Daily Book Chat and Contest - On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Please note the contest portion of this chat is now closed. Please join us at the live chat today here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=14947
Hello Readers!
First thing is first, the Bag O’ Swag winner from the last chat is Vanessa P.! Vanessa please email me at racoo.smith at gmail.com (no spaces) with your name and address so we can send your prizes out.
Welcome to our Daily Book Chat.
Today we will discuss On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Read the review of this book go here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11219
Today’s discussion questions:
1.) Which of the three worlds of the novel would you prefer to live in: the Weird, the Broken, or the Edge?
2.) How do you like Rose as a main character?
3.) The humorous touches throughout the book really add to the reading experience. Do you typically enjoy this approach in paranormal fantasy?
Note: If you are going to post major spoiler, be sure to post this first in your comment. Do this
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That way others can avoid them if they want. This is called Spoiler vision.
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1. Answer the book discussion questions above, comment and chat here today. You must leave at least one comment, answer or question on the book title we are discussing. Even if you haven’t read it. You could ask what makes the characters so compelling to others, or have them convince you to buy the book. LOL Just because you haven’t read it doesn’t mean you can’t chat with us.
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From Amazon:
Books in the Kate Daniels series in the order they should be read:
Magic Bites
Magic Burns
Magic Strikes












(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
love this series. Just have two questions will the next one contain these characters and will it be set in the Weird or on the edge or a combo of all three like this one.
2. will do
3. done
4.done
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[...] you go to the site http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=14821 you can talk about the book and perhaps even win some free [...]
1. I’d pick the edge to live in
2. I like Rose
3. Humor in paranormal fantasy is fine. It makes the books more enjoyable to read. And I think it makes the books more realistic. Life isn’t all dark and serious all of the time.
2-4 done
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1.) My choise would be the Weird (I would have some flashing ability, of course)
2.) I like Rose
3.) Homorous touches are important- they soften often grim (and sometimes horror) situations
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First off, On The Edge is a brilliant read! The world Ilona and Gordon built for us is simply amazing! It is my precious in every way.
1)Although it would be much like the Clampetts coming to the Weird, that’s where I’d want to live.
2)Love Rose as a main character! Tough as nails when its called for and the compassion and love for her brothers just blows me away!
3)I do. Sometimes its nice to be able to have a lol moment. With so much going on its refreshing.
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1. The weird, I would LOVE to have some kind of magical ability.
2. I love Rose as a main character. I think she is such a strong character, and yet so easy to relate to on so many levels.
3. I think the humor that Ilona and Gordon put into their books is what makes them stand out so much as authors. Although their worlds can be dark and sometimes gritty, the funny one-liners break up the story and give it a somewhat real-life feeling. Life is both dark and funny, and I love that they bring that out in their worlds.
If anyone hasn’t read On the Edge yet, I would definately recommend it!
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1.) Which of the three worlds of the novel would you prefer to live in: the Weird, the Broken, or the Edge?
Probably the Edge; being able to go to both opposing worlds would be useful.
2.) How do you like Rose as a main character? “…get the guns. We’re going to Wal-Mart.” OH. M. G. She’s young, but the reader quickly gets the impression that she is steadfast and tough. Zombie grandpas and raising cat- and necro- boys will do that to a girl.
3.) The humorous touches throughout the book really add to the reading experience. Do you typically enjoy this approach in paranormal fantasy? Very much. I need a little humor to break up the intensity of the read. It also really adds to the character development. The Andrews’ are masters of this; I can think of specific hilarity from all of their books.
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I have yet to read the book, but it is on my 2-buy list for after christmas, so i can no answer the questions. But can’t wait for the book! Hope it’s as good as the Kate Daniel’s series.
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Discussion:
1) Despite its myriad of problems I think I’d prefer to live on the Edge. You get a bit of magic, plus Wal-Mart, LOL.
