Magic Burns (Kate Daniels)

I read the first book, had NO IDEA it was suppose to be in Atlanta. I'm reading the second book and there's just so many awkward sentences in both. So many times I have to go back and reread it a few times to figure out exactly what's going on and more than once I thought I had accidentally skipped a page, it was so disjointed. Not to give anything away but an example is the horse drawn carriage ride to the werehyenas. So we've got the male in the cart, I guess, with them, some others perhaps blocking the road? The way it reads is that 2 people are riding in the cart. A male werehyena jumps in with them, there is a fight, while she's driving. Suddenly, there are others. The horse never stops. Our heroine is able to stick the werehyena's nose up close to the victim in the back of the cart which makes him jump up and demand the others let them pass. And yet, they were never stopped. There's no mention of the horse stopping. So is this all in motion? Stopped? I don't know, but there's a lot like that throughout both books. The author must have been in a hurry. The proofreader as well.

I think it is a fun premise and as an Atlanta, I greatly enjoy the post apocalyptic depiction of my city. My favorite part is by far the dialogue. I think the authors have done a wonderful job of capturing the voice of all their characters.

Romance, or soft porn. Why does any fantasy/sci-fi with a female protagonist have to rush down this road? After reading the first book in this series I was suitably impressed to buy the next and the third. I found it fairly well written - and (thank goodness)Kate Daniels was not sex-obsessed. Every other female character in the book does not hate her on sight, she was not given to pointless, unreasonable anger and spoiled-brat arguments with every man she met, every man she met wasn't either breathtakingly handsome and sexy or completely evil and hideous. So, sure - lets read book 2.
In Magic Burns, Kate has that Harlequin-esque inability to know when she is attracted to a man. She has one pointless fight with the object of her attraction after another. She obesseses about rippling muscles and needing sex. (Which, naturally, she suddenly cannot have. She wasn't worried about this in book 1, but apparently the reason why is not going to be revealed any time soon. Sigh.)
Why? Do the authors imagine this is the sort of thing that turns women on? Or is it the editors? I am not saying there shouldn't be some love interest - but in a series like this, soft porn romance junk of this type quickly becomes ridiculous, with our heroine lusting after every other male she meets and never having any clue as to her feelings, which of course ends in brawling and (I hate to give anything away!) arguments that leave her even MORE confused and clueless. All this mixed up with lots of overly graphic gore and too many battle scenes. (HUH?)You won't be shocked to hear that the plot suffers for it.
I cannot imagine how the previous reviewer didn't see this book as Paranormal Romance. I am quickly learning a valuable lesson about this genre - one I wish publishers would make an effort to remedy. In Urban Fantasy, if the protagonist is female, the book will always fall off and under Paranormal Romance. More's the pity.

I really enjoyed the first Kate Daniels book I read. It created such an interesting world. In reading this second book, I realized that when you take out the descriptions of transformed Atlanta and the way that magic and tech shifts back and forth (because I already was familiar with them), there is really very little plot. I gave it 2 stars because of the world-building. If I had rated it on my enjoyment, I would have given it 1.

4.5 "I'm really starting to love this series" stars

While investigating a mysterious bowman who killed her mark, mercenary Kate Daniels finds herself in the custody of a pre-teen girl. Turns out the young street girl has some magical powers, the kind of powers that 1 in 10,000 people get and there are creatures coming after her. Kate must go to the last person she wants help from, Curran, and together they fight to help the girl.

Another great installment in this series. The plot thickens with this book but we still have some questions left unanswered. Such as:
-What exactly is Kate?
-Who is Roland?
-What interest does Curran have in Kate?

My favorite part of this book was the interactions between Kate and Curran. Their banter is so much fun to read and I am dying for the two of them to admit they have the hots for each other.

“Not only will you sleep with me, but you will say 'please.'"
I stared at him, shocked.
The smile widened. "You will say 'please' before and 'thank you' after."
Nervous laughter bubbled up. "You've gone insane. All that peroxide in your hair finally did your brain in, Goldilocks.”

Ilona Andrews writing duo has done it again and marked a winner in my book. The world building and character development are awesome, and that's all I ask for in urban fantasy. Well, those two things and the hopes of romance.

I'm dying to get to the third book. I keep hearing rumors about a hot tub scene ;-)

4.5-5 stars

This was a really good story and continuation of Kate's series. The connection between Curran and Kate doesn't really progress in this book but it does become apparent that Curran is showing an interest in Kate. Of course Kate thinks it's a way of manipulating her, not a true interest, even if there's a strong attraction between them.

Magic is behaving erratically...coming and going in ever stronger waves that will eventually crest in what's called a "flare". Big and bad things can happen during a flare and Kate soon realizes that something is brewing, something that could be dangerous for many. Kate investigates what's going on while protecting a young girl (Julie, who will be in future books) and trying to find her mother. Things do kind of go to crap but the main reason isn't really Kate's fault. A big effort has to be made (with multiple allies) to stop the big bad from happening during the flare things turn out well (for the most part...if a bit sad) and the story ends nicely even if there are questions left about how serious Curran is when he flirts with Kate. I would recommend this series. :)

* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a great job.

Magic Burns (2008) is the second Fantasy novel in the Kate Daniels series, following Magic Bites.

In the previous volume, Kate was drinking Boone's Farm Hard Lemonade when a magic fluctuation occurred. Soon after, a vampire crawled into the kitchen and settled into a corner. Kate threw a knife at it and hit it in the throat.

Ghastek chided her for knifing the vampire. She said that it was a common reaction to such creatures. He asked whether she has heard from her guardian lately.

Kate called the Order and asked for Greg. She was asked for her name, but didn't give it. After quoting the Charter about the giving of names, she was told that Greg is dead.

Kate packed a few essentials and traveled to Atlanta. She went to the Order administrative building and asked to see the Knight-protector. He was busy, so she was diverted to the waiting room.

After a while, a very dirty and odorous man came into the room. They exchanged greetings and then waited. When the secretary told her that the Knight-protector was available, Kate brushed against the dirty man on the way out.

In this novel, Kate Daniels is a Mercenary specializing in magic. She had been in the Order, but quit due to its regimentation.

Curran is the Beast Master. He is the leader of the shapeshifters.

Jim is a shapeshifter. He is a jaguar and also Kate's partner.

Maxine is the secretary at the headquarters of the Atlanta Chapter of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid. She is a telepath.

Andrea is a Knight of the Order. She had been exposed to the Lycos Virus. She had been transferred to Atlanta and restricted to headquarters while waiting to see if she is infected.

Myong Williams is tall, slender and elegant. She has Asian eyes and blue-black hair.

Maximillian Crest is an former boyfriend of Kate. She found Max comforting after the Red Point Stalker episode, but has since split from him.

Julie Olsen is the thirteen year old daughter of Jessica. Her mother is an amateur witch.

Red is a fifteen year old street kid. He is Julie's boyfriend.

Bran is an agent of the goddess Morrigan. He is an expert with the crossbow.

In this story, Jim wakes Kate at two in the morning. He has a job for them. They negotiate the split in the fees.

After settling on a fifty-fifty split, Jim says that they are after an magical arsonist. They depart for an underground parking lot. The arsonist throws fireballs at them.

He has a salamander in a glass sphere. He stalks Kate as Jim closes in on him. Kate is more afraid of breaking the sphere than the arsonist's fireballs.

Jim grabs the throat of the arsonist. He drops the sphere, but Kate catches it. The arsonist has a crossbow bolt in his back. Then Jim's pager goes off and he leaves Kate with the dead arsonist.

Kate cuts off the arsonists head and takes it to the Guild. The clerk gives her forms to fill out and then pays her an advance on the bounty. She mentally divides the hundred dollars among her overdue bills as she leaves the building.

Two hours later, she drags herself into the Atlanta Chapter of the Order. She is carrying a large cup of coffee and the bolt that had killed the arsonist. She unlocks her office door, but turns around to go to the armory.

Kate asks Andrea about the bolt. She identifies its construction and possible origins. She asks Kate if she can test fire it.

While Andrea is setting up the test, the magic dies and the tech returns. Andrea finds that the bolt has an unusaual residue of magic. It could be from the surges.

Then Maxine sends a message to the mind of Kate that she has a petitioner. Kate returns to her office. Myong appears and asks her for a personal favor.

Myong wants Kate to talk to Curran about letting her marry Max. Kate thinks that Myong is being a bit imposing since Max had been her boyfriend. However, Myong believes that Kate has some influence with Curran.

Then Derek appears at her office door. He is surprised to see Myong there. Myong jumps up from her chair and cringes. Kate tells her that she may leave and she departs.

Derek has come to Kate to ask her to take a case for them. The person who shot the bolt on her desk had ambushed a survey team and stole their maps. Curran knows that she has more contacts than the pack and wants her to look for the perp.

Kate goes back to the underground garage. She follows a cleft in the garage wall to a tunnel. It takes her to the Honeycomb.

The place is full of junk. A hangar has fallen into the Honeycomb. Kate hear voices and enters the hangar.

She finds Julie and Red in the building. They are discussing her missing mother. Red tells Kate to guard Julie and leave the hangar.

This tale brings back the man with the crossbow. He calls himself Bran. He and Kate fight and she is winning. She pulls the maps from his jacket and he vanishes.

She takes Julie home with her. The next installment in this sequence is Magic Strikes.

Highly recommended for Andrews fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magical talents, armed combat, and a bit of romance. Read and enjoy!

-Arthur W. Jordin

Am I warming up to this series? Yes, I am. In terms of plot, Magic Burns is not mind-blowing, but it is very entertaining, hard to put down. The characters are probably the best thing of the book; messy, arrogant, a pain in the ass sometimes, but also, pretty sympathetic. I really like Kate, a lot, and it is clear she is changing. Her relationship with Julie and Andrea is heartwarming and amazing.

I didn't think I would say this, but I am kind of liking Curran now. I mean, he has all this tough super macho attitude, but come on, he is actually a softie who wants to feed soup. I loved that the chemistry between Curran and Kate is there, papable, but they aren't a couple yet. Their romance is the definition of a slow burn and god how much I am enjoying it. Rivals to lovers, my ultimate trope.

Magical mysteries? A big battle? Sexual tension? Sign me up! This book had a little bit of everything and had a *superb* ending. It left me smiling and wanting more.

We join Kate, now firmly entrenched in her new life as a liaison, essentially working for The Order for the steady pay while taking jobs with the mercenaries to cover her growing real estate empire. With magical fluctuations starting to point at a big flare coming, things are all sorts of crazy. There’s someone killing her targets, a young girl looking for her mom, and the ever-present beast lord is still… mysterious. I really think this book showed us what constitutes the “softer” side of Kate. She really forms some bonds (or further develops them) and they remind her what it is like to have someone counting on her/caring about her.

This book also took a deep dive into the world of gods and goddesses, with a bonus road trip-like story thrown in. Who knew a vampire, a shifter, and a witch could make such a great team? I can’t even put into words how epic the final battle was, but it certainly exceeded all my expectations. Kate is a force to be reckoned with and I can’t wait to read more from her world. Oh, and that ending! Gah! It couldn’t have been more perfect!

This is the second Ilona Andrews series that I am in the process of rereading. Unfortunately, they cannot produce them fast enough to suit me. Not many series are good enough to stand another go-round, this one certainly is. Kate Daniels is a heroine whose snarky sense of humor and kick-tush persona combine with a unique and honorable moral GPS. Magically devastated Atlanta provides a background for some first-rate World building. The mix of Mythology, solid well developed characters, both primary and secondary, and plots that build into something rich and strange, make my second plunge into the world of Kate Daniels and Curran, the Beast Lord, something to savor while I wait for their next book. Please Ilona Andrews, write faster!

4.5 stars

Wow. If you're like me and put off starting this series for some dumb reason, Magic Burns will let you know just how bad an idea that was. Although I enjoyed Magic Bites, Magic Burns was much better.

For one, they explained the world so much more thoroughly. Magic Burns really made the pendulum shift between Tech and Magic so much clearer - and raised the stakes. I had a feeling that this factor was more important than just not being able to use guns or wards failing - and Magic Burns showed me just how important it was. In Magic Burns a flare is approaching - a period where magic is really intense I guess - and its hugely impacting EVERYTHING. I just love when world building pays off and makes such a tangible difference to the story!

And then there's Kate - who I already loved. She's even more lovable in Magic Burns. First off, prepared to be WOWed by her kick ass abilities. She kinda blew my mind at a couple points. And then her snark! I just love it and I love - as Jesica @ Rabid Reads has pointed out - the way she tells you she's scared shitless, and that's why she's running her mouth. Its a defense mechanism and it makes her so real. On top of all that, she's showing her softer side again. I love that Kate has a vulnerability because of how much she cares. It makes her oh so loveable.

The story and mystery was fantastic in Magic Burns as well. Ilona Andrews has clearly done their research - the layers of different mythologies weaved into Magic Burns was incredible and done so well - I did occasionally get confused and there were times I wished the mystery were more solvable, but these were exceptions.

Finally, I can't imagine not listening to this series. Renée Raudman IS Kate. She brings her personality to life so perfectly. And that's besides the other characters I haven't taken the time to gush about but loved and loved the way Renee brought them to life.

Seriously, Magic Burns is so great: the characters so real, the story so intense and the FEELS so shocking! If you haven't read it yet, do so ASAP.

I started reading this book with a lot of apprehension and even fear, because in my experience with other series, the second book is usually the weakest one of the lot. And since I had really loved Magic Bites (which I also reviewed), I really didn't want to be disappointed by book 2 and stop reading what was promising to be an excellent series.

Well, I'm glad to say that Magic Burns is the exception to the rule. This book is just as good as Book 1, if not better.

Ilona Andrews continues to develop the wonderful world she has created and gives us a little bit more insight into Kate's past along with a few explanations about how she came to be as kickass as she is. I'm happy that she isn't one of those heroines that just wakes up with superpowers. No, Kate had to work, sweat and bleed for every single one of them. And this is also so very refreshing, after reading about some indestructible heroines who seem to acquire a new level of badass with every consequent book without seemingly lifting a finger.

So far, Kate is by far my favorite Urban Fantasy heroine, with October Daye just a little bit behind. She is smart, she is strong, she is badass, but she is also very human and vulnerable in some things. She really feels like a living breathing person.

The wonderful world she lives in has also been developed further. In an alternative Atlanta where magic comes in waves, people (both magical and normal) have learned to adapt to the changing nature of their environment. They have electricity as well as runes and magelights and use either one of the other depending which wave is upon them. And car rentals and garages have both normal as well as magically altered cars, and even horses. But every seven years or so, an exceptionally powerful magical wave rolls over the land, leaving destruction in its wake and often drastically changing both the physical and the metaphysical landscape. One such wave is coming, and Kate finds herself smack in the middle of its path, even if she doesn't want to.

All of the characters from book 1 get further development in this book, and we are introduced to several new people as well. I love the fact that they aren't there just to play second fiddle to Kate. They all have their own lives and agendas, and even though most of that happens outside of this story, you still can feel that.

And for the lovers of paranormal romance, the relationship between Kate and Curran develops even further. I love the fact that those two don't go all love / lust at first sight like it so often happens in other books. I love the progression of their relationship from rivals to reluctant allies who come to respect each other and realize that they can count on the other to have their back in a fight. Trust is a very important aspect to any relationship and it's not easily gained, especially for people with difficult pasts like Kate and Curran.

I also like the fact that Kate finally decides to make herself vulnerable enough to actually connect with other people and acknowledge that she might consider some of them friends. And we are introduced to several other strong female characters that are not portrayed as rivals or complete b$#%es or anything else we often see in the paranormal romance books. Ilona Andrews shows us that having other strong women as the protagonist's friends doesn't bring the protagonist's awesomeness down at all. In fact, it makes her even more awesome.

So, as you have probably gathered from all the praise in this review, I think Magic Burns is a must read. I love this series and I will definitely pick up book 3 very soon.

This is a really hard review to write. I have been putting off writing this review for a month now...like that is going to help me in any way. I absolutely LOVE this series and everything that the writing team of Ilona Andrews writes. I had some problems with the narration of this audiobook even though I have enjoyed this narrator on other works. I am rating this book based on the story and not the narration.

This is one of those series that gets better with each book. This is a great book filled with some of the best characters in any story and set in an original and exciting world. The book has a lot of action which keeps things very exciting. Every single scene that involves His Furriness, Curran, makes me want to swoon and I seriously have no idea how Kate can keep it together. I would have loved to see more of Kate and Curran together but I think that every interaction between the pair is memorable because they are so perfectly timed.

The writing is flawless. I love the humor that finds its way into the story and the fact that these characters are such good people. They pride themselves on protecting others and will sacrifice as need to achieve that goal. This book introduces more or the pack politics including the inner workings of the bouda clan. Since I had read the book a couple of years ago before listening to this audiobook, I found it really interesting to go back and see these characters in this book from early in the series. It is amazing how the groundwork for later events were laid so early.

I did have trouble with the narration in some areas. I like the narrator just fine for a large part of the book but some of her voices were just wrong in my opinion. Julie is a 13 year old girl but in this audiobook she sounds like she might be all of 4 years old. The voice is not even close to representing a girl of 13. Raphael sounded like he was deranged or something instead of the suave bouda male that I know him to be. I thought that Curran sounded too growly (I know that is not a word but I am saying it anyway). I can deal with Curran's voice but the other two made me cringe every time I heard them and Julie's voice was in the book a lot. I do think that this narrator does a good job with Kate and most of the narration but the parts that were bad were really bad for me.

I would recommend this book to everyone. I would also recommend that all readers start with the first book in the series, Magic Bites. This series really needs to be read in order. I will continue to read everything written by Ilona Andrews that I can get my hands on. I will probably continue with my re-read of this series on audio simply because I have already paid for the whole series but I would recommend to others to stick to the actual book.

This second installment to the series was a marked improvement from the first book...the writing style seemed smoother and more consistent...concepts were clearer and characters more defined...the storyline was intriguing...I love mythology and the legends that surround them, so this story truly appealed to me...I continue to enjoy the exploration of Kate's origins...we discover more of her secrets throughout this story and the potential impact on the shapeshifting world...Curran and Kate have a tumultuous fragile relationship that seems to become more dynamic and heated as these stories progress...a solid 4 stars for me:)

MAGIC BURNS is the second book in the MAGIC BITES, Kate’s now working as a liaison between the Order and the Guild, toeing the line between law-abiding citizen and mercenary. Naturally, within chapters, she’s in the middle of a real mess. While helping a street kid named Julie find her missing with mother, she’s also hunting down a guy who stole something important from the Pack. A guy who can disappear into thin air. Oh, and Kate’s dealing with a flare, which equates to a very powerful wave of magic taking over the world for a while.

In MAGIC BITES, I wanted more worldbuilding as to how waves of magic or tech alternatively ruled. The author delivers on the worldbuilding in MAGIC BURNS, and even better — the reasons make sense! I can get behind just about any fantasy premise, but it’s even better for me when the author has a good reason for why the world is the way it is. Here, the idea is that tech and magic once coexisted, but when technology boomed, magic waned. I like.

The bad dudes in MAGIC BURNS? I’ve seen them before, but never have they been so scary. I like how the author is pulling from different pantheons of mythology with each book. It’s quite cool — I enjoy seeing her version of Celtic mythology, including Morrigan and the Fomorians.

I think my favorite thing so far about this series is how much is packed into each book. MAGIC BURNS is only 260 pages, but I felt like I read a longer book. Which made me happy, because I like watching events through Kate’s eyes, from putting clues together to epic battles to bickering with Curran. I can’t get enough of Kate and her world.

By the end of Magic Bites I felt like I was beginning to get the gist of the rules of Ilona Andrews' universe but then, lo and behold, a flare pops up in Magic Burns and all of a sudden those rules go out the window. That, combined with all of the witch and goddess business, and I couldn't help feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, the convoluted world didn't dampen my overall enjoyment of this book. Kate's as cheeky as ever, Curran's as sexy as sin and the story telling is as good as it gets.

This installment left me with more questions than answers which frustrated me to no end. I realize that Andrews has a long-term plan for this series and that unraveling her secrets in their intended order will be immensely satisfying in the long run but that doesn't stop me from wanting to know everything now! Some light is shed on Kate's past and she has more than a few impressive displays on power which leads me to believe that her character has a greater purpose but that about sums up all that I was able to piece together after this book.

