The agony and the ecstasy of the series

Often times, but certainly not always, genre novels are written in series. If you're a genre junkie like me, you probably have your favorite mystery, adventure, fantasy or romance series and eagerly await the publication of each new novel. And as the song goes, the waiting is the hardest part!

Series tend to fall into one of two camps -- episodic and progressive. An episodic series is basically static. You have the same character/set of characters who deal with issues or solve problems. Each story may be different but the characters are essentially unchanged from book to book. Progressive series involve the evolution of characters. These changes are permanent and effect the character/s and the story line.  Each book usually has its own story and that story contributes to an overall arc that eventually will end.

Both types of series have their own charms and challenges. Episodic can be a bit formulaic if you read too many in a row -- but the comfort and familiarity they provide make for dedicated readers and fans. Progressive series are exciting and emotionally engaging but readers spend time waiting for the next release and it can take years to completely complete a story --think of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series!

Today I give you the review to the concluding novel in one of my favorite urban fantasy series ever -- Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews. I started reading Kate in 2007 when I was massaging my friend Susan, who was dying of cancer. I'd rub her feet and we'd talk books. She put the book in my hands three times before I got engaged and finished it. The first book wasn't awesome but I was drawn by the character and wanted to see where things would go. Each book in the series got better and better. And now, 11 years, 10 books and various novellas later, I've reached the end of Kate's story. I enjoyed the ride.

If you decide you want to visit Kate's magical world, please go back to the beginning and read Magic Bites first. This series is best read in order.

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels has come a long way in post shift Atlanta. She’s gone from being a lonely mercenary keeping her head down to a powerful player with friends, allies and family. And now, an ancient enemy appears and Kate has to make dangerous alliances if she hopes to save not only Atlanta but the world.

This is the 10^th and final book in the series and completes Kate’s story arc. As such, readers would enjoy this novel best if they begin at the beginning and read the entire series in order.

Magic Triumphs is a must read for fans of Kate Daniels. The novel has all of the authors trademark touches – marvelous mythology, fearsome monsters, epic battles, genuine emotional moments and just the right amount of humor and snark to break the tension. Particularly touching was getting to see Kate as a mother and watching her protect her child. Often times, action and danger don’t work when characters have children but the scenes are masterfully written here.

There were great references to earlier works in the series and very creative storytelling to bring Kate’s story to a believable and satisfying conclusion. It's amazing and surprising to watch as the authors take the narrative and the characters and turn them around in unexpected ways. As I read, it almost seemed to wrap up too quickly and I had a few questions about several characters that leave me hoping for a spin off series.

I must admit to being a long-time fan having been reading the series since the first book was published in 2007 and I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion. A wonderfully written and highly recommended read. 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a bonus, here is review of another kind of series. The series romance. This is a bit more episodic. An author creates a series of characters who inhabit the same world-- former schoolmates or orphans or wallflowers. Each book deals with the romance and relationships of one member of the group. That couple's relationship is central but other characters from previous books may make a guest appearance. Mary Balogh's Survivor's Club is a great example.

The following book was a new author and a new series for me. It was a challenging read for me and I almost DNF several times. I persevered and it finished okay-ish but I probably wouldn't seek out further novels. Everyone reads for different reasons and this was just not a good fit for me based on my reading preferences.

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne

This historical romance revolves around sweet Lorelai and Ash, the poor unfortunate lad who is found beaten on the roadside, who she nurses back to health.

While the premise was intriguing the structure of the novel was confusing. After a long prologue the novel is divided into two sections, past and then 20 years in the future. While the past section is only four chapters long (it seemed longer) it is very important in setting up the remainder of the story. The characters early interactions are sweet but the themes of abuse are not.

When we jump into the future our returning hero is anything but heroic. While his rough life and damaged memory account for his altered personality, he is a truly awful and unlikeable character. His motivations were thin at best and when he threatened to rape the heroine, I very nearly decided not to finish. I pressed on and things improved somewhat but I had a hard time understanding how feelings between the H/h could grow in such circumstances.

The silliness of the story combined with the references to other characters made me feel like I was missing vital details – another earlier novel perhaps— and contributed to a less than enjoyable read.

This one is probably for fans of the author and this series. 2 Stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Are you a series reader? Which is your favorite and why?