2.) She was great! She managed to continue chugging along, day after day, despite her quiet despair. Now THAT is a real heroine.
3.) Yes. Let’s face it; there is a little bit of humour in things every day. I like the ‘world’ I’m reading about to reflect that. Even if the world contains supernatural beings and situations. For really good ‘humour in fantasy’ read just about anything by Esther Freisner…
2. Done!
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I haven’t read this book yet, but it’s on my list of books to read. Why should it move to the top?
I can’t answer most of the questions since I haven’t read it, but I do like humor in my paranormal. I think it is human nature to try to lighten dark situations. Well, at least it is for me, but then my humor is sometimes inappropriate lol.
2-4 RSVP’d and will attend
5 spread the word
http://www.facebook.com/manda513?ref=name
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http://www.shelfari.com/groups/29157/discussions/161992/Competitions-put-em-here-
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1. I’d choose the Broken. I like reading about magical places (and adventures), but living in one of them is another matter.
2. Rose is a combination of what I like best in heroines. She retains a sense of humor even when life is hard, has common sense, is tough without showing it off constantly and doesn’t whine. I could probably go on for a while.
3. Humor is the cherry on my sundae and can make a turd edible. If the author and I don’t share the same sense of humor, however, reading turns into a painful experience.
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*sigh* I have On The Edge sitting pretty on my bookshelf. It is taking ALL of my willpower not to read it, because I positivly ADORE the Kate Daniels series so much the anticipation for Magic Bleeds is nearly killing me I thought I would do myself a favor and hold off on reading it until Bayou Moon comes out (last I heard so far it was only a two book series). So I regretfully can’t really chat about it yet *sniffle* but I can ask all you other Ilona Andrews fans…which do you enjoy more? Kate Daniels or On The Edge? And Ilona or Gordon if your reading this… Which one do you enjoy writing more? I know on your blog you seem highly aggitated with Bayou Moon at the moment but thought I would ask anyways because it could easily be the same when your under deadline crunch for Kate as well!
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#1
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I would live in the Weird because it would present the most challenge to survive and having magical ability in a magical place is too cool to pass up…
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Love the fact that Rose is very good caregiver, she is also tough without being masculine and can make you smile at the most unexpected moments. I have to say the relationship between her and the boys is so nice , love for your family makes a truly great heroine for me….
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Humor is necessary in some books more than others to counterbalance all the action and adventure and can truly say that Larissa has it right on the money in this book for me because I have a twisted sense of fun and some things that are funny to me are not funny to others…..
Of every book have read in 2009 this is the one who has me waiting for the next installment the most impatiently, the chord the series struck was deep and fell in love with the characters in the first chapter….
#2, #3, #4 , #5 are all done
#5 links for entry: http://www.facebook.com/jacabur?ref=profile
http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-chat-today-at-bbb-discussing.html
Jackie B Central Texas
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1. I’d choose the Edge. Enough of the people there don’t have magic powers that I wouldn’t really stand out too much, and it really is the best of both worlds.
2. Rose is an excellent leading lady. She’s neither the in-your-face kick-down-doors heroine popular in urban fantasy, nor the quiet, demure, dying-swan heroine popular in certain romance subgenres, but she has a little of both mixed in, in that she can say “screw you” with a sweet smile on her face.
3. Humor isn’t essential, but it separates enjoyable reads from must reads. Explosions and bikini babes will only get you so far, to really bring it all together you need some witty one-liners.
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I really enjoyed this book. If I had to choose I would live in the edge at least I would have my magic and still be able to go toethe store down the street. I enjoyed Rose as the main character. She the big prtecting sister yet takes control of what ever is going on. I liked that it had humor through it. I t makes the worlds seem more real. I thought the ending would be different.
3,4,5 done
HeidiS
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On The Edge is now on the top of my TBR pile! I am just pages away from finishing the novel I am currently reading, then onto it!
