MAGIC CLAIMS, Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years Book 2 will be released at midnight. We hope you enjoy it!
It’s a new slice of life from Kate and Curran’s bespoke Happy Ever After. Which for them, of course, involves a mysterious evil that stirs in the woods and demands a tribute. Lives are in danger, ancient magic awakens, and the Beast Lord wants a moat for his son.
For those of you who haven’t ordered yet, here are the links again for your convenience. We’re aiming for an audiobook released on July 4th, and it will be a bundle of both MAGIC TIDES and MAGIC CLAIMS.
This is your official spoiler and question thread for Magic Claims.
Attention!
There are spoilers in the comments below.
Read at your own risk.
I read it. I LOVED IT!
Still basking in the joy of post-first-read of a thoroughly enjoyable story. I will get my grubby little hands on the print version, and audiobook, and will enjoy it more.
Thank you! I’m happy 🙂
P.S. That one part near the end??
Have you seen Jurassic World? There’s this scene where the OG dino baddie of the franchise shows up to battle with the new dino baddie, and leading up to it, you know exactly what’s about to happen, but it is still totally epic and so much fun to watch it play out (especially if you’re watching it in theatres with the big screen and surround sound and equally engaged crowd)…
Reading that one part of Clams was just as much fun. Was I mentally yelling ‘let’s GOOO’ as soon as I realized what was about to happen? Yes. Yes I was.
What was that ending!? Torture! Please tell me we get a small bonus because what a tease haha.
Favorite things –
*Kate claiming everything that moved. Get it girl! She deserves to stretch her magical legs. Sharratum for the win.
*Curran POVs – I love them. Soft dad moments and angry lion action
-The FIRST fight!?! Pacing my room reading (and rereading…)
*Conlan, just when I think he’s heading for trouble mom and dad reel him back in. Loved the Darin addition, he needs a BFF.
*Any moments where Kate is underestimated and then casually overpowers everyone (looking at you Barrett). Dancing vampire indeed
*The new Keep! The new Pack! So many thoughts on this one (although not sure how our prehistoric animals will fit in – what will they do with them? Keep Mastadons just cause?)
*Derek & Julie – I am foaming at the mouth with how badly I want this next book for them. I loved the name drops “Derek’s thing” and Julie’s transformation being mentioned. I know you want to do Iron Covenant but I beg you, let’s wait a few more years so Julie can finish first. Pretty please?
*Loved all of the set up for Blood Heir. Great way to establish alliances for the huge big bad coming her way. I’m predicting BH2 ending with the reveal of this and then BH3 being the epic BANG. Maybe a Wilmington 3 in between? Seems like it be too spoilery to add another before Blood Heir if the wanted to do a surprise reveal of the new pack through Julie’s eyes.
Obsessed. Great read – loved it!
Omg! Such a good read and am ready for the next installment.
My favorite Curran quote of all Tim’s when Kate asks if he trusts her? His response: I trust you with my life but not yours…
That totally sums up their partnership 😍
was the magic with the boulders the d&d spell Enlarge/reduce because I might borrow it for a d&d campaign
1) Loved the Magic Clams reference
2) Recognizing I probably wouldn’t survive in this world, I STILL want to pet the cool prehistoric beasties.
Yep. Me too. kitty! pspspsps *dies*
Hahahahaha, at least you’re not delusional and well aware of what would happen!
My fav line- simple but perfect: “It felt almost cheerful: a cozy little picnic, just us and some friends, eating by the scary woods, across from a mass grave and a burning pit filled with corrupted, toxic ashes.”
I am gratified to see that others read too fast the first time and reread!!!
Thank you, HA
Sincerely, BDH member
Thanks for another wonderful read! I giggled at the dancing vampire. So much all through the book. Sad to lose so many of the prehistoric shapeshifters though. They were probably the last of their kind. Looking forward to the next book already.
Yes, I felt bad that only a small number of the hunters could be saved after what they’ve probably been through.
Did I miss the part where Kate and Curran get hassled about being young parents? I thought there was a blog post explaining that Kate and Curran hadn’t aged visibly since Atlanta, and sometimes people took potshots about supposed age gaps. Am I dreaming this?
