A ruined Atlanta is now home to groups of magical creatures that definitely are darker and more grotesque than your average set of vampires, shapechangers and a whole host of other creepy crawlies that are supremely deadly. Enter mercenary Kate Daniels who packs an arsenal of sharp swords and possess magical powers that she isn’t telling anybody about (including you dear reader)and who has a habit of saying the wrong thing at the worst possible time. Kate is investigating the death of her guardian and must follow a set of clues that could ultimately cost her everything.Kate and her interactions with magical creatures reminded me a lot of the Mercedes Thompson series – the whole lone wolf, wise chick routine – except Kate’s world seems to have rougher edges and a lot shadier characters. Not to mention it lacks the superb writing that is Patricia Briggs, but I digress. I loved the descriptions of Atlanta (my old stompin’ grounds) brought low by magic, especially when Kate ventures to the Fox – how I miss the Fox! I did like this one and I’m interested to see how well it continues throughout the series. ( )

The premise: plucked from the authors' website: Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic . . .

One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy . . .

My Rating

Give It Away: close to worth the cash, but I've been told the second book is better, so maybe I was predisposed to read with caution. And don't worry, I'm reading the second book whenever I get my hands on it. Despite some of the odd plot problems and some confusion on my part regarding the world-building (and a heroine who needs lessons from Miss Manners), I was entertained by the story, which moved at such a fast pace that I pretty much finished the book in 24 hours. One note of warning to potential readers is that this urban fantasy is more dark fantasy than not, and if you're more in the paranormal romance camp, you'll probably want to stay away from this one, because it is NOT paranormal romance, and has more horror than you may care for. It didn't bother me, but after reading some reviews on Amazon, I learned it bothered others. The world-building is pretty solid and original, and I hope later books get into it more. There's a lot of promise here, so I'll be happy to read the second.

Review style: As far as plot goes, it's a rather simple story and for that matter, a short book. Spoilers are inevitable for this one, so if those bother you, then there's no need to click the link to my LJ below. But if you've already read it and/or spoilers don't bother you, then swing on by! As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Ilona Andrews's MAGIC BITES

Happy Reading! :) ( )

This book is an interesting futuristic urban fantasy. However there are quite a few loose ends and things left unexplained, so hopefully the next book in the series will help fill in the blanks. ( )

Kate Daniels is a mercenary in the magically fluctuating city of Atlanta. When she learns her guardian and closest thing to a family has been murdered while performing an investigation Kate takes it upon herself to find out why and exact a bit of revenge. Her path leads her to both vampire puppeteers and the shape shifter king, Curran, and into the ongoing conflict between them.

This story, for all that it really isn't that long, took a long time to get started. With urban fantasy I understand the need to lay history and introduce characters but it really dragged for me. The idea of a world in which the magic comes and goes unexpectedly and people have learned to live with it by having two sets of everything from lights to cars, is interesting. It is just in this case the interesting bits along with all the character introductions at the same time were too much and too dragged out. The characters were enjoyable and I liked them, particularly Curran and Derek. The lead seems to be the stereotypical urban fantasy heroine, a tough girl who is critical of her own looks (despite the fact all the guys want her), goes around fighting and is abrasive to everyone around her. Kate's saving grace (IMHO) is that she does make mistakes and is able to drum up a bit of humility as a result. Once we got about two-thirds of the way through the story did get much better and I actually enjoyed the last couple chapters enough to toss around the idea of picking up the sequel.

Generally this was a fairly midline urban fantasy with some interesting plot points and well thought out characters that got much more interesting as it went along. If I hadn't read so many of these before, I'd probably have liked it a bit better. ( )

This one got off to a slow start and I did keep putting it back down for a while, but after a few stops and starts I finally settled into the book. One criticism is the oblique references to Kate's own blood and no explanations of why it's so important, although you will get some suspicions nearer to the end of the novel. The blood issue is something, I'm guessing, the autor is building up to in the next book (or three).
Overall not a bad opening book, if you can stick with it beyond the first couple of chapters. Once it gets going, it's a good read. ( )

Cool new series featuring a mercenary in a futuristic Atlanta overrun by magic. ( )

Enjoyable read, reminded me of the first several books in the Anita blake series, but a bit more in depth.

