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Kate Daniels #5.5
Magic Gifts
A dinner date after a hard day at work 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 extreme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.
Read at your own risk.
Read at your own risk.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2011
About the author
Ilona Andrews
151 books31.9k 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 1,122 reviews
July 22, 2019
🐈 The Adventures Of A Brave Little Kitty Buddy Rerererereread (TAOABLKBR™) with the IA Addicts 🐈
➽ And the moral of this particular rerereread is: I want a bunch of rowdy, homicidal neo-Vikings for Christmas. Because reasons and stuff.
Okay, so that's not exactly the type of neo-Viking I had in mind, but whatever and stuff.
👋 Until next time and stuff.
[February 2018]
⚔ The Grand IAA™ KD Buddy Rerererereread Extravaganza (GIAAKDBRE™), aka theyellow brick road to Magic Triumphs ⚔
» And the moral of this particular rererereread is: the Psychotic Consort (PC™) + a roaring kitty with a big mouth full of big teeth + slightly batshit crazy, drunk Vikings + vampiric skittles + somewhat epic, kickass fights + magical axes + Ghastek Goodness (GG™) + badass times at the Guild + a blue-skinned undead hottie who smells of, um, roses and drinks, um, dark stuff + Hahaha Times Galore (HTG™) =
Yes, this is me dancing ecstatically. Just so you know.
And also:
P.S. Please someone tell the chick on the cover of this book that she got lost in the wrong series. Thank thee kindly.
[Original review (I apologize, I was 5 years old when I wrote it)]
Oh how I love the novellas and short-stories in this series! Not only are they wickedly entertaining, they also are great sources of information and add so much to the series as a whole! Everything makes a lot more sense after reading these side stories. The Andrews are so good I can’t believe it. They tie everything in perfectly, all the books are interlinked and this makes for an amazing world building. Kate Daniels’ world is so rich and dense that it really seems to come alive.
Magic Gifts is the perfect tie-in to Gunmetal Magic as the events in both books happen at the same time. Magic Gifts is told from Kate’s POV while Gunmetal Magic is told from Andrea’s POV. Just brilliant! I loved reading the scene when Kate returns to the office to find Andrea in her beastkin form. It’s one of my favourite scenes in Gunmetal Magic and it’s great to read it with Kate as a narrative voice, it gives a whole new perspective. Poor Kate misses out on the conversation between Andrea & Curran but we don’t since the scene is featured in Gunmetal Magic, cool!
More great scenes? I love when Kate preps for the meeting with the Guild, her grand entrance before the meeting and her speech in front of the mercs. Fantastic! I love the magic, the Vikings, Kate & Jim arguing with Curran trying to play referee…
Favourite series ever? Oh yes, most definitely!
➽ And the moral of this particular rerereread is: I want a bunch of rowdy, homicidal neo-Vikings for Christmas. Because reasons and stuff.
Okay, so that's not exactly the type of neo-Viking I had in mind, but whatever and stuff.
👋 Until next time and stuff.
[February 2018]
⚔ The Grand IAA™ KD Buddy Rerererereread Extravaganza (GIAAKDBRE™), aka the
» And the moral of this particular rererereread is: the Psychotic Consort (PC™) + a roaring kitty with a big mouth full of big teeth + slightly batshit crazy, drunk Vikings + vampiric skittles + somewhat epic, kickass fights + magical axes + Ghastek Goodness (GG™) + badass times at the Guild + a blue-skinned undead hottie who smells of, um, roses and drinks, um, dark stuff + Hahaha Times Galore (HTG™) =
Yes, this is me dancing ecstatically. Just so you know.
And also:
P.S. Please someone tell the chick on the cover of this book that she got lost in the wrong series. Thank thee kindly.
[Original review (I apologize, I was 5 years old when I wrote it)]
Oh how I love the novellas and short-stories in this series! Not only are they wickedly entertaining, they also are great sources of information and add so much to the series as a whole! Everything makes a lot more sense after reading these side stories. The Andrews are so good I can’t believe it. They tie everything in perfectly, all the books are interlinked and this makes for an amazing world building. Kate Daniels’ world is so rich and dense that it really seems to come alive.
Magic Gifts is the perfect tie-in to Gunmetal Magic as the events in both books happen at the same time. Magic Gifts is told from Kate’s POV while Gunmetal Magic is told from Andrea’s POV. Just brilliant! I loved reading the scene when Kate returns to the office to find Andrea in her beastkin form. It’s one of my favourite scenes in Gunmetal Magic and it’s great to read it with Kate as a narrative voice, it gives a whole new perspective. Poor Kate misses out on the conversation between Andrea & Curran but we don’t since the scene is featured in Gunmetal Magic, cool!
More great scenes? I love when Kate preps for the meeting with the Guild, her grand entrance before the meeting and her speech in front of the mercs. Fantastic! I love the magic, the Vikings, Kate & Jim arguing with Curran trying to play referee…
“Enough," Curran said. An unmistakable command saturated his voice. Jim clicked his mouth shut. I crossed my arms. "I'm sorry, is this the part where I fall to my knees and shiver in fear, Your Furriness? Silly me, I didn't get the memo.”The final battle against the draugr is epic, amazing, violent, gory… To think I used to hate fight scenes before reading this series and I can’t get enough of them now!