It was in a previous Q&A with House Andrews, but only as a possibility in the future, as Conlan ages and gets into his teens 🙂.
He’s only 8 at the moment, they are still believable as his parents.
Hey Mod R,
I know the BDH, so I know someone (probably a whole crowd of someones) has asked about how Curran is going to age moving forward and if Kate is going to outline him. Do you happen to have the official House Andrews laying around somewhere? Also I don’t know if anyone has asked this yet, or if it’s still considered spoiler territory because it will be discussed in later books, but how did Leo (Erras honey bunny) die?
Kate’s magic is sustaining both Curran and Kate. They will stay young and won’t die until they chose to or a foe defeats them. More detail in the Magic Tides Q&A: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/magic-tides-qa-and-transcript/
Extended life and vigour also applies to anyone Kate loves and considers a friend. Like Roland and Erra, Kate’s bloodline magic protects her entourage.
Sorry if this has been covered, but what happened to Grendel? I think I recall at some point it was said that he similarly would benefit from Kate’s attention, but haven’t seen him in Wilmington.
“ Grendel shot out of his hiding spot in the corner of the courtyard and chased after him. I waited until he was too far to hear us. We needed to have an adult conversation.” Andrews, Ilona, Magic Claims, NYLA 2023, Kindle edition, page 20
“Grendel, our mutant black poodle trotted out from behind the wall”- Andrews, Ilona. Magic Tides, NYLA 2024. Kindle edition, page 9.
“a naked Conlan informed me that Grendel had been kidnapped by pirates” page 9, Magic Tides
“Grendel turned at my approach, saw my face and lay down in the boat…” – page 16 Magic Tides
I could go on, but you get the point 😉
I tried, I tried so hard to savor it and make it last.. I failed utterly and completely, thank you for a night with barely a few hours of sleep, this was epic!!!
I love where the story is going and both Curran and Kate embracing who they are for the sake of their family, yes yes yes. So, when is the next one coming out? 😀
I’m really struggling here. Which book did Karter Byrnes, Clan Cat alpha, first appear in?
Magic Claims 🙂. He is a new character.
Presumably because the ‘Beast Lord’ can’t be the Alpha of one the clans? So when Jim became the BL, someone else had to step up with the cats?
After all the BL isn’t first among equals, they’re up above them all aren’t they?
No wonder I couldn’t remember him! Thanks Mod R!
What a treat!! I look forward to diving into the story again! My favorite part of real-life bleeding into fiction : the neverending remodeling hell 🤣.
I noted that too.
fani read, so much happened and so much heart and character insight. I love the changing perspectives.
my favorite lol was when Curran was mad she almost fell off the roof, not that she had done something she said she wouldn’t. their relationship has such firm trust in it.
thank you!
also love how much Curran loves Kate’s blood thirsty side.
Question: The description of the priests’ clothing was that in anyway inspired by the shaman of Bad Durrenberg (see for example picture here:https://bylinetimes.com/2019/07/12/between-two-worlds-the-secrets-of-the-shaman-of-bad-durrenberg/)
Because that is what it immediately reminded me off. Or is this a mere coincidence?
I just finished reading Iron covenant for like the 11th time. I noticed that Elara and Hugh rescue a little girl named Deidre. It clicked. Is the Deidre from iron covenant the same Deidre from Blood Heir?
There is no character called Deidre in Blood Heir? 🙂
Namtur adopts Deira, aka Marten, towards the end of BH Chap 16.
I have just finished my first read through. I should be sleeping. I laughed. I sighed. I cried over Leo’s dog. again. love it!
I cried over the dog again too! (The thought of him being buried with his bed and blanket so that he wouldn’t be scared in the afterlife…)
Anyone else want to be a fly on the wall at the old pack house to see what Jim has been up too?
Oh yeah
Sqeeeeee! Best Book Ever!
So now that my excitement has been expressed, are we getting another book soon?
Yours sincerely,
a member of the Book Devouring Horde. 😀
“I believe that is a little teapot…” bahahaha!!!!
So, so much goodness! On my second read! Because, read-sons. *giggle snort*
Yay Clams!!
