September 28, 2016

Review: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews


Cover description: Kate stands against a red, fiery background with a lion just behind her.
Source: review copy provided by the publisher.

Warning: all the spoilers for previous books AND this one, so avoid if you haven’t read the book or don’t want to know. I have not marked the spoilers, so proceed with caution. 

First, yes, I’m still alive! This blogging mojo is not coming back no matter what I do, but I’m not quitting even if that means one review every three *cough*or six*cough* months.

Second, I’m feeling lazy, so I’m not going to describe the plot. Plus this what, book 9? So I’m sure at this point anyone interested in the book knows what’s up.

Let’s get to it! I didn’t love this book, I’m not sure I even liked it, but bad Ilona Andrews is still pretty good, so I’m not saying this thing was good, but it wasn’t terrible either.


The main issue I had is that I really loved the previous book, but this one renders it pointless and it’s making me retroactively dislike it, why? Because Magic Shifts was a bridge book that perfectly set up what I thought was the end point of the series, meaning Kate was going to trap Roland in a Djinn box. But Magic Binds had other plants, I guess, and it ignores that whole potential plotline entirely and literally drops it with one line. Now, before someone tells me I read too much into the box thing, listen, the previous book ends with her realizing the box is a viable way to defeat this super powerful, god-like evil; the very last line is Kate asking about how to build the thing. It’s an exciting, borderline cliffhanger-ish ending, and it was great. How is that not setting up the next book? Hey, maybe the story wasn’t working, which is fine, but what clumsy way to redirect things.

What else? Right, my favorite trope: people who see the future gives our heroine vague clues about it, so that she can conveniently figure out how to get out of trouble. These are also self-fulfilling prophecies, because the book needs conflict. It gives the whole story the stink of deus ex machina, even if it’s not quite that, but yeah, it was disappointing and really didn’t work for me. That said, and this speaks of how talented the authors are, there was a lot of delicious tension created because of the prophecies, and I was worried about everyone, Kate included, at one point or another.

And speaking of Kate, she’s now apparently tempted by the dark side of her power, which is a situation that would have been pretty great if it hadn’t come out of nowhere. It feels to me that this is the type of major character development and threat that could and should have been introduced organically through previous books, but because it’s simply dumped on us without warning, I was too distracted by the randomness of the situation to actually worry.

On the other hand, there’s a lot of stress put in Kate and Curran’s relationship, in part because she’s forced to cross some of his hard lines. This was pretty well done, in my opinion, and in fact, the book is at its strongest when dealing with the characters and their different relationships to each other. But then again, we have spent several books worrying about Julie finding out about how she’s bound to Kate and how it will affect them, but that’s another revelation that gets dismissed with a couple of lines, so all that hard work worrying was for nothing, I guess.

I’m also having a hard time with Roland. I can’t figure out whether he’s supposed to be funny or creepy or what, but there’s something tonally off about him that I can’t quite pinpoint. I don’t find him threatening or scary, and all the confrontations with him have been pretty anti-climactic so far, so whatever anticipation he might have inspired is mostly lost. I don’t know if the next book is the last one, but I’m not sure the series can handle more filler stories that lead nowhere.

Okay, I’m making it sound worse than it is, and maybe I have to adjust my expectations, but Ilona Andrews is so talented and this world so strong and compelling that it’s hard not to expect too much from a series that has been consistently delivering for years. On the other hand, the book is doing just fine, so maybe it’s not the book, it’s me (nah, I’m pretty sure it’s the book).

Grade: 3
Purchase: Amazon
Synopsis:
Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…
Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…
Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.
The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…
 
Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews
Ace. September, 2016

69 comments:

  1. Okay, I've struggled from the moment Roland was finally introduced and I haven't stayed up with the series since because he felt so off to me. "Tonally off" is a perfect way to describe it. But he's just so central to EVERYTHING that I'm having a hard time reconciling how he's being portrayed with the place that he's held in the series up till now.