From what I know about the book, I think I would like to live on the Edge. A little bit of both words. =)
Can’t wait to read this book!
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I haven’t had a chance to read these books yet but they are on my TBR list. I will get them as soon as I can. I’m looking forward to finding out about the weird, the edge, and the broken.
2. RSVP’d and chatted
3, RSVP’d
4. RSVP’d
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I loved this book. Ilona Andrews’ books are fantastic. I’d live in the Weird, because magic is where it happens. I think Rose is a great character. I enjoy the humor, plus what other author uses Inuyasha in their books!
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1. I really enjoyed this book,it’s as good as Ilona Andrews’ Magic series. I would like in the edge, because you can live a normal life plus a little bit of magic. I really liked Rose, she kind and very protective. I like this approach to fantasy, it’s fun.
3. Already RSVPed
4. Alreayd RSVPed
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Hmmmm….where to live? I would like to have grown up in the Edge (to get toughened up) and then move to the Weird. (Better to find a guy a like Declan and William).
As a main character, Rose was spunky, desperate but still managed to keep her honor, and I liked the fact that she treated her brothers with the same caring and devotion as a mother.
I find there is humor in almost every situation, it just depends upon your perspective. Loved the glimpses into Declan’s mind, and found both Rose’s and Declan’s perspectives very entertaining. And Ilona and Gordon’s take on female/male relationships is so delightful I couldn’t imagine the books without it. Humor and wit are definite ‘must-have’s’ in any paranormal fantasy, IMHO.
Jane
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I have not read it yet, but by reading the comments hmm….
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1. I’d definitely live in the Broken, not being magically inclined myself. That being said, I’m more interested in what happens in the Edge and in the Weird.
2. I love Rose like I love their other female leads (both Kate and the leads in their shorts). They are strong, smart, capable and caring, even when things are going downhill. Love that there isn’t an iota of princess there.
3. I don’t require humor in all the books I enjoy, but it sure is icing on the cake.
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1.) Which of the three worlds of the novel would you prefer to live in: the Weird, the Broken, or the Edge?
I would like to live in the Weird since we haven’t been able to explore it very far. To think to be able to live in a world were all the things that go bump in the night are real and that you can wield magic sounds awesome.
2.) How do you like Rose as a main character?
Rose was very funny and I loved how she had a motherly aspect with having to take care of her two brothers. Also the fact that family is so important to her that she gives up everything of a life to take care of them no matter how messed up it is.
3.) The humorous touches throughout the book really add to the reading experience. Do you typically enjoy this approach in paranormal fantasy?
Humor in a heroine is definitely a must. The best heroines are bad ass with sarcastic comments to throw at everyone.
My question to Ilona would be do you think that Rose might ever have children of her own later in the books?
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LOVED On the Edge! What a fun (well, for the readers, anyway ;D) and fascinating environment to set the action in! Very creative, and unlike anything else I’ve ever read.
It’s a tough call on “where to live”, but I’d probably choose the Edge, simply for its versatility. The Weirdites (Weirders? come on, I just *refuse* to use “Weirdos”) tend to have real problems traversing the worlds, and as for the Broken, well, if I’m gonna live out my fantasy life, it had better involve having at least a few special abilities, you know? (So, nah to the Broken.)
Rose is a *great* character, in some of the same ways as Kate Daniels in the fabulous Magic series. Tough (yet tender), smart, responsible, and practical–out of necessity, as much as anything–Rose is also a terrific role model (which is kind of a nice by-product in a fun story like this). Her life may have been rocky, but she’s a real survivor. Love that.
As far as I’m concerned, some humor is appropriate in EVERY book–and I’m so glad that Ilona & Gordon agree! No matter how grim a situation may be, there’s almost always some sort of humor to be found (the term “gallows humor” was coined for a reason, after all), and it’s that humor that allows people to get through the worst of the Bad Stuff. (Plus, it’s just plain fun to read. :))
Eagerly anticipating Bayou Moon as well as Magic Bleeds, of course. (Okay, “eagerly” doesn’t begin to convey how excited I am… but to describe just *how* excited I really am would probably be a tad embarrassing. ;)) Kudos to the IA writing team!
