Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Review: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Magic Burns
(Kate Daniels #2)
Ilona Andrews
Release: April 1, 2008
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Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…

Review by Rose Red:
Kate Daniels, could you be more awesome? I loved the first book, but I loved this one even more. Kate Daniels is such an amazing heroine! Not only is she kickass, independent, and snarky. She's likeable. She's down to earth, and one of those heroines I want to be best friends with. She's quick on her feet and she uses her brain and her abilities to get out of some pretty nasty situations. What I love is her willingness to do the right thing even when it's not easy and comes at great personal cost to herself. The fact that she's hilarious is a bonus. She has some great one liners and her banter with the other characters is amazing!

The action in this book was fantastic! It was a bit gory, gruesome, and fast paced. It was like watching a really good movie. The climax was one heck of a battle. I can't say I've read many other urban fantasy books where the conclusion had me so riveted. Ilona Andrews really knows how to write action and fight scenes.

The use of magic and the ugly and beneficial aspects fit very well with this particular story. The descriptions of this post-apocalyptic version of a modern day Atlanta that has been transformed by magic and is filled with deadly and mystical creatures. I love how vivid and unique the world in this series is. It's the perfect setting for an urban fantasy series.

One thing I adore about the Kate Daniels books is how Ilona Andrews integrates all types of different mythology into the world. The Celtic mythology elements in this book were very well done. The whole use of the  Morrigan and the Formorians. It tied in very well with the overall plot. 


And is that the start of a romance, I see? Why, yes. Yes, it is. To be honest, I didn't think of Curran as much of a love interest in Magic Bites. There was potential and I was intrigued by him, but I wasn't sold on him being a love interest. But in this book, I could really see the attraction between Kate and Curran, and I was digging Curran pretty hard. He's...well, he's the Beast Lord, with all that applies. I love the banter between Kate and Curran. Kate's feelings towards Curran are complicated to say the least. She's attracted to him but is also a bit scared of him (Let's be honest, he's more than a bit frightening.), but she won't allow herself not to stand up to him. It's pretty clear that Curran is starting to show interest in Kate. I loved his courtship ritual that she didn't pick up on (it had to be explained by a few members of the Pack). I love that the romance is building slowly with some hilarious flirting moments and banter. I can't way to see things progress with this couple.

Kate's sidekicks were cool. Derek is adorable and I love how is becoming such a tough and vicious fighter. And I loved Julie! I hope we see more of her. All the contacts and the acquaintances that Kate has stand out in my mind, each adding to the story in crucial ways. And then there was Bran, who was a very interesting character with a complex relationship with Kate. I kind of liked how for most of the book he was a pain in the butt for everyone.

Man, oh, man! I had no idea how much I would come to love this series. It just keeps getting better and better! Magic Burns is a highly recommended read for the urban fantasy reader who likes a great heroine, kickbutt action, wonderful world-building, and intriguing secondary characters. The Kate Daniels series has become one of my favorite series of all time.



    
 5 / 5 Stars!




My reviews of other books in this series:
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

3 comments:

  1. Great review! Glad you enjoyed this one. I really love Kate and just finished this book not too long ago, and can't wait to see what happens next between Kate and Curran. They definitely have some sparks going on.

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  2. Just finished this one the other day. I liked book one, but this one was even better! I loved Bran, he was hilarious.

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  3. I'm so glad you're reading this series and loving it! It only get s BETTER AND BETTER! Honestly, that first book is probably the weakest book in the series. I love Kate and Curran!!!

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