Finally finished the first read and… I’m so happy I could do a clam dance!!!
I’m totally loving Conlan and his antics, and Luther!!!! More Luther please!!!
Amazing book, love it to pieces and since we are the BDH… more please? Seriously can’t wait to see what unfolds in BH2 and the next instalment of Kate & Curran.
As with everyone I loved the vampire bending parts. Giggled like mad with the song. Now I need to go back and slowly savour the book.
E I E I Oooooooo
Random side thought: Something about the way Curran talks about Kate to other people in the Wilmington books reminds me of the time when Curran would bait Kate by calling her sword a toothpick. They’ve come such a long way since those days. <3
I very much appreciated the magic clams. Thank you.
I wonder what people who read the book but are not members of the BDH will think of them?
Wow! just Wow!
One of my favorite KD yet! So many chortles, and even magic clams!
You guys are the best, thank you!
Happy book birthday! Wow! Was not expecting ice age critters. Love the way Kate & Curran are so comfortable in their skins and with each other. I’ve been listening to Magic Bites on Graphic Audio which really emphasized for me how much the characters have grown over time. And the magic clams at the end…..
I also like that it has a curran perspective in this because these books feel…. different from the Kate series as a whole, like they have their own… flavor if we’re doing an icecream analogy.
I am LOVING the Wilmington Years!
That’s it, that’s the comment.
So sad. Release (6/13) is/was also my birthday! I planned to spend day reading. I preordered as soon as it was available. But received a message from Amazon last night that now I won’t get it until 6/25. I’m so sad. I go in for cancer surgery on 6/22. Sounds like others got their copies, why not me? I’m overly emotional I know, but I’ve been on chemo for 8 months. Now my cat also has cancer and is going for kitty chemo weekly. Why can’t I get at least this tidbit? Not Ilona and Gordon’s fault I know! Not screaming at them, just the sky I guess. I’m still going to the chat this afternoon! I don’t care about spoilers. If my kitty’s chemo is done, that is. Probably start in car. Love these people!
Hi Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear about your health issues- lots of good wishes your way!
Please check your inbox for an email from me 🙂
Hi Susan,
My print copy has been delayed too. No date given, just a note that they’ll email when it’s available. Maybe some sort of glitch in the printing/print delivery to Amazon warehouses. I’ve had this happen before and often the book arrives sooner than the date given, so there is hope.
Have you tried your local library? Or do you have a cell phone or computer you could put the app on? I’ve gotten so I prefer ebooks when I’m in the hospital. It’s easy to change the font size and accessibility settings. Courtesy of my occupational therapist, I have a nice stand for it, so all I have to do is tap to change pages. I got a Fire. They’re a lot cheaper than Kindle and can handle being dropped on the floor frequently. I have a $12 (US) cover. I also like to be able to search the internet to check up on things as I’m reading. Most hospitals have free internet for patients. The Fire goes on sale pretty often,
All the best to you and your kitty.
Hey is there a resin I can’t purchase Magic Claims as a kindle book on Amazon? I’m so excited and yet I can’t get it. 🥲😩
Magic Claims is available on for purchase on Amazon- here is the link https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Claims-Kate-Daniels-Wilmington-ebook/dp/B0BVGK9FBP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V5GHV2PU3GY0&keywords=magic+claims+ilona+andrews&qid=1686766824&sprefix=Magic+Claims%2Caps%2C332&sr=8-1
Amazon policy is that they will no longer allow app purchases – blanket ban, not just magic Claims. Are you trying to order it through the app? That’s the only reason I can think of.
If not, may I please have more info? Are you getting an error message? Can you not find it? Which country Amazon are you trying to shop from? Thanks 🙂
Mod R, I’m sure you are 100% right about this one. I don’t know why Amazon did this and have to remind myself to go out of the app in order to buy books every time I buy a book for my Kindle. 🙄 Oh well…at least Ilona Andrews books are worth this extra step! 💕💕
Loved it. Came off a Liaden Universe book and straight into KD. Really good writing. A whole host of new characters. A new ‘hood. I can see the story arcs across BH, IC and Wilmington slowly meeting.
