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World of Kate Daniels #4.5
Magic Dreams
From New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes a tale of darkness, desire, and werecats.
Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help.
Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.
Includes an excerpt of Ilona Andrews's upcoming novel in the world of Kate Daniels, Gunmetal Magic
Magic Dreams originally appeared in the anthology
Hexed.
Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help.
Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.
Includes an excerpt of Ilona Andrews's upcoming novel in the world of Kate Daniels, Gunmetal Magic
Magic Dreams originally appeared in the anthology
Hexed.
86 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Ilona Andrews
144 books31.7k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,053 reviews
April 5, 2018
Ever since I read Magic Steals a little while back, I'd been wanting to find out how Dali and Jim originally got together!
Dali is just one of those characters that have been in the background of the Kate Daniels books, but I've always secretly wished played a much larger role.
And Jim is...well, he's Jim. Curran's best friend, Kate's old partner, and the badass of the Pride.
Basically, there's some hinky black magic that nearly kills Jim and Dali is the only one qualified to help. Spoilery thing, spoilery thing, spoilery thing...
The End.
My favorite part? That was so sweet!
This is one of those shorts that can be purchased solo or found in the anthology, Hexed. Would I recommend this to everyone? No.
But Kate Daniels fans are going to want to get this one. Why? Because we're nosy and we have to know all this shit.
Dali is just one of those characters that have been in the background of the Kate Daniels books, but I've always secretly wished played a much larger role.
And Jim is...well, he's Jim. Curran's best friend, Kate's old partner, and the badass of the Pride.
Basically, there's some hinky black magic that nearly kills Jim and Dali is the only one qualified to help. Spoilery thing, spoilery thing, spoilery thing...
The End.
My favorite part? That was so sweet!
This is one of those shorts that can be purchased solo or found in the anthology, Hexed. Would I recommend this to everyone? No.
But Kate Daniels fans are going to want to get this one. Why? Because we're nosy and we have to know all this shit.
April 20, 2018
3.5 stars. Jim the werejaguar, the shapeshifter Pack’s chief of security, is in deep trouble from some mysterious sleeping sickness. Dali the vegetarian white tiger is determined to help ... not least, because she has a mad crush on Jim.
It’s an interesting and kind of amusing novella. Review to come.
It’s an interesting and kind of amusing novella. Review to come.
January 26, 2018
⚔
The Grand IAA™ KD Buddy Rerererereread Extravaganza
(GIAAKDBRE™), aka the yellow brick road to Magic Triumphs ⚔
Previous rating: 5 stars.
New rating: 3.5 stars. Yes, this is a Despicably Low Rating (DLR™). No, my account hasn't been hacked by the Fluffy Siberian Bunnies (FSB™). Yet.
➽ And the moral of this reread is : shamelessly downrating an IA story for the first time in the entirety of my entire life I am. Because, although I love the Cool Japanese Stuff (CJS™) and Awesome Indonesian Stuff (AIS™) in this story, I have now read Kate Daniels200+ a few times and can now fearlessly ascertain that:
① Notwithstanding her nifty Shodo magic tricks and funny vegetarian tiger antics, Dali Whiny Woe Is Me Harimau is a Premium Sick Love Puppy (PSLP™) and First Rate Pity Party Queen (FRPPQ™). Which I slightly dislike in female characters.
② Jim Shrapshire is a Selfish Asshole of the First Order (SAotFO™) who needs to be sacrificed to Roland in Magic Triumphs. In a most excruciating way, if possible.
[Original review from a couple of centuries ago]
Only a few days left before Magic Breaks is finally released and I’m definitely getting restless. As a desperate measure I’ve decided to get my hands on anything Kate Daniels related hence Magic Dreams. I didn’t know this short story was about Dali & Jim and I can’t say I was very excited at first. In the series Dali pretty much comes across as a clumsy nutcase and Jim is the very serious and paranoid head of security for the Pack… I didn’t expect to have much fun reading Magic Dreams. Well I was very wrong, this is a very fun, entertaining read!
I actually loved Dali as a narrative voice and it was great to see things from her perspective. Jim is definitely growing on me now and doesn’t seem to be the boring, ever serious alpha I thought he was. Nice! I really liked the interaction between Dali & him and it’s fun to see how different they are from the other couples in the series (Kate & Curran, Andrea & Raphael).
A very fast-paced, entertaining read. Now I would love to read more about Dali & Jim, who would have thought?!
Previous rating: 5 stars.
New rating: 3.5 stars. Yes, this is a Despicably Low Rating (DLR™). No, my account hasn't been hacked by the Fluffy Siberian Bunnies (FSB™). Yet.
➽ And the moral of this reread is : shamelessly downrating an IA story for the first time in the entirety of my entire life I am. Because, although I love the Cool Japanese Stuff (CJS™) and Awesome Indonesian Stuff (AIS™) in this story, I have now read Kate Daniels
① Notwithstanding her nifty Shodo magic tricks and funny vegetarian tiger antics, Dali Whiny Woe Is Me Harimau is a Premium Sick Love Puppy (PSLP™) and First Rate Pity Party Queen (FRPPQ™). Which I slightly dislike in female characters.
② Jim Shrapshire is a Selfish Asshole of the First Order (SAotFO™) who needs to be sacrificed to Roland in Magic Triumphs. In a most excruciating way, if possible.
[Original review from a couple of centuries ago]
Only a few days left before Magic Breaks is finally released and I’m definitely getting restless. As a desperate measure I’ve decided to get my hands on anything Kate Daniels related hence Magic Dreams. I didn’t know this short story was about Dali & Jim and I can’t say I was very excited at first. In the series Dali pretty much comes across as a clumsy nutcase and Jim is the very serious and paranoid head of security for the Pack… I didn’t expect to have much fun reading Magic Dreams. Well I was very wrong, this is a very fun, entertaining read!
I actually loved Dali as a narrative voice and it was great to see things from her perspective. Jim is definitely growing on me now and doesn’t seem to be the boring, ever serious alpha I thought he was. Nice! I really liked the interaction between Dali & him and it’s fun to see how different they are from the other couples in the series (Kate & Curran, Andrea & Raphael).
A very fast-paced, entertaining read. Now I would love to read more about Dali & Jim, who would have thought?!
December 27, 2023
Ilona Andrews is one of those authors where they could publish their grocery list and it would be amazing. They are one of my very favorites for urban fantasy and fantasy and I’ve been slowly working my way through the KD world novellas to help cope with the fact that Kate is over and Julie is not yet ready to come into the world (SOMEDAY!!! Oh how I ship my Julie and Derek!) This could aptly be called ‘White Tiger and the Search for the Golden Snail’ or awesome nerd girls kick butt! What a fun Dali and Jim novella!
August 7, 2024
Some spoilery highlights:
Top Cat. “Jim isn’t the boss of me.”
“Actually yes, yes he is.”