I found Daniels' to be surprisingly introspective in this installment, which is a feat in itself considering all of the trouble that's brewing in Atlanta. The non-stop action and relentless pacing aside, I thought that the overall tone of this book was quite sad. Kate's ex is moving on with his life without her, a little girl gets kidnapped, a character dies and, Daniels gives a moving speech about how everyone she's ever loved is dead and now she's all alone. Urban Fantasy books don't normally make me cry, but this one did.

The interactions between Kate and Curran are priceless; I love the way that she challenges the alpha among alphas at every turn. Most of the time it's unintentional, it's just her stubborn nature reacting to a situation, but that's what makes their confrontations so interesting. The beast lord doesn't know what to make of Kate and he's attracted to her because of the challenge she represents. The tension between these two is so strained that I honestly think that the likelihood of them tearing each other to shreds is just as great as is the possibility of them doing the nasty. Either way, when they finally dance it's sure to be explosive!

Renée Raudman is a gifted narrator who has a knack for immersing herself in not only the story she's reading, but also the main character's head. After having experienced the first two books of this series in audio, she will forever be the voice of Kate Daniels inside my head.

Magic Burns is Urban Fantasy at its best. That is, until it gets topped by Magic Strikes and it will. I have no doubt. I fully expect that every installment in this series will be better than the last.

Summary from Goodreads:

"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…"

Likes?

Curran and Kate. Curran and Kate. Oh my goodness, how I love the almost reluctant friendship that is developing between these two! I'm hoping that future books in this series give us more of them working together because it is such fun to see them butt heads with one another. And there is definitely some good chemistry there! This book was just as intense as the first book and just as strong of a read! I couldn't put it down! I'm definitely hooked on this series now and cannot wait to get my hands on the third book. I also really liked that we got to see so many of the characters from the first book again. Andrews does an amazing job of writing these books in a way that makes you not want to stop reading. I just had to know what was going to happen next! I ended up flying through this book and wanted more when it ended. Andrews is definitely going on my authors that I will read anything by list.

Dislikes?

That the book wasn't longer? Seriously, I wanted more! I could read about Kate's adventures any day, and I am just so excited now about this series! Other than that, I had absolutely no complaints. This book was everything that I hoped it would be and more!

Final Thoughts:

This is a must read urban fantasy series for me! I'm kicking myself for taking so long to really get to it because I'm just loving it! I could keep on gushing, but really you should try reading these books for yourself and see if you aren't as hooked as I am. I am certainly pleased that I have decided to focus on this series because I have some good reading ahead of me! Highly, highly recommended!

Disclosure: Checked out from my local library.

Magic Burns is book two of the Kate Daniels series; Magic Bites is book one. Naturally my first experience with the series came from book six, Magic Rises; by comparison the narration of book one felt clunky and overwrought. As things picked up, however, the pacing and tone seemed to click into place. Now, in Magic Burns, I feel more of the smoothness I associated with that later book in the series.

One of the things I love about Ilona Andrews’s Kate Daniels is that she’s definitely flawed. She has a big mouth, and often she realizes just a moment too late that she really shouldn’t have said something. It’s a nice offset to the fact that Kate’s incredibly badass with knives, swords, and magic. Also, it’s made better by the fact that even by book two the reader can see Kate starting to learn and grow. She still does stupid things, but she’s quicker to realize it now, and it doesn’t happen as often. She even manages to keep her tongue in check a few times. She still retains her stubborn personality, but she grows and changes organically through the events of the stories.

The plot built up fast and hard in this installment of the series; I felt quite glued to the page as I waited to find out what would happen next. The secondary characters have a fair amount of depth to them. Julie has more to her than the standard random street-kid. Curran, the Beast Lord, has a unique relationship with Kate that I love. They come close to killing each other on multiple occasions, and they’re only reluctantly starting to realize there might be something else between them–very reluctantly! We still get to see many of the faces from book one (Jim, Derek, Saiman) while also getting to see a few new faces (such as Andrea, Kate’s new friend from the Order).

The plot and events of Magic Burns swept me along like a fast river current, and I’m itching to read book three in order to find out what happens next!

I read the first last year and greatly enjoyed it. I keep seeing mentions of this series around on Goodreads circles, with comments that this is superior to the original. I have to say I disagree; while I enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the third, I found the first better. This one took longer for met to get into and grasp the story. Once the first half was over, I fell into it much easier and enjoyed the hell out of it.

As always, Curran rocked. The humorous scenes between he and Kate may be the best things about these books. He's a true Alpha male you have to love reading about. Kate is still brash and with a major chip on her shoulder. The courtship ritual that the pack explains to Kate is hilarious and I find the situation between them fascinating, exciting, and addictive.

The introduction of Julie helped. At first I was unsure, as this can make a book sour, but instead when she was added it brought forth some more dimensional aspects of Kate's personality. Bram was great fun, and I loved when the pack was together. Some truly memorable scenes. As always I find Ghastek intriguing, but again after a lengthy scene with him, he's rarely seen or heard from again. It seems that most of the sidekick characters highlight differences they hold from Kate, making it that more enticing to read their scenes together.

The villain was a big bad one as before, and the authors certainly have great talent when it comes to inventing monsters to battle. Introducing the elements of Celtic Mythology was well-done, allowing a small sidestory of some crime research and mystery solving. I do have to say that a lot of it confuses me, however, and that takes me out of the story a bit.

Humor comes naturally to Ilona Andrews, but this is still a gritty and grim read. Action is also something the authors excel out, for any fighting or climactic scene is done brilliantly. The ending was a powerful finish, with a heady rush of both fighting and emotion. I still don't completely get Kate's secret but I enjoy the author not dwelling on it so much to where it becomes obnoxious, while keeping it there to have a plausible plot pitfall that keeps things intriguing.

"OH BOY." Yes, Kate, those are my sentiments exactly.

How much did I love Magic Bites? So much that I had to immediately purchase Magic Burns to read next. It was definitely worth the rush!

Magic has been coming to Atlanta in waves but now they are experiencing a flare. This means that magical powers are amplified and all sorts of craziness can happen.

There is a lot going on in this world and specifically in this installment. A good bit of god and goddess mythology was included: they can manifest themselves during a flare and some want to come to earth to wipe us out. No biggie, right? The pack is once again involved as their detailed maps of the city have been stolen as part of this battle. There is a new nemesis, Bran, for Kate who has some pretty awesome powers. And, of course, the People/vamps, Saiman and other magical creatures are along for the ride.

We also learn a little more about Curran's growing feelings for Kate...very interested to see where this leads. Most female readers love to read about alpha males softening up and finding their soul mate. Curran shows no signs of softening and I'm hopeful that the writers are going to find a unique angle for this couple.

Kate picks up a shadow for most of the book - a little girl named Julie. She, of course, has some special power. The sisterly relationship between Julie and Kate was an important part of the story. It allowed us to see that softer / maternal side of Kate that she doesn't get to show in her everyday life.

The writing works very well. Honestly, with so much going on, it might have been easy for a reader to become lost or confused. BUT - it is written in such a way that you are able to follow the story and keep track of all of the characters while still having fun along the way. So far, I am extremely impressed with the series and plan to continue the journey.

5/5 stars.

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating>

First Thought when Finished: Now I see why everyone gushes over this series! Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews caused me to use a good chunk of the credits from Christmas to buy the rest of the series. I will be back to back listening to these suckers!

Quick Thoughts: Story was super strong and I like that we are getting glimpses into different areas of the world. The characters are growing on me but I have a feeling the Kate/Curran dance will be at times infuriating to read.

Audio Thoughts

Narrated By Renée Raudman / Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

I don't know anyone who has chosen to listen to these regret that decision. Renee really does nail Ilona Andrews writing voice!

Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

After book one I was ready to burn down cities to get my hands on this second book. I was deeply invested in the characters and wanted to know what Kate could get up to next. I can't imagine waiting for the publishing industry to churn out book two. Waiting a week for it to ship to my house was enough torture.

In book two our knowledge of magic and its history grows and Andrews lays more ground work for Kate's larger journey in this series. I love the additional characters we met and how the characters from book one grew and changed. Kate has to play politics as well as battle magic in this series and, while her strong point really is in a fight, I love getting a taste of the political dance between battles.

Book one showed what a tough character Kate is both in her physical prowess and her magical ability. However, the authors did such a good job closing her off from everyone they even closed her off to the audience. In book two the shell cracks open and we get to see more of Kate's personality outside of the tough mercenary.

Andrews also seemed to learn a lot from the first book and the writing and pacing really improved. Still waiting for this ship to really take shape and sail, but I know it is going to happen. I'll just wait and hope these two stubborn people figure it out ASAP.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Sassy Merc attempts to stop a Celtic god from entering her world and destroying everything.

Opening Sentence: The phone rang in the middle of the night.

The Review:

Magic Burns, the sequel to the debut series by Ilona Andrews, finds our heroine, Kate Daniels, in a fight against a god. If that doesn't pique your interest, I'm not sure what will. Kate is a mercenary that has been hiding her magical heritage for all of her life. She has always flown under the radar, up until the point her guardian was found murdered. Now, she is on a first name basis with some of the most powerful factions in Atlanta. With all that's going on, how much longer can Kate's past stay hidden? The latest case has Kate taking care of a teenage girl while searching for her missing mother all while keeping the girl safe during a dangerous time; a magic Flare. Kate's world is Post-Shift: A world where technology and magic are at odds with one another, both fighting for dominance on our plane. A flare is when magic reigns supreme and things that seem impossible can exist; like a god coming to life.

Kate's new job is working as a liaison between the Mercenary Guild and the Knights of Merciful Aid. Not a bad job and there is steady pay. The downside is that she no longer has the option of staying on the side lines when something big goes down. That, and her Friend of the Pack status puts her into contact with the one man (lion) that confuses her on a multitude of levels; The Beast Lord, Curran. This shift in job responsibilities is a new one for Kate. She has been taught her whole life to count on no one but herself. Now, she is opening up to the idea of making friends and allies. Is this going to be the salvation or damnation of Kate in the future?

Kate's emotional growth is also in evidence. Her whole purpose in life to this point has been simple; hide and get stronger so that one day she can kill her biological father, the infamous Roland. She puts her mission in life at risk by helping out one teenage girl. Julie marks a change in Kate's life. No longer is she alone, she now has another person dependent on her. It not only changes how Kate acts, but also how she fights and strategizes. I appreciate this change in logic. As a parent with dependents, you must think things through from an entirely different perspective. No longer can your actions be haphazard, for what will happen to the people whose very lives depend on you if something bad happens. This new idea also seems to affect how Kate is now seeing relationships in general. Julie has given her a great gift; Kate now has opened up her heart for not only friendship, but also love.

This book presents two possible love interests for Kate: Bran the hero, and Curran the Beast Lord of Atlanta. Bran is the Hound of the Celtic God, Morrigan. His life is tied to hers and he does her bidding. So when Morrigan's godly rival tries to find a way onto the human plane, Bran is there to help prevent it. Of course, the man is a complete brute. He fights and he screws, there is no sugar coating it. His interaction with Kate consists of him stealing a set of maps that she keeps trying to get back. He also tries very hard to bed her, which naturally pisses her off. Bran's interest is superficial but honest. He has no interest in Kate other than she is hot and readily available.

Curran, on the other hand, is also interested but shows it in very odd ways. The two of them don't really get along: He is used to being in control and she fights all authority. But the sexual tension between them is truly intense. Though Kate may not understand what Curran is playing at with her, she does trust him to a certain degree, unlike Bran. By comparing the two of the guys side by side, Kate can see what she really is looking for in a partner. Bottom line; what is really most important to her? When they all team up to take down Morphran, which man can she count on the most? Will she even rely on either to get the job done, or will she be forced to fight the god alone? If she fails, who will take care of Julie?

This is a much more elegantly written book than the first one. Not only has Kate's character developed much more depth, the whole book flows more smoothly. Kate's world is as fantastic as it is deadly. I look forward to seeing more of what Kate Daniels brings to the table in the future.

FTC Advisory: Penguin/Ace graciously provided me with a copy of Magic Burns. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payments I receive are hugs and kisses from my little boys.

I only give five stars when a book grabs me emotionally (usually that means crying a lot during very emotional scenes). No crying this time. Ms. Andrews drew me in with intense battles, witty retorts, and a world full of the unexpected. I laughed during sarcastic exchanges, brooded when Kate felt despondent, and my heart raced during battles. I was never ‘thrown out’ of the story because of inconsistencies, bad editing, or bad writing.

I appear to be completely addicted to this series now. I love how Kate is strong and independent. She has worlds of power at her fingertips that she doesn’t want to have and really shouldn’t use because it points to a heritage she wants kept secret. I am fascinated by this world that is a blend of tech and magic existing side by side but almost never simultaneously. That factor adds a unique level of difficulty to accomplishing any task which makes the story even more compelling.

I seldom give a book five stars , but this whole series is worth it . The story is just new enough to grab the attention , it is placed in a world just like ours , with a little twist . The concept is easily believable , magic returning and replacing technology with a vengeance . The vampires here are not seductive or elegant bloodsuckers , they are proper horrors with necromancers driving them . Much more believable to me . The concept of the lyc-virus , turning ordinary people into shapeshifters is truly genius , I think . The whole series is well thought out , based on old folklore and modern concepts .
Kate Daniels , the heroine , has not only magical problems , she also has family issues and ordinary money-worries . And she's very good with a sword . Curran , the beast lord is perfect : at times arrogant , stubborn and plain impossible , he slowly comes around to love her . Never a push-over and frequently angry , he is nevertheless the perfect partner for Kate . Now they both have to see it that way . In this novel , they are not quite there yet . In this novel , Kate meets an orphan looking for her lost mother,this leads to a lost coven of witches , a Celtic legend , Bran , who steals the maps of the Shapeshifters ( upsetting Curran the Beast lord ) , a Goddess and the son of a Goddess who wants to rule Atlanta ( or the world , given time ) , Reevers and Fomorians . It starts small , then ends in a terrible battle on the outskirts of Atlanta city . In the end , Kate has a new best friend : Andrea and a ward : Julie . She is no longer so alone but has new responsibilities and can therefore be more easily hurt . This will lead her into more trouble in the next book .

I'm a fantasy nut, so I've read a lot of books in my time, including the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Death Gate Cycle, Crystal Singer, Divergent, Mortal Instruments, etc. This series is at least as good as The Mortal Instruments and Divergent, if not better at points. If you've read the Dresden Files, think of it on that level of writing.

Geared more toward young and even older adults, rather than teens, it follows a young (but mature) woman who lives in a city essentially at war with itself. Waves of magic wreak havoc on technology, and the inhabitants range anywhere from sorcerer to undead, with a dangerous and proud shape-shifting half-lion, half-man that finds himself thrown into Kate's path and slowly claws his way into her life--sometimes being the only thing keeping her from dying in a violent magical incident. The writing of this book and its series are incredible, and will send you on a reading marathon until you find yourself on the last page.

There's something really gratifying to me about picking up a book that I know will be a solid read. I know I'm not going to fall head over heals, but at the same time, I know it's going to be fast paced, thrilling, intriguing, and downright fun. That was my expectation picking up Magic Burns, the second installment to Ilona Andrews's Kate Daniels series, and that's exactly what I got. Color me a satisfied reader.

One of the things I am loving most about this series is its pacing. It's like one of those good T.V. series. You know the kind. The ones that have an overarching plot that you're totally invested in, but at the same time, each individual episode has a completely enthralling story that you love diving into and having nicely wrapped up by the end. For me, that's kind of what it's like reading Kate Daniels. I'm kind of a sucker for delayed gratification...sucker or masochist, but let's not draw those lines. I am loving the small tidbits of Kate's past and family history that we're getting each book, along with the almost painfully slow development of her inevitable relationship with Curran.

I love Kate more and more with every page. She's pigheaded, she never gives in, she does incredibly stupid things that will often end terribly for herself in order to get the job done, and I love it. She sees herself as someone who gets paid to get the job done right, and while that's true, the story of Magic Burns gave us some deeper insight into Kate's hidden underbelly. Once she takes responsibility for something and someone, and in this case it is a girl, she will do everything in her power to follow through. Part of me was like, `screw this Kate!', because she was doing it all based on a fairly small favor she owed to a pretty horrible teenaged boy, but I'll give the woman credit, she goes above and beyond.

And so do her friends. In Magic Burns we get to meet Andrea, her gun-happy coworker who shares a lot of Kate's code, while completely being her own mysterious mess. I was instantly a fan, and am so excited to know that Ilona Andrews's forthcoming book, Gunmetal Magic, will be starring this woman. Of course, Andrea's not the only one, Derek also goes out of his way to protect Kate. He's kind of that annoying self-appointed side-kick. You can't help but love him, even when he's being a bit of a lap dog (no pun intended)(okay, pun intended a little). And then of course, there's Curran. Talk about a love/hate relationship. Both Curran and Kate are incredibly stubborn and sharp tongued no matter the situation. They're either going to end up killing each other or tearing each others clothes off, which makes them a volatile pairing I just can't wait to see ignite.

Favorite scene ever? Kate's panties exposed in the hospital wing with a nice little bow on them, and Curran noticing. All in all, I thought Magic Burns was a solid follow-up to Magic Bites. I enjoyed the different mythology weaved into the story, and am quickly becomming more and more invested in this series.

Squee! I am almost at a loss for words. Andrews’ world and its characters are complex and kept me engaged. Narrator, Renée Raudman brings Magic Burns to life and her interpretations of the characters are brilliant.

Kate Daniels is kick-ass as a mercenary. Her job cleaning up magic gone wrong is dangerous, unappreciated and intense. Kate resides in an alternated Atlanta where magic ebbs and flows. In this installment, Kate does battle with a divine one and the tale that unfolds held me tightly in its grips. What starts out as a simple task of retrieving stolen maps for a shape-shifting clan quickly becomes complicated. Kate soon finds herself in a battle to save them all.

As a heroine, Kate is fantastic. The girl has tude and her snarky; quick-witted comments had me smiling like an idiot while I listened. What makes it so epic is that most of the time she does not do this deliberately. It is just Kate pure and simple. Her interactions with the smexy alpha male Curran are among my favorite. Anytime these two shared scene time, I was completely smitten.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Magic Bites until my friends encouraged me to join them on a group read of this series and I re-read it recently. Now I can't for the life of me figure out why I never carried on reading the series! Magic Burns had everything I loved about Magic Bites and then some, you have more of kick ass Kate, more action, more world building, fantastic character development and most importantly more Curran! Yes, I'll admit it - I've fallen head over heels for the Beast Lord and I absolutely love every single interaction between him and Kate. In some ways I wish they'd hurry up and become a couple but really I'm enjoying the build up so much that I don't mind the wait. You just know they are going to be explosive when they finally do give in to temptation and I'm looking forward to every second of it. The banter between them is fantastic and I their conversations have me alternating between laughing out loud and swooning over Curran. If I had to give you my favourite word from Magic Burns it would be "Psych" and I'm sure everyone who has read the book will know exactly what I'm talking about.

I was glad to see that we started to uncover more about Kate's past and her abilities in this instalment. She is a fantastic urban fantasy heroine, someone who always does what she thinks is right no matter how hard it is and someone who refuses to back down from a challenge. She isn't always the strongest physically, especially around the shapeshifters, but she has the training to back her up and she is incredibly skilled with her sword. I really loved the way she took care of Julie (a young girl whose mother was part of a witch coven that had disappeared and who Kate was trying to find) and how she took the time to explain things to her. She didn't lay down the law but tried to help Julie make the best decisions by making sure she was fully informed of the consequences of her actions.

We also get to see more of Derek and Jim who happen to be some of my favourite characters in the series apart from Kate and Curran. I love the way we are starting to learn more about all of their backgrounds and I really liked the introduction of Andrea who is shaping up to become a good friend for Kate. Having been such a loner in the first book Kate is now starting to build a network of allies and friends around her and it was nice to see her have that extra support when she needed it. She is wary of letting anyone close but once people make it past her defences she is as loyal as they come.

Magic Burns was a fantastic instalment to a series that is fast becoming one of my favourites. I have already ordered all of the books that are currently available and I'm looking forward to devouring them as soon as possible. If you haven't started the series yet then I'd highly recommend it but I would suggest starting with Magic Bites so you get to enjoy the overall character development. Now I'm off to read Magic Strikes for my next fix of Kate and Curran!

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

In this book 2, Magic Burns, I learned much more information about the Kate Daniels' world...but lots of questions still remain. My strong desire to have everything explained to me right up front is thankfully receding. There is a great story behind Kate's life and I think I'm going to really enjoy piecing it together book by book.

