renpuspita's reviews
1316 reviews

 Mood gue mayan jelek pas baca buku ini, jadi sebenarnya salahnya lebih banyak di gue hahaha. Setengah Jalan sendiri lebih ke koleksi essay dari materi stand upnya Ernest Prakasa, salah satu stand up comedian yang terkenal di Indo. Mungkin disitu juga kurangnya. Karena diambil dari materi stand up, emosinya kurang berasa jadi endingnya agak krik krik pas dibaca. Mungkin akan beda impactnya kalau gue dengerin langsung pas Ernest ngelucu alih - alih baca di buku karena emosi yang tidak bisa disampaikan dari bahasa lisan ke bahasa tulisan.

Walau gitu, gue suka bagian saat Ernest share tip parenting yang akan gue coba terapkan juga nanti kalau gue akhirnya dikaruniai anak. Bagian Ernest fanboying ke Reza Rahadian juga menarik karena walau orang suka bosan dengan film yang dibintangi Reza dan ngomong "Reza lagi, Reza lagi, kayak ga ada aktor lain aja", malah jadi mengukuhkan kalau Reza memang salah satu aktor terbaik di Indo. Gue juga suka bagian Ernest cerita proses di balik bikin film Cek Toko Sebelah (CTS). Ngelihat nama Jenny Jusuf jadi salah satu penulis naskah CTS gue ketawa keras2 karena tahu betapa kontroversialnya Jenjus di sosmed apalagi di Twitter. Gue juga salut sama cara Ernest namain anak - anaknya. Anti mainstream karena ga namain anak dia dengan nama2 Keisya, Queensha, Farasyaa atau nama apapun yang berakhir dengan huruf "A".

Sisanya sih, terlalu nano nano for my taste. Ngingetin sama buku Imperfect yang ditulis sama istrinya Ernest, Meira, karena sama - sama campur aduknya. Kalau suka materi stand up comedy atau ingin cari yang ringan - ringan, boleh lah cek Setengah Jalan. 

And Ernest, stop called yourself "OLD" when you are only 35 years old when you wrote "Setengah Jalan"! Loe di tahun 2024 aja masih 42, itu MASIH MUDA YA! Gue yang pas baca buku ini di 2024 umur 37 tahun wicis lebih tua 2 tahun daripada loe pas nulis buku ini aja masih merasa muda kok hahaha. Masa kalah sama bos gue yang usianya udah 65 tahunan lebih tapi dia selalu merasa muda dan emang masih semangat kayak anak buahnya yang gen millenial dan gen Z! 

 Finally I have concluded my Kate Daniels series binge reading with Blood Heir. Took 2 months to finish 13 full novels (Kate's 10 full novel, Hugh's and then Julie's) and many novellas in between. I need to complete my Magic Triumphs review so maybe I'll do some re-read after this, but let's focus onto Julie's book, Blood Heir.

If you follow IA's blog, Blood Heir first serialized in their web under "Aurelia Ryder" series and written when in 2020 pandemic. The year that I'm sure change our life and still affect me to this day. No wonder that Blood Heir also have a slightly "pandemic" vibes especially the homesickness and can't meet a family member that we hold dear. Blood Heir start with Julie finally come back to Atlanta after 8 years but she can't meet Kate because if she meet her, the enemy called Moloch will kill Kate. Julie now go with name Aurelia Ryder, a new face, a new scent, unrecognizable with Atlanta's citizen that once know Julie is Kate's ward. So, we will met characters that we had known and loved but also new characters as well.

Did Julie meet Derek? Of course, but Derek also change and their relationship got more complicated than ever. 

I see some reviews that compared Julie with Kate and I think that inevitable. I read Kate's books and I love her personality and her relationship not only with Curran but also another characters as well. I know that some can be harsh with said Julie is Kate 2.0 or worse, Kate 98 version. Maybe that true, but I think it's also a little bit unfair. There are some similarities between Julie and Kate, but there are also differences. Kate start as a loner and killer, she hide who she is the whole of series up to Magic Strikes because Voron told her to hide her magic in order to avoid Roland so Kate is more prominent in sword fighting rather than magic. Even when Kate finally using her blood magic with the help of Erra, Kate still hesitant to fully embrace it and only decide to use her ability to the fullest because of Conlan (as shown in Magic Triumph and more in the Wilmington Years novella). In Blood Heir, IA describe that Julie's appearance change is because the Eye of Moloch and she wished to become like Kate and Erra. Stronger and harder to kill. In my opinion, Julie's wish is very humane. When you have a Shinar princess as your Mom and Shinar queen as your Grandmother, of course you want to be like them even it was start as a wishful thinking. Julie also want to belong because she start as a street kid. Unlike Kate, Julie learn under Erra's teaching and embrace her role as the heir of Erra in New Shinar Kingdom. While at first Julie seems like better than Kate, I feel like it's unfair to compare them. Kate is her own person, so does Julie. There's no appearance of Kate and I think that's for the better because Kate will overshadow Julie and Blood Heir is Julie's story. Also, when I first read Magic Burn, I admit I can't stand Julie because I think she was bratty. But in my second read, I change my opinion because teenager supposed to be bratty, heh.