Dali got drip. “The magic flowed full force, and Pooki, my Plymouth Prowler, made enough noise to shake the gods in their celestial palace.”
I like to think she drives this one.
Mr Badass. “I rolled my eyes. 'You didn’t take anybody with you?'
He looked at me like I had insulted him. Mr. Badass didn’t need anybody to go with him, oh no.”
What did I do to deserve this. “And he probably took a second to look at her boobies.”
Irony. “All my life I was told I was special, the mystical white tiger. Guardian of the West, King of Beasts, Lord of Mountains, Slayer of Demons. Majestic of bearing and fierce in battle. The irony was thick enough to swim through.”
Um, ok. “Her little Asian lady act is just for show. She has a master’s in chemistry from Princeton.” But an accent doesn't prevent you from having a master's in chemistry.
Kate's phone issues. “Ever notice how when Kate gets stressed out the phones stop working?”
“She will stomp in, grab the phone, make that growly noise, and walk away. Ten minutes later you can order takeout on the same phone. It’s the funniest thing.” Maybe you should let her know.
Girl, what?? “If he struck at my mother, I’d strike him back. [...] Not that I thought he would really strike at my mother, but you just never know.” Why would you even think that of someone you supposedly love and trust?? And if you can't trust him not to hit your mom, then idk what to tell you.
Jim obviously hasn't heard of Hedy Lamarr. “'Nadene is pretty,' he growled. 'Beautiful woman. Dumb as a board.'” Like, he means well and is trying to show Dali that looks aren't the most important thing, but it feels so wrong that he's doing it by putting down other women.
Ok, now we're throwing hands. “This hysterical thing you’re doing right now, that’s female.”
You go, girl. “If you deny a cat information, it will nag at him. If the cat happens to be a spymaster, it will drive him completely crazy. It would keep him awake.”
Awww. “He could barely move, but he dragged himself up and threw himself at an enraged demon for my sake. It was enough to make a girl cry.”
So Dali was cockblocking herself all along. “The problem with being an alpha is that you can never make the first move. Makes you feel like you’re taking advantage of your position. You have to wait until the other person decides they want in.”
Top Cat. “Jim isn’t the boss of me.”
“Actually yes, yes he is.”
Dali got drip. “The magic flowed full force, and Pooki, my Plymouth Prowler, made enough noise to shake the gods in their celestial palace.”
I like to think she drives this one.
Mr Badass. “I rolled my eyes. 'You didn’t take anybody with you?'
He looked at me like I had insulted him. Mr. Badass didn’t need anybody to go with him, oh no.”
What did I do to deserve this. “And he probably took a second to look at her boobies.”
Irony. “All my life I was told I was special, the mystical white tiger. Guardian of the West, King of Beasts, Lord of Mountains, Slayer of Demons. Majestic of bearing and fierce in battle. The irony was thick enough to swim through.”
Um, ok. “Her little Asian lady act is just for show. She has a master’s in chemistry from Princeton.” But an accent doesn't prevent you from having a master's in chemistry.
Kate's phone issues. “Ever notice how when Kate gets stressed out the phones stop working?”
“She will stomp in, grab the phone, make that growly noise, and walk away. Ten minutes later you can order takeout on the same phone. It’s the funniest thing.” Maybe you should let her know.
Girl, what?? “If he struck at my mother, I’d strike him back. [...] Not that I thought he would really strike at my mother, but you just never know.” Why would you even think that of someone you supposedly love and trust?? And if you can't trust him not to hit your mom, then idk what to tell you.
Jim obviously hasn't heard of Hedy Lamarr. “'Nadene is pretty,' he growled. 'Beautiful woman. Dumb as a board.'” Like, he means well and is trying to show Dali that looks aren't the most important thing, but it feels so wrong that he's doing it by putting down other women.
Ok, now we're throwing hands. “This hysterical thing you’re doing right now, that’s female.”
You go, girl. “If you deny a cat information, it will nag at him. If the cat happens to be a spymaster, it will drive him completely crazy. It would keep him awake.”
Awww. “He could barely move, but he dragged himself up and threw himself at an enraged demon for my sake. It was enough to make a girl cry.”
So Dali was cockblocking herself all along. “The problem with being an alpha is that you can never make the first move. Makes you feel like you’re taking advantage of your position. You have to wait until the other person decides they want in.”
October 29, 2019
The story of Jim and Dali.
November 7, 2016
Jim likes a girl. The problem is that Jim is too Alpha to make the first move. Moreover as the Pack Leader of the were-cats and head of Security for Curran the Beast Lord, he can be easily accused of taking advantage of his position.
Dali likes a boy. The problem is that were-tigress Dali is vegetarian, almost blind and too unattractive to make the first move. A brain with glasses she describes herself.
One day Jim is in trouble. Being at the wrong place the wrong time, he has been infected with something hideous that is eating Jim’s soul and magic. Jim keeps falling asleep and as a final result he will die.
Dali will not allow an evil spirit to steal Jim from her. Jim is hers, nobody else could have him!
The living, breathing golden snail (KEONG EMAS) is the only thing that can help Jim. Dali will not hesitate to risk her life to find it for him. She has to visit the Underground, the most dangerous place in Atlanta for shifters and buy it.
Then, Dali will have to fight JOROGUMO, the Biding Maiden, the whore spider and get Jim out from her spiderweb. It is a good thing that Dali is a clever girl and very good in riddles.
Jim’s and Dali’s future will look bright.
There is also the addition of another interesting character in Kate Daniels’ world: A SUANMI (i.e. the son of the dragon), from which Dali will save.
I loved the book! It features weird and wonderful creatures from Asian mythology - especially from Japanese mythology.
I have a good knowledge of Greek mythology and I have noticed that the references and the descriptions in the previous books concerning the creatures from Greek mythology are perfectly accurate.
Thus, I am absolutely positive that all the descriptions of the Asian mythological creatures in this book must be also exactly right. The author must have done a lot of homework for these books.
Dali likes a boy. The problem is that were-tigress Dali is vegetarian, almost blind and too unattractive to make the first move. A brain with glasses she describes herself.
One day Jim is in trouble. Being at the wrong place the wrong time, he has been infected with something hideous that is eating Jim’s soul and magic. Jim keeps falling asleep and as a final result he will die.
Dali will not allow an evil spirit to steal Jim from her. Jim is hers, nobody else could have him!
The living, breathing golden snail (KEONG EMAS) is the only thing that can help Jim. Dali will not hesitate to risk her life to find it for him. She has to visit the Underground, the most dangerous place in Atlanta for shifters and buy it.
Then, Dali will have to fight JOROGUMO, the Biding Maiden, the whore spider and get Jim out from her spiderweb. It is a good thing that Dali is a clever girl and very good in riddles.
Jim’s and Dali’s future will look bright.