This reminds me of the Jim Butcher books, but with a female hero. It sometimes tries too hard for the noir turn of phrase, and the world it paints is grimmer, somehow. But once one gets into it, just as interesting.

Our heroine is Kate Daniels, who tells the story in first person. She is a fighter comparable to Anita Blake, with something mysterious in her heritage. We are introduced early to the vampires and shape shifters / lycanthropes who dominate the action. She is attracted to a human plastic surgeon who, and at odds with the King of Beasts, Curran. And all this in the midst of a series of grisly murders of lycanthropes and vampires. Each group thinks the other is at fault, so a war is brewing, unless she can find the real killer. The action takes place in a ruined Atlanta, Georgia, and environs.

It starts off with action, and keeps up a breakneck pace. But I found that I had to read awhile before I cared if the main character lived or died. ( )

Imagine that when there is a blackout, when no electricity is working, it’s caused by a rise in magic. That’s the world Kate Daniels lives in, a mercenary who cleans up the problems magic leaves behind when it recedes and technology returns. When her guardian is murdered, she is determined to get justice for his death, and finds herself caught in the middle between the Pack, the shapeshifters, and The Masters of the Dead, those who control the vampires. Both factions blame the other for a series of mysterious deaths that have happened on both sides, and Kate’s guardian’s death is somehow involved. Both want the killer found, and want Kate to do the finding.

This was a really good book! I loved the mythology for the vampires and the weres; so different to anything else I’ve read, and very original! And I loved the story! It’s very much a fantasy mystery, and you’re kept guessing all the way through. I have to admit, I normally pride myself in working out what’s going to happen in a book – not that the books are predictable, it’s just something I’m normally able to do – but even I got it wrong with this book! So totally surprised, but it does make sense at the end.

I loved the characters, especially Curran, Beast King of the Pack. He was just so cool, and not as nearly as annoying as Kate makes him out to be, in my opinion. Actually, most of the awesome characters were pack members; Mahon, DooLittle and Derek. Kate was cool, though a little too quick to dislike everyone. And Saiman! Oh, I love him! I’m not exactly sure what he is, but he can change what he looks like completely, but he is cool as a person too.

The story is resolved by the end of the book, but there are other questions that aren’t answered that will flow easily into the next book, with the set up of the next storyline. Over all, this book is pretty awesome, and I can’t wait for the next one. A definite must read for fantasy fans! ( )

Kate Daniels is a powerful magic-user in a world where magic has returned, intermittently. Sometimes the tech rises, so internal combusion and electricity etc. works, and sometimes waves of magic hit, so it’s magelights and enchanted water engines. Magical creatures exist all the time, but are stronger during magic waves. Kate has only ever seen airplanes in pictures; I loved the detail that cellphones sometimes work during magic because, since most people don’t understand how they work anyway, they’re fueled by belief rather than tech. Kate has a deadly secret—the source of the power in her blood—and a freelance job solving magical problems for people. In the first book, she investigates the murder of her mentor, and ends up caught between the People (necromancers) and the shapeshifters, who are the major competing power blocs in her area of what used to be the US. In subsequent books, her troubles continue.

Basically, if you liked Guilty Pleasures--even if the thought of Anita now makes you want to hurl—I recommend these books. Kickass heroine with difficult superpowers, matched with plausibly hard-to-beat foes; palace intrigue; frustrating and hot guys. So you get stuff like this: “To get clear of two hundred enraged shapechangers I’d need a case of grenades and air support. There was no reason to weigh myself down with extra weapons. Then again, maybe I should take a knife. One knife, as a backup. Okay, two.” Andrews occasionally trips a warning alarm on my gender politics sensors in terms of overbearing guys who think that’s what sexy is, but it’s been okay so far. As she’s set it up, rogue shapeshifters—loups—are really into rape with their cannibalism, so sexual violence comes up regularly, though without explicit depiction. ( )

I loved the story - great characters - Kate is the perfect heroine. Her attitude makes the story. I wish I knew what happens with Crest... ( )

This is the best urban fantasy since Patricia Briggs. Seriously.

