Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

4 chapters or 15% into Magic Burns.

Damn I always forget (view spoiler)[ how utterly messed up Julie was at the beginning.

Bran is one of the more infuriating but engaging characters in the early series.

Also I think this is where Kate really began to show her powers, like when she broke the Ward. (hide spoiler)]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns "

He knew exactly what he was doing.

Arkadeb wrote: "4 chapters or 15% into Magic Burns.
Al..."

(view spoiler)[ I remember really loving Bran my first time around. I was hoping he would be a regular character... (hide spoiler)]

Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."

I'm hiding the quoted part in your response. You might want to edit your comment to do the same. Never know what someone will consider a spoiler.

(view spoiler)[She didn't know what she doing when she sent him the milk, but he totally knew what he was doing when he fed her the soup. It makes it so much better knowing that he was playing the game so early on. (hide spoiler)]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."

I'm hiding the quoted part in your response. You might want to edit your comment to do the same. Never know what someone will c..."

Done.

Yeah, so far this reread is showing me that Curran (view spoiler)[ was into Kate from the very beginning - I think it was her defiant nature that refused to be cowed by who Curran was. At this stage Kate was still a bit too focused on avoiding bankruptcy and stabbing things to have a wider viewpoint. Also the severe commitment issues she had from her upbringing were really blinkering her (hide spoiler)]

Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."."

(view spoiler)[Every other woman he'd ever had probably came running when he snapped his fingers. He's a lion. A hunter. Initially he probably just liked the sport of trying to get her. But it's still cute watching them both stumble into this. (hide spoiler)]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."."

[spoilers removed]"

And probably every woman (view spoiler)[ cowered down when he gave them the Alpha stare. One of the things that's repeatedly emphasized is how Curran is used to getting his way with the stare and how frustrated he gets when Kate just ignores him.

Yeah I think it started off as Curran being curious about the defiant, rude new Order appointee and then was just impressed a lot. I mean she held back 200 vampires and was ready to die to save him and his people in the first book and then nearly fought to the death to kill the Upir (I still think they should have just used fire). That's the kind of thing a shapeshifter understands and admires. (hide spoiler)]

I also freely admit that I am intentionally taking it slow. I love this series so much and there is absolutely nothing else even remotely like it. No other UF/PNR comes close.

Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."."

[spoilers removed]"

And probably every woman cowered ..."

Ditto, sometimes I zone out once in a while as my mind tends to wander no matter how much I enjoy a book, esp fight scenes, and usually I just tend to keep reading or listening if I think I got the big picture, but in this case I keep rewinding cuz I don't want to miss a word. I'm really trying to savor it.

40% Curran is weight lifting. I love this scene. :-)

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."."

[spoilers removed]"

And probably every..."

Wait is this where he is lifting (view spoiler)[ 700 pounds and Kate backs off a bit thinking "ook maybe I can't take him in a straight fight"? (hide spoiler)]

Yea... I'm about halfway, I think... maybe more... on rereads, reading scenes can remind you of later scenes... like the weighlifting room in book 4, I think? (view spoiler)[when she welds the weights to the bench... and the "bimbo room" door... (hide spoiler)]

Julie (view spoiler)[really has come a long way... (hide spoiler)]

Flare: I keep expecting a 2nd one to happen in the series (view spoiler)[but I don't think the timelines line up... maybe if Julie was as young as she looks, but she's 13... (view spoiler)[and I think is 16 in Magic Stars... will be 17/18 in Magic Triumphs, then... (hide spoiler)]... maybe one of the spinoff series will have to deal with another Flare... (hide spoiler)]

Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Arkadeb wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "33% into Magic Burns ..."."

[spoilers re..."

Yeah that one. Where he (view spoiler)[Shows off for her by taking off his shirt to wipe up his sweaty chest lol. (hide spoiler)]

Started book 1 (late as always ^^), I'm not usually a big re-reader and it's strange to come back at the begining. I remember some things (especialy the final battle at the end because ick) and things that I'm sure are happening in later books (only read to book 4).

I just finished book 3 (Magic Strikes). It was amazing!

I am addicted, I can't stop! lol

Miche wrote: "I just finished book 3 (Magic Strikes). It was amazing!

I am addicted, I can't stop! lol"

Yay!

I just started Magic Bleeds

I don't think I will read the novellas that aren't included at Small Magics. I don't feel like buying books that had novellas from other series that I didn't read.