Curran grasped the edge of the two vertebrae and forced them apart. I cut into the cleft, slicing through the connective tissue. Cut. Cut. Cut. Cartilage crunched.Well that was pretty disgusting, ha ha! Oh and I love when Kate uses one of her power words. The magic pretty much wipes her out every time she uses one but she seems to be getting better at it with each new instalment.
I opened my mouth and barked a power word. “Ossanda.” Kneel, you undead sonovabitch. The magic burst from me. It felt like someone had sunk claws into my stomach and tore out the muscle and my innards. The world went black for a tiny moment.It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
Favourite series ever? Oh yes, most definitely!
October 3, 2015
I love Kate.
I love Curran.
I love Kate + Curran.
They should make fuzzy necromatic shifter babies. I’d totally babysit those adorable little psychos. And I wouldn’t even check out Curran’s ass (blatant lie is blatant).
Hmmm…I wonder if Saiman is seeing anyone. Don’t tell me you haven’t been tempted. He’s like the long lost older brother of The Wonder Twins.
Form of, Alex Pettyfer!
Form of, Joe Manganiello!
Form of, Robert Redford!
Oh God, when he was younger! When he was younger, damn it!
Phew, much better. Thank you Saimanalexjoerob.
And thank you Ilona Andrews. Even your short stories are so awesome that I can’t properly review them…obviously.
I love Curran.
I love Kate + Curran.
They should make fuzzy necromatic shifter babies. I’d totally babysit those adorable little psychos. And I wouldn’t even check out Curran’s ass (blatant lie is blatant).
Hmmm…I wonder if Saiman is seeing anyone. Don’t tell me you haven’t been tempted. He’s like the long lost older brother of The Wonder Twins.
Form of, Alex Pettyfer!
Form of, Joe Manganiello!
Form of, Robert Redford!
Oh God, when he was younger! When he was younger, damn it!
Phew, much better. Thank you Saimanalexjoerob.
And thank you Ilona Andrews. Even your short stories are so awesome that I can’t properly review them…obviously.
November 23, 2021
Magic Gifts is the story of what is happening with Kate while Andrea is running around solving crime by herself in Gunmetal Magic.
Kate and Curran are just trying to enjoy a nice evening out when a magic necklace chokes the life out of a Journeyman of the People, causing two vampires to attempt a killing spree.
Good times.
The same magic necklace finds itself around the neck of a seven year old child, which causes Kate and Curran to claim the child, in order to save him, and the People to claim the child, b/c the necklace killed an investment and must be investigated.
Guess who wins?
Also, the People suck.
Julie is enlisted to help determine what kind of magic the necklace has, and discovers some indecipherable runes that lead everyone on a merry chase through Norse mythology.
This story was presumably written to appease rabid Kate fans when instead of a new Kate book, a book from Andrea’s POV was published.
I am appeased.
My other reviews for this series:
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, #0.5)
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1)
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2)
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3)
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels, #3.5)
Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4)
Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels, #4.5)
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5)
Magic Tests (Kate Daniels, #5.3)
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)
Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels, #5.6)
An Ill-Advised Rescue (Kate Daniels, #5.8)
Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6)
Magic Steals (Kate Daniels, #6.5)
Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7)
Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8)
Magic Stars (Kate Daniels, #8.5, Grey Wolf, #1)
Magic Binds (Kate Daniels, #9)
Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels, #9.5)
Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels, #10)
Curran POV Collection
Kate and Curran are just trying to enjoy a nice evening out when a magic necklace chokes the life out of a Journeyman of the People, causing two vampires to attempt a killing spree.
Good times.
The same magic necklace finds itself around the neck of a seven year old child, which causes Kate and Curran to claim the child, in order to save him, and the People to claim the child, b/c the necklace killed an investment and must be investigated.
Guess who wins?
Also, the People suck.
Julie is enlisted to help determine what kind of magic the necklace has, and discovers some indecipherable runes that lead everyone on a merry chase through Norse mythology.
This story was presumably written to appease rabid Kate fans when instead of a new Kate book, a book from Andrea’s POV was published.
I am appeased.
My other reviews for this series:
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, #0.5)
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1)
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2)
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3)
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels, #3.5)
Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4)
Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels, #4.5)
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5)
Magic Tests (Kate Daniels, #5.3)
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)
Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels, #5.6)
An Ill-Advised Rescue (Kate Daniels, #5.8)
Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6)
Magic Steals (Kate Daniels, #6.5)
Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7)
Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8)
Magic Stars (Kate Daniels, #8.5, Grey Wolf, #1)
Magic Binds (Kate Daniels, #9)
Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels, #9.5)
Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels, #10)
Curran POV Collection
November 3, 2024
Fun but had a few too many typos/editorial oversights (in the version I read at least).
[First Read, August 2015] 5 stars
[Reread, May 2023] 3.5 stars
[First Read, August 2015] 5 stars
[Reread, May 2023] 3.5 stars
January 15, 2021
1st read - August 2013 - 4 stars
2nd read - June 2015
3rd read - July 2016 - increased to 5 stars
4th read - February 2018
5th read - July 2018
6th read - July 2019
7th read - October 2020
8th read - January 2021
Original Review
Magic Gifts is a novella included at the back of Andrea's book Gunmetal Magic. This story stars Kate and Curran and the timeline coincides with the first half of Gunmetal Magic but I would actually recommend reading the novella before the full length book. Anyone who has read any of my previous reviews will know how much I adore Kate and Curran so of course I jump at the chance of reading any story containing them and Magic Gifts was a fabulous one.