    I am definitely going to get caught up. I just . . . sigh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! It's like it's trying too hard to be funny and.. cute (???) and it strips him of menace and gravitas. Hugh was a bit like that, too, but he's not the final boss, so it didn't bother me as much. But Roland, sigh. In one of the previous books he invites them to like Applebees and have lunch, which I think it was supposed to be comedic but also threatening and it ended up being neither and reading like bad fanfiction. He feels like a constant misfire in terms of characterization, and that's a huge issue in a series with such huge stakes.

      Delete
    2. Ugh, that's exactly it! He's the Big Bad. He has to be. That kind of silly humor was never going to work.

      Delete
  2. I read and shared your feelings for this book. You are so right about Roland. There are questions about what Roland is really up to with the blood and now Curran has divine blood as part of his being, my question is; are Kate & Curran both immortal now and what does that mean? Also their child is now to be born of semi-divine DNA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot about the Curran thing. If that's where it's headed and he is now immortal, I'm going to be even more annoyed because that's another out-of-nowhere, random, convenient development; just, come on! He's not immortal because he happened to come across a divine creature and felt the urge to eat it? I actually thought the function of that was to make him a bit more powerful during the final battle to even out the odds, but it didn't come back again other than Kate mentioning that he was faster at stronger. The consecuences of that are up in the air.

      I'm also purposely not thinking about the baby, becuase, what, are we getting a book with her pregnant and endangering her life? Or one that endangers the life of a baby? Either way it sounds like a corner that's going to be difficult to get out of.

      Delete
    2. *That should read: He's *now* immortal, not he's *not* immortal.

      Delete
  3. The dark side thing felt like a logical progression from her sucking power out of the city when she was dying in the previous book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But that was two books ago, wasn't it? I mean the claiming of the city, which is what's making her so powerful that she's being tempted by the darkness. And it's not that it doesn't make sense or that it's not something interesting to explore, but it happened out of nowhere when there's been one full book and part of another to foreshadow or give us clues that this might happen or was starting to happen.

      Delete
    2. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was a logical progression but it wasn't done in a natural way. Don't know if that makes sense :-/

      Delete
  4. That looks like the Tiger
    in CS Lewis' novels...

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a very good post you made. You have explained things very well in this post. And the knowledge that you have is very good on this topic, which we have liked very much. You continued to work like this and kept telling us such good things.
    Our Services:
    Digital marketing Company
    SMM Services
    PPC Ads Services
    PPC Services in Delhi
    Website Design & Development Packages
    Our Service Partners
    Refrigerator Repair Service
    Satta King
    B2B Marketplace

    ReplyDelete
  6. this is very nice... thank you for sharing this post
    tagcor providing Free Job Posting services

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice Article. Thanks For Sharing Valuable Information. Keep Posting
    India to worldwide courier service

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very Good post, I really like it. Keep it guys hope for the best.

    Schuhe und Zubehör

    ReplyDelete
  9. here i have written the best 10 new year resolutions for 2021 Visit thedwarfmonks.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Get Madhur Matka Prediction and Tips and Tricks at Satta1.net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loved the way you have shared your views and your knowledge. I love this type of blog because it's so informative and knowledgeable. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. "Thank you for share valuable content. I hope you will be able publish more effectively content.

    ""I know someone team is very professional for " php developers ". I know when people wants to find out best workers, they are unable to do it.
    So I'm sharing here."""

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice Article. Thanks For Sharing Valuable Information. Keep Posting

    ReplyDelete
  14. No convincing motivation to endeavor free and unstable escort administrations and waste money like water. Each man justifies some quality minutes which legitimize his utilization to get them. We give the most dumbfounding and enchanting housewives who have kept up their figure in a stunning manner.
    bardhaman escorts
    purba-bardhaman escorts
    purba-medinipur escorts
    purulia escorts
    mountabu escorts

    ReplyDelete
  15. Our young ladies are pleasant and delicate; they will get you and cause you to feel good. They live a tasteful , upscale, and popular way of life
    navsari escorts
    panchmahal escorts
    patan escorts
    porbandar escorts
    surat escorts

    ReplyDelete
  16. Simply don't elect for those ordinary romantic books placed over the shelves or on counter display opt for best mystery romance books UAE which you are going .

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nowadays, more and more young people are switching to using smartphones and making online purchases as per industry study. This is the right time for every offline business to switch to the online market to grab the online consumers. If you are looking for the best Ecommerce development company, can go with Cefnogi solution and avail the services.