I changed my mind. I just ordered the first few books and I'm going to read them in english this time. Since I'm not that much of a re-reader, I don't see mysefl re-reading the first 4 or 5 again in english or not after some time... and I don't want that ^^

Audiobook complaint. Why does Irish Bran have an Australian accent? 🤦

OH! I was on the ebook 'cause I read bits and pieces during breaks at work but... That's it. Not going to listen to it. EBOOK ALL THE WAY!

Virginie wrote: "OH! I was on the ebook 'cause I read bits and pieces during breaks at work but... That's it. Not going to listen to it. EBOOK ALL THE WAY!"

Smart. I might switch back to my kindle for books 3+. It's short and very readable. Her Bran and Jim just grate on me. And Derrick, though that one is growing on me a bit.

Ok, I'm up to 40%. I'm loving this book! Not much to say. Liked all the scenes you guys mentioned. Love Derek. Love Julie, and want to smother her in hugs and affection. Love flirty Curran, and alpha Curran. Love love love snarky, big-mouthed Kate

GARH, I LOVE EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK.

*goes back to reading*

Miche wrote: "I just started Magic Bleeds

I don't think I will read the novellas that aren't included at Small Magics. I don't feel like buying books that had novellas from other ..."

Hahaha, and here you were, worried about not being able to keep up with the group ;)

Virginie wrote: "Hahaha, and here you were, worried about not being able to keep up with the group ;)
"

Silly me! 😂😂😂

Finished book 2. Struggling to not start book 3. We'll see if I have the will power to hold out. I love this book.

Not a real spoiler->(view spoiler)[Curran is on the couch reading Kate's Princess Bride. She tells him to leave. He gets up and tells her "As you wish" on his way out. 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Miche wrote: "I just started Magic Bleeds

I don't think I will read the novellas that aren't included at Small Magics. I don't feel like buying books that had novellas from other ..."

I think you can buy most of the novellas as standalones for a few dollars now, from the Kindle Store... but I don't think you'll be missing much if you only read the Small Magics and the Curran POVs... a couple of the other short stories are bundled with main books... just don't forget that Gunmetal Magic and Iron & Magic are full-length books...

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Virginie wrote: "OH! I was on the ebook 'cause I read bits and pieces during breaks at work but... That's it. Not going to listen to it. EBOOK ALL THE WAY!"

Smart. I might switch back to my kindle..."

Big spoiler, only for re-readers who've read book 3: (view spoiler)[Doesn't her Derek voice become more gravely in book 3+ after he has liquid silver poured all over his face? (hide spoiler)]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Audiobook complaint. Why does Irish Bran have an Australian accent? 🤦"

Isn't he (view spoiler)[Roman, tho?... and has been popping in and out of existance for thousands of years... his accent should be unique or non-existant by this point, I would think... but like I've said in other threads, I listen to so many audiobooks that I just try to roll with it, because doing otherwise would put a damper on my reading... (hide spoiler)]

Virginie wrote: "Ok, I'm up to 40%. I'm loving this book! Not much to say. Liked all the scenes you guys mentioned. Love Derek. Love Julie, and want to smother her in hugs and affection. Love flirty Curran, and alp..."

We told you :D

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Finished book 2. Struggling to not start book 3. We'll see if I have the will power to hold out. I love this book.

Not a real spoiler->[spoilers removed]"

Is that (view spoiler)[a Princess Bride reference?... I saw the movie once or twice... never obsessed about it like some people... missed that window, I guess... (hide spoiler)]

About half way through the first book... Here, kitty kitty! Growl! 😀😀😀

Recurring characters: Wanting every character to come back can be a problem in UF, I think... but luckily, so many do show back up... I remember wanting (view spoiler)[the croc-shifter (hide spoiler)] from book 3/4 to show back up and she never really did...

Tropes: The early KD successes have been attributed to the story breaking from expectations (view spoiler)[like how we all assumed Crest would be the Upir (hide spoiler)], but if there's one place the book really sticks to the tropes, I think it's the non-Curran romantic elements... (view spoiler)[heroine who says she isn't traditionally attractive swimming in prospects... Crest in book 1, Bran in book 2, Saiman from 0.5 (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "About half way through the first book... Here, kitty kitty! Growl! 😀😀😀"

any reference to lion growling makes me hear the MGM logo...

Saiman is my favorite character so far! I love him, selfish, coward and opportunistic as he is...

Ha-ha! Me too, Iain!

Iain wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Audiobook complaint. Why does Irish Bran have an Australian accent? 🤦"

Isn't he [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ok but he's def not Australian.

