This comes in response to some concerns raised on the forum. I do read a lot of forum entries, but I try to stay out of it mostly, because people should be able to express their opinions without me standing over their shoulder.
Some people are worried that if Kate and Curran get together, the tension that makes the series interesting for many readers will disappear. To that, I say, “Trust us.”
I will say that MAGIC BLEEDS is the most relationship-heavy book of the series. I know that there will be people who will wave their arms and lament on Amazon that their favorite series has been spoiled forever, turned into paranormal romance, taken into direction of LKH, and they will Never Buy Another Book Again. (I find it highly hilarious that every single recent book by Lisa Kleypas had at least one review that proclaimed that it was the worst book evah.) They would be wrong, but that’s totally fine. I’m okay with that. We have to write the best possible book we can, which is what we did. Not everyone will like it.
The Kate series moves forward with each book. The relationship between Kate and Curran has to go somewhere as well. Eventually all prospective couples reach the point of no return: that spot in the relationship when they have to decide if they are together or not. This is the book where Kate and Curran decide. Kate’s heritage bites her in the ass, his history comes to light, and they have to pick fight or flight.
This is not a minor plot point that could’ve been negotiated in a couple of pages and shoved aside. This was a major issue that had to have its own book. In essence, Gordon and I rebooted the series, as Reece very aptly put. At the end of it, some doors are closed and others opened. People within the series find themselves in new positions and have to deal with them. MAGIC BLEEDS ends with hope. It ties the plot issues raised in the previous three books and clears the field, so the characters can move on to new stories.
So what about the tension? I can tell you that everyone, from our editor to a prominent reviewer to betas, had come away from the book happy and excited for the next one. If you were hoping for perpetual Ranger/Morelli stand off a la Janet Evanovich, I’m afraid you will be disappointed. While I love that series, the romantic thread weaving through is basically repeated in each book. Yes, the books drip with tension, but by book five, I was growling, “Just pick one, God damn it.”
We’re not going that route. We made a very fantastic world, so we have to strive for realistic human relationships to balance out all of the outlandish details. It’s just not realistic for two consenting alpha adults to dance about each other for the duration of seven books and not do anything about it. They have to either break up or be together, and in MAGIC BLEEDS one of those will happen.
As to the plot itself, as I mentioned, Kate’s heritage comes to light and the effect on her life is catastrophic. She loses everything. It’s probably one of the grimmer books we’ve written, but so far all indications are that we have managed to deliver a satisfying, if a bit bloody, ending. So there you go. The grim, romantic, bloody reboot to the series. We hope you’ll like it.
I have to say that I’m really excited about the fact that this book is relationship heavy. Some of my favorite series have been completely ruined for me because they drag the ‘are we? aren’t we?’ question out too long. Or they have a great book with a great plot and then it’s wrapped up with a kiss that had little to no lead in. Sometimes I think authors try to drag out a relationship for the tension or try to wrap it up too fast. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but I’m really glad you think Kate and Curran deserve the whole shebang. I’ve already got Magic Bleeds on my calender alerts.
I actually feel better knowing that things are going to get resolved. Having me dance on my toes fretting about it gets abit tirsome and I’m glad you guys understand that. If I was excited about Magic Bleeds before, now I’m so super excited I could just break something out of fustration. Don’t worry I won’t. I have a lot of confidence that the book will kick ass and not disappoint so no worries on this end!
Ilona and Gordon
I was resigned to wait for Magic Bleeds expecting the delay of the relationship between Kate and Curran. I am happy I was wrong. I think their chemistry can only get better.
There is nothing wrong with an Adam/Mercy, Cat/Bones, Allie/Zayvion
Now, the only problem I have is the darn wait.
“In Gordon and Ilona we trust” I have no doubts Magic bleeds is gonna rock the house!
I have to echo what a lot of others have already said. I am so glad there will not be the continuous relationship tension that is present in so many series. Although it keeps me coming back for more, I also get very frustrated when things are kept in limbo perpetually. I can’t wait for the next book to see which way it goes!
OMG. At this point Morelli looks like a complete err kitty-cat, and I’m thinking maybe Ranger had some sort of war injury which he managed to cover up earlier.
