Random Rant Thursday: Author Personal Lives

Not too long ago I finished a book called Magic Rises, the sixth and most recent book in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It came out July 30th and I had it read by August 1. Then I found myself wondering just how long I would have to wait for the next one, figuring out when the author(s) would announce it and if they've even started on it. Imaginary conversations were had in my head between me and the authors where I wondered when it would be released and why they were taking so long to begin it. A break? Who needs a break? Didn't they know I was waiting on the next one?

Then I realized what was going on. Until my recent epiphany, I actually believed that my beloved authors have nothing better to do than sit around writing amazing stories for me to read. That they're sitting around on the top of their lovely words, purposefully making me wait a whole year (at the very least) for my next fix read. Then I thought about it how hypocritical I was being.

Half the time, I drag myself into work and count down the seconds until I can get back home to "freedom." Just because authors normally love writing, that doesn't mean they aren't allowed a few days of time off from their writing. A day to themselves, or two. What do writers do when they have to go on vacation, or when they're sick, or when they just don't feel like writing? Somehow those words get out there, just like somehow my work at my job gets done, but still.

I hate the fact that I have to keep reminding myself that I cant check the internet every other day for news about the next release. I have to give them time to ride the high of the last release. Besides, publishers probably wouldn't let authors release books every 2 months even if they wanted to....even though I wish they would...

Still...I miss some of my fictional worlds. I miss some of my favorite characters. So much so, that I often want to head over to my favorite author's doors and knock and ask if my character can come out to play. I want to tell them I miss them. That it's not as amazing reliving reading reruns of our past fun times together.

Please tell me I'm not the only one to feel this way....and Kate? Wherever you are....please come out to play? I promise Roland will be nowhere nearby...oh and be sure to bring Curran and Derek with you.

The review of Magic Rises will be out Monday, August 26.

Review: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Book: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)
By: Ilona Andrews
Published: April 2008
Publshed by: Penguin

Description: As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.


When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, Celtic god Morfran supersedes goddess Morrigan for witch coven worshippers of the Crow, and sea monsters from the Underworld enter via the Cauldron of Plenty. Kate starts looking for Pack maps and 13-year old Julia's witch mother, and ends up uniting shapeshifters and vampire zombie controllers to save the world.

My Thoughts: Once again Ilona Andrews crafts a book that leaves me wanting more, and feeling like a groupie because I love her books so much (and Curran)

Kate is a TOTAL badass. She's strong and has good morals and doesnt take crap from anyone. She always has some witty snappy remark and it's just so funny to watch. This is an entertaining series to say the least

A new character, Bran, was introduced for this book and I loved him. Ilona really knows how to introduce characters you just grow to love. I can't wait to read more in this series. 5 Stars

In terms of this series and my reviews, I think I'll post the next ones on mainly goodreads and give one big review here on the books I've read in the series once I'm somewhat caught up. I don't really like writing too many mini reviews, especially since its obvious that I love the series.

Review: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Book: Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1)
By: Ilona Andrews
Published: March 27, 2008
Published By: Ace

Description: When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.


Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta's magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate's guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she's way out of her league—but she wouldn't have it any other way…
My Thoughts: I'll admit, when Lan (The Write Obsession) recommended this book as one of her favorites and I decided to check it out, I wasn't convinced. It just doesn't have all the stuff I like in most books. I like a bit of love (but definitely not insta-love) and I really don't like monster books which is what I thought this was. When I picked the book up from the library, there was not 1 copy without excessive creases and folds, which told me it was a much read book. That helped ease my issues. But then, when I got a comment from Lani Wendt Young putting the success of our friendship on my acceptance or rejection of this book, I was thoroughly frightened. Now all I have to say is, I am SO GLAD I decided to actually read this book. It was freaking amazing!!!

I LOVED it!!!! Magic Bites follows Kate Daniels, a snarky smart mouthed heroine who makes money cleaning up magical mishaps. She is pretty much a "lone wolf" preferring to do her own thing. In the beginning, we find out that her guardian has been killed and we spend the book seeking the murderer.

At times, I was a bit lost. There were people introduced, and the second time I saw them I couldn't remember their significance, and there were so many supernaturals that I sometimes couldn't keep up. That's definitely my fault though and not the book's. My brain was still on YA pace because of the read-a-thon (I finished one book and went right to picking up another book without a stop in between.) and I couldn't catch up initially. Once I did though, it was smooth sailing. I have no idea how to appropriately review this book so I wont do too much. I loved Kate because she didn't take crap from anyone and always did what she thought was best (even if it got her into trouble.) Kate seemed to internalize her issues, but that made her who she was.

It sucked that she messed things up with one of the guys in the book, but I think it was for the best. He really would never have been able to keep up with her lifestyle. As for Curran......I see something forming...and I love it. I love him already. I feel about him the way I do about Eric from True Blood. He's so bad sometimes, but he's in charge so he has to be, and he's so sweet at the same time. I love him!

I will DEFINITELY be continuing this series!!! 5 Stars.