Edit to add: If he's Morrighan's he'd be Gaelic. He's not Roman. He just lived when the Romans had conquered. He'd have a blended Gaelic accent. He def wouldn't have an Australian one no matter what. (hide spoiler)]

Iain wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Finished book 2. Struggling to not start book 3. We'll see if I have the will power to hold out. I love this book.

Not a real spoiler->[spoilers removed]"

Is that [spo..."

Yes! That's the signature line. IA drops so many pop culture references in these books.

Iain wrote: "Recurring characters: Wanting every character to come back can be a problem in UF, I think... but luckily, so many do show back up... I remember wanting [spoilers removed] from book 3/4 to show bac..."

She never said she was unattractive. She said she wasn't skinny. She always had muscle so her body was thick. So she wasn't traditionally attractive. But she never pretended to be unattractive.

Choko wrote: "Saiman is my favorite character so far! I love him, selfish, coward and opportunistic as he is..."

He's one of my favorites, too :-)

Almost finished book 2! Not starting book 3 will be a struggle, but I'm swamped in BRs beginning of August. I'll be able to resume reading KD in the second part of August, and then September & October are quite light in terms of BRs (for now... Until I decide to rope Diana into plenty of BRs xD).

If you guys want to keep going, go ahead. I'll happily trod after, opening spoilers and gushing about the series ;)

I finished Magic Bleeds and Curran POV Collection last night. Or should I say this morning (2am)?

You all unleashed the binge reader in me. 😂😂

I will slow down now because I have buddy reads lined up. Maybe...

Miche wrote: "I finished Magic Bleeds and Curran POV Collection last night. Or should I say this morning (2am)?

You all unleashed the binge reader in me. 😂😂

I will slow down now ..."

:D... #3 was probably a hard one to even think about stopping after... (view spoiler)[with the botched Naked Dinner (hide spoiler)]

Book 4 is probably a good place to take a break... books 5 & 5.5 are a bit of a slowdown, I think, from the ramp-up of books 2-4... considering how (view spoiler)[Kate and Andrea transition to their own freelance detective agency... (hide spoiler)]

Virginie wrote: "Almost finished book 2! Not starting book 3 will be a struggle, but I'm swamped in BRs beginning of August. I'll be able to resume reading KD in the second part of August, and then September & Octo..."

You know book 3 is going to be eyeing you every day... whispering... >:D

I finished my book 2 read, obviously...

Andrea: (view spoiler)[I'd clearly forgotten how quickly Andrea is introduced and revealed as beastkin... (hide spoiler)]

Even as a re-reader, waiting to read book 3 is going to be hard... it's such a great book in the series...

Chapter 20. Now we get to the good part.

(view spoiler)[ it occurs to me that the Fomor are really not that big a threat. Even with a little bit of preparation, Kate could take them alone.

I think when Curran heard what Kate did for Andrea, he actually started taking her seriously. That is the kind of dedication that he probably expects from a pack mate.

Curran resisting the power word is unbelievably impressive. Especially during a flare (hide spoiler)]

23 chapters. Just before the finale.

It was that speech from Kate to Curran (view spoiler)[ About being alone, having nobody, about living like that - I think it really hit Curran hard because, while he lives in the Pack, he truly trusts very few people. And he relates to Kate's goals and ideals. (hide spoiler)]

Arkadeb wrote: "23 chapters. Just before the finale.

It was that speech from Kate to Curran [spoilers removed]"

That part was so good!

Iain wrote: ":D... #3 was probably a hard one to even think about stopping after... (view spoiler)"

It was impossible to stop there! 😉

Since I sped up, I am not claiming BR points for books 3 and 4. I only have myself to blame on that one.

If someone else zooms on in the next few days, and you come back and discuss, I think the BR points are viable... I'm waiting to see what others do before continuing...

Miche wrote: "I finished Magic Bleeds and Curran POV Collection last night. Or should I say this morning (2am)?

You all unleashed the binge reader in me. 😂😂

I will slow down now ..."

I love how much you're loving this :-)

Arkadeb wrote: "23 chapters. Just before the finale.

It was that speech from Kate to Curran [spoilers removed]"

Agree. I think that's when he started taking her seriously as more than a pain in his ass.

I finished .5, 1, and 2. I'm making myself wait on 3. I want to at least start one of the August brs since I have so many at the start of the month. If I can finish Naamah's Kiss fast I might jump to book 3.