Grey Wolf, Book 1 & Kate Daniels, Book 8,5

Synopsis: Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.

Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.

Review: For those who do not know it yet, I love the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and it’s true that I jump on every new release as soon as it is possible. So when I saw this novella in the series, I admit that I was immediately intrigued, especially when you consider that it is about Derek and Julie. How not to be interested?

We thus find our dear wolf, and Julie, facing a new investigation while Curran and Kate are absent from the city. To his dismay, moreover, Derek will have to team up with the girl to try to unravel the terrible murder of an entire family. Both characters will find themselves swept away by the events and find themselves in a more difficult situation than what they would have thought originally. They will thus have to confront mythical creatures, a very powerful magic and a man who is desperate to amass power.

It was a very interesting novella and it was a real pleasure to find the Kate Daniels’ universe here. I loved to see the interactions between Julie and Derek and it’s true that we wonder when they will realize both that perhaps there is more between them. We also discover one of Julie’s secrets and new faculties (although she tries to remain discreet about it). I’m curious to see what will happen when everyone will be aware of her actions.

In any case, as I said, I had a great time with the story and I always look forward to have more!

 

4-5 

mellianefini

34 thoughts on “Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews

  1. Christy LoveOfBooks

    Hold up, why is this also Grey Wolf #1? Are they doing a spin-off? I need to investigate. And read the 8th book. And this one for sure.

    1. Melliane

      I don’t know, it’s what was noted on goodreads

  2. Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)

    Julie nad Derek are some of my fav characters so I have to try this one out. I tend to wait a little when it comes to Ilona Andrew’s books, to get the anticipation juices flowing.

    1. Melliane

      I can understand that but you’ll se, a great one again!

  3. blodeuedd

    I do not like in between novellas that packs a punch, I am still waiting for PB pf 8, I will so forget that this one exist 🙁

    1. Melliane

      ah yes, it’s always a bit long…

  4. Lover Of Romance

    oh I can’t wait to read this one. I love Julie and Derek….they have been so fun to read through the series. I will read this one as soon as I get caught up on the series though. Loved your review.

    1. Melliane

      me too! they’re some great characters to follow

  5. Emma @ Never Judge a Book

    Your the second person today that I’ve seen a review of this book. So many people have loved this series and I’m so glad it’s still going strong. I think I need to get on the band wagon with this one. 🙂 Great review.

    1. Melliane

      Yes it’s one of the best!

  6. Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons

    I’m so excited for this novel. I’ve been waiting for the audio. Ilona Andrews decided that they wanted a male narrator, so they aren’t using their normal female, Renee Raudman. They posted a sample of the guy yesterday and I like the sound of him. Glad to see that you like this story. I can’t wait to hear it.

    1. Melliane

      it’s interesting to see how this change will be

  7. Lekeisha

    I am having so much fun with the Kate Daniels series, and I can’t wait to read this! I love Derek!

    1. Melliane

      me too!

  8. kindlemom1

    I just started this and I’m already loving it and want more!

  9. Tracy Terry

    Not keen on novellas to begin with, I find myself struggling with these .5 reads. Glad that you enjoyed it though. It sounds as if it may have filled in one or two holes in the series which I suppose can be a good thing.

    1. Melliane

      I’m not a fan either but I love that when it’s about the series I love

  10. Heidi

    I am not the biggest fan of novellas but Julie and Derek and romance, yes please. Sign me up.

    1. Melliane

      yes!!!

  11. anna (herding cats & burning soup)

    Ooo interesting on the series for it. That looks kind of promising doesn’t it? Yay!

    1. Melliane

      totally!

  12. Brandi Breathes Books

    Julie and Derek sounds great in this one, new to me

  13. Carole Rae

    Hmmmmmm….
    I really, really need to try this author one day.

    1. Melliane

      oh yes you need to!

  14. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Sweet! I’m also curious because of the characters that lead the story. Can’t wait to dive in!!

    1. Melliane

      you”ll love it!

  15. kimbacaffeinate

    AHHHHH…i skimmed your review. I have this and plan to devour it on my bloggy break!

    1. Melliane

      lol I completely understand

  16. Braine

    Almost bought this thinking it’s a new series. Then after some research I found out it’s a spin-off of KD… which I have yet to continue

    1. Melliane

      lol yes

  17. Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

    I love it when authors fill out their world like this, and it must be such a treat for fans of a series to read a spin off novella about other characters in this world. I don’t think I’ve gotten to know Julie and Derek yet, I’m still so early in the main series, but they sound like cool characters.

    1. Melliane

      yes it’s so much fun! I really enjoyed the idea.

  18. Joy // Joyousreads

    I need to read the Kate Daniels series. Seriously.

  19. Sophia Rose

    I still need to go back and read this one. I’m curious about some things I read in Magic Binds that refer back to this story.

    I love this series, too, Melliane. Nice review!

Leave A Comment

Recommended Posts