Review: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

Gunmetal Magic
Book 1 in the Kate Daniels World series
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publisher:  Ace
Release date:  7/31/12
Author's website:   Link

Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...

The character of Andrea Nash takes the reins in this 1st book of the new spinoff of the Kate Daniels series.  Andrea's called to do some investigative work on a murder that has taken place on a property owned by her ex boyfriend Raphael.  Their breakup was a bad one and that's usually what happens when you've got 2 passionate people that find each other.  Despite hating Raphael, she remains professional and wants to solve this murder.  Unfortunately at some point she has to work alongside Raphael and that is when the book gets really good.  Ilona Andrews writes the best banter between characters and that's exactly what the reader is treated to in this book.  The failure of their relationship is a sore subject, but it was inevitable that at some point it would be brought up by one of them.  It's pretty obvious that these two still care for one another and they have to work through their issues while trying to solve the case. 

Andrea also has some decisions to make regarding her future. She has to decide if she's going to join the beast clan since so much of her life now revolves around them.  It's not an easy choice and a glimpse into Andrea's past shows exactly why she's so hesitant to make a decision.  Her past has not been easy one to overcome and she still struggles with feeling acceptance from others.  I enjoyed seeing Andrea realize her inner strength and find her place in the clan.

I'm giving Gunmetal Magic a rating of:

 

I can't tell you how many times I laughed or smiled at the scenes involving Andrea and Raphael. I knew that the relationship side of the book was going to be fun. I also enjoyed seeing the other characters from the previous books in the series, especially Kate and Curran whom I absolutely love! I am always happy to visit the world in this series since it's one of my favorites and can't wait to see who else the authors will write about.