Nothing new to say that everyone else hasn’t already said – I lovely the changing PoVs – I also loved how the attitudes of the different characters changed who was the number 1 out of Kate & Curran, but also how it’s clear the two of them are now equals between themselves.
It was a great read; like coming home (even if it was somewhere else!).
It did make me wonder what’s happened to Kate’s oldest home in Savannah & Greg’s Apartment…they’ve got quite the property portfolio if they kept them!
I finished the book last night, despite trying to take my time. It was so good! I loved Kate, Curran, Keelan, Conlan, and the crew, but the part with Barrett and the dancing teapot was frikkin’ hilarious! Especially Claudia’s deadpan delivery of “…See, there is its handle and there is its spout.” Thank you, I can’t wait to re-read!
+1
Mod R, you TOTALLY rock! You know why. Well, my specific why. Everyone already knows you rock. But this was an especially ROCK rock. Thank you from all my heart. ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t have the words. An amazing, amazing book.
IMHO what makes House Andrews so outstanding as authors is the little asides in the story – the eddys along the stream. The scene at the Order where Kate takes over the vampire. Absolutely hilarious, and perfectly smartass Kate – and we learn about both Claudia and Barrett through the episode. When I think of this book that small scene will always be the first thing that comes to mind.
+1! Exactly!
What joyous happiness dancing in this thread! I was going to read everyone’s posts first before chiming in….but I really need to go do some work for the first time in 2 days!! 🙂
Am I a horrible person for my growing like of Roland? Just like, but it’s there. I looked back over the parts I had highlighted in my ebook and realized that many of them came from the conversation between Kate and Roland. I really appreciate how Kate’s understanding of her father is growing over time. I see exactly what Ilona was talking about in her discussion of characters and change over time. I’m not a parent, but if I had been I would hope that I would spend as much time as Kate and Curran do with Conlan and helping him understand his grandfather. Unpacking. Yea, really like that. And Roland gets Kate too: “You must keep your chosen people safe. It is your duty, and your sword has limits.”
“I stabbed the heart with Sarrat. It seemed like the thing to do.” God, I love this girl. And now I have her on a mug. Life is so good for me.
“The associates, who a moment ago…..and f*ck sh&t up, made valiant efforts to appear non-threatening.” The new Pack is gonna be sooooooo good. I really hope that Barabas and Christopher join them.
Finally, I’m glad Paul is on the job of water. ‘Cause if we don’t have running water, how do we get a moat? 🙂
Thank you HA and all involved. You add much happy to my life!
I like Roland as long as he is safely tucked away and not, you know, trying to murder his child and grandchild.
work got in the way of reading but I’ve finished now and…Magic Clams!!
I can’t wait to see what they do next!
I read the book in one sitting… eating it up like I would have eaten a plate of whole belly clams! It was sooo good. I love how Kate and Curran got an even better “happily ever after!” The way they decide to do what’s in their nature to do, all of it. Just awesome! I had no idea who the big evil would turn out to be… and also… Kate the same ass kicker but different — not just sounding like a shapeshifter but really she’s everything except an actual shifter. Loved it, loved the vampire scene, the “I’m sure he is” a merciful consort …new keep, new directions to go, Conlan… 💗 and my favorite Erra…if you ever want to do like Queen Charlotte (Bridgerton) and give her a book in her ancient world…
My only question.. did she call her dad and let him know she and Conlan are ok? 😎
Well he’s not dead so I think he knows 😉
ACTUAL MAGIC CLAMS
+1!!
I just finished after a series of bumps and barriers thatvstopped me from reading right away. Trying my best to be awake for the Zoom tonight!
I looooved it so much. I swooned a lot since we got to see the goofy in love side of Curran. “Your hand looks heavy Let me hold it for you”
“I would fight the whole world for that smile” And then he dropped the heart of his enemy at her feet like, here, I killed this for our family, accept my tribute! 💖💖💖
I didnt realised I missed Erra and her telling Kate she was a good mom. And Roland…was that a tiny bit of growth admitting that Kate can be different kind of ruler and not like him 👀
Also can we now stop blaming Jim, my favorite @$*h0!3 for the fracture of the pack. Mahon has always been xenophobic and manipulative, Curran knew it was falling apart when he left. Jim got left with a 💩 stick. Not much you can do with it. Karter said even the Rats were bankrupt. Without a First seems like its back to every clan for themselves.