Things never seem to go smoothly for our favourite couple, they hardly ever get any peace and quite to spend time together so it won't surprise you to hear that their latest attempt at a date is no exception. Before they've even had a chance to start eating one of the People is dead and vampires are running amok. They work together to get things under control but the next thing they know a seven year old boy is wearing the magical necklace that just killed his sister and is now slowly taking his life too. Kate and Curran can't allow a child to die but they're going to have to battle their worst enemy yet to find a way to help him.
This novella has everything I love about the series, the fabulous relationship between Kate and Curran, witty banter, great side characters, a fast paced and well thought out plot and some fantastic fight scenes. Fans of the series are going to love this one!
_____________________
2nd Read
I can’t reread this series without including all the little short stories and novellas. I just love spending time in this world!
_____________________
3rd Read
So it looks like I'm increasing my ratings for most of these books (the ones that weren't already 5 stars anyway!) on this reread. I just fall more and more in love with this world and these characters every time I revisit it and this story was brilliant.
We have some really sweet and humorous moments when Kate and Curran attempt to go out on a date like a normal couple and then there is plenty of arse kicking when they're trying to save the life of a young boy in danger. Oh and we have vikings too!
2nd read - June 2015
3rd read - July 2016 - increased to 5 stars
4th read - February 2018
5th read - July 2018
6th read - July 2019
7th read - October 2020
8th read - January 2021
Original Review
Magic Gifts is a novella included at the back of Andrea's book Gunmetal Magic. This story stars Kate and Curran and the timeline coincides with the first half of Gunmetal Magic but I would actually recommend reading the novella before the full length book. Anyone who has read any of my previous reviews will know how much I adore Kate and Curran so of course I jump at the chance of reading any story containing them and Magic Gifts was a fabulous one.
Things never seem to go smoothly for our favourite couple, they hardly ever get any peace and quite to spend time together so it won't surprise you to hear that their latest attempt at a date is no exception. Before they've even had a chance to start eating one of the People is dead and vampires are running amok. They work together to get things under control but the next thing they know a seven year old boy is wearing the magical necklace that just killed his sister and is now slowly taking his life too. Kate and Curran can't allow a child to die but they're going to have to battle their worst enemy yet to find a way to help him.
This novella has everything I love about the series, the fabulous relationship between Kate and Curran, witty banter, great side characters, a fast paced and well thought out plot and some fantastic fight scenes. Fans of the series are going to love this one!
_____________________
2nd Read
I can’t reread this series without including all the little short stories and novellas. I just love spending time in this world!
_____________________
3rd Read
So it looks like I'm increasing my ratings for most of these books (the ones that weren't already 5 stars anyway!) on this reread. I just fall more and more in love with this world and these characters every time I revisit it and this story was brilliant.
We have some really sweet and humorous moments when Kate and Curran attempt to go out on a date like a normal couple and then there is plenty of arse kicking when they're trying to save the life of a young boy in danger. Oh and we have vikings too!
May 16, 2017
I dont give novellas 5 stars because it's not a complete story. BUT this is Kate Daniels and the Andrews clan can't go wrong! This novella is my favorite so far. It features many cool stuff.
I think reading novellas in this series is very important because they add a lot to the story. We are constantly reminded of the books events but not the novellas.
I just love Kate and Curran. They're the ultimate OTP. I had so much fun reading this! Magic Gifts offered lots of badassery scenes. From fights, to unavoidable speeches (Kate's entrance to the guild was EPIC), to even Vikings!!! We also get to hear Ghastek admit being wrong!
Overall this novella was pure perfection. Can't wait to read the rest of the series (please dont dissapoint me..)
I think reading novellas in this series is very important because they add a lot to the story. We are constantly reminded of the books events but not the novellas.
I just love Kate and Curran. They're the ultimate OTP. I had so much fun reading this! Magic Gifts offered lots of badassery scenes. From fights, to unavoidable speeches (Kate's entrance to the guild was EPIC), to even Vikings!!! We also get to hear Ghastek admit being wrong!
Overall this novella was pure perfection. Can't wait to read the rest of the series (please dont dissapoint me..)
November 19, 2016
Curran and Kate have many difficulties every time they try to go out for a date. It seems that troubles are following them everywhere. In their last attempt of a date, a necklace will strangle a young woman (one of the necromancers) and her brother may be the next victim.
The little boy will be taken care of by the Pack. Kate will do anything in her powers to remove the necklace from around his throat. She will visit the People (the necromancers) at the Casino, the Neo-Vikings at the Norse Heritage, Immokalee (a Cherokee medicine woman), the Hakon who eats everyone who visits him and Ivar the dverg. Ghaster and his vampires will help.
At the same time important things happen that the fans of the series need to be aware of in order to understand the development of the story in the next books. Guild will need to have a new leader since Solomon died and Andrea is meeting Raphael again.