There is also the addition of another interesting character in Kate Daniels’ world: A SUANMI (i.e. the son of the dragon), from which Dali will save.
I loved the book! It features weird and wonderful creatures from Asian mythology - especially from Japanese mythology.
I have a good knowledge of Greek mythology and I have noticed that the references and the descriptions in the previous books concerning the creatures from Greek mythology are perfectly accurate.
Thus, I am absolutely positive that all the descriptions of the Asian mythological creatures in this book must be also exactly right. The author must have done a lot of homework for these books.
December 4, 2014
3.5 Kitty Stars
“Look, he isn’t even concerned.”
I poured the tea. “He’s concerned, Mother. He just doesn’t panic, because he’s in charge and if he panics, everybody else will panic.”
“I can jog around the room pretending to scream if you would like,” Jim offered.”
This novella centers around two of our favorite kitties in the series, Jim and Dali. As usual with IA's characters, these two find themselves neck-deep in trouble and have to find their way out of it.
Writing and action-wise the book is great. Well-structured and it actually delivers a good and complete story which is very important for a novella. BUT while I love Jim and Dali as side characters, they don't excite me as protagonists. They both lack the snark and awesomeness of Kate and Curran, or the smexy of Raphael. That's not to say I didn't like them. They just play in a completely different league.
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
This was the funniest scene in the book, which is saying much about the lack of the humor KD is so full of.
The one titbit I did love was the thing about Kate and phones. I never gave it much thought and it's kind of funny that Dali knows what the problem is but doesn't inform Kate. :P
“Look, he isn’t even concerned.”
I poured the tea. “He’s concerned, Mother. He just doesn’t panic, because he’s in charge and if he panics, everybody else will panic.”
“I can jog around the room pretending to scream if you would like,” Jim offered.”
This novella centers around two of our favorite kitties in the series, Jim and Dali. As usual with IA's characters, these two find themselves neck-deep in trouble and have to find their way out of it.
Writing and action-wise the book is great. Well-structured and it actually delivers a good and complete story which is very important for a novella. BUT while I love Jim and Dali as side characters, they don't excite me as protagonists. They both lack the snark and awesomeness of Kate and Curran, or the smexy of Raphael. That's not to say I didn't like them. They just play in a completely different league.
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
This was the funniest scene in the book, which is saying much about the lack of the humor KD is so full of.
The one titbit I did love was the thing about Kate and phones. I never gave it much thought and it's kind of funny that Dali knows what the problem is but doesn't inform Kate. :P
July 18, 2014
4.5 Butterfly Kissed Stars -- Re-read July 15, 2014 before the release of Magic Breaks
Possible inflating rating because of my love for Dali, don’t judge me. She became one of my favorite characters during the midnight games. Dali is a drag racing Indonesian white tiger, with magic, short term memory loss after shifting that curses on parchment and is a vegetarian….SOLD.
When Jim becomes the target of a supernatural force only Dali and her mystical family can help him. She has had a crush on Jim for a long time but is sure that her Alpha will only ever see her as a quirky cat with some magic and never as a woman. Sometimes being smart can get in the way.
The only thing you’re proving is that the smartest woman I know has zero common sense. You have powerful magic, you’re smart, you’re competent, but none of that matters. I have a dozen Nadines, I only have one you. What good would Nadene do me right now? And I know you’re female, I’ve noticed.
One of the best parts of this entire novella is the time spent with Dali’s family. Her mother is absolutely hilarious at times and the scenes in that house are priceless.
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
Unlike the other women of this series that are all kick butt and take names later, Dali is mostly smarts and cleverness. It is a nice shift from some of the other women. Her adversary is something out of Japanese demon lore and I totally loved the mythology shift as well.
Great beginning to another couples romance. I can’t wait to see what happens to these two down the road as well.
Possible inflating rating because of my love for Dali, don’t judge me. She became one of my favorite characters during the midnight games. Dali is a drag racing Indonesian white tiger, with magic, short term memory loss after shifting that curses on parchment and is a vegetarian….SOLD.
When Jim becomes the target of a supernatural force only Dali and her mystical family can help him. She has had a crush on Jim for a long time but is sure that her Alpha will only ever see her as a quirky cat with some magic and never as a woman. Sometimes being smart can get in the way.
The only thing you’re proving is that the smartest woman I know has zero common sense. You have powerful magic, you’re smart, you’re competent, but none of that matters. I have a dozen Nadines, I only have one you. What good would Nadene do me right now? And I know you’re female, I’ve noticed.
One of the best parts of this entire novella is the time spent with Dali’s family. Her mother is absolutely hilarious at times and the scenes in that house are priceless.
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
Unlike the other women of this series that are all kick butt and take names later, Dali is mostly smarts and cleverness. It is a nice shift from some of the other women. Her adversary is something out of Japanese demon lore and I totally loved the mythology shift as well.
Great beginning to another couples romance. I can’t wait to see what happens to these two down the road as well.
June 22, 2022
3.25*
Really liked getting to know D better and learning more about Eastern mythologies through this novella. She’s a smart cookie and I cannot wait to see what else she gets up to. That 🦋 scene was stinking adorbs 🤩
Hopefully Dragon Dude can make another appearance as that rage combined with his powers + mythology they are drawing from is super interesting to me.
Jim was just meh & honestly I lowkey forgot about him for most of this…I don’t get what Dali sees in him tbh 🤷
Thanks as always to @Kim for another fab BR adventure with this fun urban fantasy series- let's see where it takes us next 😎
Really liked getting to know D better and learning more about Eastern mythologies through this novella. She’s a smart cookie and I cannot wait to see what else she gets up to. That 🦋 scene was stinking adorbs 🤩
Hopefully Dragon Dude can make another appearance as that rage combined with his powers + mythology they are drawing from is super interesting to me.
Jim was just meh & honestly I lowkey forgot about him for most of this…I don’t get what Dali sees in him tbh 🤷
Thanks as always to @Kim for another fab BR adventure with this fun urban fantasy series- let's see where it takes us next 😎
February 2, 2018
Buddy reread with the Ilona Andrews Addicts in preparation for Magic Triumphs
Original rating - 4 stars
New rating - 3 stars
Yes, I know, lowering an IA rating should be punishable but between Jim and Dali and knowing what I now know of them I just couldn't look at this as sweet. Now the only thing I saw was how whiny and pathetic Dali is and feel sad for all that wasted potential. And Jim, well lets just say that I really want him to be a sacrifice of the war with Roland. This reread also made me realize how much I sympathize with the spider demon. So yeah, something's definitely wrong with me if the character I feel most sorry for is a giant man eating spider.
Original review:
This was so sweet! Dali seemed like a great character in Magic Strikes and now I love the quirky, half-blind, reckless weretiger. Jim is also a character with great potential. Sure there were moments in the previous books when I wanted to bash his head in so when I realized where this is headed a sinister smile curved my lips. He already has one hell of a job and now he will never have a calm, boring day :) I hope we get some glimpses of him tearing his hair off in the future novels.
