Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Blogiversary Day 3: Win a SIGNED copy of Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews



From the author's website:
Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for the magic. When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it rose.

Kate Daniels works for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle—especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community.

When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar midway between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years—and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father.

This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family…


_______________________________________
*Spoilery Spoilers Ahead*

Oh. Mah. Gawd. Loved it, loved it, loved it! I had such high expectations for this book and it was everything I thought it would be and more. I have seen a ton of reviews for this book already, so I'm just going to go into my thoughts...

Ilona and Gordon are brilliant! I was afraid this would end up being a book I had waited and waited for only to be met with disappointment because I had built it up so much in anticipation. I really should have known better.

This book was heavy on the mythology and had not just one bad guy but 7 (or really, 8). Kate went through the ringer physically and emotionally in this book; she saw a lot of her friends/acquantainces die and learned more than she ever wanted to know about her family. Ilona Andrews did not pull any punches in this book.

For some warped reason I loved the scene with the head in the fridge and her conversation with Ghastek (although Magic Bleeds was light on the vamps they were still there).

Also love how the dog adopted Kate :)

Of course, I cannot forget the sexin'. Seriously, the sexin'. I loved when Kate decided to take the plunge and show Curran she was interested. Not only did it show emotional growth on her part by taking the risk, but it also showed how the other characters feel about her by giving her assistance. As they say down South, "she's good people". (And the "slut hut", OMG - I spit diet coke all over my desk at lunch!)

We got some great peeks into Kate's head in this book, from Kate talking to Andrea about her first friendship and first relationship to Kate's revelation to Curran about her father. I love how her character has developed over the course of the series so far.

I could not have asked for a better ending. This book definitely gets 5/5 stars!

And while some storylines were (very) nicely wrapped up, there are some questions I have: Is Andrea still her friend? Will Curran let her interact with Siaman in the future? What was up with the writing on her skin when she said the power word? Why did Hugo set a bodyguard on Kate? Is Roland melancholy because he wants her back or because he wants to kill her? When is the next book coming out - I need these answers!!!

Oh, just wondering: Does Ilona Andrews pick her power words from Blogger w/v?

___________________________________________

The Giveaway:

I purchased a signed copy of Magic Bleeds from Powell's Books
to give away to one lucky follower.

Here's the deets:

Open to all but you MUST follow this blog.
Answer this question:
What do you do when you've got a much-anticipated book in your hands -
read it quickly or make it last?

+1 tweet (leave link)
+1 post or sidebar mention (leave link)
+3 put my button on your blog ('cause I don't want to be that kid on the side of the playground in the funny clothes who brings an onion for lunch every day)

Ends June 30 at midnight central time.

53 comments:

  1. I devour it on the first read! Then I read it again more slowly the next time : )

    US Resident, Follower, Subscriber

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I read it as fast as I can. After I always regret it though, and think I should have waited. I tell myself I’ll read it fast once, and then again more slowly. Never happens though. I always find another book I want/need to read. I’m such a book pig LOL

    ReplyDelete
  3. I usually read it fast as I've been waiting to read it! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. For the most part I read the book as soon as I buy it, but if it is from an author who has less release dates I will hold onto the book before I read it.

    lenikaye@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. No need to enter me, I should start with Curran from the start ;)

    But I will answer the question, answer I devour it at once!!!! or carry it around and drool over it for days and read when I can

    ReplyDelete
  6. usually i zip through it like nobody's business! and it's a good thing i have lots of favorite authors, or i'd be a very cranky girl!

    k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I read them as fast as I can. They make us wait so long in between books so the anticiaption is too great and I want to find out what happens next asap.
    But then I usually skim the book again before the next one comes out because I read it so fast I forget some parts.

    follower

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/16328174951

    elaing8(at)netscapae(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  8. I Read them as fast as i can.
    But if i have books that go whit the new book i will read them first to chatch up.
    I'm a follower

    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. You couldn't be more right "brilliant" I loved it! No need to enter me but in answer to your question quick I picked up Magic Bleeds and didn't put it down till I was finished! Great Review!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Not entering, just waving weakly, which is all I can manage after work today...