In book 1, Magic Bites, Kate's first words to the Beast Lord, Curran was, "Here kitty, kitty, kitty." So I had to laugh that in Magic Burns, when Kate needs to talk with Curran she phones the Keep where he lives and says, "I need an audience with his furry Highness."
It is a shame that Curran and Kate don't meet up in Magic Burns until the 10th chapter but when they do, Curran's first words are, "You're a f-ing mess."
Honestly I am digging the chemistry. It is not thrust and forced onto the reader and the constant word barbs and banter are absolutely stellar. The romance novel junkie in me finds their interactions to be the best part of the series.

There is a lot of nonstop action. Poor Kate has to find a simple reprieve on a cement balcony with a blanket and pillow just to grab a few hours of peaceful sleep. Its a good thing that these little tidbits are included otherwise I don't know when she would ever gets a moment's rest.

Magic Burns is so full of magically interesting characters and pulsating action. We got introduced to a few Gods, a kinky were-hyena pack, creepy oozing monsters that smell like rotting fish (yuck), witches, more time with Pack members Jim & Derek (whom I so far love) and a (so bad that he is good) hero Bran. There were a couple of adolescences kids that really lent itself for the majority of the plot. The one specially magical teen Julie that was introduced makes me wonder if she returns more often in future books. That young girl really needs a strong role model and I think Kate fits the bill perfect (even if Kate fit the crazy aunt role best)

One of my most favourite things about the writing style of these books so far is that throughout the entire story, Ilona Andrews treats the reader to smart and insightful deductions into Kate's thoughts and reasonings. The author gives credibility to all Kate's decisions. I think by allowing those extra insights grants the reader the opportunity to really connect with Kate. I found that although I really liked her in the first book, I simply loved her in Magic Burns. I am actually glad that I am behind reading this series now because I am able to jump into the next book without having to wait for a newly published novel. I almost didn't want to stop and write a review but I knew if I didn't do that, the books were merge. I'm loving the Daniels' world.

Teasers: cauldron, tortoise witch coven, into the mist, coffee made, "Psych"

Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Kate is a mercenary in magic-torn Atlanta, eliminating the magical anomalies that surface each time a wave of magic hits. In Magic Bites, she investigates the murder of her guardian and ruffles a few important furs and feathers in the process. In Magic Burns, we revisit Kate's uncanny ability to attract danger from all sides as she works to investigate the disappearance of a young girl's mother. She must work cooperatively with The People (vampires) and The Pack (shapeshifters), though this alliance is frequently strained.

Fans of the series should not be disappointed by this new installment. This reads like a separate episode - while it does help to have some prior knowledge of the universe, it may not be required for you to enjoy this second book. The romantic fans will be titillated by Magic Burns as Kate's relationship with Curran really starts getting interesting and a rival enters the battle.

Books like this are typically not my "thing," but I have to give the author credit for a work that I finished at a break-neck pace. Magic Burns is full of action, adventure, mystery, humor, and a touch of romance. The emphasis of Magic Burns is the action - the dark qualities aren't quite as strong as they were in Bites, and the mystery is a little rushed. Humor in a book like this is a delicate balance - alternating between comedy and dark adventure is tricky, especially while keeping up the momentum of the plot. Overdoing the one-liners can turn a book into pure schlock or a belly-laugh. In Magic Burns there are some phrases that are a little overused ("In your dreams!"), some reactions that seem unreasonable or cartoonish. But overall, the funny bits are very well done and elevate the series from interesting to endearing. The snark suits Kate well and creates a thoroughly entertaining read.

All of your favorite characters from Magic Bites make a reappearance in Magic Burns, almost without exception. These characters are typically well integrated into the story, but some of them make cameo appearances that are not really part of the story, and a few of the characters undergo a personality shift between Bites and Burns.

The world is intriguing and well researched, integrating Celtic mythologies and new facts about shapeshifters, vampires, and the urban fantasy landscape. Magic Burns takes place during a magic flare, where the abilities of all magical creatures are enhanced: for better and worse. We also get a short, satisfying, and revealing glimpse into Kate's origins. Now that we have answers, here's hoping that the next book will explore the inevitable confrontations.

Magic Burns is a tease and a page-turner. Peppered with furry, sticky violence and rapier wit, the whirlwind tour of Atlanta is far from over.

~ 5 Magic Burns Stars ~
(No Spoilers)

Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series and it was a vast improvement from the first book, Magic Bites. This time there was absolutely no confusion on how the world worked. Magic and tech oscillate with one another to make a very cool backdrop to an alternate Atlanta. But for me, the best parts of this book are the relationships Kate makes.

Outstanding! Great series! Must read! I am enjoying "Kate Daniels" series. In "Magic Burns" you get non-stop Action, Adventure, and growth in characters and relationships.

My god Kate is such a great character. I just love kick ass chicks who don't take crap or let people just walk all over them. Kate is confident, skilled, funny, occasionally lonely, and caring. I love learning about her and seeing the relationship between Curran and her grow into something more. You can tell they will end up together somewhere down the line.

Four stars may be a tad bit generous for this one. I definitely give it more than three stars. And I liked it significantly more than I liked Magic Bites (to which I gave two stars), so I think that four stars reflects my feelings about this book more than three stars would.

I was bored with the first 30% or so of this book. I suspect that the authorship team believes that action scenes create interest. In my opinion, variety creates interest more than back-to-back-to-back action scenes. The first 30% of the book was all action, and I was bored. Then, the book slowed down a bit, and I got to meet the characters, and the issues facing the characters came into focus. Only then did I begin to care what happened to the characters.

Kate had more personality in Magic Burns than she did in Magic Bites. At times, her internal and external dialogues were witty. Amusingly, she displayed some familiarity with pop culture. She made jokes about Rambo and other pop culture references that were lost on other characters, which I found to be quite funny. In the first book, I failed to connect with Kate, in part because the authors went out of their way to make Kate super-duper mysterious. I cannot connect to a character whom I don't know. Although Kate's origins remained a mystery in Magic Burns, I was able to get to know her personality through her dialogue and through some tough decisions that she made. I liked her much better in this book.

On a side note: I was disappointed with an inconsistency that I identified. At some point, Kate removes all of her weapons in order to perform a bit of magic. Before she is reunited with her weapons, there is a reference about her sword smoking (which it generally does when Kate is pissed off). Wrong! Her sword is nowhere on the premises. This showed negligence on the authors' and editors' parts, but it did not impact the story at all, as Kate made no attempt to use the sword while it was somewhere else.

~Reviewed by SUZANNE & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

This series is one of my favourites, not only does it have a heroine whose sarcastic and kill-first-think-later attitude I love, Team Andrews have also created a world where literally anything could happen and still make perfect sense. ~ Under the Covers

Magic is now an everyday occurrence in Atlanta, shapeshifters, vampires and all the other creatures for myth and legend have all came out to play when magic once again hit the world. But every 7 years there is a magic flare, a time of really strong magic where for a few days gods could potentially walk the Earth. Kate Daniels with the help of the ever arrogant Beast Lord Curran must try and work together again and stop the world being over run by gods and demons.

To say I am a massive Kate Daniels fan is a teeny tiny bit of an understatement. This series is one of my favourites, not only does it have a heroine whose sarcastic and kill-first-think-later attitude I love, Team Andrews have also created a world where literally anything could happen and still make perfect sense.

Like Magic Bites this book is fast paced and full of action with Kate stumbling from one disaster to the next with little pause for a breather. This frantic dash through events as she races to try and save not only her newly acquire friends, but also Atlanta really kept me turning the pages.

However, this isn't just a couple of hundred pages of poking things with a sword, we also see Kate start to develop friendships that she has previously shunned and learn more about her past. We also see the continuing developments with Curran you could cut through the tension between them with a knife!

I am still fanatical about this series, action, romance and an interesting fast moving plot, I loved it!

Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series. Kate cleans up magical problems as tech and magic fluctuate throughout Atlanta. Generally there is a reasonable period of time between shifts but every seven years a magic flare occurs, giving magic users and creatures even more strength than normal. Kate is hired by the local were-Pack to retrieve some stolen maps. While attempting to complete this task, she finds herself in the middle of an even larger problem that threatens those close to her and all of Atlanta.

I loved all the same things about Kate in this book as I did in Magic Bites . She still has a the same strong attitude and temper which often gets her into trouble but she continues to demonstrate vulnerability and insecurities. She has issues trusting people but can't turn away an orphan child in need. Sometimes it takes her a bit too long to figure out the details of what is going on but I suppose the book wouldn't have such a build up to the dramatic finish if she understood her situation too quickly.

Magic Burns is another fast paced story bringing in elements from Kate's past that apply to the current crisis. Kate is often so busy dealing with the immediate crisis at hand that she has little time to think through how these pieces fit into a larger, more dangerous, situation. She also enters and leaves each battle knowing that she must protect her secret. While we still don't know the entire truth of this secret, I was very happy that we did see a bit more of the things Kate can do. I love how small elements of her story are being revealed in each book. It makes me look forward to learning more in the next one!

Kate's personal relationships also reveal a lot about her current situation. From taking in the child who has lost her mother to her relationship with Curran, the lion king of the shapeshifters, to her complete acceptance of her friend Andrea when her secret is revealed, each relationship shows Kate as both someone who wants to have people in her life but who also brings danger to the people around her.

Clearly, I am fascinated with Kate Daniels as the central character in these stories but the stories themselves are engaging as well. The action is non-stop and the many story lines are complex. If the first two books are any indication, events from previous books may have an impact on the current one and the relationships will develop through them but the main story line will be independent enough to follow on its own. I will definitely be continuing on with the Kate Daniels series and I can't wait to read the third book, Magic Strikes.

Another very solid offering in the Kate Daniels series. I've read the first two books in relatively rapid succession and unlike a lot of other series, this one stands up to two books within a month. The characters are well written and compelling. There is enough of the long running mystery teased in both books to keep interest up, without admitting what the mystery is yet. There is a potential love story here that again, isn't presented at breakneck speed. If there's a payoff in the future, it will be well worth it for the time that's been spent building things up, but it hasn't been so overdone that the series would die without it. These aren't romance books by any means, and Kate isn't a romantic person, so I am quite curious to see if there is a payoff in this arena in the future.

We are introduced to more characters in Kate's world here, each with their own story and the author makes all of them compelling and sympathetic, even when they might not be in reality. This book is really about Kate protecting a young girl, Julie, and her interactions with the Pack, a coworker, and the vampires. We have the added benefit of learning more about the magic that comes and goes in the world, and get a bit more history of it, which is something I think was missing from the first book. Through this description of the magic flare, and Kate's reaction to it, we also learn more of her own magic and where she comes from (magically).

I've already requested the next book in the series from the library.

Down the rabbit hole, in technicolor, and I swear I was only drinking tea :).

Holy cow what a trip. A walk-in tortoise oracle command center, complete with spongy tongue, some really fugly and gross monsters, a lion Hero that is really still kind of scary. And he apparently likes catnip filled toy mice, or so he says lol.

Oh how I like Kate. A leading UF heroine that does not do totally non-logical stupid stuff. Some of the little things she does, in the middle of crisis, really are poignant and funny sometimes.

This little gem here while talking to Ghastek who was piloting a ghastly vampire body:

.....The vampire stared at me, his mouth slack as Ghastek assessed his options. I took a couple of forms from my desk, put them into the vamp’s mouth, and pulled them up by their edges. “What are you doing?” Ghastek asked. “My hole puncher broke.” “You have no respect for the undead.”

I also really like the cat and mouse game that is between Kate and Curran at the moment.

Lots of gross liquids in these books :)

** read November 2012

It's been four months since Greg's death, Kate's guardian and close friend of the family and where Magic Bites started. Jim wakes Kate with a phone call to help with a job. One that bringing in the "guilty" party alive makes them some rather good money, only to have another person kill their target, yet not them. A little disappointed in the down fall of potential money, Kate goes back to do the paperwork on their catch, then heads to her office. Kate has not seen Curran in months, and given the temperament of the two together feels it's best, until a woman, engaged to a past friend of Kate's, comes to ask Kate to talk to Curran asking he grant approval of the marriage. Then Derek shows up with a petition from the pack for help finding a man who attacked a team with bolts, exactly like the one Kate has from her target being killed, and the stolen maps this man took. On Kate's searching, she comes across Red who asks Kate to watch over his girlfriend for him. Whom Kate learns, has had her mother disappear while with her coven of witches. Kate finds herself helping this young girl as well. All this and magic is on the fritz with the flares, making magic stronger and magic geared creatures more vulnerable.

I liked Magic Bites, but it didn't woo me. Thanks for the wonderful words of friends out here, I picked up Magic Burns, and Wow. I loved this one. This book gripped me and kept me going. Where Magic Bites felt weaker, Magic Burns filled in some of the gaps and made the world and magic stronger for me. After reading Magic Burns, Magic Bites feels more like a prelude to introduce you to the characters for what's to come in the future. I can say, you could easily pick up and start the series here with Magic Burns. You get the little bits of insight of what happens in Magic Bites here as you go, so you are filled in with the meeting of the main characters. But me, I'm one to follow a series as it's reading order, yes another OCD thing. So, if you've read Magic Bites and lost interest, I do hope you give Magic Burns a try, it just might be better for you.

I like that I got a better grip of the world in this book. I got a little meaning to the magic and tech working opposite each other, although at times they might work at the same time. Yeah, sounds strange. lol. The creatures we see here opens the world wide, even the places and magic.

I LOVE the bickering between Kate and Curran, two alpha's but it's always filled with humor. They are always competing for who is the "best." I think this is one of the strongest points that brings me to this series. I still love Derek, really. He seems to have a knowing on Kate and Curran, but hasn't voiced it yet.

Then we have the mystery! I like the mystery with the witches, Julie, Bowman, and Hoodguy. hee hee. Again, Kate is not the experienced detective but she mentions that and what she is doing to learn the trade. I like that Kate learns as she goes, and that she is not all knowing. This makes Kate feel more personable, as she picks up on tidbits but knows where to look to get the history on the subject, like in this book with the gods. The way this plays together with the characters I already know and now, after this book, love.

SYNOPSIS:
When this mercenary gives her word, she means it. Kate Daniels gave her business card to Red, a ragtag street kid and told him that he could call on her when he needed help. Now Red has called in the favor. He wants Kate to protect Julie and help her find her mother who, along with the rest of her coven of amateur witches, has disappeared. This search will lead Kate to a hole in the earth through which magic creatures are arriving. If Kate can't stop their advance, the entire population of Atlanta will be at risk.

OPINION:
Let me just tell you, that synopsis was almost impossible to write simply because there is so much going on in this novel. Trying to summarize everything into a neat little package is impossible. This is Book #2 in the Kate Daniels series and it was absolutely mind boggling for me. I have never read a book which displayed so much imagination on the part of an author. Ilona Andrews created entities, beings, monsters, and creatures that were almost impossible to imagine and yet she made them all work, and work well at that. This writer has an incredible imagination. How in the world can she come up with these beings? Just imagine a tortoise so large that Kate and a cohort walked into it's mouth to confront the Oracle of all the witches. Have you ever thought about walking though tortoise spit? Well I certainly never had.

All of the wonderful characters are back from Book #1, "Magic Bites", along with new friends and many new enemies. The city of Atlanta, Georgia, is crumbling to bits and falling down from the fluctuating forces of magic vs technology. Kate is still working as a liaison between The Mercenary Guild and The Order of Merciful Aid, but at heart she is still as independent as she has always been. Ms Andrews did a really good job of incorporating the pertinent information from the first book into this story so that it can be a complete stand alone book. I would, however, recommend reading the first book just because every little detail cannot possibly be repeated and there is so much information that is working toward making Kate into a complete character. More hints are given regarding Kate's heritage and she uses her magic in a very strong manner in this book. Curran, Beast Lord of the Pack, continues to tease us with a growing relationship with Kate. Derek and Jim are back as is Ghastek, a vampire who uses his mind to control other vampires in order to work with (or even against) Kate.

Once again this series is very heavy on the violent aspects of fighting the battle between good and evil. In fact this second book has even more violence in it than the first book. It almost got to be too much for me. I was really glad to get to what I knew had to be the final battle. These tales are character and plot driven and those characters are violent. Every character has the potential to be violent because of the magic they possess and the world of death and destruction they inhabit. If you like for your urban fantasy books to be neat and clean with just a little fairy dust sprinkled over everything to make it interesting, then this series would probably not be your favorite reading material. These bad guys are seriously bad, even some of the good guys are seriously bad. And yet I want to find out more about Kate, I want to understand what secrets she is still hiding, I want to see where her relationship with Curran is leading. My curiosity is aroused and I feel compelled to continue on with book three.

RECOMMENDATION:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even while I was wishing that the bloodshed and mutilation scenes would end. I just think that potential readers need to know that this is not some nice, cute, sweet little urban fantasy book with a hunky vampire type who swoops in and saves the feisty little heroine. Kate is sarcastic, stubborn, strong-willed, determined, pig-headed, leaps before she looks, opens mouth and inserts foot on a regular basis. But even in the middle of a really intense scene Ms Andrews will write a line that is so funny that I just laugh out loud. Maybe I like Kate so much because I understand her, she's me on one of my "loose cannon" days. So far both books in this series have been serious reading experiences. I've seen this series described as "dark" and "edgy". Often those words are used just to sell a book. Well, believe it this time. This time they are a completely accurate description.

Wow! After reading the first book in the series Magic Bites, I was still a little wary about getting to excited for the next books. I was unsure since I have said before that I prefer Paranormal Romance because I want a little romantic tension with my characters. Urban Fantasy doesn't focus on the romance usually, but with Magic Burns the author definitely kicked in the romantic tension along the journey.

Kate proved to be more than just an ordinary mercenary in this one. She showed compassion, strength, determination and weakness of emotions. I was cheering for her all the way until the last word in the last chapter. Kate definitely was a better character in this installment than the last. I also enjoyed previous characters making an encore appearance as well. Derek was involved more in this story which was definitely a plus! I also thought the interaction between Derek and Ghastek was at times hilarious and I look forward to them being left alone together in a room with no holds barred.

The revelation of Andrea's personal secret was interesting and the author handled Kate's discovery of it great. I loved how Kate stood by her and told her that it didn't matter to her what that secret involved. Aunt B even showed a little compassion and made me like her a little bit when helping Andrea when needed. Julie was a great compliment in the character of Kate. I liked how Julie brought out the mothering instinct in Kate, but she also had secrets of her own. When Kate takes her under her wing, you just know that Kate would die for her if needed.

While Curran is starting to grow on me even more, I only had one problem with him in this book. Where the heck was he for most of it? I was disappointed in the fact that he didn't really get any story time until the last half of the book. I needed my furry Curran fix! And that ending featuring Kate and Curran at her house was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better ending for this book. It made me jump up and grab the next book so I could dive back in and see what happens.

Overall I think this book was much better than the first. Now that the world the author has created is set up and all the players have been in place, I find myself swept up in the magic and story. I can't wait to see what the author brings next!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is way better than the first book and I'm glad I gave this series another chance. I bet there was a new editor because this book flowed much better than the first. I only liked the first book okay, which got better toward the end which was why I gave this series another chance. Magic Burns on the other hand was good and makes me want to read more of Kate Daniels. I like a strong heroine who doesn't think she is the best at what she does so when she gets hurt it isn't shocking and annoying. I also like to see characters who care about others. Kate taught Bran how to be a real hero, which was cool in my book. I'm also intrigued with how the relationship with Kate and Curran might develop. This book had me laughing out loud several times. Narrator was okay, she was a little over dramatic at the end.

Magic Burns, the second installment in the Kate Daniels series, steps up the action, friendships, romantic tension, and magic several notches. After successfully working with the People (Vampire riders) and the Pack (shapeshifters), the Order of Merciful Aid has decided to bring on the financially struggling Kate Daniels as a liason in junior capacity while she still has her mercenary job on the side.

The story starts out in very humourous fashion with Kate helping her shapeshifter friend, Jim, bring back a stolen magical weapon as well as the thief who took it, only to have the thief killed during the capture by an unknown entity. As Kate looks into the mystery of the mysterious killer, she discovers that he is also responsible for stealing the shapeshifter Pack's maps and agrees to help the Pack get them back. What seemingling started as a simple day turns into a mixture of people and chaos that anti-social Kate is ill-equipped to deal with. Tied into an insignificant events from the first book, Kate, during her quest for the maps, also ends up looking after an 11 year old girl, Julie, who's lost her mother. Unbeknownst to Kate, however, is that there are magical undead creatures backed by a powerful deity looking for Julie and in doing so, Kate is attacked in her home and almost killed. Luckily for her, Julie is a pretty tough street wise kid and ends up picking up the phone, hitting redial, and calling for help. That redial leads Julie to the Keep where the shapeshifters live, and <sigh>, Curran, the Beast Lord of Atlanta comes to her rescue.