To see old characters that we love is a delight to read. Barabas and Christopher married and their daughter, Sophia is adorable. I hope we get glimpse into the children but so far only Sophia and Conlan that have some role. True to the tradition, just like Kate saved Julie back then, Julie also save a street kid named Marten. But, contrary to Julie, Marten is a savvy 7 years old that have bottomless pit and also maybe hide some secret of her own. There's some appearance by our favorite wizard, Luther and his scene is funny and hilarious because

he's one of people that recognize Aurelia Ryder as Julie just because of her magic pattern

. The fracture of the Pack already begun (as shown in Magic Claims novella) and I don't know if the rumble will come sooner or later. What surprised me more is maybe about Nick. To see Nick

have relationship with Desandra is kinda out of nowhere but I can totally see that. They have history back then in Magic Breaks with Nick injured Desandra. So, I really want to know how they become an item? What is Desandra first that make moves or Nick? I see that Nick's love for Desandra is very genuine and maybe their romantic relationship already known by the Order and the Pack. I want to see them married or have their HEA and really hope nothing dire will come to them. While Nick can be very frustrating, I want to see Desandra finally find her happiness because of what happen to her in Magic Rises.

The Atlanta People's faction now have new name and Ghastek is its CEO. I like that while Julie's ability and blood magic mirrored Kate, she doesn't want to navigate the vampire. Thanks for the small favor! There some of surprised character's appearance that 

come back from the death. Heh, Saiman, you sexual deviant. LOL, he's still cowardly til' the end. I think there's no hope for his redemption because Saiman is Saiman. He will never change who he is, a sociopath Jotunn that only think of himself.

About Ascanio, well he also change too. Gone the pervert mischief bouda teenager because Ascanio now is Beta of the Clan Bouda and apparently he vying for the Beast Lord position. I don't think he will become one of Julie's main love interest, because unlike Julie and Derek, I see Ascanio is just a friend. Okay, I admit I'm a Team Metal Rose, lel. Although I kinda disappointed to see the way of their relationship unfold. Julie is still not over Derek despite she want to move on, but Derek also can be so dense! I had read Magic Stars and there's a hint that Derek already loved Julie back. But in that novella, Julie is till in her 16-ish while Derek already 20-ish so I understand why Derek want to be in status quo but Julie also hopelessly in love with Derek and not just a teenage crush. Their lack of communication and misunderstanding in the end is hurt to read and I really want to smack them both like "what are you two doing? why are you act both immature despite of your ages?". I know that both Julie and Derek's feeling hurt because Julie left Atlanta without telling Derek but in the other side Julie hope that Derek will pursue her by ask how she was doing or maybe do some mating dance or what, lel. I just shake my head and I wonder how IA will solve this problem in the next book. If Julie frequently compared to Kate, I don't think Derek is a carbon copy of Curran. First, Derek is more like calm and cold type. He's like to howling not roaring (duh!), but he's not that arrogant, unlike Curran. Namtur once called Derek as Shepherd of the Wolf and like Julie, Derek's wolf form also change so there's something going on with him that still unrevealed yet.

I think this review is already long enough, lol. For me, Blood Heir as a start of the new series is good and well written. Blood Heir will always be compared to Kate's books, it's inevitable. But for the beginning of Julie's adventure and maybe her HEA with Derek (please IA, Derek for Julie, Ascanio (or maybe Yu Fong, lol) can be for everyone, lol), Blood Heir is still a must read and I can't wait to read book 2 especially with that ending that have while didn't end in cliffhanger but have some promise for more stories to come. 

  If Magic Tides is an appetizer with hints of nostalgia for loyal Kate Daniels series reader, then Magic Tides is a full main course that established Ilona Andrews as one of my favorite authors and Kate & Curran as one of premiere alpha pairing in urban fantasy genre that continue rule supreme.