Original rating - 4 stars
New rating - 3 stars
Yes, I know, lowering an IA rating should be punishable but between Jim and Dali and knowing what I now know of them I just couldn't look at this as sweet. Now the only thing I saw was how whiny and pathetic Dali is and feel sad for all that wasted potential. And Jim, well lets just say that I really want him to be a sacrifice of the war with Roland. This reread also made me realize how much I sympathize with the spider demon. So yeah, something's definitely wrong with me if the character I feel most sorry for is a giant man eating spider.
Original review:
This was so sweet! Dali seemed like a great character in Magic Strikes and now I love the quirky, half-blind, reckless weretiger. Jim is also a character with great potential. Sure there were moments in the previous books when I wanted to bash his head in so when I realized where this is headed a sinister smile curved my lips. He already has one hell of a job and now he will never have a calm, boring day :) I hope we get some glimpses of him tearing his hair off in the future novels.
March 15, 2016
To say that I'm in love with Kate's world is an understatement...
After Kate and Andrea, it's Dali's turn to take the spotlight. She is the famous white tiger... and she's almost blind and a vegetarian.
Yep! That's Dali. Oh! And she has a huge crush on the big bad Cat Alpha, Jim. And (go figure!) he reciprocates. Uhum... Ilona Andrews writes fairy tales after all. It doesn't matter there is ass-kicking, people (things?!) loosing all kinds of bodily fluids all over the place... In the end, it's all a fairy tale where the ugly duckling gets the hot stud.
Anyway, I liked the Japanese horror element of the story. I didn't think in such a dark series, I could still feel chills down my spine.
So what do I have next? Magic Slays? *backs away slowly*
After Kate and Andrea, it's Dali's turn to take the spotlight. She is the famous white tiger... and she's almost blind and a vegetarian.
Yep! That's Dali. Oh! And she has a huge crush on the big bad Cat Alpha, Jim. And (go figure!) he reciprocates. Uhum... Ilona Andrews writes fairy tales after all. It doesn't matter there is ass-kicking, people (things?!) loosing all kinds of bodily fluids all over the place... In the end, it's all a fairy tale where the ugly duckling gets the hot stud.
Anyway, I liked the Japanese horror element of the story. I didn't think in such a dark series, I could still feel chills down my spine.
So what do I have next? Magic Slays? *backs away slowly*
June 11, 2018
"That time when I told you it didn't matter what your mother thought about your looks...."
"Aha..."
"I meant it," he said. "Because I think you're beautiful."
Dali and Jim, oh I love this couple.
"Aha..."
"I meant it," he said. "Because I think you're beautiful."
Dali and Jim, oh I love this couple.
January 11, 2021
1st read - July 2013
2nd read - June 2015
3rd read - June 2016
4th read - January 2018
5th read - July 2018
6th read - June 2019
7th read - October 2020
8th read - January 2021
Original Review
Magic Dreams is available to purchase as an ebook novella but was also included in the Hexed anthology. The story is set after Magic Bleeds and is told from Dali's point of view. We've already seen Dali's magic skills in previous stories but this time she faces her toughest challenge yet - saving the life of her Alpha Jim who is dying from a strange magical illness.
I already really liked both Dali and Jim but for some reason I'd never pictured the two of them together, I'm not sure why though because I think they're going to be a fab couple. Dali is such a fun character to spend time with, practically blind but determined to be independent I find it hilarious to think about her entering car races even though she can't see past the end of her nose. Having seen her drive Kate around I have to admit I wouldn't want to be her passenger though! I love the fact that she turns into a powerful white tiger but is a vegetarian who gets sick at the sight of blood. Yes, Dali definitely isn't your average shapeshifter but she is a lot of fun to be around and the scenes with her mother were hilarious.
Dali has been crushing on Jim for a long time but he is Alpha of the werecat clan and she knows he couldn't possibly be interested in her. In a lot of ways they are complete opposites, Dali is a crazy loose cannon with a chip on her shoulder and Jim is the sensible Alpha who is Curran's trusted right hand man and head of security for the entire clan of shapeshifters. He is over protective when it comes to his people and Dali drives him insane with the way she constantly puts herself at risk. She is the only one he can turn to in this situation though, the only competent (if erratic) magic user he has and someone he can trust to keep his predicament to herself.
We get to see a bit of a darker side to life in Atlanta in this story and discover the nasty underground characters who sell exotic animal parts on the black market. Dali must face these traders for a magical ingredient she needs to save Jim but as a rare white tiger she would make quite a prize if they were to capture her. I loved the plot of this story, it was fast paced and introduced some great characters (I can't be the only one who really hopes we're going to see more of her new friend as the series continues!). I would have really liked it to have been longer so we could have had a bit more of the romance that starts to develop between Dali and Jim though. I'm actually going to keep my fingers crossed that they are given a full length novel somewhere down the line. Either way Magic Dreams is a great addition to the Kate Daniels series and one that fans won't want to miss.
________________________
2nd Read
I'm loving this series just as much the second time around :o)
________________________
3rd Read
I love Dali and Jim, I'm not a huge fan of the way Dali drives like a lunatic putting everyone else on the roads at risk but I do think she's a brilliant character and I think her and Jim are perfect for each other.
2nd read - June 2015
3rd read - June 2016
4th read - January 2018
5th read - July 2018
6th read - June 2019
7th read - October 2020
8th read - January 2021
Original Review
Magic Dreams is available to purchase as an ebook novella but was also included in the Hexed anthology. The story is set after Magic Bleeds and is told from Dali's point of view. We've already seen Dali's magic skills in previous stories but this time she faces her toughest challenge yet - saving the life of her Alpha Jim who is dying from a strange magical illness.
I already really liked both Dali and Jim but for some reason I'd never pictured the two of them together, I'm not sure why though because I think they're going to be a fab couple. Dali is such a fun character to spend time with, practically blind but determined to be independent I find it hilarious to think about her entering car races even though she can't see past the end of her nose. Having seen her drive Kate around I have to admit I wouldn't want to be her passenger though! I love the fact that she turns into a powerful white tiger but is a vegetarian who gets sick at the sight of blood. Yes, Dali definitely isn't your average shapeshifter but she is a lot of fun to be around and the scenes with her mother were hilarious.
Dali has been crushing on Jim for a long time but he is Alpha of the werecat clan and she knows he couldn't possibly be interested in her. In a lot of ways they are complete opposites, Dali is a crazy loose cannon with a chip on her shoulder and Jim is the sensible Alpha who is Curran's trusted right hand man and head of security for the entire clan of shapeshifters. He is over protective when it comes to his people and Dali drives him insane with the way she constantly puts herself at risk. She is the only one he can turn to in this situation though, the only competent (if erratic) magic user he has and someone he can trust to keep his predicament to herself.
