Book Reviews of 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!

I really liked Magic Burns. It was much more detailed and tackled more difficult human problems - greed, honor, love, good vs evil - than Magic Bites. Extremely well written and fast moving. This one grabs you from page 1 and really holds on tight until the end. The "romance" between Curran and Kate is very tension filled but I really do think something will come of it. I like the idea of them together. He's the baddest of the bad asses and she's the baddest of the "humans". Definitely a great matchup of power and innate kindness.

Kate has an unusual set of friends:
Curran, Beast Lord of the shapeshifters
Derek, werewolf
Ghastek, vampire
Saiman, folklore expert and shifter (only humans no animals)

This was a great read. Good characters, lots of action, a real page-turner. Not a gushy romance. I'm ready for more Ilona Andrews.

I think this book was better than the first, Magic Bites. The books are getting progressively better, esp. because you start to find out a little more about Kate. I am def interested in finding out what her magical heritage is and hope it doesn't take a lot of books to find out. This story was better than the first as well. I am def going to read #3 as well!

I Loved this book. Can't wait for the next one.

This is an enjoyable series. I look forward to the next book.

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