever-present, it's obvious Magic Gifts is a novella that's missing a few things. While Kate's stories are wrapped up (and in a kick-ass fashion no less), the novella's really a kick-off for the Andrea-featured spin-off, Gunmetal Magic. Not that I mind too much, as I plan to pick it up (and for those of you who missed out on this free gift, the edited and polished novella Magic Gifts is reportedly going to be published with Gunmetal Magic). Being an ARC of sorts, there were plenty of typos, and sometimes I felt things weren't explored quite as well as they could've been. The stories, save for Andrea's which was obviously a tease, wrapped up a little too easily. But that's okay. It's fun, and if you're a fan of the series, you'll want to get your hands on it. I'd rather see such plot threads explored in smaller forms anyway, rather than the author trying to stretch it out into a novel when it has no business being a novel. I'll be looking forward to Andrews' next offering in this world, that's for sure!
Spoilers, yay or nay?: Not really. The story is short and sweet, so I'd hate to spoil it for you. The full review is in my blog, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome!
REVIEW: Ilona Andrews' MAGIC GIFTS
Happy Reading!
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LibraryThing member Narilka
Magic Gifts is a novella in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Kate and Current attempt to go on a date after Kate wraps up a long day of monster slaying. Naturally it does not go quite as planned.
"I'm sorry about the dinner."
"Best date ever. Well, until people died and vampires showed up.
This was a fairly fun story and felt like one of the normal books, just condensed down. I wish it had been longer so it could have explored the various myths that we touched upon more.
"I'm sorry about the dinner."
"Best date ever. Well, until people died and vampires showed up.
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But before that it was awesome."This was a fairly fun story and felt like one of the normal books, just condensed down. I wish it had been longer so it could have explored the various myths that we touched upon more.
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LibraryThing member quondame
Pretty typical and easy to move through, but it throws in a huge problem that is just left for a future book.
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Curran and Kate have a normal dinner date ? Not likely. Things get crazy, people die, vampires are unleashed, dinner ruined. A magical device is killing a young child and Curran and Kate can't let that happen. They must ask questions of nasty mythical beasties and pray they live through it. Just
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another day for the beast lord and his consort. ~sigh~ Snarky, twisted fun-Love it Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
I'm pretty sure I've read this before, but that certainly didn't stint my enjoyment. Classic Kate Daniels -- full of exhausted, grumpy heroine covered in muck and hoping for a quiet night at home. Good luck with that, Kate. Good luck with that.
LibraryThing member funstm
The first time I read Magic Bites I didn't get why there were so many rave reviews. I mean it seemed pretty average. The world building was cool and Kate seemed alright but a bit standoffish. The romance between Kate and Crest was mediocre - it seemed like she didn't like him at all and it felt
Yeah - read the rest of the series. It gets SO MUCH BETTER. Kate stops being standoffish and starts letting people in. Derek becomes a total badass. Ghastek - well he's still pretty creepy. But also funny and kind and sweet when he wants to be. And Curran - I love him now. He is an absolute ass in this first book. But I forgot. He becomes everything you want in a love interest. There's a ton of new loveable characters; Julie, Andrea, Aunt Bea, Raphael, Barbaras. Some new evil ones; Hugh, Roland. So much action and adventure and intensity and laughs.
So do yourself a favour. Keep reading.
What a disaster. Poor Andrea with Raphael showing up with some other chick. I liked that Curran and Kate trick Ghastek - about time he gets screwed.
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forced and awkward. The romance between her and Curran wasn't any better. It didn't make sense why he followed her home while he was on his date. I liked Derek and Ghastek was creepy. There was lots of snappy, witty dialogue and I had a few laughs - but I was just confused. It was good but it wasn't great. Yeah - read the rest of the series. It gets SO MUCH BETTER. Kate stops being standoffish and starts letting people in. Derek becomes a total badass. Ghastek - well he's still pretty creepy. But also funny and kind and sweet when he wants to be. And Curran - I love him now. He is an absolute ass in this first book. But I forgot. He becomes everything you want in a love interest. There's a ton of new loveable characters; Julie, Andrea, Aunt Bea, Raphael, Barbaras. Some new evil ones; Hugh, Roland. So much action and adventure and intensity and laughs.
So do yourself a favour. Keep reading.
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Original publication date
2012-07-31
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Andrews |