At first, I think Magic Claims will be in a light tone like Magic Tides. Just a glimpse into the life of Lennarts family in the Wilmington. But, I'm wrong. IA once said in their blog that they intent for this book to be in novella length but in the end it's almost a full novel! I'm not complain tho, more words to consume for me. The story itself more like the continuation of what happen after Magic Breaks . Especially regarding Curran's decision to left the Pack and how after more than ten years together Kate still feel guilty about that since she thought that Curran left because of Roland's ultimatum. Actually since I had read Curran's PoV in Small Magics but I think not everyone that follow Kate Daniels series read it so IA once again wrote that

Curran left the Pack because it's the right things to do. He know that Kate hate it and Kate become a Consort because of him. So Kate already sacrifice so much. Curran also admit that the Pack is already fractured for a long time. He create the Pack based on Mahon's views, not Curran's. The last straw already happen in Magic Bleeds so to see Curran finally left the Pack is inevitable. I always think the fall of the Pack is kinda like poetic justice. We see Pack in all of their glory in the Magic Bites only to see that its have so many faults with the series progresses. Even Curran admit that he and the Pack become xenophobic and I liked that he willing to change his views and change for the better

I once write about Jim in my review of Magic Tides and finally what happen with Pack under Jim as Beast Lord come to the light. I never see Jim as a villain, there's many hateful characters to be despised from Kate Daniels series and deserve their villain status. But to see how Jim finally become is quite sad. He become

like his father was. His savior complex getting worse and unlike Kate that keep Curran's arrogance in check, I'm afraid that Dali see Jim in a rose colored glass so she just let Jim act as he please. Erra once warn Kate that the Pack will fractured, not in the timeline of Magic Claims but will happen years after

. I read in IA interview that Jim is a character that hard to write so I wonder if they will finally redeem him in the future and maybe Jim will mend his friendship, both to Curran and Kate.

Just like its title, Kate again try to claiming a land like what she did back then in Atlanta. But, unlike her immediate and rush claiming, Kate now have years to practice and Erra also guide her to learn about her heritage. Oh, Kate still reluctant to fully embrace her Shinar magic, but she's now mature and didn't hesitant to use it when necessary. It's satisfying to read Kate's character development from Magic Bites to Magic Claims. Her personality change to the better but her old shelf as a killer still shone through. Kate will never be a Queen although Jushur insist that she's the Sharratum, lol. Not everyone must be a queen with crown. 

The challenge about written a pair that already achieve their HEA is they become mundane and stagnant. That's not the case with Kate and Curran. If possible, their love grew stronger and they have goals now to protect Conlan. I really like when Curran say that he will do everything to see Kate smile again like his stabby Kate and I love the scene when Kate call Curran "His Furriness". Their bantering is a delight to read especially Curran's flirting that really, really smooth. IA show that even the characters already married that didn't mean they will become boring of sort. I like that after decade, Kate and Curran still find things to be laugh together, have deep talks regarding their future, compromise especially about if they got injured and try to not rush to the danger and so on. That's what marriage do, not only based on love but based on companionship.

Roland still an interesting character and to call him a villain now maybe stretching it a bit. He's more like a morally grey character now. I like that Roland written with so many facets. He's a megalomaniac tyrant but also a wise grandfather to Conlan although he love to disparaging Curran. Maybe he still doesn't want Kate to marry Curran, but he didn't refuse it either. Complicated, thy name is Roland. He also still like to manipulate Kate and maybe still not talking with Erra. But, I like that despite so many of his faults, he can see that Kate's doubt about using her magic is because Kate afraid that she will turn into Roland or Erra. So Roland's dialogue about Kate to not hesitant to use her magic maybe show that he try to understand his children. Fascinating character indeed. Erra herself still become a stern aunt and I still can't believe how she become Kate's enemy back then in Magic Bleeds and how she also make Curran go comatose but now Erra and Curran respect each other. People do change, huh.

There's so many interesting characters in Magic Claims like Kellan's Wilminton Pack with his renders and another Roland's people, Jushur and his son Rimush. My favorite renders is Owen and Troy who keep bickering to each other, lel. The enemy itself have pretty unique background and kinda come from nowhere, lol. Still interesting to read. The scene when the Penderton's citizen panicked about Kate's claiming envoke my emotions because at first they seems ungrateful to what Kate and Curran did, but Curran's speech (without too much roar) assure them. Conlan is still totes adorable and the enemy identity get revealed because of him.

I read Magic Claims before Blood Heir aka Julie's book so maybe this book kinda explained what happen in Julie's story because Magic Claim timeline is 1 or 2 years before the event in Blood Heir. IA promise that there will be Wilmington 3 that will released in 2024. Can't wait!! 

