Search - Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Bk 1)

I really enjoyed this book. I know it's the first in a series, but it could stand alone. I think a lot of times, especially when a series is "planned" before the first book comes out, an author does not take the time to fully "create" a character, instead letting them emerge over a series of books. I feel like I could have walked away from this book and been just fine. Although my one complaint is that you never fully understand the extent of Kate's power, or how she became so powerful; I hope it is fully explained in the next book. It was a great story with some original ideas. I liked this book much more than "Staying Dead" (Retrievers, Bk 1) by Laura Anne Gilman, even though they both have some things in common. So if you liked that one, I think you'll love this one! 5 stars!! (And I'm super-picky about my paranormal, so that's a huge honor!) Also, this is NOT a "paranormal romance;" Kate goes on some dates, but there's no sex or even heavy petting.

Kate Daniels lives on the outskirts of a futuristic Atlanta, where both magic and technology exist in "waves" (one crests, another falls, everyone goes on with their lives, but magic seems to be winning). She is a mercenary with some magic skills, rather a rule breaker and impulsive, she is loathe to join the Order (sort of the magic police, independent of the actual police) - their rules and code are too stiffling for her, no matter how much her guardian Greg tries to get her to join. Greg is the knight diviner in the Order, and one day Kate gets notified of his murder. True to her nature, her reaction is to exact revenge on his killer, even if she has never done detective work before. Her style is to shake things up and get people so mad they reveal themselves, which doesn't help her very much with certain powerful people. Examples include the necromancer puppetiers that control vampires, the Pack of shapeshifters, and the killer who is even worse than either of these. Very enjoyable novel, in a style that reminded me of Patrica Brigg's Moon Called and Blood Called. Kate is an intelligent and likeable heroine, a tough, no-nonsense girl, with maybe one major personality flaw - her mouth! Sometimes I was amused about what came out, other times I winced at her ability to get herself into trouble by speaking, especially with the Curran, Lord of Beasts. I am eagerly awaiting the second book of this series (coming out in 2008!), and will most likely pre-order it. Highly recommended. I read this book in a day, I couldn't stop.

This was a surprisngly good read. The heroine, though pretty bad-ass, has more trouble than suitors, gets depressed, is maligned by the world and though she is, of course gorgeous, she handles everything with grit and intelligence. Can I tell you this is rare in the paranormal/romance genre? Well, it is! I don't think I've ever read a book were the main love interest writes off the heroine as a liar and a psycho. it was...refreshing. the action is top notch and though the villain is a little convenient it's easily forgiven by the grippingly interesting world Ms. Andrews has created. I can't wait to here more about the Crusaders. And the Shapeshifter... all I can say is YUMMY! Enjoy!

Ilona Andrews is a husband/wife writing team, and their books have become my new favorites. With intriguingly different characters, hilarious dialogue, and non-stop action, these books are among my favorites. There is just one good line after another, and you cannot put them down. Ilona Andrews is relegated to the science fiction section of the bookstore because they are fantasies, but these books could also easily be in the romance section, albeit the intelligent romance section. I highly recommend all their books but when reading the Kate Daniels series, you will enjoy them the most if you read them in order. They are addictive!

I started this book, then put it down because I was confused by the alternate Atlanta with its ebb and flow of magic and technology. I had trouble keeping track of who belonged to what group. I hated the way vampires were depicted (I hated the vampires in the Twilight Saga too). But once I finally got a good grasp on what was going on- I LOVED it!! I'm not big on writing reviews, but this is one to encourage you to keep reading!!!

I was torn between three and fours for this book. On one hand I thought it was kind of awkward, but on the other hand it kept me entertained. I finally decided on three and a half because it was interesting enough that I only reflected on the things it was lacking once I was done reading it.

In a lot of ways my reaction to this book is just like my reaction to Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. I can see the potential for a great series and I enjoyed my time reading it, but it was also awkward and the pacing felt off.

I never really felt that I got to know any of the characters, even Kate. There was a lot going on so it wasn't as noticeable until the end. When I stopped and reflected I realized that all I got was a surface look at the life of Kate Daniels. I hope that as the series goes on I get to know her and the secondary characters better.

I liked Kate's attitude. I can see that it has the potential to grate on me, but right now I like it. When she gets scared she just gets more confrontational. She knows that she's not the biggest, baddest chick in town, but she tries her best anyway. However, even though I like her attitude, I still think she needs to tone it down. You don't need to mouth off to every single person you meet. I know Kate admits she's not subtle (definitely not) but a little tact would be nice once in a while.

The description of the vampires were pretty unique. Comparing them to insects was a very good way to make sure I thought they were creepy and disgusting! I got the willies thinking about having a conversation with someone who was speaking through someone else's mouth.

Curran seems like he's going to end up stepping up to the plate with Kate. Either that or he'll kill her. It will be interesting to watch their dominance games one way or another. I wonder if Kate truly can do to Curran what she did to Derrek. Bet that would earn her an enemy for life. What was up with his attitude? Even after Kate showed that she could hold her own he kept thinking of her as a glory hound and willing to make stuff up to keep herself in the spotlight. Doesn't he ever talk to Jim? Maybe do a little research... Nah, that would make sense. I found him interesting and powerful but also really cocky and a pretty big jerk. Nick was right, he does have tunnel vision. Hopefully he doesn't continue like this.

A couple things bothered me though. There wasn't enough information on the Order and the Guild. I didn't feel any connection between Kate and her old mentor, so her determination to be involved in the case didn't really make sense. What is magic in this world? I want to know why there are surges of magic and why tech stuff only works sometimes. Explain your world for the love of God! Where are the straight humans? What do they think of the magic, People, weres, etc.?

I was also bothered by the situation that came up with Crest. He seemed like someone who could deal with Kate's life. He fell asleep against her door after waiting hours for her. He brought her food and let her sleep on his chest. He was nothing but nice to her! I felt no connection to him and didn't care about him one way or another, but the way Kate acted toward him pissed me off. ***SPOILER***Out of no where Curran goes off on some half-baked theory about Crest being a bad guy. There didn't seem like a lot of supporting evidence to me. Why was she suddenly on board with Curran's stupid idea. Don't go guns blazing with your posse to the poor guy's house. No wonder he dumped you. You acted like an ass.***End SPOILERS***

Throughout the book there's hints about how special Kate is and how she has to hide it. As soon as I read about Kate's dad keeping notes on that guy I figured it out. Now, we weren't out and out told, so I suppose I don't know for sure if I'm right... but I think I am. So, if I'm right, how exactly did that work out? Guess I'll have to read the next one to find out.