Hope the new Keep works out for the best. Oddly enough I think they might need some help from Hugh because his people are a mix of regualr humans, shifters, witches and others in between.
Looking forward to more in the Kate world whether its from Kate/Curran or Julie/Derek perspective!
+1 I agree with you on Jim. He is my favorite alphahole 😆😺 Nobody else in the Pack was a first and nobody else would be revered like Curran. Curran started bringing all the other shifters into the area with the pancea as a lure which created part of the too fast expansion mess. And what would happen to Dali if Jim got hurt like Curran did? She couldn’t survive all those challenges. The Pack was already failing then in my mind. Loyalty is supposed to be a two way street.
I just want to say that I’m happy Ascanio is not just being a jerk in Blood Heir. He’s desperately trying to save his clan due to their size. I’m so disappointed in Jim though. I mean, I’ve been mad at him for years but what the heck man. I loved this book. On my third reread. You guys rock. Keep them coming please, any ot them.
loved it!! Was holding off downloading til the weekend…..but cracked and read it in 3 hours!! Up for work in 5 hours….. worth it!!
I can describe Magic Claims with one word — perfection. It had everything and MORE, and I can not wait to see Curran and Kate build their new keep. I love that they want to make it inclusive to all. I can definitely see Ilona making a completely new series with all these new characters and world building.
Thank you for your hard work and keeping the story going.
Loved it. Comments already have many of my favorite moments… I like how in Magic Tides Conlan killed the wereboar – his shapeshiter side with Curran. Magic Claims he did the shield with Magic with Kate. Using and learning both sides of his heritage.
I stole and used “Your hand looks heavy let me hold it” on my husband tonight. He laughed and smiled. Thanks! 😉
Omg I loved it! Darin finding magic clams cracked me up! I loved Luther making an appearance, I’ve missed him, he was one of my favorite characters in Kate’s Atlanta series. I have a question though, in Magic Triumphs when Conlan was held by Razer, he made blood claws, but he says in this book he can’t make blood armor. Why?
Because claws in a moment of panic are different than a full armour on command 😅? Is this a trick question 😂- because those are usually mine to ask lol.
Would making blood claws be like Kate putting a blood edge on Sarrat, which wears off with use but only requires her blood…but blood ARMOR requires the additive of vampire blood to make the more flexible, moldable, and shock resistant armor “alloy”?
I’m a teacher, so I’m off work for summer break. Which means I’ve already read Magic Claims twice! EXCELLENT (as always)!
…semi-joking motion to add a ‘consort’ mug with the lion art to the merch store for the next Wilmington release =P
Just realized the picture of The Farm in the map blog post was The Brickyard at NC State. Yay for all the NC references! I am curious though why not use an image from UNC Wilmington? Or will it’s campus be used in the future?
I really like how you referred to the priest mage as them when their gender was indiscernible. Nice lesson for those who roll their eyes at pronouns.
Will the Wilmington years ever include full length novels?
*sad Puss in Boots eyes beseech you*
Magic Claims *is* a novel- it’s almost 70k words. It’s longer than Clean Sweep I believe 🙂
I’m not sure if it’s been asked, but at some point Curran calls Penderton’s woods “ninja woods.” Why is that?
I had something to celebrate and treated myself by reading this fabulous book in one sitting. One of the best celebrations ever.
It really did feel like a celebration wasn’t it?
Starting to reread Blood Heir—after reading Magic Claims twice…
Noticed something already: Conlan is 10 years old…but he knows BOTH Kate-and-Curran’s secret plans to reintegrate shapeshifters into general human society/fix the Pack/whatever it turns out to be…AND he knows Julie’s plan which has to be kept secret from Kate (good luck with that, with Roland’s spy master now sworn to Kate, but…) Quite a lot on the shoulders of one ten-year-old, even if it is Conlan!
And with his meet-up with Julie in Blood Heir, Luther knows both plans too. Interesting.