Kate and Curran on retirement? Trying to lay low with moving to Wilmington? HA, joke on them, because we always know problems always follow Kate everywhere. Just kidding. I usually give 4 stars for novella in Kate Daniels's world, but the Wilmington novella written as good as the full length novel, my complaint is just a few compared to the delight that I feel after finish read it. 

Review will contain spoilers from previous Kate's books

About Kate: 

I read from some reviews that Kate now more mature. From my observation, it's more like Kate didn't have any high stake threats after her battle against Neig in Magic Triumphs. The sword is no longer dangle above her head, nor that Roland will target Conlan because Roland is entrap in Neig's realms. Oh, Roland will do his best to influence Conlan to his own megalomaniac views but Conlan is lucky to have both Kate and Curran to keep the boy in check. I like that despite Kate want to stay low profile in Wilmington, she can't help to save people in needs although Conlan kinda manipulated her in the first place. I like the discussion between Kate and Rimush, that IA still manage to write Kate as a reluctant leader although she have the capability (and ability) to be a leader. The interesting part is when Rimush said that those who hesitant to use the power of the leadership is those who will benefited people they lead. Also, now Ghastek have a rival because apparently Rimush want to serve Kate, lol (

About Curran and Conlan:

I like that IA decide to give Curran and Conlan their own PoV, since in Magic Tides the Lennart family kind of separated in order to save Darin. Kate in search of Darin and Curran try to hold Fort Kure from the gang that kidnapped Darin in the first place. I like the interaction between Curran and Conlan, how Curran didn't forbade Conlan to meet his grandfather but also constantly remind Conlan that Roland is dangerous. Also, I kinda miss the shapeshifters interaction! There's no appearance of Derek, but a new wolf shifter named Keelan got introduced and he's a hoot. Sigh, IA keep introduced interesting new characters! Keelan seems to be a new role model for Conlan. And speaking about Conlan, he's totes adorable and also prodigy. I will wait the time when he will call Roland of all his bullshit, lol

About relationship between Kate & Hugh, also Curran & Jim:

I don't know what happen after Magic Triumphs and 7 year gaps that happen, but to sum it up the relationship between Kate and Hugh also Curran & Jim is "water under the bridge". We got scenes when Hugh make amends in Magic Triumphs and maybe time sure heal any wounds because Kate and Hugh is now just like a family to each other. Kate even act as one of Iron Dogs when trying to deceive Barrett, a Master of Dead that responsible for Wilmington's People base, the Farm. Their interaction evolve from enemies to family. Even Curran bonding with Hugh over a moat, although I think they will not forget that once they try to kill each other in the past. But, the process happen otherwise for Curran and Jim. The lack of Jim's appearance in Magic Triumphs now make sense. Curran acknowledge that Jim is no longer his best friend and how his views and Jim's regarding the Pack was different. This is very sad to read because of how Curran lost Jim. Jim once was Curran's Chief of Security, he was Curran's Best Man in the wedding. It's thanks to Jim that Kate and Curran met and the rest is history. To see a friendship turn sour is very heartbreaking. I get why some of BDH perceive Jim as one of the worst villain, but I don't know. Loss of best friend happen because life happen. I will wait what IA have for Jim and if there's any chance that Jim and Curran will reconcile

For a novella, Magic Tides as entertaining as the full novel. My complaint maybe because Kate and Curran separated for almost all the book because I like when they are together in the books. It's just me tho, because Kate and Curran is already become a solid couple and maybe one or two distance is fine. I like the touch of the Celt myth that IA used and with some tidbits about Irish people in Wilmington maybe we will get more Celt myth's fiasco in the future. 

Kate and Curran try to stay low and to give a chance for Conlan to live is a normal kid. But maybe, their wish is for naught because we know that they will never back down from any challenge! I welcome for more Wilmington year novella! 

Debut in Magic Slays, then stealing spotlight and maybe will snatch Andrea from Raphael in Gunmetal Magic (also shout his favorite Gandalf lines), then become a wedding planner extraordinaire in Magic Binds, our favorite Black Volvh Roman Grigorinovic Tihomirov finally debuted in his own story. Happen 1 or 2 years after Magic Triumphs, we finally get a glimpse of what Roman do in his times serving his Dark God, Chernobog.