The members of the Guild seem happy and the new arrangement may work. Andrea on the other hand is not happy at all. In “Gunmetal Magic” the two were-hyenas need to sort out their relationship and their feelings for each other.
Once again I am so impressed with the number and the variety of mythical creatures that can fit in a single adventure.
This is a must-read book for the series’ fans.
The little boy will be taken care of by the Pack. Kate will do anything in her powers to remove the necklace from around his throat. She will visit the People (the necromancers) at the Casino, the Neo-Vikings at the Norse Heritage, Immokalee (a Cherokee medicine woman), the Hakon who eats everyone who visits him and Ivar the dverg. Ghaster and his vampires will help.
At the same time important things happen that the fans of the series need to be aware of in order to understand the development of the story in the next books. Guild will need to have a new leader since Solomon died and Andrea is meeting Raphael again.
The members of the Guild seem happy and the new arrangement may work. Andrea on the other hand is not happy at all. In “Gunmetal Magic” the two were-hyenas need to sort out their relationship and their feelings for each other.
Once again I am so impressed with the number and the variety of mythical creatures that can fit in a single adventure.
This is a must-read book for the series’ fans.
May 24, 2024
Graphic Audio Reread Bring on the beast Lord and a undead giant.
Loving my re-reading spree
There is something about this series that just makes me smile. I maybe don’t laugh out loud a lot during them but I definitely smile most of the way through.
This was a fun side story involving Kate and Curran working together to solve a few problems involving a life sucking necklace, vampires run amuck, guild wars, Drunken Vikings and trying to have a normal night out. I love these two together working as a team their dialog with each other is so fun and Illona and Andrews stole my heart when they made a trekkie reference.
Curran decided to go as what he referred to as a “redshirt.” Apparently it was the term for some sort of disposable attendant from some old TV show.
As always the story was fun and imaginative. It seemed to run concurrently with Gunmetal Magic since there was a scene with Andrea and my favorite hooligan
“Where is the bane of my existence?"
"In the shower, freshening up."
Damn it all to hell. "Oh God, who did Ascanio screw now?"
"No, no, he's covered in blood."
"Oh good." Wait a minute. "The kid is covered in blood and we're relieved. There is something wrong with us.”
Kate’s witty banter and cute names for his furriness always give me a grin. It was a great filler for in-between books as I love the Magic world that has been created. This is for anyone who just can’t get enough of the Magic world.
Loving my re-reading spree
There is something about this series that just makes me smile. I maybe don’t laugh out loud a lot during them but I definitely smile most of the way through.
This was a fun side story involving Kate and Curran working together to solve a few problems involving a life sucking necklace, vampires run amuck, guild wars, Drunken Vikings and trying to have a normal night out. I love these two together working as a team their dialog with each other is so fun and Illona and Andrews stole my heart when they made a trekkie reference.
Curran decided to go as what he referred to as a “redshirt.” Apparently it was the term for some sort of disposable attendant from some old TV show.
As always the story was fun and imaginative. It seemed to run concurrently with Gunmetal Magic since there was a scene with Andrea and my favorite hooligan
“Where is the bane of my existence?"
"In the shower, freshening up."
Damn it all to hell. "Oh God, who did Ascanio screw now?"
"No, no, he's covered in blood."
"Oh good." Wait a minute. "The kid is covered in blood and we're relieved. There is something wrong with us.”
Kate’s witty banter and cute names for his furriness always give me a grin. It was a great filler for in-between books as I love the Magic world that has been created. This is for anyone who just can’t get enough of the Magic world.
December 7, 2014
5 IA Addiction Stars
You would think that going on a dinner date is easy, but when you are Kate Daniels and the Beast Lord of Atlanta and your first, middle and last name are "Trouble", a dinner can turn into a deadly affair. Before you know it you have a dead navigator, 2 dead vampires, a kid with a life-sucking necklace around his neck, crazy, drunk vikings and worse of all, politics to deal with. Who said dating is an easy affair?
What can I say about Kate and Curran? The story is as awesome as they always are. The Vikings angle was hilarious and I love every scene with Ghastek. You would think I wouldn't like the conceited idiot but somehow he has wormed his way in my heart with his ridiculous formalities and I love how he always strikes Kate where it hurts, not with the raw violence that she is used to but with law and politics.
A great story with all the crazy and action KD has addicted us to...
You would think that going on a dinner date is easy, but when you are Kate Daniels and the Beast Lord of Atlanta and your first, middle and last name are "Trouble", a dinner can turn into a deadly affair. Before you know it you have a dead navigator, 2 dead vampires, a kid with a life-sucking necklace around his neck, crazy, drunk vikings and worse of all, politics to deal with. Who said dating is an easy affair?
“I'm sorry about the dinner."
"Best date ever. Well, until people died and vampires showed up. But before that it was awesome.”
What can I say about Kate and Curran? The story is as awesome as they always are. The Vikings angle was hilarious and I love every scene with Ghastek. You would think I wouldn't like the conceited idiot but somehow he has wormed his way in my heart with his ridiculous formalities and I love how he always strikes Kate where it hurts, not with the raw violence that she is used to but with law and politics.
Some people had attack dogs. Ghastek had attack lawyers.
A great story with all the crazy and action KD has addicted us to...