    E commerce web Development company

    ReplyDelete
  18. In today's world where CCTV is a huge appeal, it becomes difficult for users to choose a perfect camera for their use. When it comes to home security and surveillance, Arlo is the first name that comes to mind. From different options to choose from, Arlo login has given various advantages to its user in many ways. The only thing we need is home security cameras to protect ourselves from intruders, burglars, and robbers. And to keep oneself safe from loot, Arlo by Netgear has given high-end features to its users by providing one of the best cameras. Arlo camera login has given all the solutions to its users which they were afraid of.

    Arlo Camera Login | Arlo Pro Login

    ReplyDelete
  19. Buy Online best historical fiction books bookpoint.ae. Book Point-the true booklovers' heaven is the most well-known site to buy online books in UAE.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Auch Schutzmasken besticken und bedrucken wir mit Ihrem Firmenlogo. Nasen- und Mundschutzmasken wie FFP2 Cover und waschbare .

    ReplyDelete
  21. Affordable Web Development Services inactive is a set of simple steps to help you find web development services at competitive prices. In modern times, people are talking about cheap numbers, so it is a friendly line bag.

    ReplyDelete
  22. great. thanks for sharing your post.laptop

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi, Nice post. Very useful post.

    ReplyDelete
  24. nice post. Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
  25. great post. thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice information. Thanks for posting such an amazing and useful post.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Elegant Sexual Moments With Udaipur Escorts Model Girls
    Gorgeous Udaipur Escorts are eager to provide you with a night full of fun and pleasure. These stunning Escorts in Udaipur will make your dreams come true and give you an unforgettable girlfriend experience. We strive to maintain this level of service to make sure every customer is happy with their escort service.
    Udaipur Escorts
    Delhi Escorts services

    ReplyDelete
  28. For the best pest control services in Gurgaon and Delhi, you can contact Godrej Pest Control Gurgaon and safeguard your home and office from the attack of various pests. We as a whole expect that your home ought to be sound and safe for your children and family, so we need to do some significant things to keep it safe and clean.

    ReplyDelete
  29. There are lots of health benefits of ayurvedic massage. Ayurvedic massage helps in reducing stress, blood pressure, softening skin, weight loss, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Check how secure is my password? Use a password strength checker or Google password manager to check and create the strength of your password.


    ReplyDelete
  31. If You Want To Get Best Blogs About Disorders Like ADHD, Insomnia, etc. Than Just Visit Our Website.

    Visit Our Website
    Myth Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Busted In 500 Words!

    ReplyDelete
  32. If you are looking for pathology lab in Bhubaneswar then you can visit Truscan Diagnostics Centre. Truscan Diagnostic Centre is the best pathology lab in Bhubaneswar that offers home blood collection facility and have a team of a highly trained pathologist.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Luxury car rental Jaipur is best for wedding functions and events and for baratis. Our top luxury cars models for rent in Jaipur are: Fortuner (Toyota) Jaguar F pace & XF Audi A5, A6 & Q7 Mercedes-Benz S Class & E Class And Limo. Book Luxury Car rental for same day tour and local sightseeing, hire luxury car in Jaipur for one day tour like luxury car for Udaipur tour, luxury car for Jodhpur tour and luxury car for Jaisalmer tour.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for providing such a great article, this article very helps full for me, a lot of thanks.

    Cloud Based Learning Management System

    ReplyDelete
  35. I’m really happy to say it was an interesting post to read. I learned new information from your article on Amity solved project, you are doing a great job

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great Post !! I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and refer to my friends. आत्मनिर्भर लोन कैसे मिलेगा

    टाटा कैपिटल बिजनेस लोन

    ReplyDelete
  37. If you have the bad luck to be involved in a mishap whilst pulling your caravan or onsite, we are contactable by telephone 24-hour a day,Caravan Repairs Mandurah

    ReplyDelete
  38. Are you a budding entrepreneur with an interest for the outdoors? Are you trying to find a low-risk,burke & wills king single swag

    ReplyDelete
  39. Really best blog
    Shri Shuddhi
    Nasha Mukti Kendra Bhopal

