Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The World of Kate Daniels
Publishing stats: July 31st 2012 by Ace (USA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Cover Blurb: Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.
When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...
First line: Thud!
What I liked: I liked the chance to see the world and characters I'd come to know and love over the five books (so far) of the Kate Daniels series from a different perspective. In particular, I loved getting someone else's take on Kate and Curran - both as individuals and as a couple. I also liked how, despite being a spin-off from the Kate books, this book had a tone and voice all its own. There is no mistaking that Andrea is a distinct and markedly different character compared to Kate, with problems, personality, and past that help to distinguish her and guide the story in ways you just know Kate wouldn't go.
What I didn’t like: Huh. You know, I'm not really sure if there was anything I didn't like. I mean, okay, there were a couple of times where I thought Andrea was being an idiot and I'm not sure I agree entirely with where she ended up romantically - or a couple of other events and happenings peppering the plot - but there was no one element or item I can point to and commit to not liking.
Overall: The writing team that is Ilona Andrews can definitely write some damn awesome books. This one in particular tied up a lot of loose ends that wouldn't have been done justice in Kate's perspective. It built upon what Kate had established in the last five books in several ways; adding to the world, deepening the readers' understanding of shapeshifters both in and out of the Pack and developing the characters you've come to know and love in ways you never would have expected. As an extra special treat, included with Gunmetal Magic is the novella, Magic Gifts, originally released to fans on Ilona Andrews' blog back in December. This is a story that starts with a date that leads to Kate and Curran trying to rescue a boy from a fatal, magical artifact. The novella's events are intertwined with those of the novel and even share a scene or two, giving the reader a sense of just how much is truly going on in this world at any given time. Ultimately, a great spin-off that will hopefully set the standard for more to come.
Would I read this author again: Yes - I positively, absolutely adore this author!
My rating: ♥♥♥♥♥/5
To purchase the book for yourself, you can find it at Chapters.Indigo.ca, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, or The Book Depository. Enjoy!
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