So many things are happening at once and new characters as well as old play a prominent role in the story. Every 7 years or so, Magic trumps Technology in this world and while the magical flare is at it's highest, things go more than crazy in post apocolyptic Atlanta. Kate finds herself in the middle of a battle of the divine and has to find a way, with help from the Pack, the People, and a sexy new seducer, to stop an ancient evil from returning to her world.

I can say that even though many things are happening and the plot is complex, the story pulls together extremely well and the dots are connected in a way that's easy to understand, is tense in it's direness, and laugh out loud funny where you need it to be. The story, is balanced and well crafted, and even though it's told in a first person account, you genuinely feel and see what's taking place. The story comes to a stellar climax where I kept thinking, WOW, when I was reading it, and you really start to feel how powerful Kate really is, even though she's always hiding it. The best part is that the team of Ilona Andrews really knows how to grow her characters in a way that's believable and their endings are spot on. You're left satisfied without a cliff hanger, but very hungry for more. There's simply no better series in the genre and well worth the read.

Magic Burns takes off more or less where book 1 left off. Kate's still working for the Order, she's still broke, and she's still alone. She gets a new little friend in this book though.

I gotta say, normally when children are introduced into a series it sort of slows the pace of the book and takes away the swagger. But I can actually say I was more interested in her interactions with Julie than any of her fights with all of the super natural big bads. I really liked seeing Kate so dedicated to helping her, literally risking life and limb to see her reunite with her mother. She had a believable balance of distance with her, but I think it's a great quirk to Kate's character that she has an actual reason for wanting to be distant with people. It doesn't feel contrived at all.

Bran was also a pretty cool character, and interesting frenemy of sorts. His banter and come ons to Kate were almost as entertaining as her interactions with Curran. If you're a huge fan of Curran, you won't see him too much in this book, but when he's there, it's eventful to say the least. Their interactions and courting etiquette make so much sense, haha. I seriously would have thought Kate would have been clued in on what he was doing since she's so knowledgeable, but it's cool. The moment was funny.

Again, I really like the angle chosen for the vampires in this series. It adds so much intrigue because you really want to know who navigates them.

Kate's a wise-ass with a heart of gold, and wears bows on her panties. What's not to love?

The second book opens up roughly three months after the events described in the first book which have been christened as the Red Point Stalker case. Kate Daniels finds herself in a better position than earlier as she is now a liaison officer between the Mercenary Guild as well as the Order of the Merciful Aid. She's making a decent living and still has her preferred status amongst the Pack as well as her secrets are safe with her.

The most recent case she gets is when Derek (apparent sidekick) approaches her to do a favor for the pack as someone seems to have stolen a set of the city maps from the pack and in the process hurt more than a few of them at the same time.
Kate's new odyssey begins where she has to figure who is the mysterious bowman who can disappear at will and why is he after these maps and the young girl Julie, who's mom is a witch and is missing with her entire coven and lastly who is behind all of this. Kate seems to have established some sort of a working relationship with the beast Lord Curran, however newer developments might lead to further deterioration in her precocious standings and with her trying to find out more about Roland (her main enemy). This time it looks as if Kate will have more than what she can handle.

The writing is better in this one as we get to read and understand Kate better. In the first book it seemed as if the authors were a bit unsure as to how to showcase her but in this book she's the same hard-talking and fighting female but her persona is much more appreciable. While in the first book I couldn't connect wholly to the main character, the second book completely drew me in and made Kate Daniels and her life that much more readable. The world is also deepened with the introduction of Irish mythology as the first book featured East European myths. Readers also get to see more interaction between Kate and the Beast Lord which forms a crucial aspect of these books. There is another climatic battle in this book as well however the scale is tremendous as in the first book it was more personal whereas in this one, the entire pack gets involved. The ending is fitting and also leaves the readers guessing as to what might be happening next in Kate's personal life.

I think Ilona Andrews might have given us another worthy character to follow and the world which they have created is pretty detailed and different at the same time. This series while seeming like many of those in the urban fantasy sub-genre manages to differentiate itself by having a female protagonist who primarily is a bad ass but also a decent person at heart. There is also a grander plot arc working behind the scene as snippets of dialogue tell us about Kate's crusade against Roland and how she is definitely more than what she seems to be. This is another fantastic series which I have discovered and one which I plan to follow till the authors bring it to the fantastic end which they seem to have planned for all us readers.

...and it's shocking!
I liked this second volume so much better than the first one (although I gave both of them 4 stars, don't ask), the story was interesting and Ilona clearly did a thorough research on the Celtic Myths.
When I picked up this book I never expected to see Kate's maternal side (at least not this soon in the series, because I'm hoping she'll have a couple of lion cubs later on xD) so it was quite surprising when she became Julie's kind-of-crazy-aunt - it's just that she's such a badass that to see her being so caring and gentle to the girl was completely unexpected, but so heartwarming.
I have to admit I teared up when Kate talked about her mother, and when she was telling Curran why he should let his ex marry the other douche. I had never seen her so vulnerable until then. (He should have hugged her.) Which means that, that last scene when he waits for her at home and makes coffee, made me smile until my face started to hurt.
And of course: the soup! So funny. I laughed my head off when the other woman is telling Kate what it means to be fed by the Beast Lord. Loved it! Can't wait to see what happens next with these two -- should be fun! :D

After reading the last book I was a little frustrated. Nothing about the world was explained and the vague hints about Kate's "big secret" were irritating. Luckily early on in the book we start getting some new information. One of my biggest irritants was my lack of understanding of these magic waves. What's causing this, when did this start? I got some of the answers I was looking for, which was nice. I still want want more answers, but I'll try to be patient.

The beginning of this book was slow. Well, the middle of it was too for that matter. I repeatedly found my mind wandering and had to force myself to pay attention. It wasn't the actual events that were a bore to me, it was the writing. For some reason I feel very disassociated from this author's style. It wasn't until the end that I became engaged in the action. That's predictable though. I'm a sucker for action and I am fascinated by power. So, being that the end had those things... well, of course I was hooked.

Kate's dense and irritating at times, but her determination to put herself on the line for her friends is endearing. When Kate explained to Curran why she was willing to go to bat to support the wedding she finally became human for me. During the first book, and this book to an extent, she comes off rather two dimensional and flat. I like the world though, so I'll read the next one.

I liked Julie and Kate's interactions with her. She didn't baby her, but she didn't come off as cold either. I liked that Kate sat down and discussed the wrongness of what Red wanted her for. She didn't beat a dead horse with it, but she made her view known. One thing did bother me in the Julie protection thing though. ***SPOILER***How exactly did Red make it far enough into the Order to grab Julie? Aren't they supposed to be the safest place in the city?***END SPOILERS***

I really liked Bran. I thought he was an excellent character. What made it even better was that Kate could see through him to his motives and wasn't fooled. I liked when they sat down and had a serious talk in his own domain. His history was sad though. When that certain event happened at the end that upset Kate so much - man, that upset me too. He was my favorite so far. How can you not love a man who poofs in, kisses Kate, and poofs out while Curran throws a hissy fit in the background?

Curran and Kate get a bit more page time in this one. They have some nice, quiet moments, but overall they're antagonism and one-upmanship dominates their interactions. Kate can't control her mouth, Curran thunders around intimidating everyone and wants everything his way. Rinse and repeat and that'll pretty much be them through the whole book. They do have a few cute interactions. I liked when he gave her soup and drooled over her bow. Cute. I don't really find Curran compelling, but I don't see anyone better around (anymore) so I'm not exactly against them either. He has an unfortunate habit of reminding me of my kid. He's selfish and thinks he's always right and if he doesn't get his way he turns into a jerk and tries to start a fight. Yep, he reminds me of my three year old.

Well then let's get to it right away, shall we? Kate Daniels has managed yet again to attract some unwanted attention, the magic flactuation is getting worst this time. Someone has stolen a Pack's map, a thing of importance stating all Pack interest, zones, etc... Derek our young shifter-lad asked a favor to Kate to retrieve it and as expected Kate accomplished that favor and encountered the thief who owned the crossbow that she got during a Salamader and Arsonist gig she had with Jim. His name is Bran, who have an impressive power to vanish into thin air and if he's injured he manage to regenerate while he does it. I like him. He might appear to be a bastard you wanted to repeatly slap but in the end he lived up to be a hero that he is. There was also a matter of missing Coven members in Honeycomb. One of them is the mother of the child that Kate found by the bottomless pit. Her name is Julie, she looks innocent and lost and seems to have a phobia with vampires but underneath all that lies power. According to Kate, Julie is a live m-scanner, she can tell what color of magic an entity has. The child thinks it is useless but tell that to the navigator named Bolgor the Shepard and his revolting soldiers called the reeves, I have learned that they are Fomorian. Who is out to get the goddess Morrigan a.k.a the goddess of war. But what does Julie have to do with it? ahh... that's for you to find out.

So... my book blogger friends are right. Book two gets better. First I am now acquainted with the terms. Second, Curran seems to be softening up with Kate, had that little soup incident and he had that hearty laugh when Kate told him that she would not spot him but she will give verbal pushing, up until about she opened her mouth at the topic of Crest and Myong. Third, Kate seems to have a better interaction with the People and the Pack (better than on the first book at least). Our protag's smart mouth has also doubled the amusement factor. Her developed guardianship towards Julie made her seems more human than the bad ass merc that she is and that added points to my book.

Kate's bloodline is still unclear to me. When am I going to find out? When can I get more Kate-Curran interaction? The anticipation is killing me and I have no book three yet. sigh. Clues are welcome.

Magic Burns begins when Kate is offered a chance to do a quick and easy job with Jim. But little did she know this easy job would turn into something not so easy... Now she has to find a guy who can just disappear in thin air. And help a little girl find her mother. But along with all of this she also as to deal with Curran the beast lord, and his weird ways. Kate has a whole lot to deal with in this book, but she does her hardest to make everything right.

Magic Burns was very good. We learn a lot more about what Kate actually is, and some of her powers. And we also learn a few strange things about the beast lord, and his attention to Kate. I really enjoyed this one, and now I look forward to more in this series. I loved how this one explained so much more about Kate, I still have questions about her. And about the beast lord, but I hope all of that will be answered soon in the next few books!

The most appealing thing about any Kate Daniels book, is hands-down, Kate Daniels herself. She strong and smart, witty and irreverent. And it doesn't look like she ever gets a moment's peace. As the book begins, a few months have passed since the events of Magic Bites. Kate is working as a liaison between the mercenary guild and the Order of Merciful Aid. And the waves of magic in the world are growing more frequent and intense, indicating a flare is on the horizon.

While on a mission for the Pack, Kate's path crosses with a young girl named Julie. Her mom is missing and soon Kate realizes that the woman was part of a coven that was messing with forces beyond their control. Kate makes it her mission to take care of Julie and figure out where her mother is. The coven's work, though incomplete, has already unleashed some serious baddies which are coming after Julie and Kate. And if that weren't distraction enough, there's a sexy archer named Bran thrown in the mix... and his only clear intentions seem to be bedding Kate!

Of course, it's hard to root for anyone to be with Kate, other than the super-sexy alpha Beast Lord, Curran. There are some great revelations here about his intentions toward our heroine. And their interactions are great fun to watch. Their dialogue is fast, funny, and sometimes sexy. One of my favorite things about the series is watching the slow-build between these two!

There are also some great secondary stories here, some featuring familiar faces like Crest and Red; others are new, like Andrea and Julie. Old relationships end; new ones begin. And we're still getting nuggets of information about Kate's past and the secrets to her power. Not a dull moment in sight. 4 1/2 stars.

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 gave Magic Bites a four star review. I can't quite give this one a five star review but its still better than the first one. A solid 4 1/2 were such a thing possible on the store. I think this book beneifts from the fact that a lot of the characters and the world is established. The thing that made this story just shy of perfect for me is the fact that things happen so fast occassionally I have to back up and see what I missed. However, the confusion I had in reading the first book wasn't an issue with "Magic Burns". I liked the plot a little more here as well. A pre-teen girl's mother has gone missing and Kate becomes involved only to find out that the girl's mom is a part of a witches coven. Now the witches are missing and some baddies are searching for the girl. Enter some of my favorite characters from the first book, Dereck the teenage were and Curran, the were lion (Lord of the Beasts) and I was in for a treat. This book isn't nearly long enough, but action was packed into ever pages. In this series, there is no down town, no unimportant side plots, few moments where there isn't something hot on the page. I loved seeing Kate become so human and feeling. She protected the orphan girl like she was her own. She uses her body and her mind in her quests, but she is still realistic and sometimes makes mistakes. She chides herself from time to time when she does something not quite right and I really identified with that. I also truly enjoyed the tension between Curran and Kate. I love the speed (SLOW) that we are seeing things move between them. The last scene, the last page, is one of the most fun, and cutest things I have read in a long time. Start this series now, if you haven't already. I can't imagine an urban fantasy fan wouldn't enjoy this wholeheartedly.

Atlanta may be a strange and magical place, but it is nothing like it used to be. Now, Kate Daniels anticipates the ebb and flow of the magical energy that shuts down technology like a switch - everywhere. It's her job as a mercenary to clean up the mess after the magic, and now that it appears that a flare is coming - a time when the magic's energy comes more often, stronger, and somewhat unchecked - her work is cut out for her. On what is supposed to be an easy retrieval, she encounters a stray which - knowing Kate - she can't help but take in. This doesn't help her situation because it would seem that a lot of the higher magical powers converging during the flare seem to want something powerful, and Kate is quickly narrowing it down to the stray she is trying to save. Can she save the world and get a decent meal before the next magic wave hits?

As usual, Kate manages to jump into situations with both feet without knowing she's jumping in the first place. In this case, she's agreed to help the shapeshifters find their stolen maps, not realizing that in doing so she's tied their case to the young girl, Julie, whose mother is missing. Julie's mother is a witch who has disappeared into the chaos of the flare. Amidst this is a man with a crossbow who is able to disappear/reappear into the mist at will - a talent no one has ever seen before. Not knowing who he is working for, Kate assumes he is one of the bad guys and keeps going on her merry way until she realizes he is the thief. Picking and choosing her way carefully through the multitude of characters, Kate sifts through the clues and centuries of mythology and fantasy to come up with an incredible race for power and control unthought-of before now.

Awesome is the word that comes to mind when I think of this work. I wish that they would write faster. I love the byplay of the characters, the humor included in the work, and the eclectic historical references. A lot of it is quite far-fetched but within the bounds of human nature. The tortoise is great. I wish I could think of a better word, but nothing quite covers it. And the sexual tension that Kate is emitting has me gritting my teeth - definitely can't wait for the next book.

Magic Burns picks up three months after Magic Bites. Atlanta is about to experience a flare - a time (every seven years) when magic runs rampant. So things in Kate's life are even crazier than usual. A simple job for the Pack (Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shapeshifters) to retrieve some maps, puts Kate in the path of two Gods fighting a battle of power. The price for stopping this war is going to be high.

The dialogue (as in the first book) is sparky, witty and compelling. Kate is a spunky, smart-mouthed heroine, who doesn't always think before she opens up her mouth, but is usually able to think fast enough to get herself out of any trouble her mouth gets her into. Though she should really know better than to preface a visit to anyone in Atlanta with the comment "...he's harmless."

Retrieving the maps is not as easy as it sounds. Whenever Kate gets her hands on them, the thief steals them back. Bran is a character you can't help but like. He's such a rascal. :)

'"Hello, dove." He grinned at me. "Look at that: you don't have your pretty knife and I've got your hands. What are you gonna do now?"
I rammed my head into his nose.'

The relationship he has with Kate is both funny and sad, though I think at the end of the book he is her champion.

Probably my favourite section is when Kate has to visit the werehyenas, not only for the stuff we find out, but also because the characters of the hyenas are just so hyena-like. I read that bit and I've got the trio from the Lion King in my head.

In some ways this book is more fantastical, and I wonder how much of that can be attributed to the flare. The number and variety of supernatural creatures on display increases - salamanders, stymphalean birds, giant tortoises - as does the strength of magical activity. It gives you an idea of what Atlanta would be like if it ever tipped completely over into the magical world. (Slightly reminded me of Simon R. Greens Nightside).

We get a lot more hints about Kate's secret. Some whacking big clues. I'm pretty sure I know what it is but it doesn't really annoy me that we still don't know for sure. I like that it's slowly unfolding with events.

The chemistry between Kate and Curran increases. Phew!

Any book that can make you laugh and cry is a keeper. My major gripe is that 2009 is too long to wait for the next in the series.

No sophomore slump here! Ilona Andrews follows--and tops--her debut novel with an excellent sequel, _Magic Burns_.

We get some more world-building. Andrews explains, in a way that flows smoothly with the story and doesn't feel like an infodump, the theory as to why the magic and tech have gone wonky in the first place. We also learn about magic flares, which occur roughly every seven years. During these upsurges in magic, powerful and dangerous summonings can be done. As _Magic Burns_ begins, a magic flare has kicked in and Kate finds herself entangled in the mystery of a witch coven who disappeared after getting in over their heads.

Kate is growing as a character as this series progresses. In Magic Burns, she lets a few more people into her heart, and I don't just mean romantically (though the romantic tension between her and Curran is just enough to be lots of fun without dominating the story). We also learn a few more tantalizing hints about Kate's parentage and about the powers she keeps under wraps.

The mystery/supernatural plot is more layered than that of _Magic Bites_, and better executed. Andrews continues to root her plots in a diverse range of mythology and folklore rather than sticking to the current urban fantasy trends. This time, everything's more complicated, because the good guys and bad guys are less clearly delineated, and Kate has to navigate a minefield of other people's competing agendas. The pace is fast, and there are no "Huh?" moments like the one I had in _Magic Bites_.

Andrews has also toned down the gore. There's still plenty of violence, but if you thought there were a few too many explicit descriptions of cannibalism and rape in _Magic Bites_, you'll probably like _Magic Burns_ better.

_Magic Burns_ just earned Andrews a place on my very short "snap up on sight" list. She's one of the most original voices currently writing in the urban fantasy subgenre, and I can't wait to see what she does next.

I really do believe the series gets better with each book; however, I would like to say that I liked the plot a tiny bit more in Magic Bites than in Magic Burns. I have to admit that things kind of went over my head at some points in this book. I always couldn't keep up with all the goddess and witch talk. I think that may have only been me though, and honestly, it didn't affect how I felt overall about this book (I mean, I gave it 5 stars for a reason!). The thing that no doubt gets better and better in this book? The characters and the relationships!

Kate continues to kick ass. She goes all out! Guns blazing! (Or err...sword blazing?) We learn more about her past, and the dots gradually start connecting. A new character is introduced called Julie, and I felt she brought out more of Kate's protective side. Kate would definitely make a wonderful mama one day! I can't forget to mention that there's more Curran too! The chemistry between them is intensifying, and it's just a matter of time before their restraint cracks. It's going to be awesome!

Magic is unpredictable in Atlanta. It's always coming and going in waves. Every seven years there is a flare, and Kate Daniels knows that's when the worst of the worst come out to terrorize and try to take over the city. When Kate is asked to help the Pack find some maps that were stolen, she finds out that there is a lot more at stake than some maps of the city. Two Gods are fighting over who will rise above and take over the city. Add to that tensions with Curran, witches messing with magic they know nothing about, and a teenager who is missing her mother and Kate has her hands extra full this go around.

This series is so fun to read. Kate is the ultimate bad ass chick. She's not one to back down from a fight, even when it's in her best interest to do so and I love that about her. She'll even get into a hand to hand battle with the leader of the Pack, Curran. The plot in Magic Burns moves along swiftly, and the addition of a bratty teenage girl really gives Kate a taste of her own medicine, but it also teaches her to be responsible for someone else and makes her realize that she might just be missing something in her life. Companionship.

The tension between Kate and Curran keeps building, and he's showing her more attention than he's ever shown other women. Once the mother of the Coyotes points out that he may be after more than just an alliance, Kate's mind starts to wander and wonder what that would be like.

This series is definitely working it's way to the top of my favorites and I can't wait to read more!

