From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an original novella, set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring fan-favorites, Derek, and Curran and Kate’s very independent ward, Julie. 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 … 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.>br>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.
“The Wolf and Herald are not to be missed!”–BookNympho.com
“Ilona Andrews pens my favorite flavor of keeper novel: tough characters, marvelous voice, fast-paced with that sharp edge of humor that adds the final grace note.”–Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fire Touched
“One of the brightest voices in urban fantasy. Ilona Andrews delivers only the best.”–Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author of Bound by Flames
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Derek Grant has separated from the pack and became a lone wolf. Now he haunts the streets of Atlanta protecting the people who live there. While on the hunt of a killer, he teams up with Julie to track the magic.
While Derek and Julie have both been important side characters throughout the series this is their first actual story. Derek has been one of my favorite side characters in this series. He started as a teenager who used his looks and is now a hardened shifter who can take care of himself. He is still struggling with all the changes in his life though and I am interested in seeing what will happen with him in the future.
I feel like Julie is still a pretty minor character even though she is an important one. We don’t really know a lot about her or her feelings of what is going on. We learn in this one that she is honing her magic with help. I really can’t wait to see how Kate reacts to that when she finds out.
I enjoyed this adventure with Julie and Derek a lot more than I was expecting. I do hope we get more stories from their POV’s in the future because I know it will be interesting. Also I don’t want this series to end.
I love Ilona Andres books in general and the Kate Daniels books specifically. Great world building, great characters.
A chance to get Derek’s point of view, a little side adventure for Derek and Julie, and a few tantalizing surprises about Julie? Oh yes, this was definitely a delicious little addition to the series.
Magic Stars is a tweeny novella in the Kate Daniels series. While its about side characters on a standalone adventure, there are some discussions and reveals that make it best read in order or at least after book eight.
As I said this is a novella so it goes quick. It’s a gritty case that Derek and Julie were assigned from two different people and they meet up to join forces. It was a good challenge for them and showcased Julie’s newfound power and strength. She is very much a snarky, arrogant teen who thinks she’s got it all under control even if she’s taking magic lessons from Roland no less and passing judgment on the choices Kate made. There is a new heightened tension between Derek and Julie that is left alone for now. My favorite part was getting Derek’s thoughts and more of his background. He’s always been a favorite character. Julie has some brat to her, but I’m willing to give her a chance to grow out of it.
Like all their novellas, this one is well-developed and makes the most of its short page count. Worth giving it a read if you get the chance.
Magic Stars, Grey Wolf #1, takes place right before Magic Breaks begins. It features Derek and Julie. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but that special magic element that’s always present in the Kate Daniels’ books feels like it’s missing here. Normally, I read these books and am left feeling fulfilled. This time, I didn’t, and I can’t explain why. It’s very much in and of Kate’s world. Yes, I couldn’t quite bring myself to fully engage in the story. I love these two characters – they’re two of my favorites, in fact. Yet, there’s still that missing something I can’t define. I’m still glad I read it and own it and I do recommend it, just not quite as highly as I have the other books in this series.
Audiobook: Narrator – Jeffrey Kafer
I’m a huge fan of this narrator but holy heck, he really exceeded all my expectations with his narration of Derek! Soo good!
This is a fast listen of a case where Julie and Derek intersect as they try to solve a crime. I loved seeing how they interact on a deeper level. Up until now it’s been just a few lines in Kate’s books to show us their feisty banter. With this written in Derek’s point of view we are also given a peek into his thought processes and I have to say, I’m very, very excited to get more of him as well as him and Julie. Is it wrong that I hope their future books are written either in dual point of view of him alone? I miss the male pov while listening/reading Kate and currently, the Hidden Legacy series.
love ilona andrews.
Don’t miss this one. I have to say I think Derek and Julie are adorable in it. I don’t even particularly like Julie and I loved this novella!