I really enjoy reading Sanctuary although Roman is grumpier than usual, but there's a reason behind that. The story start with Roman give sanctuary to a little boy that got hunted by mercenaries and unknown enemy. The identity of the enemy still a mystery, tho. Roman did what Roman do and I really like the magic battle that ensues. Very different from Kate of course. Roman's magic more like long range magic based on his Slavic deity. Near the end of story, Roman will meet his potential romantic interest, a Vasilisa . Apparently, Roman know her back then and the Valisila (named Andora) was an unwilling victim of Roman's magic going awry when Roman is in his 12-ish. I like that IA didn't sugarcoated that what Roman did was bullying even Roman had his reason and in the end Roman apologized properly to Andora. But, the romance is more like a hint and maybe will explored more in the next Roman's novella. Yep, IA already confirmed that Roman will get another story to be told.

One of the highlight of this novella is Evdokia. OMG, she's a hoot, lol. She's such a concern mother that currently nagging Roman to married and make babies, with some commentary that make laughing so hard (low sperm count? Maybe Roman have low testosterone and must get tested? LOLOLOL). The Baba Yaga sure enjoying herself in order to get Roman walk the altar. There's also some explanation about Roman's deceased brother and how Roman got chosen as Chernobog's volvh. 

My one (and only) complaint just this book is short, lel. But, for a novella, Sanctuary pack quite a punch because there's a long essay from Mod R (if you a visitor of IA's blog, you will know her) about Vasilisa, Baba Yaga and stock characters in Slavic Myth. Sanctuary is filled with many Slavic creatures, especially in Roman's nechist that consist of so many creatures with names that hard to pronounce. We also got glimpse into Chernobog's realms, Nav and some of meaningful discussion about what the characters perceive as evil and good. 

A good novella that reveal that our favorite black Volvh have some depths and also a difficult past that shape him as a character that we know and loved. Looking forward to more Roman's story!! 

 5 STARS ++++

After binge reading for almost 2 month, I have reached the conclusion of Kate Daniels's arc against her father Roland that is Magic Triumphs. 

Finally....

Nah, we know that the story still continued to Julie's book in Blood Heir and we also get some of novella from Kate and Curran (and their son, Conlan) in Magic Tides and Magic Claims. Also don't forget Hugh's own book in Iron Covenant 2 and Roman's novella Sanctuary. Godness, BDH aka Book Devouring Horde is a menace and we demand MORE books from Kate & co, because admit it, IA write so many wonderful characters that need their story to be told.

I need time to process, lol. But for me in term of awesomeness and 5+++ stars rating, Magic Triumphs come in third place behind Magic Strikes (the first) and Magic Breaks (the second). It's not that Magic Triumphs was worse written. Quite the opposite to be exact, because IA carefully close some story threads that need to be closed while still left many mysteries open, such as Julie's fate in the end of the book (that we know will be continued into Blood Heir). And not all beloved characters have scenes and parts. Like our naughty bouda Ascanio (that have some part in Iron and Magic) or the good doctor Dolittle. I admit, I'm become so familiar with Dolittle presence since Kate love to get herself to hurt but in Magic Triumphs, surprisingly the amount of wound that Kate inflicted to herself is minimum. Maybe because she's already a mother to Conlan. Reading about her become a helicopter parent is funny, lel

Will write more after I sit it for some times. Maybe, will do some little re-read, heh 

Small Magics is anthology of some short stories from Kate Daniels series that already published in another anthology and another short stories that not from Kate's series

Magic Tests

I had read this short stories before in Magic Breaks and I believe this is the first time Julie get her own PoV. Fun and interesting, Julie show that she is as shrewd as Kate and she have so much potential in the future. Yeah, Julie is a brat but her brattines and know-it-all still in manageable level. Her sensate magic is unique and I wonder how it will get explored in Julie's own book, Blood Heir.

A Questionable Client

First time meeting between Kate and the sexual deviant, Saiman. Apparently Saiman already try to wooing Kate from the first time they meet and if you had read Magic Bleeds, you know that Saiman try his damnedest to get into Kate's pants just to prove his point about emotions and relationship. We all know how its end, poor Saiman (not). I like the touch of Slavic myth that IA used and also got to know some interesting creatures as well.

Retribution Clause

Eh, too short and not much pages to get to know more about Adam Talbot and his partner, Siroun, except for that Adam is Saiman's cousin and both he and Siroun is part of insurance company adjuster. I don't know what Siroun is and if her feeling for Adam is romantic or not. A pity because the story seems interesting

Of Swine and Rose

Cute! As cute as a YA short story can be. It's also end when things become interesting *sigh

Grace of Small Magics

So this short story first published in Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance and in 2009. Maybe that's why the romance is the main focus and also happen fast although still well written. I believe some parts of this short story such as the war between Clan and the unique magic system was expanded more into Hidden Legacy although both Grace and Nassar didn't appear in that series.

