The World of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels Series

I discovered Ilona Andrews’ world of Kate Daniels via audio format. I had heard so many wonderful things about the series and Renee Raudman’s narration although I must admit that investing in three books (the number of audio titles available at the time) seemed a bit steep when I didn’t know what I was getting into. Would a series classified as Urban Fantasy containing a slow-building romance, a lot of action scenes, and storylines featuring mythical creatures of yore keep my interest? I resolved my inner debate by listening to the more traditionally romantic On the Edge (before the Edge was a series)  first, getting a true taste of this author/narrator combo.

To say I jumped at the chance for more after that first listen – instantly addicted to both the writing and the narration – is an understatement. After I finished listening to On the Edge, I couldn’t download Magic Bites fast enough – blowing through the three available Kate Daniels titles in early 2010 for a total of 40 hours and 42 minutes of Andrews/Raudman listening in two weeks. There wasn’t a data entry or household chore left in my life after that marathon. :D

Then the withdrawal started – resulting in me becoming one of those pushy friends insisting others had to listen to these books. There is just something about getting another to listen to a favorite audio that allows me to re-live the initial rush of discovery.

Can I explain all the fuss? I doubt it but I can give a brief overview of the Kate Daniels series without spoilers.

Kate Daniels’ urban fantasy series is set in Atlanta, Georgia as the planet suffers from years of increasingly stronger waves of magic rolling over it. The magic waves take down modern technology along with high-rises causing cities to crumble as earth’s inhabitants – resilient as ever – figure out how to survive in this changing world. The population consists of humans, shapeshifters, not-sexy vampires, any number of mythological beings, and those with magic that can’t be categorized. Andrews’ world is detailed, bloody, and dark then – zap – you’re punched with humor that has you laughing out loud. Did I say addictive?

With no info dumping (thank you!), the listener learns about this world and the characters as you go. Be patient, it’s worth it. Listening as Renee Raudman brings it all alive adds to the clarity and my overall experience.

While some fans were caught off guard with the development of a romance angle between Kate and Curran, I wasn’t, thanks to experiencing the series in audio format. With Ms. Raudman’s narration, the chemistry sizzled from Kate and Curran’s first interaction. But romance is not the core here; it’s only a layer in a tightly woven sequence of books that adds another level of enjoyment while the focus remains on the action.

Without providing spoilers, I’m adding a brief description of each book in the series and three sound clips so you can experience the wonder that is Renee Raudman in small part here.

The first in the series, Magic Bites, introduces Kate Daniels, mercenary for hire, she’s worth the pay and she knows it. She’s strong, witty, and irreverent, making her extremely likeable. Kate needs to keep a low profile but when her estranged guardian is killed in a grisly yet indefinable way, she will do whatever it takes to find out who is responsible. Her quest brings her into contact with The People (those who pilot the undead vampires) and Curran, the Beast Lord of Atlanta and his Pack. He’s arrogant, with reason, surprised by a woman who looks him in the eye, and doubtful of her motives in being involved in this murder case.

Am I the only one who has noticed the first book in a series generally has the lowest rating? A rating influenced by those who couldn’t get on board (too bad for them in the case of Magic Bites) and don’t continue on to the next in a series to see how the world and the characters are fleshed out. Notice the ratings on the following books rise as fans that were grabbed come back for more.

Magic Burns begins a few months after the events in Magic Bites with Kate working as a liaison between the Mercenary Guild and the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. Kate crosses paths with a young girl named Julie whose mother is missing. As they work together to find Julie’s mother, Kate is asked by the Pack to find maps stolen by a disappearing (literally) bowman. This brings Kate once again into Curran’s proximity and their verbal sparring is not to be missed – fast, funny, and sexy. And Curran is making moves Kate doesn’t recognize as a non Pack member.

Magic Strikes Two months have passed since the magic flare’s influence on an intensely fought battle. Kate is learning to deal with the vulnerability allowing friends into her life has brought, when she gets a call that one of them is in trouble. Emotions and trouble continue to increase until Kate and others are risking complete alienation from the Pack. The sparks grow hotter between Kate and Curran and there is a phone call scene that cannot be missed. Prepare to shed a tear – and to laugh really hard while listening to this third entry in the series.

Magic Bleeds starts with Kate preparing to pay up on the deal she made while on the phone with Curran (in the last book) but their plans go awry. Kate is burying herself in work when a case that becomes more personal than she could have imagined, brings her face to face with Curran. We learn more details of Kate’s secret as she, Curran, and others we’ve come to care for work to rescue themselves and Atlanta. Oh and the culmination of one particular chase scene will have you riveted.