Futuristic Atlanta: magic wreaks havoc in the city and citizens, human and supernatural alike, prepare for the dreaded phenomena when magic and technology refuse to co-exist and continually fight for dominance. It is a world where you wake up each day not knowing if you'll be able to start your car due to the magic fluctuation or, for those who possess magical powers, your spells will fail when the technology is up and running. It's all part of the citizens' daily life except every seven years, the magical waves intensify and all the complexities associated with it culminates into a build-up called a flare. As all hell breaks loose in Atlanta, greater forces like gods and goddesses battle it out for supremacy. And death to anyone who stands in their way...

Once again, our Kate Daniels is knee deep in supernatural drama as she finds herself helping the local Pack retrieve some stolen maps. As Kate goes map-hunting, she comes face to face with the impertinent culprit who takes delight in confounding her and the local Alpha, Curran. More obstacles are thrown her way when she unexpectedly becomes a babysitter to a young girl whose missing mother may be the key to unravelling the chaos surrounding her. And with two powerful gods vying for the chance to step into the human realm, Kate may be out of her depth. Tough as this mercenary is, she knows that she needs all the help she can get even if that means going to the very man who gives her the chills... in a good and (mostly) bad way.

MAGIC BURNS is a tautly written action thriller filled with supernatural creatures galore! The author conveys the intricacies of this alternate universe with drama and flair. Magic leaps off every page and characters come to life. I thought Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) was an excellent read, but this book totally exceeded my expectations. Ilona Andrews' world is utterly bewitching, captivating the reader right from the start. Kate's character is continuously evolving; the same goes for the secondary characters. Every individual has their place in Andrews' magical world. No secondary character is wasted, everybody is given an opportunity to react and interact and prove their purpose. Indeed, the author has given us such intriguing characters leaving you hanging on to see what she has in store for them.

A word of caution though that the violence and mayhem in this book equates to splatter horror. It is graphic and horrific and Andrews doesn't gloss over the details. If you don't mind these, then I guarantee that this is a great reading experience that packs a terrific punch.

Okay, I’m a little troubled now. My relationship with this series is rather interesting. I find plenty of shortcomings, but for some reason I’m going to continue it.

So. I think the plot is not bad, but too slow for me. Not the authors’ fault but I don’t really like the celtic mythology and this is the main plot in this book.

The structured fantasy world is special, but too oddly for me. This should get used to it.
At the final battle I've completely lost track of who's who and who wants what and why, and after a while I didn’t try to follow the actions. There was too much of the mythological information for me.

Compared to the first book the act is more eventful, but I would like a little more characterization and more emotional charge (I don’t mean just the romantic thread). I appreciate that the romance takes it slow and there is no instalove. The soup feeding scene is sooooo cute, I loved it. :)
Kate is cute because she cares for the little girl and is so sympathetic how alone she is and how hunger for someone’s love. However, I must mention one negative feeling, because I’m angry because of it. When Kate thought back when she was 17 and couldn’t wait to sleep with someone, until she found a wizard who was good enough. Is this serious when she was explaining to Julie the sex is an intimate and loving thing?? This doesn’t fit into the picture with the character, it’s so unromantic. And something else. When Raphael asked her „been a while”. It’s not something I discuss with a quasi-stranger, it’s too personal.

Overall, it’s not bad, but it would be better if instead of a long and objective descriptions filled with a bit more life to the story and the characters. I know that many people love this series, in fact is why I started to read it. I also like it but not yet caught up the favorite factor. However it deserves 4 stars because I can see the potencial in it, but I want to see a bit faster plot and more and lively characterization. In fact I anticipate the next book will be much better.

Much to her reluctance, Kate is now employed by the Order as a liaison between the Guild and the Order. The Pack comes to her for assistance with an item that was stolen from them. Kate is the only one who has gained the Pack's trust and "friend of the pack" status, so she must accept the job. Once again, she finds herself knee deep in trouble when she stumbles upon a plot to release a vindictive god into Atlanta. She must find away to work with the increasingly but oh so charming beast master, Curran, if she is to have any hope of succeeding.

There has been an increasing tension between Kate and Curran. I wouldn't necessarily say its a sexual tension as of yet but I feel it is headed down that path. The two of them could not be more strong willed or determined to be the dominant. The dynamic of the dominance games between the two of them really make this series interesting. I would say Curran wins the dominance games except for the fact that Kate never truly backs down, never submits. There were some more hints to Kate's background in this book, and she shows some extraordinary powers she should not possess. Kate truly is growing and learning to use her powers to help friends rather then keep everyone at arms length.

I really enjoyed this story. So far, these are short books that can take 30 or so pages to start getting into, but once they get going, you won't be able to stop until it's over! I think Kate is a great character. In this one, she starts out doing a job for the shapechangers and ends up getting thrust into a battle involving two "gods" and the beings that worship/serve them. We are seeing more glimpses into the true strength of her power and the dark magic that lurks in her ancestry. There's a magic "flare" occurring which means things are all whacky, and beings can travel in and out of other dimensions. There's an interesting witch group called the Oracle and some new characters are introduced. The author has created some great book mythology and is doing some fantastic world building. I can't wait to read the next one and eventually get caught up.

The stakes were bigger in this one, and I liked the way all the pieces fit together to both make this story work and move Kate forward in her own personal arc.

The mystery of Kate's origins will become tedious if it continues to be held out as a carrot for this reader. I want clues or for it not to be the burden Kate believes it will be.

I also want some personal growth. She needs to realize her relationships with others are a strength rather than a weakness.

I'm enjoying the universe/characters enough to keep reading. On to the third, which I've already loaded to my Kindle from the library. :)

In this stunning sequel, Kate Daniels is tasked with retrieving a set of stolen legendary maps for the Pack, finds a ragtag child with a missing witch of a mother, and must halt a disastrous war between two powerful mythical gods before the entire city of Atlanta is destroyed. Suffice to say, Kate is a busy girl and finds herself in oodles of trouble and awkward situations.

BTW, did anyone else notice that MAGIC BITES refers to Pack as “shapechangers” and then from the second book on she calls them “shapeshifters?” Not that it matters or affects my enjoyment of the series, I just found it notable.

WHY YOU SHOULD ADD MAGIC BURNS TO YOUR TBR LIST:

--The second Kate Daniels novel introduces us to staple secondary characters Julie and Andrea.
These ladies play crucial roles in the Kate Daniels series and become important people in Kate’s lives. My feelings for Andrea tend to waffle as the series goes on, but Julie continues to hold a special place in my heart.

--Speaking of secondary characters… BRAN.

I wish he played a larger role in the series, but alas, he only appears in MAGIC BURNS. Even so, he’s quite memorable. He’s this guy who trades his mortality for chance to play hero for his goddess and never looks back. I find myself completely smitten with the man. He’s mischievous and flirty and oh so yummy.

--The Kate and Curran banter is exquisite. Curran goes a’courting and Kate is blissfully unaware, uncomfortably aroused, and irritated as hell.

“You shouldn’t provoke me.” His voice dropped low. He suddenly looked slightly hungry. “You never know what I might do if I’m not fully in control of myself.”
Mayday, Mayday. “I shudder at the thought.”
“I usually have that effect on women.”
Ha! “Is that before or after they pee on themselves and show you their furry bellies?”

Snort. They’re highly amusing together. Laugh out loud funny, even. I could just eat them up.

All-in-all, MAGIC BURNS packs a powerful punch as Kate cleans up magical disasters, battles it out with all sorts of undead, kicks major ass, and ventures further into the world of the shapeshifters. Kate Daniels is one of my favorite special snowflakes and I always enjoy a coming back into her world.

This series is recommended to literally everyone. EVERYONE.

My full review can be found on my blog, Reader Rayna, as well as my Goodreads.

This book was a good solid second book to the series and I felt much more connected to the characters in this one than the first. Kate is still badass and I loved the aspect of her trying to take care of a kid amongst hellish situations. Her humor has become stronger in this one and I loved the ending battle scene and how she handled it.

Curran is just a rolling ball of rage and hotness. He even had a few places where I was grinning and laughing because of what he said. His protective nature came out a lot more in this book for many reasons and I was happy to learn more about the Shapeshifters.

The plot of the book wasn't really the same as the first, but there are still underlying currents that can be explored in later books, but this specific plot was more engaging and easier to follow, I think, than the first book.

Overall I highly enjoyed this book and can't wait to pick up the third.
4/5 stars

Kate Daniels doesn't go looking for trouble, trouble finds her. After the Weres hand over an embarrassing job to her (someone actually accomplished breaking into their keep and stealing their maps)she runs into more problems then she can chew. Nothing new for her. In this alternate Atlanta where magic and technology comes and goes in flashes, Kate battles on the side morally right as much as she battles her inner demons and biologocial secrets.

This is not a romance novel, but more of a urban paranormal mystery with a true kick-but character. I love the fact that she's not the prettiest thing on the block, nor the nicest. She's average, but with extraordinary secrets that even the readers are attempting to read and learn more about. Yet, for those of you die hard romance readers, there is an underlining romance iffy line. Kate and the Curran (the head of the Atlanta Weres; i.e.Mr. Big, Bad, and Scary)seems to constantly be stumbling into each other. He's either rescuing her from near death or her jobs bring her into contact with his people. What I like about these parts are that they lighten the mood for the book and lead to a few chuckles. I especially like the part where he treats her like a mouse toy and "plays" with her by tossing her around the room a few times.

Overall, it's a great, unique book and I'm axiously awaiting the next in this series.

I didn't like the first book. The storyline was vague; the writing style lack of appealing; the scenery wasn't explained enough so I skimmed it and didn't read the sequels. Though, later I read the authors' other works and liked them. Also I was wondering why this series has quite a high rating so I decided to give it another try.

It took me quite a while to finished this one. The writing style still distracted me from the story. The storyline was interesting. I had forgot a lot of it. I can't remember whether she revealed who she was in the first book. So I didn't know who was her sire. But if Morrigan didn't want to cross with her, I figure she must be really powerful.

The first book had almost zero romance. This second book was almost the same. It was a little slow for my taste but the adventure was interesting enough. That little romance they had, which leading into something more in the future, was really cute. I like shapeshifters mating aspect. Feeding the person they're interested in was quite endearing. As I said, it was slow for my taste, but I prefer this over insta-love.

All in all, I enjoy it and I've already purchased the rest of the series. I'd be a really happy reader having all of the books to read at once.
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*Spioler alert*
The epilogue with Curran welcomed Kate home and made her coffee was really cute I wanted to squee. Thanks the authors for at least let me grab on some hope that he was really cared for her.

This book made me happy. A strong heroine who can take care of herself and is allowed to be strong, despite all the strong men in her life. A woman who is vulnerable yet kickass and someone I can fall in love with and still respect myself later. When I grow up, I want to be Kate Daniels. Even when she is pushing people away, you know it's for a good reason, not a wishywashy one that makes me want to slap her upside the head. But what makes this even more wonderful and addictive is that you know that these few select people are worming their way int Kate's life, especially Curran, and eventually she will have to let them in and share her burden.

This was a roller coaster, edge of your seat, nonstop action adventure. Old gods, new gods, new powers, new allies and new friends. What I love the most is how Ilona Andrews has made this world so thoroughly and completely real. Everything that happens, even when it's so fantastical and magical, I don't even blink an eye... the author makes it *normal*.

This is a sequel that bucks the trend and is actually even better than the first book in the series, Magic Bites. Our heroine is tough yet has her insecurities( she has not had sex in nearly two years!). The romantic tension between her and Curran is wonderful. Even better is the fact that their relationship is not yet consumated which draws out the interest for the reader. I just can't wait to see what happens between these two next! The action is non-stop and yet it flows wonderfully and does not seem like a series of disjointed actions sequences. The story is bursting with necromancers, vampires, shapeshifters and rich with Celtic lore. There is a little of everything and yet the flow is smooth and this leads too a great and logical climax. Recently I have been disappointed by some mediocre paranormal/fantasy sequels (Fire Study, Iron Kissed, Mage"s Daughter), so this book was a wonderful gift! I can't wait for the sequel, I hope we get it by years end. If you want a great story, well written with a smart heroine, run and buy Magic Bites and Magic Burns.

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4.5-5 stars.

I loved this installment.

Kate is really growing on me. She has all this power and even though she could have brought Bran back she didn't because it went against her moral code and what she believed in. It's refreshing to read that. I love that the writers are building the romance between Curran and Kate slowly. They are just giving little hints that there might be more later but nothing that is completely in your face.

As with the previous book I loved the other characters, Curran, Andrea, Jim, Derek, and Bran. Julie was a nice addition and I hope they bring her back in future installments.

Can not wait to read the next one in the series.

I couldn't resist adding my own 2 cents. This book is simply outstanding. A very likable main character, a wonderful story line and an action-packed ending - as far as urban fantasy goes, you really won't find anything better.

Short Summary (Possible spoilers?):
Kate takes a contract for the Pack to recover their precious maps from a thief who can turn into mist. While investigating a lair she tracked the thief to, she bumps into a small girl (Julie) who has lost her mother and who has a lot of special un-dead boogie women after her. (called 'reeves' in the book. 'undead boogiewomen' can be attributed to reviewer's license). Julie's mother is a witch who went missing in a coven ritual to a un-friendly deity. The un-dead boogiewomen running about, ofcourse interest "the people", who take up an agreement with Kate to accompany her so they can capture one for their 'studies'.

Kate discovers who the incorrigible thief (who was taken an liking to Kate) really is, recovers the Pack's maps from him, (which are stolen again), fights many battles protecting Julie, figures out what the coven ritual actually achieved and teams up with Curran for the end-game.

Bloody battles, snarky heroine, and a hint of romance... This book has a little of everything. The worldbuilding and character development were excellent. My only complaint was that I couldn't always understand what the authors were trying to say. Overall, loved it.

My full review can be read on BTH Reviews.

This is the first full length book abut Kate Daniels that I have read of theirs and I liked it; it definitely held my interest. Giving it a 4(four) star is because I have not read many books of this type and thus do not know how the Ilona Andrews writing compares to other authors' books of the same type. Have not read the first in the series yet but feel I did not miss out on much by not doing so though I shall certainly read it.
Please remember that I rate books by others of their type; thus lightweight fluff romances are rated against others of the same genre, etc., etc.

I absolutely loved this book! Kate is the new Anita Blake without a horde of lovers :)

Ilona Andrews has outdone herself and in such a short time earned a name for herself with this amazing series. The only minor criticism I could come up with is the size of the book - I wish it was a little longer. But then again, there weren't a lot of artificial fillers which other authors use to excess, therefore the size didn't impact my enjoyment of the book.

Kate is such an entertaining character, and her sarcastic sense of humor for every situation does not come out forced, which is usually the case with writers trying to make their hero/heroine witty. Once again we see most of the same returning characters and addition of a few new ones, but this book can easily stand on its own. The plot line is intriguing and complicated and the resolution exciting.

If you are looking for a new urban fantasy series and stumbled across this thread, definitely don't hesitate to dish out $6.99 - you won't be disappointed.

This book is the second in a series (the first is Magic Bites). The heroine - Kate - is a mercenary who deals with magic problems. In this book a flare (a time when magic is strong) occurs. Kate ends up with her hands full. Not only does she have a teenager to take care of, she has some seriously bad things that want her dead. I don't want to give away the story, so that is all I am going to say on the plot.

The books is well written and incredibly fast paced. I would definitely read the first book before this one to help you understand what is going on. It is a book that keeps you entertained and wanting to find out what happens next. The heroine is sarcastic and powerful, and she certainly isn't perfect which makes her even more likable. Curran is involved in this story, and while he is somewhat heavy handed, he is still a likable guy - maybe because he is so loyal to his pack. Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced fantasy book without any gratuitous sex scenes.

In this second installment, Kate reluctantly agrees to do a favor for the local Pack and investigate the disappearance of some valuable maps. While hunting down the culprit, Kate gets called in on another favor. This time she winds up shackled with a teenage street urchin whose mother recently joined an amateur witch coven and went missing shortly after. Kate promises to find the girl's mother and, in the process, is caught in the crossfire between two ancient deities vying for power. So pretty much an average day for Kate and the city of Atlanta.

The highlights of MAGIC BURNS are definitely the increased personal interactions between Kate and the various people and creatures who've come into her life. The growing attachment between Kate and Julie (the young girl in her care) develops quickly and the protective stance Kate takes throughout the course of the book is quite touching . Equally compelling is the more slowly developing connection between Curran, the Pack alpha, and Kate. Despite their mutual attempts to avoid each other. The reader gains several insights into these two almost painfully private people and the ending promises more good things to come. In fact, these quiet character-driven scenes were so interesting that I wished there were just a few more. The plentiful action and fighting sequences seem to always take center stage and, though we do get a little more information on Kate's background, it is a very little, and I am (of course) anxious for more. A solid second book, I'm looking forward to the third one.

My review is going to include a spoiler but it is a necessary. Before that, this has become my second favorite urban fantasy series and I have either read or given many a chance. The Kate-Curran dynamic is wonderful. Only Dresden can beat this series but I am only 5 books in so you never know.

SPOILERS - I fell in love with Julie and if she didnt survive or found her mother and was no longer a part of the series, I may have quit the series. I would love a Sequel series with Julie as an adult. She reminds me so much of me when I was that age and having to grow up really early.

Magic Burns picks up right where Magic Bites left off. Kate takes a job working as a go between for the Order and the Guild. She takes on a mercenary job with her friend Jim and a strange man with a bow interferes, kills their target and runs off.

Then while investigating the bowman she meets Julie, a young girl whose mom and her coven of witches has disappeared. When the bowman starts stealing from the Pack and Kate is hired to find the stolen goods and she is now watching over Julie as she is being chased by crazed undead monsters. Kate works closely with the pack in this book in her efforts to keep Julie safe and find out where the new creatures have come from and what they are after.

I loved this book and I really appreciate the fact that Kate is not jumping into bed wit every man that comes her way. I like the stories in the Southern Vampire series but there is just way too much sex and I find it takes away from the story when it is overdone instead of adding to it. I am very pleased with the slow moving aspect of the possible romance.

I enjoyed every moment of this book and can not find one thing I did not like about the book. The plot was fast moving and full of surprises, I was not bored for one minute. The supernatural beings she introduced in this book and the environment were so well done I felt I could imagine everything.

I especially love the way Andrews spends just the right amount time bringing the story alive. I have read some books where they have spent way too much time describing buildings, and scenery and unnecessary descriptions of minor characters hair color and clothing. I have also read books that are quite the opposite where you can not picture much of anything because the descriptions are so vague. This book is well balanced and very entertaining.

Kate is still as sassy as ever but on occasion she actually thinks before she speaks or apologizes for what she said. Her character became more likable as Andrews delves into Kates' mind to show the isolation she feels as well as giving us a bigger picture of her past. Readers will also begin to see the depth of her power as she unleashes more than seen in the previous book. There is also a little hint of romance for Kate in a quirky kind of way in this book.

I am going to highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy. I give Magic Burns five stars out of five

This was another great book in a wonderful series. If you enjoy books about magic and the supernatural and strong female characters you should love not just this book, but the series. I would however recommend starting with the first book "Magic Bites" instead of with this one as unlike some series this author does not spend a lot of time rehashing what has happened in previous books. That's a nice feature when you are already familiar with the prior books, but might leave something to be desired to new readers. The whole series is great, so dive in with the first book and enjoy your reading is my recommendation.

It's odd to read a book expecting to dislike it. But such was the case with Magic Bites, the first installment in a reportedly fantastic Urban Fantasy series. Ever since I inhaled the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning in a week last summer, I've been searching for a new Urban Fantasy obsession. Although it's not a normal genre for me, when it's good, it's good. And apparently, once you reach the third book in this series, it's good.

Magic Bites, however? Not good nor even good. It's pretty bad. But I hope it's bad in a way that doesn't bode poorly for the rest of the series.

My concerns:
1. snappy dialogue: Kate appears to follow in the tradition of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She is always ready for danger, armed with both a sword and a comeback. The comebacks were grating. They are laughable but they don't make me laugh, if you can discern the distinction. I think they were supposed to show that Kate is spunky, a tough girl who doesn't put up with crap. But I don't think most tough girls would react with dialogue seemingly written by a low-level sitcom writer.

2. lack of overarching plot: I've realized that my obsession with the Fever Series derived from its careful plotting. Each book built off the previous book so that by the time we reached the final book, I probably ripped some pages as I tore through it, desperate to solve long developed mysteries. Sadly, there doesn't appear to be a long-term game at play here.