“Don't worry, he's coming with me to investigate things."
"In the city?" Jim asked.
"Yes."
"That's a great idea. You both should go. To the city."
Curran and I looked at each other.
"He's trying to get rid of us," I said.
"You think he's planning a coup?" Curran wondered.
"I hope so." I turned to Jim. "Is there any chance you'd overthrow the tyrannical Beast Lord and his psychotic Consort?"
"Yeah, I want a vacation," Curran said.
Jim leaned toward us and said in a lowered voice, "You couldn't pay me enough. This is your mess, you deal with it. I have enough on my plate."
He walked away.
"Too bad," Curran said.
"I don't know, I think we could convince him to seize the reins of power."
Curran shook his head. "Nahh. He's too smart for that.”
March 23, 2021
August 2016 re-read: This is such a fun story! Serious, but so much fun at the same time. Humor floods every page and makes me love these characters even more. Ghastek, especially, gets a lot of time - and I love getting to know him bit by bit.
October 2015 re-read: For being a novella length story about Kate, Ilona Andrews sure did pack a lot of awesomeness into this book. I was highlighting all over the place. I laughed out loud on almost every page. It was so much fun, with a good dose of excitement thrown in along the way.
Original review:
What a great story. I really loved this. Ilona Andrews really could have made money on this novella, but they gave it away for free on their website for a few weeks.
Now I'm even more excited for the other part of the story (Andrea's part) coming out in Gunmetal Magic.
October 2015 re-read: For being a novella length story about Kate, Ilona Andrews sure did pack a lot of awesomeness into this book. I was highlighting all over the place. I laughed out loud on almost every page. It was so much fun, with a good dose of excitement thrown in along the way.
Original review:
What a great story. I really loved this. Ilona Andrews really could have made money on this novella, but they gave it away for free on their website for a few weeks.
Now I'm even more excited for the other part of the story (Andrea's part) coming out in Gunmetal Magic.
July 10, 2015
I picked up Gunmetal Magic at the library a week or so ago and started reading it, and somewhere along the line I realized that the last quarter or so of the book was a KATE DANIELS NOVELLA SQUEEEE! And Andrea is fine and all but Kate . . . how can lesser mortals compete? Also Raphael vs. Curran? Sorry, Raphael, you're pretty hot, but it's just no contest for me.
So I abandoned poor Andrea in the middle of her professional and relationship woes and jumped into Kate's adventure, which involves a gold necklace with a fatal agenda, one seriously cold-hearted mother, the most hilarious group of quasi-Vikings I ever saw, and lots of His Furry Majesty and Kate. Good times!
I really shouldn't have read this because I've only read the first three Kate Daniels novels and this novella is numbered something like 5.4, but you know what? I don't even care.
So I abandoned poor Andrea in the middle of her professional and relationship woes and jumped into Kate's adventure, which involves a gold necklace with a fatal agenda, one seriously cold-hearted mother, the most hilarious group of quasi-Vikings I ever saw, and lots of His Furry Majesty and Kate. Good times!
I really shouldn't have read this because I've only read the first three Kate Daniels novels and this novella is numbered something like 5.4, but you know what? I don't even care.
July 22, 2024
Reread on July 21, 2024: Ghastek might be my favorite secondary character ever. Like even more than Kate’s friends and family. Read via audio (narrated by GraphicAudio full cast).
Reread on May 13, 2024: This novella is so underrated. Also surprisingly important for character arcs across the series (introduction of Eduardo, Mercenary Guild infighting, Ghastek clueless about Kate). Read via audio (narrated by GraphicAudio full cast).
Reread on August 12, 2022: I would kill for more low-stakes KD novellas.
Reread on May 13, 2024: This novella is so underrated. Also surprisingly important for character arcs across the series (introduction of Eduardo, Mercenary Guild infighting, Ghastek clueless about Kate). Read via audio (narrated by GraphicAudio full cast).
Reread on August 12, 2022: I would kill for more low-stakes KD novellas.
October 13, 2014
Date Night!
Poor Kate can't even enjoy a nice night out with her sugar-woogums.
Halfway through the appetizers, a necklace chokes the life out of a Navigator, and both she and her besotted date lose control of the vampires they had chained up outside the restaurant.
Lucky for the patrons, Curran and Kate are able to mop up the mess.
However, that's just the beginning.
When the dead girl's mother shows up, she snatches the necklace away from her husband, and throws it on her elementary school aged son.
In lieu of Child Protective Services, Kate and His Furriness step in to save the boy.
Ok. Forcibly take him away from his mother.
The necklace isn't choking the life out of him yet, but all signs point to that being the end result of his new accessory.
Naturally, it turns into a race against time to get it off of him.
This novella packs quite a punch for the number of pages it has.
You get Vikings, a cannibalistic giant, Ghastek losing a bet, and a drunken brawl with somebody's grandpa.
Can you really say no to any of that?
Magic Gifts intersects with Andrea's story in Gunmetal Magic, so if you read them back to back, you'll get to see Kate's version of some of the scenes.
Recommended for Kate Daniels fans!
Poor Kate can't even enjoy a nice night out with her sugar-woogums.
Halfway through the appetizers, a necklace chokes the life out of a Navigator, and both she and her besotted date lose control of the vampires they had chained up outside the restaurant.