 Curran's PoV

This. This is the best part of this anthology. Save the best for the last, hehe. With all of Kate's books told entirely from Kate's 1st PoV, it's a wonder to know what His Majesty thinking. So, IA decide to write some scenes from Curran's PoV from Magic Bites to Magic Bleeds and with one addition, from Magic Breaks. From Unicorn Lane and Fernando's scene in Magic Bites, it's appear that Curran already interested to Kate. The interest become full blown mating frenzy in the Soup scene from Magic Burns. So, His Furriness is falling first and very hard at that, heh. I often read that Kate really, REALLY love Curran and she think that she was unlovable at first. But if only she know what Curran thinking in their first meeting, she may know that Curran also love her so much. We also get to know why Curran didn't appear for his Naked Dinner with Kate and well, no wonder he didn't make it in time. He try to settle some of domestic dispute!

Sadly, there's no Curran's PoV from Magic Rises, because admit it, he's very suck in pretending to interesting to other girl just in order to keep Kate safe. But maybe IA try to not write that part because I know that Magic Rises make some readers upset to Curran (me included). Magic Breaks told about Curran's past when he lost his family to the loups and meet Mahon. The rest when he become Beast Lord is a history although I want to know what Mahon thinking in the first place to sent Curran to fight Andorlf in the first place when Curran is in his 16 or 16-ish. Beside Curran, we also got Jim's PoV when he become Beast Lord after Curran's abdication. While I know that Curran trust Jim and consider Jim as his best friend, I don't know if Jim really cut it to be a Beast Lord since Jim's paranoia is off the chart just like what he did in Magic Binds. Only time will tell, I guess.

Small Magics is a must read if you love Kate Daniels series and especially if you want to know more about Curran, since his voice and PoV is pretty interesting to read 

How to make a questionable villain/anti-hero redeemable? Easy.

#Make him falling to the rock bottom; 
#Give him a conscience and epiphany after all the eeevuuulll & wrongdoings he did in the name of his Sharrum;
#And to add the cherry on top, throw him into a marriage of convenience with a woman that despise him from the start but didn't have much choice because they need each other because of circumstances. 

Sick fuck, ehm sorry, Hugh D' Ambray was known by his villainy from Kate's book. I don't really hate him, I think he was interesting back then in Magic Rises. Magic Breaks make me view him with ewww because he torture & kill some of characters that very dear to Kate (view spoiler). Don't forget what he did to Kate in Mishmar and his unhealthy obsessions because he got a hard-on when fighting Kate. Eww, nope, lel. So when IA decide to give Hugh his own book despite the said book happen because of some April's Fool joke, color me surprise. 

IA already lay the ground for Hugh's path to redemption. After his falling from grace and separation from Roland, Hugh is a former shadow of himself. He drunk himself to stupor just to numb the void that happen because Roland no longer want him to be a Warlord while the Iron Dogs got hunted. So when he finally decide to be sober and agree to a business marriage with Elara Harper, the White Warlock that rule Baile castle in Kentucky, I see a new light about Hugh. See, I know Hugh just from Kate's book and all of them told entirely from Kate's first PoV. I see Hugh from Kate's eyes, I judge him from Kate's insight about Hugh. Of course there will be bias. I like that IA write Iron and Magic from both Hugh and Elara's perspective and use 3rd voice. So I get to know them from outside views. 

Hugh is a villain yes, but he's also not entirely at fault. The fault lay with Roland and his manipulative way to form Hugh from a gifted healer to a ruthless Warlord. Roland temper Hugh to obey all his demands with charisma, suggestion and also some of magic involved. See it unveiled make me realize that Roland is a kind of toxic parents but what make it chilling, Roland didn't see that what he did to both Hugh and Kate was wrong and said that it's parents duty to educate children to their own views. IA didn't glossed over all Hugh's faults and mistakes. Oh, Hugh is still hard, vicious but he also amend for his mistakes. All Hugh did to Kate in Magic Rises and Magic Breaks was because he take Roland's demand to bring Kate to Roland's palace with extreme precautions. I like that IA write about Hugh handle 

Aunt B's death with Hugh let Raphael vents his anger and grief while bleeding each other to death. Hugh apologize but also reasoned while he's regret his Iron Dogs took Aunt B's life, he also count Aunt B as a dangerous key person in the Pack. His insight regarding Jim's retaliation in Magic Binds also very on point and I realize that Hugh is a better strategist. Maybe better than Curran when it comes to warfare and alike. He also come into epiphany regarding his actions toward Kate because he took a wrong approach and maybe the brotherly approach is much better in which Elara pointed that Kate will still reject Hugh, lel.