    Plot Number C-12, J.K. Town, near by JK Road, C Sector,

    Sarvadharm, Kolar Rd, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462042
    phone number 7354887354

    ReplyDelete
  40. Cloud 9 Infosystems, Inc. is a full-service consultancy specializing in end-to-end solutions for organizations looking to build, migrate, manage, secure and optimize their digital cloud strategy. Whether organizations are looking for Public, Hybrid, or Private Cloud solutions, Cloud 9 takes pride in being a single partner for cloud transformation to Azure or any other cloud adoption. Cloud 9 is here to help strategically move clients' business forward with Cloud Solutions and prepare them for their cloud journey.
    Cloud 9 Infosystems

    ReplyDelete
  41. 2022 Lotus specs is a two-seater, rear-wheel drive SUV with center engine from the British manufacturer Lotus Cars

    ReplyDelete
  42. The QuickBooks customer service can be reached by dialing the toll free number - Quickbooks Customer Support Phone Number +1 877-693-1115.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Quickbooks Customer Service Number +1 855-675-3194 is a treasure trove of features. It has a free subscription for a year, and the software offers plenty of features for any size business.

    ReplyDelete
  44. By dialling Quickbooks Suppport Phone Number +1 888-698-6548 you can find out more about all types of accounting software options that could work for your business needs.

    ReplyDelete
  45. You can get answers to all your Quickbooks questions by dialing Quickbooks Customer Service +1 615-510-6154. This is especially helpful if you have deleted or lost important notes or documents that you would require in order to get back on track.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great Article, Thank you for sharing this informative article, it was really nice.

    If you are one of those people whose business was destroyed by this software, then dial Digital Marketing +91 9677775754 to get answers to all your Digital Marketing questions at no cost.
    people will learn about Branding Agencies in Coimbatore

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a wonderful blog it contains good information and have some interesting topic keep doing this and thank you for the post also have a look on this Infertility Treatment In Faridabad

    ReplyDelete
  48. I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. You can also visit our site. Carpet Repairs Melbourne .

    ReplyDelete
  49. The mattress cleaning service removes dust, allergens, and germs from mattresses to help reduce the risk of developing health problems. The service is offered in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, and Montreal.
    mattress cleaning service
    Mattress Cleaning at Home

    ReplyDelete
  50. This goes far beyond the commenting! It wrote his thoughts while reading the article amazingly

    Informasi Container

    ReplyDelete
  51. Dell is one of the leading laptop brands in the world. They offer a wide range of laptops that are designed for different purposes. Dell also has a dedicated service center in Pune, which offers top-of-the-line services for their laptops. If you need to repair or replace your laptop screen, Dell Laptop Service Center in Pune can help. They have experienced technicians who can help you with all of your repairs and replacements. If you need to get your laptop serviced, be sure to visit Dell Service Center in Pune.

    ReplyDelete
  52. India is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and ancient practices of wellness and healing. There are several wellness destinations in india
    that offer rejuvenating experiences for the mind, body, and soul.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible work you do as a blog writer. Your thought-provoking and insightful posts have truly left a positive impact on me and countless others who have had the privilege of reading your content. https://contactlenssociety.com


    Your ability to convey complex ideas in such a clear and engaging manner is truly admirable. The way you tackle various topics and provide valuable perspectives has enriched my understanding and has often sparked intriguing conversations among my friends and colleagues. Your dedication to sharing your knowledge and expertise shines through in every word you write.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Awesome Article! I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more.
    Logistic Service Providers In Hyderabad, India

    ReplyDelete
  55. Nice Post. There are various legitimate online pharmacies where you can purchase prescription medications and over-the-counter painkiller pills

    ReplyDelete

Blogger likes to eat comments, so I suggest copying it before hitting "publish" just in case it doesn't go through the first time. This is a pain, I know, but it's the only solution/prevision I can think of, and it will save you the frustration of losing a comment. Also, thanks for visiting!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

FTC Disclaimer

The books reviewed here were purchased by us. If the book was provided by the author or publisher for review, it will be noted on the post. We do not get any type of monetary compensation from publishers or authors.