3. overly descriptive writing: I don't read Urban Fantasy for writing. I just don't. As long as the prose is readable, it's fine with me. As I said before, I'm here for crazy plots and interesting characters. The writing isn't bad here. Ironically, the problem is that the writing tries to be good. Scenes are bogged down by long sentences describing the scenery of the room. No no no. I just want the action please! It's the same annoyance I'd feel if the director of a straight-up action movie paused for a contemplative, minute long shot of the landscape.

My bright spots:
1. Kate/Curran relationship: if you remove the yucky comebacks, the conversational combat between these two characters is promising. They are both strong personalities and I predict the clashes between them as they get to know each other more will be awesomely explosive.

2. Supernatural world of Atlanta: I'm into the mythology of the series. Basically, sometimes the world runs on technology, other times it runs on magic. During those magical times, bad stuff tends to happen, bad stuff Kate needs to clean up. Even the supernatural creatures are seemingly scientific--there are shapeshifters who become that way by contracting the Lycanthropic Virus.

Onward, to book two, Magic Burns, hoping my bright spots grow brighter and my concerns fade to obscurity

Kate Daniels is a mercenary and the liaison between Mercenary Guild and the Order of Merciful Aid. As a merc, Kate knows how waves of magic and technology flow across Atlanta like a tide, disrupting phones and making monsters come alive. But once every seven years, something called a flare happens, magic runs rampant, and is so powerful that can make even Gods walk the Earth as normal beings. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack - the main group of shapeshifters ruled by Curran, their King - she finds out that it's way more complicated than just finding them because a war between two gods wanting rebirth is brewing and Kate is right in the middle of it.

This book is a fabulous sequel to Magic Bites. Kate's still a kickass character with a smart mouth, she's sharp and sometimes even rude and all that makes her a fantastic character. Ilona Andrews writing was just so damn good it left me speechless sometimes. I especially like how we see a little bit more of how Kate feels without her turning into a total softy although that seems impossible. Curran, the Pack King, can go from being downright scary to, and I almost fear saying it, cute in a second - like in the end of the book - I love his character, as well. The Celtic mythology plot was very interesting and worked really well, especially how vivid the imagery was and I could literally imagine this strange world in my head. There's nothing I didn't like - the dark humor, the gore, everything was just right, especially the ending, a word that comes to mind is adorable. It really was an adorable ending and left me giddy, wanting to read more about Kate and Curran and this strange, but still beautiful world Ms. Andrews has created. Magic Burns was one of the best Fantasy books I've read and Ilona Andrews has definitely become one of my favorite authors.

Good news, everyone - Book 2 in the Kate Daniels series (MAGIC BURNS) is better than Book 1 (MAGIC BITES). The first had its charms - solid world-building with no need for romance, and the fascinating idea of upir. But I read it over the course of several days while going through personal stuff, so I don't remember much.

This sequel, however, is much more memorable, and starts off really well. The writing is smooth, and the story is easy to follow. But as it delves deeper into magic, mythology, monsters and swords (sorry to ruin the alliteration), it becomes more complicated and further out of the realm that my tiny brain can comprehend.

I love the world-building. Atlanta has two stages in time - tech (when life is as we know it) and magic. But the transitions between the two are getting faster, and Celtic mythology comes to life. (That sounds vague, I know, but I didn't really understand it.)

Kate Daniels still has her almighty saber Slayer, but also has a new companion: teenager Julie, whose wannabe witch mother is missing.

I've read enough reviews, interviews and blogs to know that people are really pushing for Kate and Curran to get together. But I don't like Curran. Had he simply been called an Alpha, I would've accepted that. But no: he's a Beast Lord. Yeah, bit over-the-top, and he has the up-himself mentality to match.

So other than Curran's smug personality, what's not to like about him? He breaks into Kate's house...and she doesn't kick his arse for it. For a supposed Kickass Heroine, this is disappointing.

Parts of the story veer dangerously into trash territory. Kate's mortified when people see her underwear, and its adornments. I would've been more concerned about people seeing leg hair or..."hair down there", shall we say.

And Kate pervs on Curran working out. Not for me. I prefer Raphael.

But the author has fabulously intriguing ideas: like the shapeshifter caught between forms. The Lycos Virus is a fascinating, painful thing as demonstrated within these pages. Also interesting is the bouda, a werehyena - now she's a nifty character I'd like to read more about.

Then there's Corwin. You've read enough of people shifting into animals, but Corwin is the opposite - an animal who Shifts into a human. This is why Ilona Andrews is one of the best world-builders around with some truly new ideas to add to the urban fantasy genre.

But be warned: Curran has a speech that tries to be "Braveheart", but comes across more as an American high school football coach. Coming from a culture where we have no school spirit, I found that kind of lame. But I take my humour where I can get it.

So if you want to read some of the best world-building in the biz, Ilona Andrews writes it. Just ignore Curran and the confusing fight scenes, and you'll find this quite to your liking - I know I'll be back for more.

Magic Burns was a fabulous book!
The more I read about Kate and get to know her, the more I love her.
And then there are some other great charachters like Derek, Saiman, Andrea, Julie... and last but not least Curran!

There is so much tension between Kate and Curran that I wanna shout "get a room and get it over with" while reading. But Kate, for reasons of her own, is not willing to give in to Curran (yet?).

In Magic Burns, Kate is trying to look after Julie, a girl who's mom is missing. Julie's mom is a witch, part of a small coven, and it appears that the headwitch of the coven was craving for power and summoned something dark that was best left alone. And that dark something is after Julie...

This is an improvement on the last entry.

The first book, was, well, a first book, and pretty rough and ragged in places, as far as the writing goes, I think.

This is considerably more polished. As far as I know, 'Ilona Andrews' is a actually a name for a literal pair of writers, at least if the copyright to Ilona and Andrew on the inside page is anything to go by, let alone the story by them from Andromeda Spaceways Infilght Magazine.

I'd be guessing from this book, let alone the blog, that the female of the species is doing most of the heavy lifting as far as the ideas and writing goes, and perhaps the male half is doing more of the cutting and polishing. Hard to say which part improved, perhaps both.

You also begin to find out that Kate Daniels is a bit more than a competent low-rent fighter with good knowledge and a high resistance to intimidation score. Along with the third rate Stormbringer she carries around (although third-rate is probably ok if you don't fancy slaying hundreds of people and sucking down souls to activate your superpowers) It appears she may have a hidden magical superpower or two, plus a more complicated origin story than just a kid with average parents.

Here she gets involved in a plot with witches and werewolves, and has a kid to protect, and a mother to find.

This leads her to clash with a beast man, vampires, and others, before it gets really weird.

Everything gets all Celtic mythology with cauldrons and crows, whether real, humans named after, or goddesses of. Plus demons.

If you want to see a 'warp spasm' illustrated, you could check out some 2000AD that has Slaine the berserker in it, as well.

I'd read the next one.

3.5 out of 5

I picked up this book at the library on a whim and thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover. The world was interesting and described well without killing me with details. The magic was believable and an interesting mix of all different types.

The heroine! I loved her. She was smart and sassy but had a great mothering/crazy aunt side that was played well without giving anything up. The tension between her and Curran was great and thank-you for not throwing them in the sack for some gratuitous sex. This made the story line so much more believable and interesting. Derek is one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to see more of him.

I WILL read the rest of the series.

I am loving these books. Brilliant. So many little subtle details & nuances to immerse yourself in. It's smart & sassy but there is also a poignancy w/out getting maudlin.

The dialog is very Buffy-esque & there were moments that were delivered so perfectly - I was laughing out loud pretty hard.

I absolutely adore Kate as an MC. She is intelligent, compassionate, fierce, witty, humble....she's awesome w/out falling into Mary Sue category.

I found myself just immersed in the world Andrews has created. The picture of is so clear without inundating the reader with excessive detail.

The pacing is great as well, another book I didn't put down. It's just doing it for me. I am immediately starting the next book.

Kate Daniels is a back in Magic Burns, the second installment of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. This time around, the former Guild merc is now working for the Order and is confronted with magical beings from Welsh and Irish mythology. In this book, Kate Daniels sets out to retrieve some stolen maps for the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapeshifters when a young girl named Julie is sought by sea demons and Kate must intervene to keep her from being harmed. The story that unfolds is action packed and threatens the city of Atlanta with destruction.

I admit it. I am not a fan of the covers of these books. I would never have moved these books to the top of my TBR List if it weren't for Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook. Even after Magic Bites, I was disappointed with the cover of this second installment. I was even a little embarrassed to pull it out on the plane a few days ago when I was flying home from vacation. However, the book was so engrossing that I ended up not caring at the few looks people gave and just thought that they were likely missing out on this fantastic series if they decided to judge the book by its cover.

Kate Daniels continues to be awesome. She is a little more vulnerable in this book, but still in a very kick ass way. There are little snippets of her back story in Magic Burns that will hopefully be expounded upon in the next few books in the series. I want to see how this part of the story will play out in further books. Her character grew and developed quite a bit in this book so I have high hopes for seeing how she continues to deal with her past and her present in the upcoming books.

I really enjoyed the Celtic mythology in this book. It's just a small snippet of information since the book is only 260 pages, but a little trip to Wikipedia helped familiarize me with the characters in this book. I would actually like to read some more on Celtic mythology now that I've finished it. Morrigan and Morfran are interesting mythological characters and since they aren't the super popular Greek and Roman gods/goddesses, it helped give the book a freshness that I wasn't expecting.

Curran, the leader of the Pack also returns in this second installment and the witty banter between him and Kate is everything that the first book had and more. I'm usually not much one for romance, but the snarky dialogue between them creates a lot of sexual tension that I actually enjoy. I would compare their relationship to Castle and Beckett from the TV show Castle. The tension is there and you end up rooting for them to go the romantic route.

There are so many likeable characters that bring humor to the different situations that happen that I found myself laughing out loud a few times. The book really had everything that you could look for in a fun Urban Fantasy read. There is action, good character development, a strong female lead that isn't whiny, and interesting antagonists. My only complaint is the same from the first book. I really wanted more world building, but that might be because I typically read longer books that have tons of detail in them. Magic Burns just left me wanting to immediately crack open the third book in the series, Magic Strikes which I will mostly likely do right after I finish writing this review. Yes folks, the series is that fun! I love it!

*Notice of disclosure: I received this book for review from Penguin Books.

The Good: I'm really loving the dynamic here between Kate and Curran, especially given that Kate is oblivious to everything others notice when it comes to the beast lord. I really liked the magic and mythology in this book as well.

The Bad: The farther I get into this series, the less I like the way vampires are portrayed. Unique is good, but at some point it gets strange and hard to believe. I think I've hit that point. It also felt weird that Katie would take custody of a child as opposed to handing her over completely to someone else. It just didn't feel right for her seeming distance.

I am a huge fan of the series thus far. Read it from the beginning, IMHO you have to. Yes, the author does go over the basics in every book, but if you're not binge reading the series, that is for the best.

I'll admit I was cautious with the first book in this series. Magic Bites was really good book but I've been down this path before when a series goes south in a heartbeat. Magic Burns was awesome!!! I'm intrigued and a little spellbound. The dialogue is witty, sharp, and funny. The action is well written that you can truly visualize the settings and battles. The story ends well and leaves you wanting more...on to book 3! Well recommended!

I found this story a little more entertaining than the first book. In this story Kate finds herself the protector and guardian of a 13 year old girl with immense powers. She’s basically a walking, talking, living, M-scanner. She can see auras and can tell what exactly a person is. She’s highly sought and not for good reasons. Add on top of that a guy who can turn into mist and disappear, who’s reeking havoc with the Pack. Pretty soon, Kate finds herself asking Curran for help.

I liked that this book had new characters thrown in. I really liked the addition of Julie since it showed Kate’s softer side, which we don’t seem to see much of. Plus there was the added bonus of Curran as well. In the first book the two of them just bantered back and forth, and even though they still do that, Curran seems to be staking his claim on Kate. Even though Kate isn’t overly aware of it.

“I glanced at him and saw a lion. He didn’t change, his face still fully human, but there was something disturbingly lion-like in the way he sat, completely focused on me, as if ready to pounce. Stalking me without moving a muscle. The primordial urge to freeze shackled my limbs. I just sat there, unable to look away.”

I think the primary focus was all the kick-assery that was taking place throughout the book though. We got to see some more of Kate’s awesome yet unknown skills in action. I still have no idea what she is but it seems like we may be getting closer to the truth. I will have to pick up the next book to see if we get any farther in knowing what Kate is. Plus, I’m kinda hoping to see what all the hype of Curran is about.

This is my new favorite urban fantasy series. I love the characters and the world and the writing style. I also love the fact that they don't have gratuitous swearing. For the most part it is kept to appropriate places in conversation. The series is told from the point of view of Kate Daniels; and if you want more there are novelllas and some scenes written from the POV of Curran, her love interest. I have yet to find anything to complain about with this character, or about any of the characters in this series. It is that well written.

The gigantic flares of magic that engulf Atlanta do plenty of damage. The downtown skyscrapers are piles of junk - like tinker toys that will never be right again.

For those such as Kate Daniels who have magic in their blood the flares can be invigorating or overpowering, and it's hard to know which will happen until the flare hits. The surge of magic did come in handy when fighting the demons making their way from a dark, forbidding pit onto the earth placing ordinary folks and even those not so ordinary in peril.

In Magic Burns, the second book in he Kate Daniels series Kate willingly risks her life to save that of a child who has a secret sort of magic of her own. Julie is alone in the world. Her mother has disappeared and the only other person in her life is a feckless teenage boy who leaves her in the lurch. Fortunately Kate steps in and promises Julie she will help find the missing mom. Their only clue is that Julie's mother had recently joined a coven of witches. But there is no trace of the coven. Every member has disappeared. Someone used bad magic and demons have been unleashed. It's soon apparent that Julie is their target. They appear unstoppable. Even Kate's strong magic doesn't seem to be enough.

Coming to the rescue, is Curran, pack leader of all shapeshifters, and an Alpha male of the heart-stopping hunk variety. Whenever they are together he and Kate have a continuing repartee guaranteed to irritate each other, but it is sharp, witty, funny, and part of the enjoyment of reading this book. The heat between these two can only get hotter. The story line winds and twist and fascinates every step of the way. Book three, Magic Strikes, will be published in March 2009. I can't wait.

Postscript: There are vampires in the alternate reality, but none would ever make the hero of a romance novel. Here is how Kate describes them to Julia: "Look, you have to remember that vampires are mindless like cockroaches. They are just vehicles for the Masters of the Dead. If you see a bloodsucker and ti's not ripping everyone to shred, there's an actual human being riding that vamp's mind...."

That's It!
Ilona Andrews must be a God, and we are in a perpetual flare cause They are manifesting in the form of these beautifully written books!
No one else would quite so skillfully unite myths and legends with urban fantasy and make it so believable that even the most stuck-up folklorist can't say a word.

Kate is awesome! I've said it many times and I'll say it many more.
She is not only a kick-ass hardcore heroine who is pretty and funny and effing smart, but she's down to earth "I'll help you, even if it kills me" kind of girl.
And it takes a whole lot of skill to write a character that you have trust in, that is believable in her endeavors and not just a two dimensional, sword wielding, sexed up power house like many female protagonists in Urban Fantasy.

I loved the timid way she proclaimed that Andrea was her first friend. It tugs on your heartstrings when such an awesome person says something that's pretty much a given for anyone else, right there you can feel the loneliness she struggled with.

Curran, I'm admitting to hating his ignorant piece of ass in the first book. His God-given smugness made me want to sharpen my nails.
But, beguilingly, I'll admit that there is potential there. They could be good for each other.
I mean even Kate knows that she has to stay away from His Furriness, the big, bad, mean kitty that wants to get in her pants.
He is intrigued by the fact that she stands up to him, even trough he can smell her fear.
This is a man sick of women who are one their knees for all the wrong reasons (grins). Hence the soup.
The barbs and the courtship ritual had me in stitches.

There is more of the clan shown, and we get to see some new clan members and pack politics are explained.
The Hyena Clan (Bouda) are especially hilariously naughty.
Kate gets another little sidekick in the form of a little girl searching for her mother. And that ends up being a story of it's on.
And Derek (my sweet Derek) is a dashing prince snark as usual but with a little more teeth.

And then there is Bran, a warrior of old. With a more than obvious attraction to Kate and not shy about it either, especially in front of His Lordship.

The Climax was tremendous. Kate went in and just let go, I don't remember the last time i enjoyed a battle this much (not since HP, for sure)
But in the end it was bittersweet as these things usually are, you win some and you lose some.

Before i realized the book was finished and i lay dazed under the covers, the clock read four am, and i was due to get up in two hours.
Suffice to say this is one helluva book.

Magic Burns could easily have passed as book one for the Kate Daniels series. In fact, I might have preferred it as the starting point. It brought more details about Kate to light, but not much. Then some of the more basic questions about the universe of the Kate Daniels were finally given a better explanation. The lack of world building and character depth on Kate were two of my biggest complaints on the first book. The focus on Magic Burns is much like the previous book--Magic Bites--the supernatural mystery. Since I like mysteries I can't complain too much and the magic "wave" that comes up here is just too much fun!

Andrews shows us a side of both Kate and Curran that had been seemingly lacking in the first book--featuring compassion and personalities outside of killing things. A little girls live is at stake and it's warming how both Kate and Curran do everything in their power to help this one girl. Kate still isn't fleshed out enough for me. I. Need. More.

The monster isn't as scary as the creepy animalistic rapist from the first book, but it's definitely up there. A magic flare is coming up, where magic takes out technology for days to weeks. What was supposed to be a quick retrieval of some pack maps turns quickly into a gruesome battle between gods. Of course the evil god is trying to break through and become "real" on the human plane--which can only successfully happen during a magic flare.

Another fun entry to the Kate Daniel world. It helped flesh it out a bit more, but I still feel like it held a lot back. Fun characters come in and are not explored enough, mainly a certain goddesses' horny "hell hound". The buildup between Kate and Curran is definitely heating up, and I'm starting to see why the fans rave. With a better plot, tons of great action, and simply more Kate Daniel time--why miss it?

Sexual Content: As mentioned in the review, there is one horny guy/hellhound. Nothing too risky, unless you can't handle the sexual tension building up.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

I don't know what I was thinking when I blew off this book and didn't buy it. Now I feel dumb.

I get so tired of the female heroine who acts all big and bad and then stumbles, stubs her toe and faints (a.k.a. Rachel Morgan). Kate feels pain, she just doesn't give up. She bleeds and needs to heal, but she's still a work in progress.

I like Kate mostly because she is "real". Sure she's smart mouthed, but even she knows when to bite her tongue and keep her opinions to herself. She's worked hard at being as good as she is, she didn't just wake up weilding a sword. It's taken years of practice and lots of endurance training. (Plus, she doesn't wear tight leather pants with spiky high heeled boots, which, if you think about it, wouldn't be the best outfit for fighting and running).

Curran... sigh... I adore how strong he is, and not just in the physical sense. He's a good leader and understands what he has to do to keep his people under control. People is kind of loose, since they are shapeshifters and can either be ruled by humanity or their animal instincts.

Derek is wonderful. How can you not love someone who is trying to go against all his instincts and rearing as an out of control animal? He's not perfect, but he definately works at it.

Overall, I adore this series. As the series develops, I find it more addicting and funny. We don't get any out of nowhere information, all the clues are there, they're just fed to us slowly.

I doubt anyone who likes Briggs or Harrison will truly enjoy this book (I don't know if they would appreciate a good read)

Ilona Andrews is a husband\wife writing team extrordinar. The charitors are well formed and alive. The primis is beleivable. The story is smoth and exciting. You live the tail through the herowin and see a real world.

Bloody Brilliant! Even better than the first one, and the first one was great. In this sequel to Magic Bites, Ilona Andrews ups the ante on world building and adds a layer of mythology. Best of all, Magic Burns has Heart. I don't mean romance - there is sexual tension between Kate and Curran but no romance yet. By Heart I mean that it tackles some of the big questions of the human condition. Ms. Andrews makes a compelling argument that there are somethings worth fighting for. That the life of one little girl is worth a thousand soldiers who might die trying to save her, and if it wasn't then this isn't a world worth living in. Violence has become such a common occurrence in our lives that we hardly bat an eye at it anymore. I appreciate Ms. Andrews taking the discussion to the next level and challenging her readers to think deeply about our blase acceptance of violence.