Lucky for the patrons, Curran and Kate are able to mop up the mess.
However, that's just the beginning.
When the dead girl's mother shows up, she snatches the necklace away from her husband, and throws it on her elementary school aged son.
In lieu of Child Protective Services, Kate and His Furriness step in to save the boy.
Ok. Forcibly take him away from his mother.
The necklace isn't choking the life out of him yet, but all signs point to that being the end result of his new accessory.
Naturally, it turns into a race against time to get it off of him.
This novella packs quite a punch for the number of pages it has.
You get Vikings, a cannibalistic giant, Ghastek losing a bet, and a drunken brawl with somebody's grandpa.
Can you really say no to any of that?
Magic Gifts intersects with Andrea's story in Gunmetal Magic, so if you read them back to back, you'll get to see Kate's version of some of the scenes.
Recommended for Kate Daniels fans!
October 28, 2014
Buddy read with
Eilonwy
,
Evgeny
,
Asya
, and
Monty Cupcake
4.5 STARS
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but I'm rounding up because it was so much fun! It's nicely constructed considering its size, action packed and so so funny! I loved almost everything: Kate and Curran acting together through the entire time(perfect dynamics in an adult relationship); VIKINGS!!!; grand show of power(badass Kate in grey cloak edged with fur); the best ending with a great moral! Pure win! I might add more detailed review at some point in the future.
4.5 STARS
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but I'm rounding up because it was so much fun! It's nicely constructed considering its size, action packed and so so funny! I loved almost everything: Kate and Curran acting together through the entire time(perfect dynamics in an adult relationship); VIKINGS!!!; grand show of power(badass Kate in grey cloak edged with fur); the best ending with a great moral! Pure win! I might add more detailed review at some point in the future.
November 10, 2019
Magic gifts is a pretty good novella, taking place after the events of Magic Slays (KD #5) and featuring Kate and the Beast Lord, commited in a race against time to save a child's life.
I really appreciated the re-read as I found the story much more enjoyable this second time around, partly because I already read Gunmetal Magic (full novel featuring Kate's partner and BFF, Andrea, and taking place in parallel to Magic Gifts). It's not necessary to read GM before but I found it better, because it explains more Andrea's short appearance and behavior in Magic Gifts!
I totally recommend reading these novellas to every KD reader. I don't usually read extra novellas (in addition to main series) but I found the KD ones to be pretty enlightening, as they relate events only mentioned in the main series and because they develop some of the secondary characters.
I really appreciated the re-read as I found the story much more enjoyable this second time around, partly because I already read Gunmetal Magic (full novel featuring Kate's partner and BFF, Andrea, and taking place in parallel to Magic Gifts). It's not necessary to read GM before but I found it better, because it explains more Andrea's short appearance and behavior in Magic Gifts!
I totally recommend reading these novellas to every KD reader. I don't usually read extra novellas (in addition to main series) but I found the KD ones to be pretty enlightening, as they relate events only mentioned in the main series and because they develop some of the secondary characters.
January 29, 2023
This novella is Kate’s version of what was happening in the same time as Gunmetal Magic. Whole different magical case. My only issue with this is like most novellas it wasn’t long enough for me. This mystery was interesting and could have been more. That being said it was nice to see some of the important bits from the other side. Plus a dwarf! Another great Kate story full of history, adventure, murder and Viking undead.
August 13, 2018
Please note that this review is wrote with extreme prejudice, one; because it was free, and who doesn't automatically loooove a free book? And two; this is a Kate Daniel's book and I am a complete fangirl, I actually let out an extremely uncool little shriek and did a little dance when I saw this, and the third and perhaps most important thing, Curran's in it. Naked. Nuff said.
This is a short story involving, Kate, Curran and a small boy who has is slowly being suffocated by a gold necklace. Kate and Curran are on the hunt to find a way to remove the necklace before the poor kid is strangled to death, on the way we get involved in a brawl with some vikings and encounter some evil undead, all in a days work for Kate.
This was a great short story, fun and full of adventure and Kate and Curran were at their witty best. Anyone who is a fan of the Kate Daniel's series has got to get their hands on it, it is a quick read but well worth it. We also get a teeny tiny glimpse at what Andrea is doing in Gunmetal Magic, and I don't know about anyone else, but I want to know who the blonde bitch who thinks she is with Rapheal is about! Is it really six months before that book comes out? How am I supposed to wait that long?! Damn it Team Andrews WRITE FASTER!
This is a short story involving, Kate, Curran and a small boy who has is slowly being suffocated by a gold necklace. Kate and Curran are on the hunt to find a way to remove the necklace before the poor kid is strangled to death, on the way we get involved in a brawl with some vikings and encounter some evil undead, all in a days work for Kate.
This was a great short story, fun and full of adventure and Kate and Curran were at their witty best. Anyone who is a fan of the Kate Daniel's series has got to get their hands on it, it is a quick read but well worth it. We also get a teeny tiny glimpse at what Andrea is doing in Gunmetal Magic, and I don't know about anyone else, but I want to know who the blonde bitch who thinks she is with Rapheal is about! Is it really six months before that book comes out? How am I supposed to wait that long?! Damn it Team Andrews WRITE FASTER!