My opinion regarding Hugh was change and I did realize while Hugh kinda redeemed for his wrong doing, he will still be Hugh with his ruthless charisma and cunning machination. He need all of that to reins the Iron Dogs but, the Iron Dogs themselves also love and respected their Preceptor.

I like Elara and sure she's different from Kate because Elara is a leader to her people. Her past and real magic still didn't get revealed and I have a guts maybe its will be unfold in the next Iron Covenant book. I like the secondary characters from Iron Dogs and also Elara's people. There's a hint of romance between Stoyan, Hugh's second in command, with Johanna, one of Elara's people that have a unique power of her own. Another Iron Dogs, Lamar and Bale provide comic relief while Lamar also act as voice of reason to Hugh. Elara and Hugh hated each other with snipping, snapping and mocking each other. Sometimes its hilarious to read. There's a romance of course, but still in the early phase even though Hugh and Elara is married and don't forget that they have history in betraying their allies. They begin to see each other in new light and also care in their twisted way. The consummation scene, well, kinky, just like Hugh. I have "whaaa" moment when read it because the steamy levels is off the chart and I have a guts because Iron and Magic was self-published, IA didn't hold at all when writing sex scene, lel. 

The battle scenes is very well written and we got not only one but two battle scenes that show that Hugh indeed, is a Warlord. His hostility with the Legatus of Golden Legion, Landon Nez get expanded. There's a new enemy that target Elara's castle and the surrounding villages and their real identity also reason behind attack still shrouded in mystery. Even the reason why Elara and her people, The Departed, got chased by another witch covens is still not clear. Stoyan and Lamar tell Hugh that Elara's people feels like cult and maybe they are really a cult, lel. We don't get explanation why Elara called The White Warlock. There's so much things still unclear and maybe will resolved in the next books. 

It's very entertaining to read Iron and Magic. I very much looking forward to Hugh's path of redemption and to see how he become his own person, free from Roland's influence. Also, I don't know why both Kate and Hugh have a steed that love prancing. Kate with her mammoth donkey, Cuddles and now Hugh with his white stallion that shining like a unicorn every damn time with name as majestic as Buchepalus but called Bucky. IA seems to have things for unique horses and donkey alike. Also the dog, the real dog not the Iron ones, Cedric is adorable! 

 Contain some spoilers from previous books

Kate and Curran is tying the knot. Finally. After 8 books. But, the marriage will not complete without the doom and gloom. Sienna, one of the Witch Oracle see in the future that Kate will lost Curran (and their future son) if she married. Not a good news, indeed. Roland also shed his "best behavior" persona and keep taunting Kate. War is coming. So do marriage. Because apparently Kate can't never have a calm moment in her life.

Magic Binds is slightly shorter compared to Magic Shifts, but still action packed from the first. Kate is anxious, not from marriage, but about her own power, her claiming into the city's magic and if she will one day turn into her father. A tyrant. Despite all of his charming and wise persona, Roland is indeed a tyrant. I like Kate's conversation with Roland (in civil manner of course) that Roland want to shape those who fall under his rule as he seems fit while Kate think people should have a free will. It's just my guts but I think part

when Kate criticize Roland is also a societal commentary from IA to socialism/communist at large? Or more like their critic towards dictators alike? Worth a discussion indeed .

For a book that talk about marriage, the marriage topics is a few but often hilarious to read. Roman, our favorite black volvh is agree to officiate Kate and Curran's marriage but that's mean he also their wedding organizer. The part when Kate insist that her marriage ceremony must be small and intimate get veto'd by many people with argument "wedding night is for Kate and Curran. The wedding ceremony is FOR EVERYONE". Lel, I guess the wedding tradition always hold true for many countries, huh. There's no way with so many faction and people that Kate & Curran know, the wedding will be small. Roland's reaction regarding Kate's wedding also a crack with he complaint about "meat or vegetarian option" in the invitation while insult Curran as a pauper and Kate's wedding should have a big feast. For a man who gung-ho in starting a war and tyrannical, Roland sure is wussy about his daughter marriage.

While Curran is not away like in Magic Breaks or doing suck things like in Magic Rises, his appearance is not that much like in Magic Shifts although of course he still support Kate fully and want to marry her. I guess the part when

Kate hiding Adora's existence from Curran because Kate doesn't want Curran to see her as a carbon copy of Roland can be handled differently. Or maybe because Kate know that Curran is a control freak. But when she finally come clean, I liked that Curran understand Kate and know that Kate will not turn into another Roland in the future

. Honestly? I can't get enough of their interactions, sigh. They are the bread and butter of this series!