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1. I would want to live on the Edge because its kind of a mishmash of both the weird and the broken
2. Love Rose. Makes ya wanna hug and strangle her at the same time ^_^
3. I love the humor in the book (and all of Ilona and Gordons books) It makes the read easier and even more enjoyable.
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Want to echo 3girlmom
Thank you so much for your amazing stories and for being such accessible cool people!
1) Ack, choices… Broken would be boring, Edge would be great cause you could get weird (lol) powers and go to both other worlds at least for a short time, Weird - come on, who didn’t want to live in such a world as a kid? Now, I don’t know. I get ticked off every time my bf calls me ‘princess’
2) Rose is totally cool! She’s a great lead! I have to admit, I’m not totally fond of Declan, though
3) I love your humor! It’s what makes your books and blog and evil comments on the forum so absolutely enjoyable *G*
@Nikki B. I like the Kate series better till now, but that’s probably mainly because I know a larger part of the story
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For me the Edge sounds more interesting. There is always something going on and the people are also interesting. What I like about Rose is that she tries to make it through life despite everything that has happened. She does not give up. Love your books Ilona and Gordan. They give a different perspectives and your characters and plot lines are always unique and interesting. Keep up the good wortk
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1. I think I would want to live in the Edge. You get some of the magic from Wierd, but still get to keep things like Electricity. And you still have access to Wal-Mart.
2. I loved rose as a protagonist! She was funny, smart, and brave as hell.
3. The humorous touches are why I love your books. It works as a great buffer for the darker sides of Urban Fantasy. Without the humor to lighten things up, it wouldn’t be one of your books! It’s why I love you guys! You can always count of some snarky whit and sarcasm to get you through the day!
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Nikki B…I’d have to say that I enjoy Kate Daniels more thus far; HOWEVER! that series has also had more books to develop the characters and story lines. That being said, I’ll pick up anything they write. I enjoy the gritty, almost macabre aspects of the stories contrasted with the tremendous humor and off-handed sex appeal, as well as the thoroughness with which the stories and setting are explained…or secreted away.
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I haven’t read this book, only because my library doesn’t have it yet (although I’ve put the request in). I love Ilona’s other Kate Daniels series and I’m really excited to read the edge series next!!!
2. done 3. rsvp 4. rsvp
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Hi
1.Have not Read the Book.Looks intresting is there some thing you can tell me about the book that will help me Decide to get it?
2.Doing Tonight
3.Did
4.Did
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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1 it has to be the edge the place to live going between the worlds.The nutty people who live there it woukd be so much fun.
2 i love rose she relly is just like a real every day person so you can relate to some of her problems .Exsample= when you have people relying on you you do everythink to protect them.
3 you cant write a good book with out humor other wise it makes all the serious thing less important as all it would be is serious not as real .As
a lot of people in real life us humor in bad times.
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1.) I would like to live in: the Weird
2.) I like Rose as a character - def not too stupid to live, and able to work out where has made mistakes/assumptions and correct them.
3.) I don’t read books these days that don’t have a touch of humour or wit. Life’s too short to read dreary books. I like the clash of wit on wit, and a bit of snark - makes the characters more real
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1.) The Edge! ‘Cos no police, no government and we can use Magic!! =)
2.) Rose is great! She is what she is now because of what she had gone through. I applaud her determination to excel in using Magic!
3.) Of course! Isn’t life like this too? I definately like books with some humour in it.
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1. I will stay in the broken, thank you. But it’s nice to visit the Edge
2. I also enjoyed reading about Rose. She faces challenges like Kate, but is a little more rounded character. That being said, I love Kate’s sarcasm and willingness to throw herself into situations.