I think the will they/won’t they thing just has to end somewhere and milking it for ever is a bit crass. Although after my initial anger and backoff from the series, I realized I still think Evanovich is a laugh riot and maybe I shouldn’t take that part of the book too seriously.
We could do with some positive examples of the middle of a relationship, not just the easy part of the setup. Particularly this is useful for young women I think, who are finally getting some female heroic role models. Hey, even Hart to Hart was fun right? Of course this is assuming Curran doesn’t get the curb. And his story has to be pretty darned good…
Btw, I had a similar reaction to the LKH books, but mine was more, why does our strong character want to bed this lace-wearing effete wimp who basically got her to do all the heavy lifting for him through the first three books? He didn’t so much look clever to me as incompetent. I kept seeing Chris Kattan as Mango. You know he’s wearing eye-liner. So I was like, boy I’d like to be enjoying this scene, but ew. It was like avoidance training.
To paraphrase Aesop, there is simply no way to make everyone happy; probably best to trust yourself. So far I’m just loving this series. It reminds me of the adventures I read as a kid, but with more modern sensibilities (and not so much blood rushing through veins). And I love the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thanks
You have written awesome books again and again…this one will not be any different. I am glad that Curran and Kate have some resolution and am looking forward to reading how they go about that. Keep up the exceptional guys xoxo
I trust you Ilona/Gordon! Also, I agree with everyone here that it’s the right decision to move their relationship to the next phase. I think it’s a logical step to take for Kate and Curran. They have to make their decision whether to stay together or apart. I am really excited to see how they will work it all out and what effect this will cause to the rest of the characters in the series. Eve and Roarke make their relationship excited and fresh after a shelf full of books and I’m sure Kate and Curran won’t loose their sparks either. In real life, relationships wither if it stays stagnant, Kate and Curran’s relationship is so realistic that it’s natural for them to move on. Keep up great work. xxx
I though the book was awesome, and I loved the fact that the story progressed! Nothing is more frustrating (or boring) than a series where nothing evolves or gets resolved. So thank you for another great installment! Can’t wait for the next one!
btw, I’m almost done with On the Edge, and enjoying that one a lot as well!
Ilona/Gordan, you write phenomial books. I can’t imagine anyone would complain about what you do or don’t do with YOUR charecters. I have no doubt Magic Bleeds will be as exceptional as the other 3 books in the series. All we need is June to hurry up and get here.
i trust you guys. i am just totaly anxious to read the book. ah, i am so looking foward to it and so are all my friends that i have lent to book to.
along with cookies the dark side has awesome books.
Just tell me Andrea doesn’t die. Kate makes it pretty clear that, despite her dad’s efforts, her people are more important to her than mere things, regardless how valuable. The rest will work out or it won’t.
Though Curran will be legitimately pissed she didn’t warn him why Roland would soon be landing on Atlanta like a tsunami. Not having time to prepare puts more of his people’s lives at hazard.
=A
All i can say is bring it on!!!! I am excited it sounds Fantastic and i love a good reboot!! ( does that sound bad:0 )
Will admit, strictly as a reader because as a writer my skills are definitely lacking, I sometimes am sad or disappointed or/and emotional if the plot takes a turn I did not expect or agree with – however, I do respect that it is the world of author’s creation and therefore the author is the authority of their world…
Whatever has been decided for Kate and Curran I will accept…
As for my own two cents: although I think it would be cool if they hooked up, considering Kate’s past and Curran’s position; I don’t think the fates are in their corner…
Either way, MAGIC BLEEDS sounds like an EXCELLENT BOOK!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Well done on the word count today Ilona – almost halfway there!
Yikes, please don’t put your wonderful work and the letters “LKH” in the same sentence or paragraph. Even if you are just stating Kate/Curran relationship will not go that route. I mentally saw Kate as Anita and was ecked out.
I must agree with you Lea. We trust in your abilities Ilona and Gordon…and know that you would never let Kate/Curran turn into that!
I will say that I did like the first 5ish Anita books, but after that it wasn’t that she turned it into a paranormal romance that got me, it was that it was turned into well paranormal XXX.
