Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)
by Ilona Andrews
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Book Reviews of Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)
Book Review: Dark & gritty urban fantasy
Summary: 4 Stars
In Magic Burns, the sequel to Andrews' Magic Bites, the magic in Kate Daniels' world is going crazy. More specifically, it is leading up to a flare, a period of time where the magic overtakes tech and holds steady and strong. During a flare all kinds of things can happen - including the manifestation of deities into the mortal world, bringing all their squabbles and wars with them.
I'm really liking this series, and cannot wait for the next installment! There are still a few issues in this book which I mentioned in my review of the previous book: namely, twists of storytelling which go too fast for me to follow (I could have used a turning signal, or at least a few more paragraphs) and a few editing and proofreading errors. Nonetheless, this is definitely an entertaining world which Ilona Andrews has crafted, and I enjoy reading Kate's viewpoint of her world.
I am glad that more of Kate's background is coming to light in this book. I have my guesses as to some of her secrets, and am sure that in the next book (or two or three) they will be confirmed. I am also loving the subtle, slowly growing romance between Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord.
I definitely recommend Magic Bites and Magic Burns to lovers of urban fantasy - especially dark urban fantasy, as this series is certainly not light, happy-go-lucky fare. It is real and gritty, with death and blood as much a part of Kate's world as (if not more than) love and happy endings.
Book Review: Still loven' it
Summary: 5 Stars
Kate Daniels doesn't go looking for trouble, trouble finds her. After the Weres hand over an embarrassing job to her (someone actually accomplished breaking into their keep and stealing their maps)she runs into more problems then she can chew. Nothing new for her. In this alternate Atlanta where magic and technology comes and goes in flashes, Kate battles on the side morally right as much as she battles her inner demons and biologocial secrets.
This is not a romance novel, but more of a urban paranormal mystery with a true kick-but character. I love the fact that she's not the prettiest thing on the block, nor the nicest. She's average, but with extraordinary secrets that even the readers are attempting to read and learn more about. Yet, for those of you die hard romance readers, there is an underlining romance iffy line. Kate and the Curran (the head of the Atlanta Weres; i.e.Mr. Big, Bad, and Scary)seems to constantly be stumbling into each other. He's either rescuing her from near death or her jobs bring her into contact with his people. What I like about these parts are that they lighten the mood for the book and lead to a few chuckles. I especially like the part where he treats her like a mouse toy and "plays" with her by tossing her around the room a few times.
Overall, it's a great, unique book and I'm axiously awaiting the next in this series.
Book Review: Magic Burns is Red Hot!
Summary: 5 Stars
My turn to gush, the reason the Andrews are collecting fan-girls (and fan-guys) left and right is that they deliver a tight interesting story packed with plenty of action, well drawn characters, set in a truly great chaotic alternate Atlanta where the natives have learned to survive randomly alternately periods of magic and technology.
The second book in the series, Magic Burns is even better than the first because it gets to take advantage of what has come before. We come in with an understanding of the rules of the world so there is more of a sense of getting to explore it now and the vision just keeps on getting more fascinating as we view how magic has warped the city. The cast builds from last time, so that relationships between magical bounty hunter Kate and her were babysitter Derrick, her partner Jim continue to be developed as well as new nuances being added to her relationship with the oh-so-dangerous were leader Curran. I thought the weapon loving Andrea was a great addition and the archer thief Bran ended up providing humor and pathos both to add depth to the story. Of course we are still getting to know Kate, we get a glimpse of her power in the final confrontation but she is still keeping secrets for us to discover in future books. I am ready for the next one, keep them coming!
Book Review: 4 1/2 stars just short of truly outstanding
Summary: 4 Stars
The first book Magic Bites (Kate Daniels Series, Book 1) should be read first but this book can stand alone. The first book has a lot of world building and character development that are very well written and is an excellent read.
This book comes up just short of five stars because of some editorial errors and a plot bobble. Kate and her some times merc partner Jim (a were leopard) are given a commission to capture or dispatch a crazy arsonist who has a salamander. They capture him and the salamander when the mystery character kills the arsonist. Here is the weak spot: Jim is paged to a survey team (were maps are the very best) the mystery man follows him and grabs the maps. Now why did he get paged and why shoot the arsonist? There are a few editorial errors (I particularly like the character pi in a word (it shows that others depend too much on their spell checker as I do).
The characters are exceptionally well done as are the magic critters including some deities and demons.
The one bobble aside the plot is exceptionally well done and the world building doesn't get in the way.
Some somewhat weird humor but well done too.
Book Review: Couldn't Put it Down
Summary: 5 Stars
Much to her reluctance, Kate is now employed by the Order as a liaison between the Guild and the Order. The Pack comes to her for assistance with an item that was stolen from them. Kate is the only one who has gained the Pack's trust and "friend of the pack" status, so she must accept the job. Once again, she finds herself knee deep in trouble when she stumbles upon a plot to release a vindictive god into Atlanta. She must find away to work with the increasingly but oh so charming beast master, Curran, if she is to have any hope of succeeding.
There has been an increasing tension between Kate and Curran. I wouldn't necessarily say its a sexual tension as of yet but I feel it is headed down that path. The two of them could not be more strong willed or determined to be the dominant. The dynamic of the dominance games between the two of them really make this series interesting. I would say Curran wins the dominance games except for the fact that Kate never truly backs down, never submits. There were some more hints to Kate's background in this book, and she shows some extraordinary powers she should not possess. Kate truly is growing and learning to use her powers to help friends rather then keep everyone at arms length.