Great world building, a tough yet likable protagonist with an as yet
not fully understood magical heritage, and the potential for an equally
strong romantic counterpart in the Beast Lord.

All of those elements are presented in a tightly written narrative with
smart dialogue; I couldn't ask for more.

Sexual Content:
Some romantic tension, but no sex. Some non descriptive references
regarding the villain's behavior. ( )

Lots to like about this, but I’m not blown away. Reminds me a lot of Devon Monk, but with a bit of Wen Spencer thrown in. Hopefully, as I get to know Kate better in the next book, my connection with the series will be deeper. ( )

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book as I started reading it. I was really confused at first about the world Andrews had created. I also was confused by the many, many different charaters being introduced left and right. I admit that usually is the case when starting a new book, but the descriptions didn't make things any clearer. I actually started a list of the names of each charcter and who they were...the list eventually fell to the wayside as I became drawn into the story Andrews created. This story is set in a world where Magic works alternately with technology. If the lights go out, its time for some fairie lanterns and vice versa. The story is definitely set in the future, but a few times I adjusted mentally how far in the future it was. I really liked Kate Daniels and I didn't think she was overly obnoxious at all, she isn't supposed to be soft and fluffy. She is an urban fantasy tough girl. This world and character actually brought me fleeting memories of Anita Blake in the very early books. I also need to comment on those who complain of the lack of romance as nowhere on the copy I have, does the book even begin to hint at being a romance or even paranormal romance novel. When someone close to Kate is murdered, she gets unofficial approval to chase after the murderer. Along the way we meet the secondary characters that will surely reappear time and again in the series. I really, really liked Curran, the were lord. I think the tension beteween he and Kate was better than any sex scene. I thought the mystery was good and I didn't mind the grisly scenes. I didn't think they were unnecessarily over the top at all. I found myself very much liking the series by the time I closed the book and was eager to read the next one. I think time will tell if this will be one of the better urban fantasy sereis out there, but I wouldn't be suprised to see it as a stand out. ( )

The thing I liked about this book was the way that magic and technology doesn't quite work together in the modern world. The main character, Kate, is easy to believe, with the feelings and emotions that you would expect but also a strength and a fight to the death attitude. The book also has a lot of humor in it, which keeps it a light and fun read. The necromancer and vampire relationships is a new twist to the vampire lore and I really like that. Alot of really interesting characters, an interesting journey though the world of magic and mystical beings, while trying to solve the mystery together with Kate. I enjoyed this book alot. ( )

This is one of those few books that I was actually cheering for the bad guy because the main character was not likable at all. Reading this book took longer than expected because the author's writing is so wretched that in order to understand what she was trying to say I had to reread sentences. Definitely not reading any other books by her. ( )

In the city of Atlanta, magic comes in waves and it is Kate's job to clean up after it. Kate is a mercenary who is caught up in the middle of a mysterious killing that could start a war between the people (vampires) and the shapeshifters. And it all somehow ties into the killing of Kate's guardian. She is on a search to find out who the killer is along with keeping herself safe. This book is the begininning of this series and was an okay read for me. But that sounds like I didn't like it....I did like it. I just thought that it could have been better if it had been fleshed out a bit more. The author did an awesome job of a creating a new and detailed world that I enjoyed spending time. The characters fell a bit flat for me and I wished that she would have gone into more detail in other areas so that we could have gotten to know the main character a little bit better. It was interesting and kept my attention which means I have found another series to keep reading. I'm just hoping that in further books we get to know Kate and her world a bit more. I really liked Curran, the leader of the shapeshifters, so I hope that we get to see him again. Good book overall! ( )

This novel was recommended under the heading "stories with strong female characters" and it most definitely did not disappoint. Kate is quick with a one-liner, but has the strength to hold her own if her mouth gets her in trouble. She's strong, smart, and strangely resistant to the inexplicable swooning that seems to come along in novels involving vampires. As she unravels the mystery of the story, we meet quite an array of interesting folk and view her surreal world: a destroyed version of Atlanta where sometimes technology is stronger, sometimes magic is stronger, and the inhabitants have learnt to adapt to both.