Although there's a novella that set before Magic Binds, you can read Magic Binds without reading Magic Stars first. Some event in Magic Stars also written in Magic Binds, although it get explained more in the novella. Such like Julie's status as Kate's Herald and Hugh's fate after Magic Break. We get to know about Julie's background and her affinity for horse and wolf (ehm, more hints toward Metal Rose? *snicker). Nick's pasts and his connection with Kate get revealed. Christopher real identity also revealed and it's funny to know that at first I think Barabas is the top of this couple, but I have a guts it's Christopher instead. Hehe, Christopher and Barabas is another couple in Kate's series that become my favorite and I'm really rooting for their HEA since Christopher admit that he love Barabas *awww. Saiman finally make amend with Kate after his insulted her in Magic Shifts and we got to know that Kate can do ballet, lel. Jim is not in his brightest moment. Yeah, he's a Beast Lord and his paranoia is unparalleled. But he top it to the notch in this book also it seems that he love Dali so much. Sigh, male characters of Kate's series sure love their lover blindly, from Curran, Raphael, Jim and of course Roland even in the end he kill Kate's mother.

The book's blurb also mention a people that Kate know can help her but already long dead and that people is

of course, Eahrratim aka Erra. Erra might talk and act high and mighty, as expected from Roland's sister that knows as City Eater. But she also has a heart and not cruel like her brother. The Water Garden scenes when Kate resurrect Erra and then they exchange memories with Semiramis in attendance is my favorite part. Despite her sneering and insults, Erra care a lot about Kate even in the pretend that Kate is one of her bloodlines. Also, Roland apparently afraid of Erra and Semiramis, I wonder if Erra's power actually are stronger than Roland but she decide to not use it to full potential .

The war is coming and yep we get some war chapter although it's more like a battle. Kate finally mastered her magic, get allies and in the end married the man she love more than anything. But, there's one book left so the problem with Roland is still there. Also, I have to know the sick fuck, uhm, I mean, Hugh's fate after he got thrown away by Roland and his book apparently must be read before I read Magic Triumphs! 

Take a little detour from Kate's upcoming war with her father, I decide to read Magic Stars, a novella about our favorite boy wonder, Derek Gaunt. I read this before I continue to read Magic Binds because I try to read the series chronologically in order and well, the story indeed happen after Magic Shifts and will explain some things.

The story is pretty short but still have some IA trademark, like mythology and violence galore. While Magic Stars is about Derek, Julie also accompany him in order to searching the magical rock and also bring justice to the family that had murdered because of said rock. We will learn that Julie had

been in connection with Roland for some times. This is already hinted in Magic Shifts when Roland ask Julie about her school essay. So, Julie decide to become Kate's Herald like Hugh is Roland's Warlord. Julie also know that she bound to Kate and must follow Kate's order while Kate think she still keep that order thingie as secret. Oh, boy, Kate will have apoplexy when knowing that, especially because Julie know from Roland

. Also we get to know the Sick Fuck..ehm, I mean, Hugh's fate after his failure in Magic Breaks that apparently will lead to his own book. As for our boy wonder, we get to know that he really become a loner now. I always wondering why Derek didn't want to be a beta because his skill allow him to be Desandra's beta in Clan Wolf, but this novella explained the reason behind it.

I do like the interaction between Derek and Julie, but if you think they will be romantically involved, maybe it's too early for that. I feel like Derek still think Julie as his little sister, while it's apparent that Julie has crush to Derek. It already hinted when in Magic Strikes, Julie crying over Derek's body when the boy got crushed by the rakshasas, so I'm really not surprised, lel. But, like I said, while there's a hint of upcoming romance, both Julie and Derek is still young. While Derek maybe don't have any romantic feeling toward Julie, I wonder

if deep inside his feeling toward Julie maybe more than a brotherly feeling. When the letavitsa seduce Derek and well, he kinda accept it but maybe the side that accept is the wolf, the letavitsa in the end said that Derek belong to someone. Well, well, who that person could be? The villain explain that men who can resist letavitsa's seduction is men who already love someone. Soooo, is it what I think is it? Hehehe, only time will tell

. I do support Julie and Derek, but if there's other romantic interest for Julie, I don't mind either. Julie and Ascanio will be a crack to read, while maybe if Julie indeed will be with Derek, Derek will go "woe is me" at first. Heh.

Why I discuss the romance, huh? Why? Because speculating about the shipping is always fun.

A pretty good novella that perfect if you like the boy wonder and want to know more about what he think.