Magic Slays finds Kate starting her own investigative business. Despite her competence and reputation she doesn’t have many clients when she’s hired to find the inventor of a device endangering Atlanta. While on the hunt, Kate learns details about her past that leave her shaken. She may be having a personal crisis but, as a true heroine, she pushes forward to the showdown required to save those she loves – with their help of course – along with unlikely forces willing to unite for this cause.

Gunmetal Magic Kate’s co worker, Andrea, a Knight in the Order of Merciful Aid is her best friend; she gets involved with the local Pack through Kate. Gunmetal Magic is Andrea’s story as she and Raphael (the alpha male of clan bouda) battle their way to an understanding while saving the Pack from a power hungry God. Kate and Curran drop in but the plot and action and there’s a lot of it surrounds Andrea and Raphael in this outing. This is an excellent installment moving the series forward.

Magic Rises: Shapeshifter children are in danger and Curran is willing to risk much for the cure he knows is available. He and Kate gather up all of their best people and set sail for Europe (yes, the gang goes on a road trip!) to face whatever comes their way in order to save future generations. All the twists, turns and surprises encountered on this journey will keep your eyes wide and your emotions running high. Wow – Magic Rises was my absolute hands down favorite listen of 2013.

It’s been four years since that first Andrews/Raudman listen and I’ve never looked back; happily joining the ranks of “always waiting for more” Ilona Andrews fans.

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Narration: A

Series Content: A

Steam Factor: It works up to Glad I had my ear buds in

Violence: Escalated Fighting

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Tantor Audio and Recorded Books

Brenda

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A complete list of Ilona Andrews titles available in audio format is below with the Kate Daniels series (including novellas) listed in chronological order.

Kate Daniels series

A Questionable Client (7/20/10) Kate Daniels World prequal in Dark and Stormy Knights anthology – Brilliance Audio release 7/20/12. The Andrews’ story is narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Bites (March 2007) Kate Daniels series book 1 – Tantor Audio release – 1/12/09. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

Magic Burns (April 2008) Kate Daniels series book 2 – Tantor Audio release 1/29/09. Narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Strikes (March 2009) Kate Daniels series book 3 – Tantor Audio release 8/6/09. Narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Mourns (9/1/09) Kate Daniels World story in Must Love Hellhounds anthology – Tantor Audio release 7/15/13. Narrated by Johanna Parker.

Magic Bleeds (June 2010) Kate Daniels series book 4 – Tantor Audio release 5/25/10. Narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Dreams (6/30/11) Kate Daniels World story found in Hexed – Tantor Audio release 6/30/11. The Andrews’ story is narrated by Renee Raudman

Retribution Clause (6/5/12) (set in Kate’s world but in Philadelphia) in Hex Appeal anthology – Audible Frontiers release 6/5/12. The Andrews’ story is narrated by Marc Vieter.

Magic Slays (May 2011) Kate Daniels series book 5 – Tantor Audio release 6/8/11. Narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Tests (9/4/12) Kate Daniels World story found in An Apple for the Creature – Brilliance Audio release. The Andrews’ story is narrated by Angela Dawe.

Gunmetal Magic (and Magic Gifts a short Kate and Curran story) (July 2012) Kate Daniels World – Andrea’s book 5.5 – Tantor Audio release 7/31/12. The audio includes Magic Gifts. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

Magic Rises (July 2013) Kate Daniels series book 6 – Recorded Books release 7/30/13. Narrated by Renee Raudman

Magic Breaks (July 2014) Kate Daniels series book 7 – Recorded Books release 7/29/2014. Narrated by Renee Raudman

 

Edge series

On the Edge (September 2009) Edge series Book 1 – Tantor Audio release 1/7/10. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

Bayou Moon (September2010) Edge series Book 2 – Tantor Audio release 9/28/10. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

Fate’s Edge (November 2011) Edge series Book 3 –  Tantor Audio release 11/29/11. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

Steel’s Edge (December 2012) Edge series book 4 – Recorded Books release 5/3/13. Narrated by Renee Raudman.

 

Another Ilona Andrews title in audio

Alphas: Origins (10/4/11) in Angels of Darkness anthology – Tantor Audio release. The Andrews’ story is narrated by Renee Raudman.

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