I just finished Magic Bites, the first in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, and I have to say it is one of the best paranormal/urban fantasy books I've read in a while.  I love the main character, and the world she has created with a mix of magic and technology and can't wait to read the next two (and especially to find out more about Kate)!

I've read 1-3 & I really enjoyed it, too!  The next 2 installments seemed to move quicker, probably because a lot of the world building had been set up in the first one. Still new surprises, though!  It's a scary-@ss world Kate lives in though, with the magic shifting w/o notice.  LOVE the Lion King ;))) more and more, too.

I have #3 on the way and can't wait to read it!!  Too bad we have to wait for the next one.  Loved so many of the characters in this book that she could keep on writing about them all forever!

I love these books too! I just discovered them this year. After reading Ilona Andrew's short story in the "Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance" I knew I had to read her other books. I can't wait for the next one!

I guess I'm the only one who didn't like them, lol.  Although I may give them another chance in the future.  I only read the first chapter or two and just couldn't get into it at the time.

Oh, Paula, if you've still got it around, you might try again. The first one does have a bunch of setting-the-stage, world building going on, especially at the beginning that maybe you found that off-putting? I'd love to convert you  :P 

I just finished Magic Bites last night and have the other 2 on my shelf to read. 

I do have to admit I almost posted the 3 in the WL book thread because I was having problems getting into the first book, but I chugged my way through the book (stopping to read the HON books).  I finally got into the book about mid way. 

The series reminds me a lot of Monk's Magic to the Bone.

Paula,

I was the same way with this series.  I just could not get into it, and I really wanted to. 

After reading all the responses, I think I may have to give it a try again, too. 

Glad I'm not the only one who had trouble getting into them!  It sounds like they really picked up after a while though so I may give them another try.  I had the first one from the library, so I'll get it again if my tbr pile ever gets to a manageable level, lol.

I struggled through Magic Bites as well, which was disappointing since I had waited so long for it on my WL. I just really couldn't get into enjoying Kate as a character. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Just wanted everyone to know that there will be a Kate Daniels short in the "Must Love Hellhounds" anthology. Release date is Sept 1, 2009. So if you've already read the first 3, that one is next.

I started the 2nd book last night and I do have to say it is MUCH easier to get through.  If it wasn't for the fact I knew I needed to get some sleep - I probably would have stayed up and finished the book.  Instead I read about half before turning off the lights.

I have 3 of these in my TBR stack. I will report back how I like them.

I just finished the third - I think the second one is my favorite, although they do all pick up after the first.  I'm excited by the next one, whenever it comes out....

I had a hard time getting into the first one too.  Also because of the setting up the world part I think.  But I really like the next two.  I like the Lion King a lot too.  He can come over to my place for dinner anytime. 

I finished the series a couple of days ago (posted them on the WL thread so they could find a new home)....I can't wait for the next book!

You talked me into putting them on my w/l.   Quite a long wait, though.

She is one of my favorite authors, in fact she has a new series coming out soon, On the Edge is the first book and I think it's due out this month too.

One of the things l love about this series is that there are no sexy vampires - I didn't realize I was getting tired of the mysterious and sexy urban fantasy vampire until the freaky undead creatures in this series scuttled across the page.

Of course, mysterious and sexy werebeasts are another matter. 

I really like Slayer :)

I have to say, the books in the Kate Daniels series just get better and better. The last one was really dang good.