    Veri word: amnub

    Yup, I am nub - that's all that's left of me after today.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I read it as fast as I can.

    Tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/lillieblue613/status/16347606933

    ainfinger@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. As fast as I can!! Please enter me.

    I follow on gfc

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I read it as fast I can. I usually cannot wait to finish!
    I am a follower.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I read it right away !

    +1 tweet http://twitter.com/becunique/status/16356292131

    A follower :)

    uniquas at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I can't NOT read it! I devour it as fast as I can. Even if that means detting no sleep :P

    +1 Tweet: http://twitter.com/meow_mix85/status/16359599004
    +1 Sidebar and
    +3 took you button and added it to my blog: http://blogentrelibros.blogspot.com/

    Thank you!
    entrelibros_blog at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Not entering... just popping in to say HIIIII!!!!! Hope all is going well and showing my love and support! Hugs to you honey!

    ReplyDelete
  17. When I get a much-anticipated book in my hands I carefully place it on the table and wait for a special time to start it. Normally I'm so busy the special time never occurs so after a while I drink a gallon of coffee and stay up all night reading. I feel awful at work next day but it is worth it.

    +1 I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/16398363552
    +1 I sidebarred
    http://evasblackspot.blogspot.com/
    +3 Your button is already resident on my sidebar (and we love onions)

    eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I try to take my time reading a new book but within a few chapters I can't put it down. I have to know what happens :-)

    Follower and have your button on my blog


    Stephanie G

    ReplyDelete
  19. I read it as soon as it get it home.

    Follower

    kissinoak at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  20. Read it quickly!

    +3 button
    http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. It usually depends on my mood and the book but I tend to read it the same day. Follower!

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. It depends! But most of the time, I wait until the "rush-y" feeling in me is gone, just so I don't expect too much or I tend to get disappointed.:D
    Thanks:)

    sylvia_uy4(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I try super hard to make it last so I can "savor it." Unfortunately I mostly fail completely and read the book lighting fast. It's sad :(

    been a follower of yours

    lcintocable[a]gmail[d]com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I try to make it last, but I always end up finishing it within a day, lol. Me = impatient!

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Lena1xoxo/status/16553729824

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    addicted2novels(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. If it's really good, I can't put it down. I normally read through it really fast, then may read it again because I'm afraid I missed something lol.


    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/TotalBookaholic/statuses/16554952454

    Sidebar:http://totalbookaholic.blogspot.com/

    Button on blog: http://totalbookaholic.blogspot.com/

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    totalbookaholic[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Well, in theory, read it fast, but I've had Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur) for weeks and I haven't even touched it yet. I'm not ready for the series to end. So I've made it last.

    -Lisa B.
    angel28140 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  27. When I have a book that I've waited a long time I usually don't eat, sleep, breath until is done. :D

    +1 tweet http://twitter.com/ston3/status/16560956833

    +1 post http://layoutonmyspace.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-addict-blogiversary-giveaways.html

    +3 button on my sidebar http://layoutonmyspace.blogspot.com

    Ps: I like this kind of giveaways in which you actually need to answer to a question or do something to enter. Love the contest.

    neagudeea[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I read it fast so that no one can give me spoilers before I'm done! That's more important with popular books like Harry Potter, though.

    +3 button on my blog! (http://readerfeederblog.blogspot.com/)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Read! Read! Read! There is no time to wait and mostly there are no reasons, except school or work but if I'm to curious even that can't stop me.

    +1 tweet: http://twitter.com/AminaBlack/status/16568109628

    +1 posted: http://aminablack.blogspot.com/2010/06/great-huge-giveaway-on-book-addict.html

    +3 your cute pink button is on my sidebar: http://aminablack.blogspot.com

    kaguya2000[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I read it fairly fast cause I want to know what happens in the end.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Read it quickly! I'm really impatient when it comes to such books as I simply can't stave myself off the excitement!