As long as you keep good editing you cannot get wrong. I was turned off for ever of Patricia Briggs’books after the crap editing of Crossed bOnes, and some scenes did not make sense and there were errors in the storyline of the main characters …
IMO bad editing and lack of consistency in storylines are a lack of respect to readers. God knows what an amazing hypnotic prose Ms Briggs can deliver.
So please keep writing , and keep good editors.
I cannot wait for Kate’s next book!
I went to a book signing by Pat Briggs. She was so nice and she fixed a paragraph in Bone Crossed that had mistakes, she placed her initials next to it.
I cannot wait!!!
Bring it on!!!
I was sooooo mad when I read the excerpt from On the Edge!!! I’m glad to know there will be a resolution, one way or the other, for Kate and Curran. I can only hope that they work it out and make it work tho
What can I say, I’m a sucker for that Cat. Plus I think Kate deserves something good in her life and someone to come home too.
Can’t wait for Magic Bleeds!
I never expected Kate and Curran to set up house and live happily ever after. They would be fighting all the time, they are both extreme Alphas. They live very dangerous lives and have different jobs and loyalities. I do hope they have a great passionate fling before they flare out or Curran gets killed off.
Re-boot away! I am sure you will make it Great!
Thank you for being blunt and honest. You are quite correct when relationships, especially intense ones, drag on and on without breaking up or getting together. Sometimes after the “enth” book, I am rolling my eyes and thinking “I do care anymore, get on with it!.” I, the reader my not really “read” that series, but lightly scan the pages and put do the book, maybe forever (and probably the series).
I applaud your veracity on stating that “Magic Bleeds” may be the “grimmest” in the series mainly for Kate. Some people who are forewarned about that will have time for that to sink into into their minds and hopefully will not get upset and keep a good attitude about the book and stay “with it”, as well as the series. As me and my best friend use to say, “everything is not sunshine, lolly pops and devil do do” (originally for an old rock mag).
On a bright note — Though every once in a blue moon, as time has gone by (can be years…), couples have come back together in happiness and solidarity (real life stuff, no joke).
To “Magic Bleeds”…
Help can you spare an editor or proof reader?
Yeah, it might end some tension, but you know what? I never pick up series where the tension is perpetual like Ranger/Morelli. So you done good, lol.
You are right. It becomes quite wearisome and it is the MAIN PLOT thread in their subsequent novel, after novel, etc., leaving any other sub-plot, if their truly is another happening, waiting on the roadside waiting for a ride!
P.S. – “there”. I am not the best proof reader.
I’m willing to go where ever you and Gordan decide to take us with Kate and Curran. I hope it is happy, but I’m willing to take that journey with you (the author).
There have been series and authors I have dropped when they didn’t stop the will he/won’t she element. (when you deal with people like that in real life, you want to yell at them to make up their freaking mind.) I don’t enjoy that in real life and definately don’t enjoy it in characters I like to read about. I don’t like soap operas in any of my escape entertainment, be it in books or tv.
Hurray …happy dance… Curran and Kate together ..happy dance… when the wedding.. dancing some more. Of course once they are married then the question alway comes when they gonna have babyies…
- . Looking at the calender March too far away
I trust this storyteller.
I think some people get nervous because so often Happily Ever After is the END. I mean, after HEA what is there?
The characters never progress beyond that point because do so would, basically, ruin the HEA.
However, my favorite series are the ones that go beyond and show that HEA is HARD WORK. I’ve been with my husband for almost 16 years and let me tell you, everything didn’t turn to roses and easy street the minute he said “I love you.” Or the minute he said “Will you marry me?” OR the minute he said “I do.”
Every day has been wonderful and stressful and comforting and HARD WORK. I really can’t see that any relationship between Curran and Kate would be any different. I can’t wait to read about it.
Yeah. There was a scene in (the animated version) of The Last Unicorn where Schmendrick tells either Molly or Prince Lear that there are no happy endings, because nothing really ends.
I trust you.