We get to see a bit of a darker side to life in Atlanta in this story and discover the nasty underground characters who sell exotic animal parts on the black market. Dali must face these traders for a magical ingredient she needs to save Jim but as a rare white tiger she would make quite a prize if they were to capture her. I loved the plot of this story, it was fast paced and introduced some great characters (I can't be the only one who really hopes we're going to see more of her new friend as the series continues!). I would have really liked it to have been longer so we could have had a bit more of the romance that starts to develop between Dali and Jim though. I'm actually going to keep my fingers crossed that they are given a full length novel somewhere down the line. Either way Magic Dreams is a great addition to the Kate Daniels series and one that fans won't want to miss.
________________________
2nd Read
I'm loving this series just as much the second time around :o)
________________________
3rd Read
I love Dali and Jim, I'm not a huge fan of the way Dali drives like a lunatic putting everyone else on the roads at risk but I do think she's a brilliant character and I think her and Jim are perfect for each other.
September 24, 2017
This is a novella that doesn't actually include Kate, although she is mentioned. We learn that the reason Kate has so much trouble with phones is because her magic is so powerful. She generates so much magic that tech quits around her, like guns, phones etc. "And she has no clue."
So, Jim had become under attack by a curse and Dali has to help him. I loved this novella!!
It was good to see Kate's world from someone else's POV. This was in Dali's and it was great! She is one of my favorite side characters. She is practically blind and she gets sick at the sight of blood. Add to that--she's a vegetarian white tiger shapeshifter.
So, Jim had become under attack by a curse and Dali has to help him. I loved this novella!!
It was good to see Kate's world from someone else's POV. This was in Dali's and it was great! She is one of my favorite side characters. She is practically blind and she gets sick at the sight of blood. Add to that--she's a vegetarian white tiger shapeshifter.
May 18, 2019
Audiobook: Narrator - Renee Raudman
Oh my gosh!!! I LOVED this performance! Ms. Raudman did a superb job as Dali! I can’t imagine this character sounding any other way than how she is portrayed in this audio. This narrator took this short story and made it her own!
Dali has always been a bit peculiar to me, but then again, I thinks she’s supposed to be that way to everyone. I often wondered what her background and motivations were and now I know and oh my! I loved her so much! This is a fast, intense read/listen and it has a great balance of thrills/chills and suspense, along with a bit of romance. I’m all about the romance but too much can kill a story and not enough can make me lose interest. This had the perfect ratio for me. And lordie! When this wraps up, let’s just say Jim turned me into a swoony mess!
In order to get to this one you’re going to need to read the other before it but I gotta say that this has been my fave...it’s all about the geek to me!
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Oh my gosh!!! I LOVED this performance! Ms. Raudman did a superb job as Dali! I can’t imagine this character sounding any other way than how she is portrayed in this audio. This narrator took this short story and made it her own!
Dali has always been a bit peculiar to me, but then again, I thinks she’s supposed to be that way to everyone. I often wondered what her background and motivations were and now I know and oh my! I loved her so much! This is a fast, intense read/listen and it has a great balance of thrills/chills and suspense, along with a bit of romance. I’m all about the romance but too much can kill a story and not enough can make me lose interest. This had the perfect ratio for me. And lordie! When this wraps up, let’s just say Jim turned me into a swoony mess!
In order to get to this one you’re going to need to read the other before it but I gotta say that this has been my fave...it’s all about the geek to me!
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
May 20, 2017
Awww how cute!!!
September 1, 2012
This was so, so GOOD!!!
Ever since, the first time i read about Dali, that i got curious about this magical white tiger who is practically blind. And who likes to enter car races_ she gives a lot of work to auto-shops, one could say that she's helping the economy, cough_....oh, and someone who is a vegetarian.
A vegetarian tiger....cute!
Then there is Jim. The alpha of the cats, is as badass as one could get, but getting Dali to do as he wants, is JUST way beyond his skills. Because she is reckless, fearless, stuborn, inteligent, and feels that she has a lot to prove since she isn't the best fighter on the block, in fact she's kind of a clumsy tiger _ but did i mention that butterflies, just love her?? Cutest scene in the book. If i had any drawing skills i would be drawing a lazy tiger with butterflies all over his/her pelt, lol _ which doesn't help building her self-esteem.
Now, more than ever, Jim needs her help and she will do anything, and i do mean anything to help the man she loves. Even if he never looks at her that way....
Or does he?
The last page _ smiling _.....really? REALLY??
That was just mean (smiling)....
I cant wait to read another story that features these two.
Ever since, the first time i read about Dali, that i got curious about this magical white tiger who is practically blind. And who likes to enter car races_ she gives a lot of work to auto-shops, one could say that she's helping the economy, cough_....oh, and someone who is a vegetarian.
A vegetarian tiger....cute!
Then there is Jim. The alpha of the cats, is as badass as one could get, but getting Dali to do as he wants, is JUST way beyond his skills. Because she is reckless, fearless, stuborn, inteligent, and feels that she has a lot to prove since she isn't the best fighter on the block, in fact she's kind of a clumsy tiger _ but did i mention that butterflies, just love her?? Cutest scene in the book. If i had any drawing skills i would be drawing a lazy tiger with butterflies all over his/her pelt, lol _ which doesn't help building her self-esteem.
Now, more than ever, Jim needs her help and she will do anything, and i do mean anything to help the man she loves. Even if he never looks at her that way....
Or does he?
The last page _ smiling _.....really? REALLY??
That was just mean (smiling)....
I cant wait to read another story that features these two.
November 11, 2020
3.5 stars - Dali struts her stuff
Dali Harimau was introduced in #3 Magic Strikes as Jim Shrapshire's magic expert from the werecat clan, of which he's alpha. The authors have interspersed zany characters in each novel so far and this inclines me to believe that circumstances will never get that dire (false illusion of safety perhaps?). Dali the weretiger epitomizes quirkiness.
Dali had volunteered for the Midnight Games in #3 Magic Strikes and was an asset to the team. But in #4 Magic Bleeds, Kate told Dali to leave for her safety while Kate confronted the threat on her lonesome. So in this short story, the authors reveal why Dali is a special character and not someone we should dismiss. The heart of this story is the catalyst for her inner tiger to come out.
#1 Magic Bites 3.5 ☆
#2 Magic Burns 3.5 ☆
#3 Magic Strikes 4 ☆
#3.5 Magic Mourns 3 ☆
#4 Magic Bleeds 4 ☆ - a favorite
#5 Magic Slays 4 ☆
#5.5 Gunmetal Magic 4☆
#6 Magic Rises 4 ☆
#6.5 Magic Steals 4☆
#7 Magic Breaks 4 ☆ - a favorite
#8 Magic Shifts 4 ☆
#8.5 Magic Stars 3.5 ☆
#9 Magic Binds 4 ☆
#9.5 Iron and Magic 4 ☆
#10 Magic Triumphs 4 ☆
Small Magics 4 ☆
Dali Harimau was introduced in #3 Magic Strikes as Jim Shrapshire's magic expert from the werecat clan, of which he's alpha. The authors have interspersed zany characters in each novel so far and this inclines me to believe that circumstances will never get that dire (false illusion of safety perhaps?). Dali the weretiger epitomizes quirkiness.