May 14, 2024
Another wonderful addition to the Kate Daniels universe. I loved that there is now a GraphicAudio adaptation which is just so damn good. I just love Kate and Curran together so much; them teaming up here was so much fun. This novella is set at the same time as Andrea’s novel Gunmetal Magic and we get to see how these two plotlines tie into each other. So if you read this, it makes sense to read Andrea’s book too. (The ebook Gunmetal Magic contains Magic Gifts as well.) The ending in the mountains was perfect and I actually teared up because it was so beautiful for one of characters. Now I’m settling in to wait until book 6 is released on GraphicAudio – I’m really enjoying my re-read!
April 1, 2017
I'm not a novella person. They leave me feeling deprived or disappointed or both. Imagine eating 2 pieces of eating your favorite candy bar, you turn around and its missing or stolen.
That's how I feel.
But after learning that the next Kate Daniels won't be out for a year or so, this was the next best option.
This novella gets 4 stars because :
1 Kate and Curran
This helped me get my fix of one of my favorite bookish couples. You get to see them work together and some cute moments.
2 Ghastek
I love most of Ghastek's scenes. He is brilliant, has a dry wit and I love his interactions with Kate.
3 Vikings and Norse Myths
I have a soft spot for these.
Half star : Jim
Half star : The Dude
The Dude just pounded his way forward in a straight line, convinced that the lion was a figment of his imagination and that the vampire ahead of him was just Grendel’s deformed mutant brother.
The book loses one star because :
1 It was a diet version of romance and I really prefer the full length novels in this series.
That's how I feel.
But after learning that the next Kate Daniels won't be out for a year or so, this was the next best option.
This novella gets 4 stars because :
1 Kate and Curran
This helped me get my fix of one of my favorite bookish couples. You get to see them work together and some cute moments.
2 Ghastek
I love most of Ghastek's scenes. He is brilliant, has a dry wit and I love his interactions with Kate.
3 Vikings and Norse Myths
I have a soft spot for these.
Half star : Jim
Half star : The Dude
The Dude just pounded his way forward in a straight line, convinced that the lion was a figment of his imagination and that the vampire ahead of him was just Grendel’s deformed mutant brother.
The book loses one star because :
1 It was a diet version of romance and I really prefer the full length novels in this series.
February 6, 2012
Huge thank you to Ilona Andrews for this great Christmas gift! (Ilona Andrews posted this for free for several weeks over Christmas) This was a fun read, with my favorite characters -- what more could a rabid faithful fan ask for? I am routinely surprised at how great the team behind Ilona Andrews is and how great the team of Ilona Andrews treats their fans. I loved this story. We don't get a Kate and Curran book this year (2012) but, we have this sweet and fun novella. And well -- did I mention that Curran is in this novella?
"The lion opened his mouth, showing his big teeth. Yes, yes, you're bad. We know, Your Majesty."
I love this excerpt: (slighttttttt spoiler)
He grinned. "You're jealous."
I considered it. "No. But when you stared at that woman like she was made of diamonds, it didn't feel very good."
"I stared at her because she smelled strange."
"Strange how?"
"She smelled like rock dust. Very strong dry smell." Curran put his arms around me. "I love it when you get all fussy and possessive."
"I never get fussy and possessive."
He grinned, showing his teeth. His face was practically glowing. "So you're cool if I go over and chat her up?"
"Sure. Are you cool if I go and chat up that sexy werewolf on the third floor?"
He went from casual and funny to deadly serious in half a blink. "What sexy werewolf?" I laughed. Curran's eyes focused. He was concentrating on something.
"You're taking a mental inventory of all people working on the third floor, aren't you?"
His expression went blank. I'd hit the nail on the head.
"The lion opened his mouth, showing his big teeth. Yes, yes, you're bad. We know, Your Majesty."
I love this excerpt: (slighttttttt spoiler)
He grinned. "You're jealous."
I considered it. "No. But when you stared at that woman like she was made of diamonds, it didn't feel very good."
"I stared at her because she smelled strange."
"Strange how?"
"She smelled like rock dust. Very strong dry smell." Curran put his arms around me. "I love it when you get all fussy and possessive."
"I never get fussy and possessive."
He grinned, showing his teeth. His face was practically glowing. "So you're cool if I go over and chat her up?"
"Sure. Are you cool if I go and chat up that sexy werewolf on the third floor?"
He went from casual and funny to deadly serious in half a blink. "What sexy werewolf?" I laughed. Curran's eyes focused. He was concentrating on something.
"You're taking a mental inventory of all people working on the third floor, aren't you?"
His expression went blank. I'd hit the nail on the head.
August 3, 2019
I LOVE them all, and that’s why this series is so god damn special to me.
Can we please talk about how good this series is?
The world building is as ever completely impeccable. The writing is fluent and captivating and the knowledge of mythical creatures, runes and folklore is drawing me in like a moth to a flame.
The banter is too die for. The chemistry between Curran and Kate is beyond amazing and frankly I only have good things to say about this book.
Read: 03/08/2019
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Urban Fantasy/romance/shifters/vampires/magic/vikings/action-packed
Cover: 4 stars -it’s badass!