I really can’t wait for the next book! As the authors, you guys are in control and I think you know where you’re going. I’ve really enjoyed the Curran/Kate relationship a great deal and I know that it will continue to be intensely interesting (and intense) regardless of where they go at the turning point of their relationship.
(Having read the preview at the end of On the Edge, I’m really really really looking forward to the next book. I like what you’re hinting at here and in the preview. It’s going to be awesome.)
I hate waiting.
All I can say is rock on! This post was completely awesome, I trust you, and cannot wait to get my hands on MAGIC BLEEDS.
Do you have the exact day they are releaseing magic Bleeds? It’s always Tuesdays, so I need to take the day off so I can buy/read it all at once. I can never wait to the weekend to read the whole thing. Waiting as patiently as I can. Have re-read the series only 8 to 10 times so far.
Slightly off topic, because the mention of rebooting got me thinking, I wonder if Carrie Vaughn rebooted the Kitty series or if she always intended the twist in book 3.
Change is the only constant in the universe. A relationship that doesn’t change and grow or dissolve, just isn’t believable. I can’t wait for the next book!
yeah. well, as it has already been said, i cannot wait for Magic Bleeds. Your books are on my must read list for all of my friends and your characters and their relationships are what drew me to the books in the first place. that and i never know exactly what will happen next in the books. constant surprise is good. (but that doesn’t stop me from speculating!)Kate and Curran’s relationship will do what it wants, but i will continue to recommend your books.
Well, I can’t wait. Whatever happens, I’m going to enjoy the ride!
This whole post has just made me want to read to book more! It is going to be a LONG WAIT till May…
You’re killing me here! I want this book so bad, and I’m not getting it anytime soon! I’ll try my best to be patient ’cause I know it will be spectacular! ;P
I just bought On the Edge today. The first thing I saw was that there was a preview of Magic Bleeds, and I couldn’t resist. Now I’m kicking myself because I have to wait 6 WHOLE MONTHS (wahhhh!) before I know what happens and my brain is running like a hamster on its wheel coming up with different scenarios. Oy.Vey.
(As I go to page one of OTE, I hope that it can distract me…but I am a big Kate Daniels fan.)
You have become “one” of my favorite authors and make the top 3 of my can’t-miss list. Thank you for the wonderful stories. Re-reading (lol) your books always makes me feel like a kid at Xmas.
PLEASE PLEASE!!! IM DYING!!! Just one more snippet or one more book!!
Man Im beginning to feel like a druggie. My mother always said I had a problem with books but you know what?? I have always told her better books than drugs…sooo please help me get my fix. =)
But i have realized authors are cruel, always making their audiences wait for MONTHS until the next book…
Man I do need help b/c its 1:30 in the morning i just finished reading On The Edge and the preview of Magic Bleeds and now i just cant sleep because Im antsy for the next book for either series. (Again this is proof of author’s cruelness)
I’m not sure whether I should be pleased or angry about waiting
I sympathise. It is midnight here and I’m snippet searching trying to get my next fix.
I’m glad you are going to make it happen one way or the other. I’m actually beginning to wonder if Curran deserves Kate. I’ve read and re-read my favourite series several times now, and sometimes I really don’t think the Beast Lord could put Kate high enough in his priorities. That said, I turst the authors.
I’ve heard it said that good things come to people who wait and in this instance I believe they are right. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long.
Hi Ilona and Hubby:
This is my first post on your sight, and I just want to tell you how much I love this series! I’m SUPER excited to read Magic Bleeds in May 2010! I started reading this series with Magic Mourns because I’m such a HUGE Charlaine Harris and Nalini Singh fan, and I was more than surprised to find how much I liked just the short story alone. Of course, I devoured the other books after that, and I just can’t wait to see what happens with Curran and Kate and how their pasts affect them now. I think you are fantastic writers, and I really enjoy your stories tremendously!
Thank you for having the courage to actually move forward! I am disgusted with series that never seem to evolve – and I don’t buy or read those authors’ books anymore. Your books aren’t romances, they are fantasy, and romance is just one important component. I am exciting to read this book!
I don’t care if the series starts being more romancy, (I knew Kate and Curran had to go somewhere.)I just want to read it. I havent been able to find it at the store or at the library!
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