The Buzzard Highway took no prisoners. Only Atlanta's best and craziest raced here.Dali's reckless driving style terrifies even Kate Daniels.
That's why I liked it. When a girl weighs a hundred pounds soaking wet, her glasses are thicker than Sherlock Holmes's loupe, and everybody under the sun makes fun of her because she's a vegetarian and blood makes her vomit, she has to do something to prove that she isn't a wimp.
Dali had volunteered for the Midnight Games in #3 Magic Strikes and was an asset to the team. But in #4 Magic Bleeds, Kate told Dali to leave for her safety while Kate confronted the threat on her lonesome. So in this short story, the authors reveal why Dali is a special character and not someone we should dismiss. The heart of this story is the catalyst for her inner tiger to come out.
The masculine fragrance filled my house, screaming, "Mate!" at me so loudly that I held my breath for a second to get a grip.But it does...
Jim was here, waiting for me. In my wildest dreams, I would walk into the room, and he would kiss me.
It would never happen.
#1 Magic Bites 3.5 ☆
#2 Magic Burns 3.5 ☆
#3 Magic Strikes 4 ☆
#3.5 Magic Mourns 3 ☆
#4 Magic Bleeds 4 ☆ - a favorite
#5 Magic Slays 4 ☆
#5.5 Gunmetal Magic 4☆
#6 Magic Rises 4 ☆
#6.5 Magic Steals 4☆
#7 Magic Breaks 4 ☆ - a favorite
#8 Magic Shifts 4 ☆
#8.5 Magic Stars 3.5 ☆
#9 Magic Binds 4 ☆
#9.5 Iron and Magic 4 ☆
#10 Magic Triumphs 4 ☆
Small Magics 4 ☆
October 29, 2020
< Q U E E N кαтє ∂αηιєℓѕ 2020 >
A Questionable Client (#0.5) ♚♚♚♔♔
Magic Bites (#1) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Burns (#2) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Strikes (#3) ♚♚♚♚♚ [it just gets epic from here]
Magic Mourns (#3.5) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Bleeds (#4) ♚♚���♚♚ I don't like Jim.
Magic Dreams (#4.5) ♚♚♔♔♔
____
❈My 2019 Ⓚⓐⓣⓔ Ⓓⓐⓝⓘⓔⓛⓢ Re-read ❈
A Questionable Client (#0.5) ★★★★☆
Magic Bites (#1) ★★★★☆
Magic Burns (#2) ★★★★☆
Magic Strikes (#3) ★★★★★ [Amazing]
Magic Mourns (#3.5) ★★★★☆
Magic Bleeds (#4) ★★★★★
Magic Dreams (#4.5) ★★★☆☆
Even if Dali is super cute, Jim is not as cool as he think he is.
_________________________________
Aha! I knew something funny was going on with Kate's phones! /random comment off.
I have to say the women in Kate Daniel series are incredible. Dali isn't the exception. I found her intriguing enough just by being an almost blind, vegan White Awesome Tiger. Bust there's so much more of it. She's just so funny and klutzy in her own way, not a warrior like Kate but definitely crazy smart and damn likable.
Don't mess with a smart girl. Ever. She'll use words to kick your ass.
It's so cute how helplessly in love she's with Jim and even if this story was too short, I really liked them working together. I hadn't had the time to see Jim as a lover boy. In my mind, he was more like Kate's side-kick, the silent protector always in control, really. But he's sweet and so mysterious I can't wait to see them in the next book.
Jim and Dali's mom are hilarious together ^^
A Questionable Client (#0.5) ♚♚♚♔♔
Magic Bites (#1) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Burns (#2) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Strikes (#3) ♚♚♚♚♚ [it just gets epic from here]
Magic Mourns (#3.5) ♚♚♚♚♔
Magic Bleeds (#4) ♚♚���♚♚ I don't like Jim.
Magic Dreams (#4.5) ♚♚♔♔♔
____
❈My 2019 Ⓚⓐⓣⓔ Ⓓⓐⓝⓘⓔⓛⓢ Re-read ❈
A Questionable Client (#0.5) ★★★★☆
Magic Bites (#1) ★★★★☆
Magic Burns (#2) ★★★★☆
Magic Strikes (#3) ★★★★★ [Amazing]
Magic Mourns (#3.5) ★★★★☆
Magic Bleeds (#4) ★★★★★
Magic Dreams (#4.5) ★★★☆☆
Even if Dali is super cute, Jim is not as cool as he think he is.
_________________________________
Aha! I knew something funny was going on with Kate's phones! /random comment off.
I have to say the women in Kate Daniel series are incredible. Dali isn't the exception. I found her intriguing enough just by being an almost blind, vegan White Awesome Tiger. Bust there's so much more of it. She's just so funny and klutzy in her own way, not a warrior like Kate but definitely crazy smart and damn likable.
Don't mess with a smart girl. Ever. She'll use words to kick your ass.
It's so cute how helplessly in love she's with Jim and even if this story was too short, I really liked them working together. I hadn't had the time to see Jim as a lover boy. In my mind, he was more like Kate's side-kick, the silent protector always in control, really. But he's sweet and so mysterious I can't wait to see them in the next book.
Jim and Dali's mom are hilarious together ^^
September 13, 2016
07/09/2016 Re-reading one of my favorite series', because the Kate Daniels world is a excellent place to be!
When a girl weighs a hundred pounds soaking wet, her glasses are thicker than Sherlock Holmes’s loupe, and everybody under the sun makes fun of her because she’s a vegetarian and blood makes her vomit, she has to do something to prove that she isn’t a wimp. The wild, deafening chaos of the Friday-night Buzzard race was a strictly no-wimps-allowed kind of fun.
I loved this novella. I have loved were-tigress Dali Harimau since we first met her in this series. She’s strange and awkward and I just adore her. I also loved seeing a different side of the very serious and broody Jim Shrapshire.
“The problem with being an alpha is that you can never make the first move. Makes you feel like you’re taking advantage of your position. You have to wait until the other person decides they want in.”
They really are so cute together, and it was a lot of fun seeing Dali trying to save Jim, and both of them finally making their move. I really hope that these two will soon get their own full length novel.
There are no words to describe how amazing the world in this series is, and I love that with every instalment, whether it’s a full length novel or a novella like this one, we get to learn more. This series is magnificent, and a must read for all.