POV: Single - 1st person- (Kate)
Will I recommend: Yes. With every bone in my body👏
Can we please talk about how good this series is?
The world building is as ever completely impeccable. The writing is fluent and captivating and the knowledge of mythical creatures, runes and folklore is drawing me in like a moth to a flame.
The banter is too die for. The chemistry between Curran and Kate is beyond amazing and frankly I only have good things to say about this book.
Read: 03/08/2019
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Urban Fantasy/romance/shifters/vampires/magic/vikings/action-packed
Cover: 4 stars -it’s badass!
POV: Single - 1st person- (Kate)
Will I recommend: Yes. With every bone in my body👏
June 1, 2021
This is a great short story included in "Gun Metal Magic". If you read this first (which I would recommend) then you get an idea what Kate and Curran were up to when Andrea and Raphael were running around fighting the Egyptian god. I have to say that Kate and Curran dealing with a whole other thing on type of Andrea and Raphael running around and fighting their own set of evil doers was great. It's also nice to see the flip side of scenes like where Kate comes into the office and Andrea is in her beastskin.
"Magic Gifts" has Kate and Curran having a nice dinner out. When a bunch of vampires show up outside the restaurant and the next thing you know people are dead. This pretty much leads Kate and Curran to get involved when a small child's life is in danger if Kate and Curran can't figure out what has bespelled the boy and the debt still left to be paid.
"Magic Gifts" has Kate and Curran having a nice dinner out. When a bunch of vampires show up outside the restaurant and the next thing you know people are dead. This pretty much leads Kate and Curran to get involved when a small child's life is in danger if Kate and Curran can't figure out what has bespelled the boy and the debt still left to be paid.
June 19, 2018
I guess I should have read this before Gunmetal Magic, oh well.
A magic necklace strangles a vampire navigator and is then attached to a young boy. Kate is on the scene to solve the crime, save the boy, and deal with the Masters of the Dead in the process.
This is another okay interlude and is mostly a setup for Gunmetal Magic.
A magic necklace strangles a vampire navigator and is then attached to a young boy. Kate is on the scene to solve the crime, save the boy, and deal with the Masters of the Dead in the process.
This is another okay interlude and is mostly a setup for Gunmetal Magic.
July 22, 2018
We walked inside the mead hall. The vampire, shapeshifters, the dog, and the lion man followed me.
This is why I love Kate Daniels so much.
October 7, 2015
It's all Kate & Curran + Vikings. Is there anything better? I just wish this was longer & no Andrea.
Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, Armina.
Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, Armina.
September 6, 2018
"You, dress up? Wow, I had no idea that putting on your formal sweatpants was such a huge burden."
"Kate, they're not sweatpants, they are slacks and they have a belt. I have to wear shoes with fucking laces in them."
I never get tired of all the new characters that this duo introduces that, even for one-offs, are just so interesting and/or fun or both. I really enjoyed the newbies we got to meet in this novella and particularly how it resolved. Gave me the fuzzies.
The stallion stared in my direction and bared his teeth. Now horses were giving me crap.
"Mind your manners," I murmured.
" Best behaviour," Ascanio assured me.
Mentioning that I was talking to a horse who couldn't hear me would've totally cramped my boss style, so I nodded.
Hilariously I went to use another quote but as I had referenced it the first time I won't repeat it. Got to keep it fresh! Or something. But it's good to know I am not only predictable but that Andrews is always funny and apparently never dull.
"Kate, they're not sweatpants, they are slacks and they have a belt. I have to wear shoes with fucking laces in them."
I never get tired of all the new characters that this duo introduces that, even for one-offs, are just so interesting and/or fun or both. I really enjoyed the newbies we got to meet in this novella and particularly how it resolved. Gave me the fuzzies.
The stallion stared in my direction and bared his teeth. Now horses were giving me crap.
"Mind your manners," I murmured.
" Best behaviour," Ascanio assured me.
Mentioning that I was talking to a horse who couldn't hear me would've totally cramped my boss style, so I nodded.
Hilariously I went to use another quote but as I had referenced it the first time I won't repeat it. Got to keep it fresh! Or something. But it's good to know I am not only predictable but that Andrews is always funny and apparently never dull.
March 27, 2016
He was completely nude. Gloriously nude.
Hrefna raised her eyebrows.
Curran pulled jeans and a shirt from my saddlebag.
"Well," Hrefna said. "I always wondered why you went all shapeshifter. Explains things."
Magic Gifts brings Kate and Curran working together to save the life of a seven years old boy from a life-sucking necklace. And to think it all started as a date. Nothing is ever simple with these two. Then again, if it were simple, it would not have been so interesting.
August 27, 2019
This book had some hilarious scenes! I especially loved the ‘Visiting Vikings’ scene and Kate’s showdown scene.
Story was good and ending more so.
Recommended.
Story was good and ending more so.
Recommended.
January 9, 2012
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was such an amazing Christmas gift!
You can download this very long Kate Daniels novella for free HERE
Happy reading. :)
This was such an amazing Christmas gift!
You can download this very long Kate Daniels novella for free HERE
Happy reading. :)
August 27, 2016
Liked it. Felt a little unfinished--a couple parts didn't sound quite like Andrew's voice, and almost more like fan fiction. Nice core idea though.
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