Mercenary Kate Daniels stumbles across a young starving street kid whose mother has disappeared in a coven spell-gone-horribly-wrong. She takes it upon herself to find the little girl's mother and ends up discovering a plot to unleash monsters from celtic mythology on the world. Kate is also enlisted to find maps of the city that were stolen from the Pack, to provide information for the People who want to control the new breed of undead that have appeared, and to obtain magic blood to save the witch Oracle. In the midst of all this, a Flare is coming; Once every seven years Magic runs rampant unleashing all sorts of monsters and madness. In the face of impossible odds, Kate gets by with a little help from her friends.

The heroine Kate is a tough cookie who, despite an argumentative nature, has a depth of character and understanding that makes her not only sympathetic to the reader, but also makes her someone to look up to; heroic in the true sense of the word. The villains are bent on world domination, and as such they are not multifaceted. More interesting are the secondary characters that help or hinder Kate in her quest. These actors illustrate the inner struggle to do the right thing in the face of horror and apocalyptic violence. Do we chose the easy way - every man for himself? Or do we risk everything against impossible odds for the honorable path? Among these fascinating secondary characters are Red, a young street kid, Curran, the leader of the shapeshifters, Ghastek, the vampire pilot, and Bran, mythic warrior.

In the first book I was a bit concerned about Curran in the role of potential "love-interest," but he's grown on me in this book. He's still a violent bastard, but he shows a bit of his softer side in protecting the little girl and showing a bit of gruff caring toward our intrepid heroine. I especially like his comment (p186):

"You're fun to play with. You make a good mouse....I was always kind of partial to toy mice." He smiled. "Sometimes they're filled with catnip. It's a nice bonus."

"I'm not filled with catnip." [said Kate]

"Let's find out."

The image of this 700 pound lion playing with a catnip toy is adorable. But then, I'm partial to cats.

Magic Burns is also full of Ilona Andrews' trademark lyrical descriptions. It's beautiful to read.

Twisted steel skeletons of once mighty skyscrapers jutted like bleached fossil bones from the debris. Here and there a lone half-eaten survivor struggled to remain upright, all but its last few stories destroyed. Shattered glass from hundreds of windows glittered among chunks of concrete, (p24).

And, of course, the world building is fabulous. I love the idea behind it: What would happen if magic took back the world from technology? From Ms. Andrews' FAQs on her website, but also in the book, I just can't find the page:

"Theory said that magic and tech used to coexist in a balance. Like the pendulum of a grandfather clock that barely moved, if at all. But then came the age of Man, and men are made of progress. They overdeveloped magic, pushing the pendulum further and further to one side until it came crashing down and started swinging back and forth, bringing with it tech waves.

And then in its turn, the technology oversaturated the world, helped once again by pesky Man, and the pendulum swung again, into the side of magic this time. The previous Shift from magic to tech took place somewhere around the start of the Iron age. The current Shift officially dawned almost thirty years ago. It began with a flare, and with each subsequent flare, more of our world succumbed to magic."

I thoroughly, completely, and totally recommend Magic Burns to EVERYONE. Read Magic Bites first. It's good. But this book is even better. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series, Magic Strikes, (2009 - noooo!!!!), and every single other book that Ms. Andrews gives us in the years to come.

And the ending is so very, very good. I just reread it and realized that I completely missed the best part. Subtle, I am not. I want you to read this book so that I can gush about it with someone. Pleeeaaaassseeeee. Reeeaaaadddd iiiiittttt. You will love it. I promise.

This book was so wicked good! It's better than the first book. I inhaled it in less than a day. I love the return of pretty much all the characters from the first book. It makes me form a deeper connection with them and they are beginning to feel like my friends. Kate is my kind of gal - a smart, strong but flawed heroine with a soft heart. Ilona Andrews did a terrific job of weaving a stand alone story within the larger plot that began with the first book. Just the right amount of new information about Kate was revealed to make me feel satisfied that my patience is being rewarded and intrigued to learn more. Finally, the heat under Kate and Curran has been turned up another notch. If only I had ordered the 3rd book sooner. Bad pre-planning on my part, ggrrr...

Haven't read any fantasy at all since the Thomas Covenant trilogies in the 80’s... then someone recommended the Kate Daniels series. Thank you, thank you. The world and characters that the author creates are simply brilliant. No doubt that I will binge read the entire series, and then like the "In Death" series, I'll sit frustrated until the next chapter in the story is written. That is a really good kind of pain. Highly, highly recommended.

Kate Daniels is tough, troubled and full of tender honor. The author continues to tease out the mystery of Kate's true power while more fully outlining her character and what makes her tick. This outing through magic flares and tech crashes introduces several new characters and furthers the uneasy alliance between Kate and the Beast Lord, Curran. Readers get to see Kate at her best in this novel and realize there is so much more to reveal about her. I'm looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this one if you like mythology weaved in with magic and a lot of butt kicking.

Enjoyed it even more this time than I did the first. I am going back and reading this series in order from the beginning and enjoying it more. I am noticing things, especially humor, that I didn't catch the first time. The characters are intriguing, the world building exceptionally well done, and the plot in each book stands alone while enhancing the overall tale. I suspect I might not survive long living in this world but I certainly enjoy visiting it and plan to continue to do so.

A magic flare is coming to Atlanta, causing the shift between technology and magic to be more unreliable and haphazard. It's also the perfect time for those of divine origin to manifest in our world. And that would be disastrous.

When a magic imprint on a bolt fired during one of her Guild jobs registers as "human divine," Kate sets out to find the crossbowman. Then the Pack approaches Kate for help retrieving some survey maps that were stolen and just so happen to have been taken by the crossbowman she's looking for. These two events bring Kate to Julie, a young girl looking for her missing mother. But what Kate discovers along the way is even more disturbing.

Kate Daniels is moving up in the world in Magic Burns. After her role in the Red Stalker case, Kate has been given a new job as Liaison between the Order and the Guild. She's also been given Friend of the Pack status with the Atlanta shapeshifter Pack. On one hand, Kate has to deal with the knight-protector, Ted Moynohan and Curran, the Beast Lord, on the other. And she'd rather not have to deal with either. Ted is a human supremest who wants to eradicate anything with an ounce of magic. And Curran basically just gets Kate hot-and-bothered and that freaks her out.

"Not only will you sleep with me, but you will say 'please.' You will say 'please' before and 'thank you' after."

After that good luck kiss in Magic Bites, Curran has been slowly moving in on Kate. And, boy, is he subtle about it. Kate doesn't know what he's doing until others in the Pack tell her. For example: When Kate was severely injured in an attack by the reeves, she was brought to a Pack safehouse ans healed by Doolittle. Bowls of soup were brought in for her and Curran pick one up, looks at it with a look of contemplation, and hands it to Kate. Now for shapeshifters, food has a special significance. Food is how animals express love. The fact that Curran gave Kate food signifies his serious interest in her.

Curran's pursuit kind of freaks Kate out. Kate is someone who doesn't have close connections with anyone. The main reason for this is because of who she is. Her blood makes her a target and intimacy means sharing her magic. But another reason is because she's scared. Every person she's ever cared about has been killed or died because of her--first her mother, then her stepfather, and more recently her guardian, Greg. Kate avoids close relationships because she's being hunted and she's scared of losing anyone else she loves because of who she is the daughter of.

There is a perfect example of this in her relationship with Bran. Bran is one of Morrigan's warriors. Kate didn't know him for long, but she came to care about him and understand him. Her grief and sadness was so great that, as she cried over his body, small white star-shaped flowers with centers as black as his eyes bloomed all around them. But because of these flowers, Bran's heroics that day will always be remembered, just as he always wanted.

Kate grows emotionally in Magic Burns and the world of the series grows as well. New places are introduces to us in great detail and we learn more about what life is like for the people in those places. I'm excited to see how much more Kate ans the world of this series continue to grow in the next book.

Not only does Magic Burns meet the expectations created by its predecessor, Magic Bites, but surpasses them. A flare has hit Atlanta, disruptting magic and creating more problems for Kate, who, by helping the Pack and investigating the disappearance of a coven called Sisters of the Crow, finds herself caught in a war between gods. It may be the second in the Kate Daniels series, but new readers won't have any difficulty emersing themselves in Andrews' well-crafted world if they pick up this book first. Along with the intricate plot and characters, the interactions between Kate and Curran the most delightful to read, Magic Burns has enough grit and wit to satisfy any urban fantasy fan. Although overall satisfying, I am still eager to see what will happen next to Kate and Co. in future volumes of the series.

There's so many good reviews here I don't feel like expounding overlong, except to add my praise for the count. This is an excellent series with a heroine with strong development. She's got strength, intelligence, and capability, while possessing a morale code and maturity that other heroines sometimes lack. Humility and humor, too.

Note to the publishers: Let her write longer books!!! This is too good a series to restrict.

My top author? Kim Harrison for her Rachel Morgan series (not so much the anthologies). If Ilona Andrews can maintain this series over as many books and be allowed more rein to write longer stories it could be a tie.

* Weird sh@t is attracted to her
* She doesn't do 'humble'
* She has cute bows on her panties

Intrigued? You should be. If you're a strong fan of kickbutt urban fantasy heroines, you need to meet Kate.

Kate lives in an alternate Atlanta in a world where magic has returned and it comes in waves with technology. Aside from double coping skills, she's got two jobs--one with the Order and One with the Merc Guild. Add to that, two mortgages and enough trouble on her plate that she needs a clone or two to give her a hand.

Someone's stealing valuable maps from the weres and she's got to get them back. A misguided coven makes an alliance with the wrong Celtic God and Kate's stuck with the coven leader's daughter. And the girl comes with all the troubles teenage girls are prone to--and then some. You see, she's a virgin and her boyfriend wants to try and use her for some powerful mojo.

What I'm most impresed with Ilona Andrews' sophomore effort is that she's taken a great start in "Magic Bites" and made it better. Clearly, she's done her mythological research and synthesized it into her manuscript seamlessly. Strong fantasy and titilating romance blend with enough elements of both to keep both camps happy.

"Magic Bites" was an impressive entry into the urban fantasy genre. "Magic Bites" establishes Ilona Andrews as an author who's going to keep honing her craft until she reaches the top of the charts. I wish her every success in that endeavor and I'll be waiting for the next installment.

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels Series, Book 1)

I enjoyed this second book in the Kate Daniels series more than the first due to its better pacing. (It didn't have a slow beginning like the first one did.) It was also more character-driven, so it appealed to me more. Others have detailed the plot, so I'll just add that I liked the softening relationship between Kate and Curran, as well as her building friendships/relationships with others (Derrick, Angela, Julie, Bran). The author gave us a few more clues into Kate's backstory with this one, but I look forward to learning more of it in future books. The action was well-paced, and the resolution was good. I look forward to the next one. :)

In the beginning I remembering thinking this book is laugh out loud hilarious...

But the humor dies down as the going gets rough and the violent plot thickens.

An entertaining story to read for entertainments sake.

I had read the twilight series and was looking for other things in the same vein with a little romance thrown in and thought I would try this series. I absolutely adored the first one and I can honestly say I like this one even better than the first one. This book is not boring and there is never a dull moment, which I like because I hate reading a book, getting to a good part and then having to read through a dragging slow section. All the characters she creates are really real characters and the dialogue is just absolutely wonderful. I think this is the best dialogue I've read in a long time. Its very real sounding and that is so important to me to bring the story and characters and be able to invest in it emotionally. The romance is very slow but I like it that way because with any great story its better when the characters stay apart, it makes you want them together that much more. I hope they never get together and that way the tension is maintained. I like just a little tease of a romance and then there is something to build on for the next sequel and then the next etc. I loved this book.

I recently discovered the Kate Daniels series and am really enjoying them. The main character has a devil may care attitude and a speak before you think life mantra. She is hiding a huge secret, which if revealed would make her a target for every power hungry predator around. I love her flirtatious and dangerous relationship with the Beast KIng Curran. This installment was full of celtic lore and myths, which was a delight to read. I am looking forward to reading the third book and highly recommend this series of books.
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)

I enjoyed it a lot but it's still not a five star read for me. I listened to this on audio and found 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 . . .

I've grown to adore Ilona Andrews as the writing team that I will turn to EVERY time they have something out. Granted everyone has to start somewhere, and this is the first ever thing I had read by the dynamic duo. I loved Kate enough to know that I would follow her for at least another couple of books. Now waiting on book #8 needless to say I'm a fan.

I did not know that this was not the first in the series, thanks to the nifty not numbering that the publishing world is into now. So yes I read it a little out of order, I love that the world feels real, it is 'not' our world but just close enough to make you go ah...

Read the series, fall in love with someone, growl a lot. Laugh a lot, totally worth your time.

I was hanging on the edge of my seat every second I was reading this book. There is action on every page, and it's the kind that actually has a reason behind it and a purpose. The author is not just ushering characters from place to place with no goal. There was also much improvement to the characters in this one. My gripe with the first installment was that Kate was too tough and came off a bit harsh. Although Kate is a tough girl, she can still be hurt, and in this book that occurs fairly often. Also, Curran is very interesting, and I hope there is a relationship in the future for him and Kate. I'm glad I gave this book a try, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Magic burns was a great second book and Ilona Andrews is a wonderful find. I read a lot, many different genres and have for more years than I care to note here. This story manages to surprise and creates a world that is believable and different. It seems like there are only so many variations on a theme that can be created within fantasy and generally it is the characters providing the difference in each book. However, Ms. Andrews managed to create a world that is new and keep me reading as much for the interaction between the characters as because I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next or what the "world" would be like next. There was one place where the next step in the action caught me totally by surprise and I laughed out loud and then laughed again. Very clever. I particulary like the main characters and their development. I recommend this highly and look forward to more books by the author. One other note, generally I stay away from "thin" books because they usually aren't capable of creating good depth in the story. The content of this book seemed much bigger than the size would indicate.

Kate is back and as before is up to her neck in problems of the magical monster variety. Magic is increasingly irratic and approaching a flare. Someone keeps stealing valuable maps from the pack of shapeshifters. A local coven of witches may have been worshiping questionable deities and unleashed more then they bargained for. And in the midst of it all Kate encounters Julie, a thirteen year old who's fallen in with bad company. Desperate to care for Julie and stop magic monsters from overruning the city, Kate sets out to solve the mystery of the deity and her misguided followers.

This book was significantly better then the first in my oppinion. Before, I really struggled to understand and like Kate as a character. In this book, a lot about her is revealed to make her far more palatable. She shows a troubled past and present loneliness. She has a good heart and a solid sense of humor. Her unshakeable moral code is admirable. I liked that she began to show real connections to the people around her--Curran, Julie, Andrea, etc. And she's strong in so many ways that it's hard not to cheer for her.

I also found the plot and mythology much more intriguing in this book. Witches, celtic gods, powerful objects--all much more to my liking then the monsters of book one. And I found it interesting that here and there the authors managed to comment about things like class, hierachy, and power. For example, there is talk about poor people volunteering to have their bodies made into vampires (mindless killing puppets) in exchange for their family being paid a marginal sum.

My complaints are mainly that both the world build and character development still seem to be dragged out. The romance reader in me can sense relationship drama coming on, and I wish it would happen sooner. I understand spanning these things over several books for sales reasons, but I'm not a fan of sequel baiting. I want each book in a series to feel complete all by itself, and this one didn't quite accomplish that.

Overall, this was a very good book and I feel much more willing to continue with the series. 4 stars.

It's absolutely brilliant how realistic this urban fantasy series is. Heck, no one can deny you just love how Kate and Curran infuriate each other. I crack up often reading this series. I love the sarcasm, realism, and a unique spin on a romance!

Magic Burns, the second book in the Kate Daniels series, takes the reader deeper into the world of post magic wave
Atlanta. The relationship between Kate and Curran the beast lord intensifies and promises to be a major pet of stories to come. Secondary characters from the first become are more interesting. Derek seemed a bit like an add on character
in the first book, but has a solid role in this book. The boy named Red, who Kate gave a business card and promises to help in the first book, shows up as well which initially did not grab me.

Most of the male characters seem to be hot for Kate, and the main antagonist of this story, Bran, is no exception. I thought I was going to like Bran by the end and was not disappointed.

Magic Burns was satisfying because more details about the world Kate lives in are filled in. The characters are fun, the dialogue well written, and the plot engaging. Overall, I thought this was a good second book in a series.

Magic Burns is the 2nd installment in the Kate Daniel's series, by Ilona Andrews. This can be read as a stand alone novel, but I would suggest reading the previous book to clear up the backstory.
THE PLOT:
In a futuristic world where Magic and Technology rise and fall, shapeshifters, vampires and any other sort of magical beastie imaginable prowl the streets of Atlanta,Kate Daniels is working as a liaison for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid and the Mercenary Guild. The pay is better, but the job hasn't gotten any less demanding. But things really pile up on Kate's plate when the local shapshifting pack asks for help finding a set of stolen maps, Kate somehow finds herself with a 12 year old kid, and a mysterious bowman keeps popping up to cause trouble. Not to mention the fact that a flare is coming, and that can only mean one thing: trouble.
THE CHARACTERS:
Kate is as wonderful as ever. With her sword, hilarious thoughts, and caring/violent personality, Kate is one of the best characters in Urban Fantasy. Several new characters were introduced, and old characters made a reappearance. One of the great things about this book is how fleshed out the secondary characters are. They are real people with their own stories and the reader comes to care for them.
OVERVIEW:
Overall, this book is a beautifully written addition to the Kate Daniels series. The twisting plot was fast paced and there were few to none grammatical errors to distract from the writing. 5 stars.

I could not wait for this book. I loved the first and was happily blown away by the second! This author is a fabulous world builder. Kate is a little more relaxed in this one than the first. She is really developing well as a main character. She is sharp,has more of a sense of humor and becomes more real with every page. The reader can "see" any part of this world, it is so well written. Things are heating up with Curran, too.I cannot say that I was disappointed by any of the characters. The great thing is that this touches on so many levels. It offers adventure, romance, and mystery without being too heavy in any one area. The author even incorporates Celtic mythology without missing a beat. So, definitely buy the first novel if you have not read it and then hurry to this one. It is not to be missed.

I really enjoyed this novel! I read the first one and liked it, but I think that this one is even better than the first. I absolutely love Kate Daniels as a heroine. She's sarcastic and tough and overall a really fun and likable character. Her inner dialogue is great and she's great company as she travels through the story. There is definitely a lot of action in this story and some of it can be a bit gory at times but the pacing is great and everything moves very quickly. I did find the plot occasionally confusing and hard to keep up with but that didn't keep me from enjoying this book. I also LOVED the back and forth between Kate and Curran and I would analyze every scene together to try and determine how their relationship was going to proceed. A lot of times it's hard for me to get caught up in the chemistry between two characters but I had no trouble at all with that in this book. But yes, overall, I would definitely recommend this book to any urban fantasy lover, even if they read the first book and didn't think too highly of it, I would say give this one a chance and I promise you won't be disappointed. :)

The introduction of some new key characters - Julie, Bran and Andrea. Loads of action in this book and more romantic angst between Kate and Curran. Love the story line - I'm all in! Again, a twisted and complex plot and Kate never fails to amaze you with her mad magic and fighting skills.

What a fantastic second book ... Ilona Andrews really outdid herself.
The first book was catchy and pulled me in with her hints of Kate's history and the new relationships she formed with the Pack, making me anxious for the follow-up.
This book did not disappoint. Kate's very witty dialogue is even better, and had me laughing out loud in a dozen places. Kate's character is developed further and we learn a little more about her abilities, what she cares about and who she reallyis.
The story even comes with a possible love interest that is present but doesn't (thank goodness) dominate the storyline, but is allowed to develop naturally as well.

It will be a long wait until the next book, but well worth it. Thanks Ilona!

Maybe in some future book Kate'll get some warm fuzzies; but alas, the author just cleaves people out of Kate's life. The plot didn't cling together all that well and it read like it was too well contrived. I suppose I could always just regard this as an action series and not a sci fi mage series. I hope the next book reads as well as the first.

Ilona Andrews comes up with another gem of nonstop action, with witty banter and kick butt moves. Kate Daniels is now one of my top 5 favorite characters ever. There is such a balance between action and sincerity, horror and romance, that I couldn't put this book down. I now buy these books automatically without even reading the synopsis. Very entertaining!

3.5 stars

Someone stole maps from the pack and Kate promised as a favour to retrieve them. Some mysterious guy just keeps getting into her way and tries to stop her. Kate meets young girl and helps Julie to find her missing mother. And sparks continue to fly between Kate and Curran.