2. I will more likely buy a book with humor, but I enjoy the humor in the Edge and Kate Daniels’ series - not madcap and more realistic (and thank god for the sarcasm)
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I have not read this one yet. It is on my list, though! (I’m hoping to make more of a dent after the Holidays/next year!) this book is in my top 10 - a friend recommended it! For those that have read it - what avlctors do you see playing the characters - if this were a movie??
2. Attended!
3. RSVP’d & will attend!
4. RSVP’d & will attend!
5. Posted links & sent links to friends! Posted on Twitter & facebook.
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3.) The humorous touches throughout the book really add to the reading experience. Do you typically enjoy this approach in paranormal fantasy?
Answer. I’m not sure. I’ve not had the experience of reading many books with a substantial amount of humour. But, I do find that well placed humor can really help to lighten the mood after a serious fight scene or a really intense love scene, etc.
2: Attended
5: Done
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I would live in the Broken, I am a bit anti-social and have a problem with authority, so I think I would fit in. Ilona says she would live in the Weird, so I guess I would have quite a commute.
As a fan of Robert Parker and Terry Pratchett I really appreciate humor in books. It does not have to be fall out of your seat funny all the time but as many have said here, a bit of humor can lighten a dark situation.
If I could have any actor for Saiman, it would be the devilishly handsome Simon Baker from the Mentalist.
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I love Ilona and Gordon’s writing. this book is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read! I’ve only heard good stuff about the book.
4. Done!
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I agree Glennye & Yala! I am sure I will love On The Edge when I read it but I don’t know if it’s even possible to match the wonderous Beastlord! *wistful sighs* I can not wait for Magic Bleeds!!!;d
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I’ll admit I haven’t read the book yet (though it looks good enough to break my current YA fantasy/paranormal reading binge so i can get it and devour it).
1. I’d want to live in the Edge because you can cross both worlds.
2. I think I’m going t like Rose because she sounds gutsy (plus she has a rare power)
3. As for liking humor in my paranormal, I have one name for you… Nina Bangs!! I love that kind of sexy, break the tension humor.
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I like humor in dark situations, especially sarcasm.
2. Heading over now. 3 and 4. RSVPd.
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I love Ilona and Gordon’s writing! They mingle well together. I am a person who lives better being on The Edge. I have these books at the top of my bed just ready to be read.
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apologies, yet another book i haven’t read *blushes*
2-4 done!
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I love on the edge. Personally, I’d love to get more glimpses of the Weird, but I’d like to be able to choose where to live, so I’d say being from the Edge is the best solution for me, since most edgers can cross over in both worlds
I really do like Rose. I think she’s strong, but not perfect. Exactly the kind of heroine I like to read about. Plus, she’s got the kids to think of and is a fierce big sis. Love it.
IMO, humurous touches are important, but they have to be delivered in the exact right way or they either feel forced or just silly. In On The Edge, I really loved the humurous touches and the witty exchanges between the characters.
One of my favourite scenes EVER:
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The WIll and Jack exchange. Jack is just so awesome and Will’s past has scarred him. The way Jack wants to soothe him is just awesome and touching.
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I haven’t read this one, but the worlds intrigue me.
I really like novels with a touch of humor in them, paranormal genre or not.
2,3,4 - done
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I haven’t yet read this book but I was wondering which of the characters was the most intriguing and why.
2, 3 and 4 done
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1.) I would live in the Edge I think. I know it is harder there, but it appealed to me.
2.) I love Rose, most especially in the scenes with Jack and Georgie. She tries so hard with the boys and so obviously wants the best for them. I also liked that even those Edgers that gave her reason to hate them, she still did her best to help them when they needed it. She had a true story arc, you could see her grow and mature within the book and I was disappointed when the story ended. I wanted to read more about them!
3.) I LOVE humor in my fantasy books and am most disappointed if a book doesn’t have it. To me, that is the touch that “makes” the book, or breaks it if the humor doesn’t work.
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