    +1 tweeted: http://twitter.com/luvingchu/status/16704624162

    +1 sidebar link: http://incontrolableme.blogspot.com/

    +1 button on blog: http://incontrolableme.blogspot.com/

    ilovearevolution (at) live (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sometimes, depending on how much I've been looking forward to the read, I let it sit and like to fondle it a bit before diving in.

    Follower.

    Love the cover and title!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I jump right into the book, and just keep going. Most time I've waited a year to read it...so no more waiting.

    i am a follower

    +1 for tweeted - http://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/16811679780

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am a Follower.

    I don't tend to read a book as soon as I get it unless it is a continuation of a series that I really want to get to the end of. Usually I have a number of good books in my TBR pile of different genres and I choose what ever genre I feel like at the time.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. quickly lol. If I've recieved a book I've been waiting on I tend to stop everything else and get stuck in

    ReplyDelete
  36. Mostly, I read them as soon as I have a chance. But some I like to make them last so that I can thouroughly enjoy them.
    Thanks so much for this giveaway, especially as it´s international! ;)
    +3 put my button on your blog
    http://readingonthedarkside.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I read it quickly - I do not like dragging it out. I will stay up all night reading it if I have to!!

    Thanks,
    Elisabeth

    ebethsaves[@]yahoo[dot]com

    follower

    ReplyDelete
  38. I read it fast as I can. I can't stand waiting. :)

    Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I try to savor it but usually ending up reading it fast.

    I am a follower

    jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Shared on Twitter
    http://twitter.com/jellybelly82158/status/16868300159

    ReplyDelete
  41. I read as fast as i can. I'm not that patient ;p

    +1 twitted http://twitter.com/darlyn5/status/16909664708

    +1 link to blog sidebar
    +1 put your button at my blog
    http://darlynandbooks.blogspot.com

    darlyn225 at gmail dot com

    thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I totally fly through it. Then I wander around the house feeling sad cause it's over.

    +1 tweet (http://twitter.com/ReenaJacobs/status/17044927989)
    +1 post or sidebar mention (http://reenajacobs.com/blog/)
    +3 put my button on your blog

    +5

    You're having so many great giveaways this week. Thanks! reenajacobs@reenajacobs.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I usually read it fast and then I'm sad it's finished.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I read it quickly.

    I went to Linkin Park's concert before. It was so freaking awesome!

    +1 tweet
    http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/17166451509

    +1 post or sidebar mention
    http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/

    +3 put my button on your blog
    http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I read it quickly! Lately I've been reading the Sookie Stackhouse series and have been pulling all-nighters to read them the day they arrive in the mail!

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I read it quickly.
    +1 tweet (http://twitter.com/beckerjo)

    +3 put my button on your blog
    (http://beckerjo.blogspot.com/)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Well even though I would WANT to savour it, I know myself and I would devour it! :-)

    Of course I'm a follower (an old one)

    +1 tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/17322315391
    +1 posted in my contest sidebar: www.stella-exlibris.com
    +3 put your button on my blog /and you are in my blogroll too! ;-)/

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  48. When I get a new book I have been waiting for in my hands I read it quickly. I can't wait to see what happens. Then I usually read it again to make sure I didn't miss a thing.

    I am a follower. Below is my RT:

    ardee_sagemoon

    Book Addict: Blogiversary Day 3: Win a SIGNED copy of Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews http://bit.ly/96oGDf

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Your button is on my website:

    http://sagemoon-cottage.com

    Ciao Bella,

    Ardee-ann

    ReplyDelete
  49. I read it right away!
    I tweeted
    I am a follower of your blog


    marcie.turner@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I definitely devour a much awaited release! It's hard to go slow!

    Tweet! http://twitter.com/SmashAttackAsh/statuses/17420681305

    ReplyDelete
  51. Read it quickly, unless I know I've got a few uninteruptable hours coming up soon and then I'll save it to enjoy all in one go!

    carolinesfielding(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. When I have a much anticipated book the first time I usually read it through pretty fast/stay up for a long time without meaning to.

    ReplyDelete
  53. This contest is now closed. Thanks everyone for entering!

    ReplyDelete