I really like Kate and she's a great heroine. She can seriously kick ass and she stands up to Curran, the Best Lord of Shapeshifters. They annoy the crap out of each other but you can see there's something between them. I love that it's not love/lust at first sight-kind of thing between them.

I can see myself becoming total Curran fangirl but I can't help myself! I wish there was more Curran and I love the interaction between him and Kate.

"Not only will you sleep with me, but you will say `please.'"
I stared at him, shocked.
The smile widened. "You will say `please' before and `thank you' after."

pg. 184

More Curran for me, please!

I was happy to see Derek again. It will be interesting to see how far he will climb because he showed power growing.

And I hope we learn more about Kate and her powers. Things are hinted but never explained and I hope we get some answers at some point.

I liked the book and can't wait to see what way the books will go. I've heard the books get only better so can't wait!

This 2nd book in the Kate Daniels series was a great follow up. It was an easy read. The action was fast paced and exciting. The development of the characters were nice and kept you wondering what would be next. I cannot wait to see what Kate's character will reveal of itself as the series goes on. I don't want to get into too much detail because that would ruin the book for whoever reads this review but suffice to say some questions about Kate are answered but at the same time more questions arise.

On a side note I cannot believe that we have to wait until 2009 to find out what happens between Kate and Curran. Seeing as how he gave her soup, welcomed her home and made her coffee to boot~!!! Ms. Andrews can you not hurry it up a bit~!! I don't have the patience to wait until 2009~!! Perhaps January of 2009??? Oh pretty pretty please~!!

All in all this new series has been a pleasant discovery that has helped me get over the Anita withdrawal. I would definitely recommend this series to any former Anita fan~!

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'm enjoying this series but I'm impatient to see where things go between Kate and Curran. So far both books I've completed in this series have been the audio version and the narrator is pretty good. Going to start book 3 now.

Kate's back again, fully employed and an honorary friend of the Pack. This time, a girl is placed in her protection to help find her mother in a coven of witches that has disappeared. Kate's in over her head with a Beast Lord whose attention may or may not be personal, and a new, efficient thief hell bent on getting his way with her. Throw in a war between otherworldlies and you've got yourself a Kate good time! I can't wait to read each book in this fascinating, hilarious series of magic and mayhem.

A flare is coming... A time when the magic will take over for a space of days instead of hours. For Kate Daniels a flare is a thrill and a terror as it extends her abilities but also those of the populace around her. But when a witch coven goes missing, a homeless girl ends up Kate's temporary ward, gods walk the earth and the Beast Lord feeds her chicken soup it's a bit much even for a kick butt mercenary like Kate to handle.

Magic Burns is the second of the Kate Daniels books and picks up where the first left off with Kate serving as a liaison between the Merc Guild and the local Order and doing her best to cover two mortgages and keep herself fed. In Kate's world technology and magic hang in a balance that shifts pretty much on a whim, but every seven years there is a flare when the magic is high and stays that way. Strange things tend to happen during flares and this one is no different as a Celtic god tries to cross over into this world and Kate allies with the the necromancers and the Beast Lord, with whom she already has a strange relationship, part friend, part romantic interest and part chew toy. In this book we also start learning more about Kate's past and just what makes her so potent. It's enough information to both satisfy and start the search for more answers.

The Magic books are well written, though I feel like Burns is stronger the writing team of Andrews having learned from the first book and tightened up the few stylistic issues that I had. I'm thrilled over the result and look forward to the third book due out sometime next year...I hate waiting!

~J

In Magic Burns the journey of Kate Daniels continues, fighting/allying with were-critters, magical archers and unfortunate visits from her semi-ex.

The general prose of Burns is pretty good, an improvement on Bites, however the overall plot is a little dull, less memorable than ideal.

Much better and faster paced than the first book. I enjoyed reading and couldn't put it down. I'm loving Kate. I'm loving Derek. And Curran is getting better and better. I'm loving the few instances where we see his humor with Kate. Hope to see more of their banter.

Read from June 04 to 06, 2013

It seems that authors are taking longer and longer to publish the next book in their (SIGH!!) series, so I have been waiting for what seems like forever for this book, and it does not disappoint! Kate Daniels is interesting and funny-and I enjoyed every second of the book. I liked the new characters-especially Julie and the oracles, and am curious about how they will fit into future books. I loved the way the romance angle was woven INTO the story, not the other way around, but still am excited to see how Curran and Kate's courtship plays out. All in all, it is an exciting new series, and I can not wait for the next installment.

_Magic Burns_ is the second book in the Kate Daniels series, written by Ilona Andrews.

Kate is a trained warrior whose current job is liaison between the Order and the Mercenary Guild. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the few cities to survive the resurgence of magic in the early 2000s. The story takes place a few decades after magic reappeared. Kate is in her mid-20s when the story takes place.

(It would take too long to explain the world Kate lives in, so all I can say is please read the book. Ms. Andrews has created a really unique world and I loved reading the different ways that magic and tech mixed and interacted.)

Kate starts out the book hunting a pyromaniac, but as she keeps stumbling across some odd events that can't be overlooked -- both because of her own moral code and because the problems are things the Order would want information on anyway -- she becomes further entwined in a big nasty mess caused by some incompetent witches (and others).

Which brings up one of the things I like about Andrews' writing -- while Kate is a bit of a mouthy adolescent superhero herself, most of the other characters have real emotions, real ambitions, real anxieties, and make real mistakes. They are believable.

There is a love interest, but it's more anxiety and avoidance at this stage than anything real. Kate has a REALLY *BIG* secret in her past, which makes her very wary of trusting or becoming intimate with anyone.

In the end, things mostly work out, and there are hints that Kate is getting tired of hiding all the time. I am looking forward to future books in the series, as I think that will lead to some interesting events.

All in all, it was a very light and enjoyable read. I give it four stars.

********************************************

I also have to say I am VERY happy to see Ms. Andrews has changed some things from the first Kate Daniels book. _Magic Bites_ was a very interesting but deeply flawed series opening. I was torn after reading it because I wanted to see where Ms. Andrews took the series and characters, but at the same time I didn't want to wade through that much needless pain (from the overly-described villainous acts of the very sadistic bad guys) and needless stupidity (from Kate's uncontrolled mouth) in future books. Thankfully, Ms. Andrews has kept all the things I liked about the series (the setting, the secondary characters, Kate in her better moments, the mystery of Kate's past) and gotten rid of most of what I didn't like. I eagerly look forward to book 3.

I'm a Sookie Stackhouse and Rachel Morgan fan who is always looking for other series. I read book one in this series and gave it a 4. I bought book 2, just to kill time and was totally drawn in by it. I am now putting book 3 on my wishlist. I am not a "magic" fan, but enjoyed the interplay between Kate with her magic, and the knight in shining armor who is the alpha of the shapeshifter pack.

I really enjoyed Magic Bites! Magic Burns was good but a couple parts bored me or I thought were kind of cheesy. I'm going to carry on with the series cuz I do want to know what happens with Kate and Curran but I hope the next book is up to par with Book 1.

4.5 stars. Brilliant. Adore Kate Daniels even more in this installment. If not for some of the descriptions that I found myself skimming over, I'd have given it five stars. Kate's voice is perfect. Curran is fierce in all of his Beast Lord glory. The additions of Andrea, Julie and Bran made for interesting side characters. Can't wait to get to the next book.

I LOVE THESE BOOKS! Wow. That was a wild ride. An amazing story. Heart wrenching action. A must read for anyone who likes urban fantasy, magic, and just great fun. Deep story with a lot of intrigue, surprises and mystery. Loved, loved, loved!

This is the second in the Kate Daniels series and I ejoyed it even more than the first. The world-building is coming along nicely. The rise and fall of tech and magic is a unique idea and the author does well with it. She fills the book with interesting creatures and plenty of action. I really like Kate and am interested to learn more about her as this series moves ahead. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Be warned: Magic Burns is a dark story with graphic monsters and battle scenes mixed in with the humor and shapeshifters. In this second book, the banter is even better and the characters and the setting given additional details. Again, this isn't erotica or a romance, but a urban fantasy book with a few wonderful alpha-male characters to drool over while you cheer for Kate. Highly recommended!

This second book of the series moves with the same fast pace into great adventure. The relationship between Kate and Curran is growing slowly. I am glad that a great deal of sex is not pushed into the equation (like many of the paranormal stories we have seen today). Yet it shows some sweetness (of course, not from Kate's point of view).

Actually the character that I've found interesting in this book is Saiman (who will have bigger part in the third book).

Overall it is a 5-star.

I like this series. You do need to read the books in order to see the character development.These are keepers. I will read this book and the others in this series again. Living in the South and have driven through Atlanta, GA many times, adds to my interest as that is the locale for the series.

The vampires are not sexy in this series premise. The were animals on the other hand...

Just started this series and am hooked. Ilona Andrews brings the characters to life with just the right amount of drama, suspense, humor and action. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

This book continues the series of the heroine Kate Daniels. She's not your typical 'holier-than-thou' righteous heroine who just wants to save the world. She's working on cases partly because she needs the money too. She trained as a powerful fighter and magic user, but she doesn't show her magic for fear of attracting her (even more powerful) enemies. She has a mysterious past and a supremely powerful enemy who is not aware of her existence. And she has a loud mouth and says the darndest things that sometimes make me laugh out loud.

Kate Daniels is powerful, but she doesn't get crazy power buffs without reason, unlike the crap that is Anita Blake. AND she doesn't screw everything that comes along her way unlike Anita Blake.

Besides a interesting heroine, the story is built upon a world that is not unlike our own, except having magic and supernaturals. The other characters are also interesting and further expanded in this book and the next. The plots are interesting and keeps me riveted to the book from start to end.

Very well written series (up to book 3 that I've read), and right up there with Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

I’ve seen this series mentioned before but can’t believe it has taken me this long to read it. I judged a book by its cover almost missed this jem.
I enjoyed the plot and I’m liking Curran a little more. I do like that they aren’t rushing into things too.

Like the first book, this one is well paced with great characters. Again, the romance between Kate and Curran is a little too slow for my taste, but it does keep me coming back for more. I powered through this book in a day! I love the intensity and the little sparks of levity.

I'm pretty picky about my fantasty fiction choices since I read so much of it; and I've had to suffer through a lot of badly written books. Books with stupid dialog, formulaic plotlines and characters, and just plain silly worldscapes. SO, I have to say that Ilona can't write her next novel fast enough for me. Her incredibly witty, well-paced, and inventive stories are fantastic!!! They easily rank up in my top 3 list, which includes Kim Harrison, and some other writer I've yet to discover. Hurry up and write, like 4 or 5 more of these, Ilona, or I'll be forced to just re-read the two scrumptious bits of entertainment you've already given us.

I finished this book last week, and man was it good. The world Ilona Andrews has created is fantastic and uttery original. A post shift apocolypse where magic and technology share the world in waves. Action, adventure, werewolves, nasty vamipires mentally ridden by necromancers, and a main character with slowly released secrets.

I loved it!

And Kate Daniels is great company.

Kate Daniels you are one kickass leading lady and Curran, the alpha you love to hate. Really enjoying this series, there are so many new "supes" that it is hard to keep up but that is what makes this series one of my favourite paranormals.

The story and characters were definitely more interesting this time around. The wit was more funny and the pacing was better. The author finally gave us more insight into the overarching story, which made for a much more interesting book.

This is the sequel to "Magic Bites" where we once again are following the adventures of Kate Daniels, a mercenary who cleans up after magic has gone wrong. This time there is a little girl who is mixed up in a power struggle between two gods. This time the same cast of characters that we meet in the previous book return to harass, seduce, and confuse Kate until she doesn't know which way to turn.

This book is heavily steeped in Celtic lore and mythology. We have one Celtic god who wants human form and will do anything he must to achieve that purpose. And we have another god, who has sent a servant to prevent this from happening. Throw in Curran, the Beast Lord, who is showing signs of stranger behavior around Kate, and Ghastek is back as the Master of the Dead controlling his vampires to learn about the new bad in town.

For those who didn't guess about the magic of Kate's blood, that little tidbit is answered in the second book. I'm am interested to know where the author plans to take this series. She left enough unsaid to interest me in looking forward to the next book which has a tentative title of "Midnight Games" and should be released sometime in 2009.

BTW, if you're wondering how did I get a copy of this book when it doesn't release until April 1, 2008. I can't tell you all my secrets, now can I? If you enjoyed the first book, you will not be disappointed with the sequel. This is a must for those who love urban fantasy.

Happy Reading

When I read the first book, I decided to try the second since the first really got my attention. The second is even better than the first. Has a lot of elements I like in books.

Action. It jumps right in. Gotta love that.

Comedy. Not all over the place, but enough for a chuckle every now and them.

"kick-butt" attitude.
Character development.

My only complaint was that the book was too short.

I have fallen in love with this reluctant heroine! I was not sure if the second book would match the furious pace of the first one and it sure did. Great characters that keep developing, keeps you on the edge with it's twists and turns... Can't wait to read the next one!

Although I feel this is no tthe strongest book in the series, it is still a 5 star for me. Andrews' writing is the best. Andrews continues to world build with ease and although Kate is tough, she has enough psychological issues to not be invincible (or unlikable). The mounting tension between Kate and Curran is satisfying as their relationship continues to become more complex, but the main plot of the story brings in mythologies that are obscure enough to be interesting.

I enjoyed Magic Burns even more the the first book, Magic Bites. The authors continue to build a intriguing new alternate world in modern Atlanta.

The mythology and fantasy characters introduced keep your interest as well as Kate and the other characters that show up in this book as well as in book one. Kate's relationship with Pack leader Curran continues to develop and change, and I enjoy the possible romance developing between them.

I anxiously await book three, hopefully coming out in 2009. I highly recommend this series to fans of Urban Fantasy.
5 stars.

In Magic Burns, the sequel to Andrews' Magic Bites, the magic in Kate Daniels' world is going crazy. More specifically, it is leading up to a flare, a period of time where the magic overtakes tech and holds steady and strong. During a flare all kinds of things can happen - including the manifestation of deities into the mortal world, bringing all their squabbles and wars with them.

I'm really liking this series, and cannot wait for the next installment! There are still a few issues in this book which I mentioned in my review of the previous book: namely, twists of storytelling which go too fast for me to follow (I could have used a turning signal, or at least a few more paragraphs) and a few editing and proofreading errors. Nonetheless, this is definitely an entertaining world which Ilona Andrews has crafted, and I enjoy reading Kate's viewpoint of her world.

I am glad that more of Kate's background is coming to light in this book. I have my guesses as to some of her secrets, and am sure that in the next book (or two or three) they will be confirmed. I am also loving the subtle, slowly growing romance between Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord.

I definitely recommend Magic Bites and Magic Burns to lovers of urban fantasy - especially dark urban fantasy, as this series is certainly not light, happy-go-lucky fare. It is real and gritty, with death and blood as much a part of Kate's world as (if not more than) love and happy endings.

hi everybody! i just thought i'd post this review to let everyone know just how amazing ilona's second book is. i ran out to get it the day it came out and finished it that night. i couldnt have put it down had my house caught fire and a very angry pack alpha been demanding my return to bed... (wistful sigh.... but yes, this story was imaginative, fresh and funny, not to mention i shed a tear or two for a reluctant hero and his end. so sad, i loved him and his misting tendencies.
anyway, i hope you all will buy this book because it was amazing.
peace out

Magic has returned to the world, but it comes in waves. When it flares, it is out of control; when it flows it works. The world obviously has changed since the return with cities devastated as the magic hates tech and skyscrapers and either destroys them or changes them into something else.

In Atlanta Kate Daniels works for the Order and the Mercenary's Guild who helps people in need. She takes down a killer in an underground garage but an unknown person does the actual kill using a special dart. A member of the shapeshifting Pack asks her to find maps stolen from them. The thief used the same dart that killed the man in the garage.. Kate returns to the scene where she got the dart. There she follows a clue to a child Julie, who is looking for her mom, a witch belonging to a nearby coven. Each vanished without a trace. Kate takes Julie home with her, but that proves no haven as sea demons attack. She next brings the child to the Order. She finally meets the dart thrower Bran who informs her that she, the witches and the shifters are caught in the middle of a war between two gods.

This urban fantasy is a spellbinding compelling read. On this alternate earth, vampires, shifters and other paranormals co-exist with humans; often not in harmony. Kate has a secret agenda and apparently has powers and a secret that are hinted at throughout the exciting story line. She makes the tale work as this alternate Atlanta seems genuine as a fascinating culture built around magic feels plausible. However it is Kate who will bring fans back for future tales.

Harriet Klausner

The Kate Daniels novels are always special. If you haven't read them and you like fantasy and magic, I heartily recommend them.

I won't ramble on about plots or character, I will only say they are always excellent. Again, I recommend them.

Great book. Moved much much faster than the first and you really get to start to know the characters. The relationships being built are intricate and interesting. I was in a hurry to start the next book when I finished. And I did right away.

I was very pleased with this second book in the Kate Daniels series. There has been positive character growth and the action was very fast paced and believable. I think the series can only get better. I love the dichotomy of tech Atlanta vs. magic Atlanta.

Everyone else already told you how great this book is, (and they've done a much better job than I could ever do.) The characters in Magic Burns are developed so well. They have grown in book 2 and continue to become unveiled to you like a present that is being slowly unwrapped. This book is worth reading just to get to the last two paragraphs! I was so surprised, it made me laugh out loud and I thought it was a wonderful way to end a book! I am so looking forward to book 3.

I loved, loved this book. Ilona is a brilliant talent as is her spouse/and literary cohort. Well written and not a boring moment to bypass. The characters are very well developed, the gallows humor refreshing and the plots are well developed and cohesive..... And I am just starting this series. Can' wait to see what comes next. If you haven't discovered Ilona Andrews well, hie yourself to The the store store and get going!!!!! You will not be disappointed.......

Great book. Worth the read. I like the characters and how the develop over time. The mainstream view on vampires isn't taken; which i like becuase she developes her own wolrd. Still the perfect amount of humor and not too much romance.

I enjoyed this more than the first, mostly because Kate is such an amazing character and she really shone in this. She's strong and capable and doesn't take crap, and I'm very curious about her mysterious heritage. I thought some of the other characters were better developed in this, as well. Onto the next!

Excellent book. Kate is strong and hilarious. Curran is yummy. All of the witty, snarky comments make this book stand out in the throng of urban fantasy novels out there. I love love love this series, and it only continues to get better (book 3 is my fave, but both books 4 and 5 are fantastic).

Buy this book. Read this book. Your emotional well-being will profit.

In this book the readers get to meet a new character thats kind of like a daughter/sister for Kate. I really liked this book and Bran was such a great edition. As always enjoyed the humor, loved seeing Aunt Bee and Andrea is someone I'm glad was created since Kate has a friend she can talk to when she needs it.

Author never disappoints, books getting better and better. You have to love and admire Kate, no words enough if talking about Curran, other main and minor characters. Read all books, actually this is probably my fifth time around and cannot wait for next. Keep them coming!!!

I stayed up and finished this one instead of last minute studying for finals (I do not recommend)! I'm in love with the world Ilona has created, and don't find Kate annoying in the way that I find most female protagonists are.

Can't wait for book 3 to come out!

I bought this book at a used book store last night finished it in a few hours it was great where is book number three. This time I want some romance between Curran and Kate. Loved the kickass fighting. Hopefully book number three would be just as good

I can see why people would like this book, but I just did not like it. Kate is supposed to be a strong female figure I think, but it's the exact opposite. She can't do anything without help, and that irritated me too much to enjoy the book. I wish more female protagonists were strong on their own instead of screw ups with men to set it right. The writing was great and the story was awesome otherwise. It was just too much for me to enjoy.

This book/series is essentially a fantasy book with urban window dressing, and not an urban fantasy. This is important because it creates the expectation of fantasy trimmings, which do differ from urban/contemporary fantasy works.

In an UF we will generally see how the fantastic side of things fits into the life of the character. In UF we also see some of the urban _life_.

This book barely gives lip service to its urban environment, and tells us nothing about the hows and whys.

That's not the biggest problem.

Kate Daniels is really just a tease of a character. She walks around with an enchanted sword. She's dressed in leather armor quite often. She's also an uber-powerful magic slinger. We never see her practice with the sword. We never see her practice magic. When she does cast a spell its always a world beater. Her sword fights all sound like Anakin carving down the initiates in Episode Three, and the climax of the book is about as satisfying as the one in the Fantastic Four movie.

In short, the book was an excuse for the main character to pretend she wasn't lusting after someone she publicly claims annoys her greatly. How fourth grade.