Very compelling, although I admit some of the more gruesome descriptions pushed my tolerances. I look forwards to reading more of this series.

And as a side note: with Twilight-mania happening, I admit I took a distinct pleasure in this world where the vampires, rather than being romantic figures, are mindless, creepy undead. ( )

http://totally2aymless.blogspot.com/2... ( )

Wow! I was so impressed with this book, yes it's thin, yes it takes a little while to pull you in, but once you have got hooked you will love it. I was at home with the flu and read this and Magic Burns in 3 days.

Kind of like the early Anitaverse, supernatural mystery and Kate is so likeable and the story just fits her so well.

Well worth a read! ( )

I initially picked up this book because it was blurbed by Patricia Briggs, one of my favourite authors. As it turns out, Ms. Andrews' books are at least as awesome as Ms. Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, if not slightly moreso. The main character of the series, Kate Daniels, is sassy, determined and powerful, with a huge chip on her shoulder, making her my favourite kind of protagonist.

In Magic Bites, Kate's guardian has been murdered and she works to figure out who was behind it. This puts her between two big powers in town - the Pack (shapechangers) and the People (necromancers who control vampires). As she investigates her guardian's murder, we're teased with a separate mystery - who Kate's father is.

The characterization in this book is really strong. Kate is very real, as are the main supporting cast, especially Curran, who's the leader of the Pack (haha) and the potential love interest in the series. In this book, their relationship is primarily antagonistic but you see shades of what might be throughout.

This is a book I like to re-read. Even knowing what's going to happen, I still really enjoy the story. Ms. Andrews writes in a way I find really accessible and compelling and I just love the world she's created. The idea that magic comes and goes in waves is novel and the author uses this really well. All in all, Magic Bites is just a fabulous story and I always look forward for Ms. Andrews' next release.

Originally posted at http://ireadgood.wordpress.com ( )

Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels, Book 1; Urban Fantasy; DNF
I'd heard good things about this book, and better ones about its sequel, but I'm one of those people who has to read a series in order, so I started with this one. I got about a third of the way through and admitted to myself that I simply didn't care about the world or the characters so I might as well stop wasting my time. A disappointment as it sounded like it had a lot of good ideas and I would have liked to like it.

Okay, when I first got this book, I was like, why is it so thin!? But then, the font is actually on the smaller side so it's not really a rip off. I really really liked this one and am surprised that it didn't get a higher average rating. The heroine is mouthy and tough. The action is good. The setting is extremely clever (would be interesting if something like that really came to pass one day). Plus, I totally want to see if anything develops between her and Curran . . . :D Focus is not on romance or a perfect hero or heroine though. People get hurt and do die in this book.

On a side note, Andrews posts short stories and excerpts of her writing on her website. The swine and roses story was well written, but read like a short story writing class piece . . . targeted towards teenaged girls. After reading the short, I'm a little worried about where this series will/can go . . . although I already have Book 2 of this series in my grubby hands. ( )

Okay when I added this book, I seemed to be the only one (must have been a glich in the system that day) so I wanted to be able to invite more people to read and add to their libraries if I found it good. And I did. Actually I thought it was great. Yes, some of the themes are similar to other books I could name (but won't). But there seems to be a fresh approach to magic juxtaposed with technology that I don't think a lot of people are seeing. Or maybe I just love routing for the new authors. But still I loved reading this book from start to finish and wish my library had the new one right now!! (on a Sunday, no less) So this is where I plug if you like so and so author, read Ilona Andrews. Though actually the most interesting part is that Ilona writes with her husband Gordon (I don't know that he gets much props in the book other than the acknowledgements). And I only know this because the book didn't have an author biography. So I was intriguied; could it be a ghost writer, I mean what books don't have the author biography. And I was all set to learn that Ilona Andrews didn't exist (at least not in cyberspace where it seems to count) and then I get hit with this is a team effort. Very cool and I commend both authors for a job well done. ( )

This is a fast paced, constant action book. The characters are memorable and you just can't put the book down. I read this in two days. ( )