Search - Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Bk 2)

Magic Burns is book two in the series which started with Magic Bites. Kate Daniels lives in the outskirts of a futuristic Atlanta where 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. Magic Bites starts off with Kate doing a mercenary job with her partner Jim when someone kills their bounty. In trying to find out who that was Kate stumbles into some odd goings on in the Honeycomb section of Atlanta, something that involves Celtic deities and a coven of missing witches. She ends up protecting a young teen whose mother belonged to that coven and as usual with Kate, nothing is easy. There is also a little bit of development in the relationship between Kate and Curran, though it is more like a cat stalking its prey than the usual romance. Honestly, I love this series. The best books are the ones where there are parts you find yourself flipping back to so you can reread them. I reread certain sections several times. I also like that it's complicated. You don't really guess what's going to happen and who is going to do what. Well you might guess one or two minor things but not everything. Very enjoyable series (one of my favorites) and looking forward to the next book.

This is the second book in the Kate Daniels series. Last I heard Andrews was contacted to do four books in this series; I sure hope she ends up doing more! This is a great paranormal fantasy series; it is not a romance. It is also not for the faint of heart; the language and gore is described in great detail. I listened to this on audio book and the audio book was very well done.

The magic flare is looming closer and closer. Kate gets a request from the pack to retrieve some maps that have been stolen from them. In retrieving the maps she stumbles upon a man named Bran. Bran is a rogue with a wicked shot and wandering hands and his origins are a mystery. Kate also runs into Red, who asks Kate to return his favor by watching a girl named Julie. Julie's mom has disappeared and Kate is going to help Julie find her mom; that is until she finds out that Julie's mom may be involved with Bran's appearance, who may be involved with a struggle between two ancient gods that would rip Atlanta in two.

I really like this series. The second book was just as good, if not better than, the first. The plot was crazy fast, the fight scenes numerous and well-written. The characters are awesome; I am in awe of how interesting Andrews makes all of the characters, even the supporting ones. The enemies are extremely creative and the world Kate lives in increasingly interesting. I love all of the characters in this book and I love that Kate is powerful but not all-powerful. She makes some mistakes and she honestly is growing as a character.

I love the humor in this book; Kate has a wicked mouth and some of the things she says had me laughing out loud. Curran and Bran also were wonderful characters with many witty comebacks. The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that, at times, too much time is spent on Kate mourning the loss of life. It is good to have some of this in there, but at times Kate's remorse was gone into in too much detail and at oddly inappropriate times. I know it is a small thing, but at times I was rolling my eyes and thinking "okay we get it Kate is sad, on with the story". These scenes made the story drag a bit at parts.

This book expands on the relationship between Kate and Curran, we slowly find out a little bit more about Kate's origins and why her blood is so special. Simone(sp?) is one of my favorite characters in this book and I hope his role expands in future books. Overall this was an excellent book in what is turning out to be a really great series. I really hope we see more than just four of these book; I am so excited to read the third book!

Is it possible that an excellent start to a classic urban fantasy series can get better? Yes, yes it’s possible. I do believe I like MAGIC BURNS more than I liked Magic Bites. The things I liked about the series return in full force: a kick-ass main female character, snarky supporting characters. I like how we’re still slowly finding out more about Kate’s special blood, as well as the growing relationship between her and Curran, which never fails to get my toes curling. Reading this series is like devouring an entire cake of decadent dark chocolate, so I’m slowly savoring each installment for as long as possible.

I'm too lazy today to find the words for a real review so this one's getting shafted. I enjoyed it a lot but it's still not a five star read for me. I did find myself drifting off here and there and had to rewind a few times but it may be me not the book. The Kate and Julie dynamic worked and showed another side to Kate, not exactly a softer side but more of a protective side. This book is pretty non-stop action with small side appearances made by the sexy men in her life. I really appreciate the fact that the author is focusing on developing Kate, the plot and the secondary characters rather than zooming in on the lust factor. On to #3 . . .

A little better than the first book. Kate is hired to retrieve maps stolen from the shapeshifters, but of course the whole affair blows up into epic magic warfare between two gods. Still leaves you mystified about Kate's origin, and teases you with the love/hate relationship between Kate and Curran, the Beast Master. Shows a little more of Kate's human side as she tries to keep a little girl safe. I thought the last scene with Bran was way overblown - there was no development of any relationship between them and that's how she reacts? Felt like the reader is expected to read the author's mind or else the publisher cut out chunks. Enjoyable enough, but still overall I think the story lacks substance.

I thought this book was better than her first book. Her urban fantasy world is a bit confusing. This book had some detail. Very likely main characters and the plot line was very good. I will read book 3.