December 5, 2016
"[..] I wrote, 'Don't be an a-hole!'"
"On yours or mine?"
"On yours."
"Well, in that case, your magic isn't working. I'm still an asshole."
Jim! And Dali! I can't wait to see how the events of this one play out in the periphery of book five. The story itself was an intriguing little side-adventure plot but really I was enjoying this one for the shipping.
I'm still on hold for the novella that comes before book four but this was actually a perfect accidental refresher for MAGIC BURNS. Also after teasing myself with one novella and having this just sitting in queue, almost begging to be read, I just couldn't help myself.
Considering the banter, the diversity, the complexity, the swoons and the all around cleverness and inclusion, I really need to prioritize getting back into this series. I feel a binge might be in my very near future.
"On yours or mine?"
"On yours."
"Well, in that case, your magic isn't working. I'm still an asshole."
Jim! And Dali! I can't wait to see how the events of this one play out in the periphery of book five. The story itself was an intriguing little side-adventure plot but really I was enjoying this one for the shipping.
I'm still on hold for the novella that comes before book four but this was actually a perfect accidental refresher for MAGIC BURNS. Also after teasing myself with one novella and having this just sitting in queue, almost begging to be read, I just couldn't help myself.
Considering the banter, the diversity, the complexity, the swoons and the all around cleverness and inclusion, I really need to prioritize getting back into this series. I feel a binge might be in my very near future.
March 23, 2021
June 2016 Re-read: As much as I like Jim in this book, and Dali (more than I have previously anyway), I just .... like them less and less with each re-read. The story is good and still worthy. I'm just not sure I even really like or respect the characters anymore.
4.5 Stars
What I really enjoy about these novellas that focus on other characters in the Kate Daniels' world is that we get to see things from a new point-of-view. It becomes obvious that Kate isn't always the most ... reliable narrator. There are things that she simply doesn't, and can't, take into account because she doesn't know everything. Not only do we get expanded views of Atlanta, but also of dynamics between characters, and different viewpoints of characters that we may have thought we knew.
I admit I first read this novella and didn't love Dali. I liked her, but I was frustrated with how she would put people in danger driving on the roads. Willfully endangering others is not a way to my heart. What I learned here is that that view might be overstating things a bit. Dali's capable of driving, and doing so safely even if she is considered legally blind. She's definitely got some things she's been trying to work through, but she's an awesome character that isn't going to let anything get her down for long.
I also really loved seeing Jim through her eyes. We've seen him many times through Kate's eyes, but it's something different when you see him as one who is in love with him does. Jim's still gruff, and alpha; he's definitely in charge and stubborn, but I also had my appreciation of his reliability and steadfastness, and his deep core of honor, increased exponentially.
Ilona Andrews wove this story around Asian culture and mythologies. I really enjoyed their magical take on this culture. I don't want to say too much about it, because I enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, and how Dali investigated and figured out what was going on - which was very different from Kate's way of doing it - was intriguing.
There was also a new character that was introduced that I'm supremely interested in! He shows up again later, and I can't wait to see more of him!!
4.5 Stars
What I really enjoy about these novellas that focus on other characters in the Kate Daniels' world is that we get to see things from a new point-of-view. It becomes obvious that Kate isn't always the most ... reliable narrator. There are things that she simply doesn't, and can't, take into account because she doesn't know everything. Not only do we get expanded views of Atlanta, but also of dynamics between characters, and different viewpoints of characters that we may have thought we knew.
I admit I first read this novella and didn't love Dali. I liked her, but I was frustrated with how she would put people in danger driving on the roads. Willfully endangering others is not a way to my heart. What I learned here is that that view might be overstating things a bit. Dali's capable of driving, and doing so safely even if she is considered legally blind. She's definitely got some things she's been trying to work through, but she's an awesome character that isn't going to let anything get her down for long.
I also really loved seeing Jim through her eyes. We've seen him many times through Kate's eyes, but it's something different when you see him as one who is in love with him does. Jim's still gruff, and alpha; he's definitely in charge and stubborn, but I also had my appreciation of his reliability and steadfastness, and his deep core of honor, increased exponentially.
Ilona Andrews wove this story around Asian culture and mythologies. I really enjoyed their magical take on this culture. I don't want to say too much about it, because I enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, and how Dali investigated and figured out what was going on - which was very different from Kate's way of doing it - was intriguing.
There was also a new character that was introduced that I'm supremely interested in! He shows up again later, and I can't wait to see more of him!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2018
*** 4 ***
The Great Kate Daniels Buddy Read/Reread of 2017 with the gang at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA)!
"...“You want me to go back into that house protected by a magic sticky note?”
“Don’t even start,” I told him. “It’s working. If it weren’t working, you couldn’t drag me into that place.”
“What did you write on here? ‘Don’t die’?”
No, I wrote, ‘Don’t be an a-hole!” I headed for the house.
“On yours or mine?”
“On yours”
“Well, in that case, your magic isn’t working. I’m still an asshole.”..."
This was fun! Not a big fan of Jim, the Cat Alpha, but I love Dali, despite her low self-esteem and issues... I just want to cuddle the big, white, vegetarian, blind tiger!!!
The Great Kate Daniels Buddy Read/Reread of 2017 with the gang at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA)!
"...“You want me to go back into that house protected by a magic sticky note?”
“Don’t even start,” I told him. “It’s working. If it weren’t working, you couldn’t drag me into that place.”
“What did you write on here? ‘Don’t die’?”
No, I wrote, ‘Don’t be an a-hole!” I headed for the house.
“On yours or mine?”
“On yours”
“Well, in that case, your magic isn’t working. I’m still an asshole.”..."
This was fun! Not a big fan of Jim, the Cat Alpha, but I love Dali, despite her low self-esteem and issues... I just want to cuddle the big, white, vegetarian, blind tiger!!!
September 3, 2018
This is one novella that I didn't quite enjoy as much the second time around. That being said I loved the fact that Jim had to be so careful with how he approached things with Dali and, if nothing else, this is worth reading just for the final chapter where it all comes together.
September 9, 2020
Dali is the smartest and most adorable klutz ever and JIM IS JUST ❤
July 29, 2023
Cute novella set between books 4 and 5 of the Kate Daniels series. It features Dali and Jim.
May 3, 2017
Magic Dreams was sweet little story, full of Indonesian mythology and some pretty scary creatures, about Dali and Jim working on a case together. This short novella takes place after events in Magic Bleeds.
“Didn’t Jim forbid you to race?”
Jim was my alpha. The shapeshifter Pack was segregated into seven clans, by the family of the animal, and Jim headed Felidae with a big Jaguar paw hiding awesome claws. He was smart, and strong, and incredibly hot—and the only time Jim noticed my existence was when I made myself into a pain in the ass or when he needed an expert on the ancient Far East. Otherwise, I might just as well have been invisible.
I raised my head to let Kasen know I meant business. “Jim isn’t the boss of me.”
“Actually yes, yes he is.”
When I first read Kate Daniels series neither Jim, nor Dali were my favourite characters. But I have to say that now, when I read these books again, I started to love tham so so much more! And in this novella, they were so sweet together. Totally different couple than Kate and Curran, or Andrea and Raphael, but it's the difference that makes them so damn great.
Jim is the strong and silent Alpha type, while Dali is intelligent, small, nerdy and not really conventional White Tiger. Together they were perfect. And can I just say that every female character Ilona Andrews creates is abso-freaking-lutely amazing?!
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
Side note: Dali's mother is awesome.
“You do realize that you’re going to die?” My mother shook her head.
“Yeah, I’ve got the dying part.”
“You found some sort of zombie instead of a man.” My mother pointed at Jim. “Look, he isn’t even concerned.”
I poured the tea. “He’s concerned, Mother. He just doesn’t panic, because he’s in charge and if he panics, everybody else will panic.”
“I can jog around the room pretending to scream if you would like,” Jim offered.
I have heard that Ilona and Gordon are planning to write a full book about these two. Woohoo! But can I have it now, pretty please?:)
“Didn’t Jim forbid you to race?”
Jim was my alpha. The shapeshifter Pack was segregated into seven clans, by the family of the animal, and Jim headed Felidae with a big Jaguar paw hiding awesome claws. He was smart, and strong, and incredibly hot—and the only time Jim noticed my existence was when I made myself into a pain in the ass or when he needed an expert on the ancient Far East. Otherwise, I might just as well have been invisible.
I raised my head to let Kasen know I meant business. “Jim isn’t the boss of me.”
“Actually yes, yes he is.”
When I first read Kate Daniels series neither Jim, nor Dali were my favourite characters. But I have to say that now, when I read these books again, I started to love tham so so much more! And in this novella, they were so sweet together. Totally different couple than Kate and Curran, or Andrea and Raphael, but it's the difference that makes them so damn great.
Jim is the strong and silent Alpha type, while Dali is intelligent, small, nerdy and not really conventional White Tiger. Together they were perfect. And can I just say that every female character Ilona Andrews creates is abso-freaking-lutely amazing?!
“A rolled-up newspaper landed on my head and then on Jim’s. “None of that in my house!”
Oh my gods. The alpha of Clan Cat just got smacked with a rolled-up newspaper. “Mom!”
She pointed at me with the newspaper. “Do not shame me.”
I clamped my mouth shut. When she pulled out the shame card, it was all over.”
Side note: Dali's mother is awesome.
“You do realize that you’re going to die?” My mother shook her head.
“Yeah, I’ve got the dying part.”
“You found some sort of zombie instead of a man.” My mother pointed at Jim. “Look, he isn’t even concerned.”
I poured the tea. “He’s concerned, Mother. He just doesn’t panic, because he’s in charge and if he panics, everybody else will panic.”
“I can jog around the room pretending to scream if you would like,” Jim offered.
I have heard that Ilona and Gordon are planning to write a full book about these two. Woohoo! But can I have it now, pretty please?:)
April 19, 2023
Magic Dreams was an amazing addition to the Kate Daniels series that follows Dali and Jim.
Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always been a little unsure of herself which is never more apparent than when dealing with her alpha Jim Shrapshire. When Jim is struck with an unknown magic sickness, Dali is the only one who has the ability to save him. But to do that, she'll have to go up against a powerful demon.
Dali is one of those characters I've loved since her first scene. A rare white tiger shifter, Dali lacks the natural grace all shapeshifters possess and is instead fairly clumsy. On top of that, she is a vegetarian who abhors the taste and sight of blood. To say Dali is the odd man out among the shapeshifters is an understatement. The one person always ready to defend Dali is Jim and I have to say I've loved the slow burn of their attraction that we've seen throughout the series. This book heavily deals with the pair's relationship and I absolutely loved the direction things went. I'm definitely looking forward to getting more scenes with these two in future books.
The magic sickness affecting Jim was a very interesting plot and one perfectly tailored to bringing Dali and Jim together to uncover the cause. Dali has magic that manifests through writing on scrolls which is quite unique even in this world. I found Dali's magic fascinating the first time we saw it and that continues to be the case here. I liked that we got to see a bit more of how magic works for Dali due to her being the focus of this novella. The ultimate cause of what is behind Jim's sickness was quite interesting and I found myself eager to learn more about the creature. The authors do a great job providing background on how the creature came to be which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the final showdown between Dali and the creature and I liked that it was a battle Dali had to win herself without Jim's help.
Overall I really enjoyed Magic Dreams and I would definitely recommend it for fans of the series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Magic Slays, soon.
Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always been a little unsure of herself which is never more apparent than when dealing with her alpha Jim Shrapshire. When Jim is struck with an unknown magic sickness, Dali is the only one who has the ability to save him. But to do that, she'll have to go up against a powerful demon.
Dali is one of those characters I've loved since her first scene. A rare white tiger shifter, Dali lacks the natural grace all shapeshifters possess and is instead fairly clumsy. On top of that, she is a vegetarian who abhors the taste and sight of blood. To say Dali is the odd man out among the shapeshifters is an understatement. The one person always ready to defend Dali is Jim and I have to say I've loved the slow burn of their attraction that we've seen throughout the series. This book heavily deals with the pair's relationship and I absolutely loved the direction things went. I'm definitely looking forward to getting more scenes with these two in future books.
The magic sickness affecting Jim was a very interesting plot and one perfectly tailored to bringing Dali and Jim together to uncover the cause. Dali has magic that manifests through writing on scrolls which is quite unique even in this world. I found Dali's magic fascinating the first time we saw it and that continues to be the case here. I liked that we got to see a bit more of how magic works for Dali due to her being the focus of this novella. The ultimate cause of what is behind Jim's sickness was quite interesting and I found myself eager to learn more about the creature. The authors do a great job providing background on how the creature came to be which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the final showdown between Dali and the creature and I liked that it was a battle Dali had to win herself without Jim's help.
Overall I really enjoyed Magic Dreams and I would definitely recommend it for fans of the series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Magic Slays, soon.
October 7, 2015
This read took effort, a first occurrence for me with an Ilona Andrews book. Firstly, the first person POV annoyed me - now maybe this is because everything else I've read lately has been third, but I didn't like it. Secondly, the whole thing felt lacking. I enjoyed random parts of the book, like the dragon guy, but on a whole this was 2 stars for me. I have it 3 stars for the creativity & it'd hurt my heart to give an IA book such a low rating. And then I might get kicked out of the cult.
I'm very ready for Magic Slays. Kate & her always trusty sword never put me to sleep.
Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Armina, & Asya.
I'm very ready for Magic Slays. Kate & her always trusty sword never put me to sleep.
Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Armina, & Asya.
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