Review: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2) by Ilona Andrews

Publisher: April 2008 Penguin
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased

*Please note that it is very hard to review books past the first one in the series without having any spoilers at all. I will try to keep it as spoiler free as I can, but if you haven't read the first book in this series, you may just want to read that review instead of continuing with this one.

Goodreads Summary
Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…

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

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

"Why, no, I won't drink your mysterious love potion"

This book throws together all the elements that make for an excellent urban fantasy read.

The Good

All the characters that I fell in love with in the first book are back in full force. Kate is a wonderful main character. Exceptionally strong, caring for the weak, and fantastically flawed. The mixture of aggravation and chemistry with Curran makes for a great interaction between Kate and him. Curran is loyal, strong, and incredibly attractive. Derek is probably one of my favorite teenage shifters of all time. Something about him really draws me in. He’s strong, funny, and a good backboard for learning more about the shifters in general.

There were a lot of new characters introduced as well as a ton of new magical creatures. This book was filled to the brim with action and adventure, and some critters that I have never heard of.  There were gods and goddesses (some that materialized in the form of a crow) as well as seriously creepy reeves. The sea-demons were also new to me. As you can tell, this has a bunch of new baddies that made it very interesting.

The character addition that I enjoyed the most was Julie. She is a child and Kate often refers to her as ‘my kid’. Kate’s maternal side was showing often though she referred to herself as more like the crazy aunt. I loved watching everyone care for her, watch out for her, protect her, and ultimately fight for her.

Another thing I must mention is the world itself. This is a fantastic place that I learned even more about in this installment. There are magic flares that cause the magical creatures to have different side effects. Some of the shifter's eyes turn colors and have a hard time controlling their anger, and Kate (mysterious as ever with her power in general) becomes much more powerful. Kate has secrets from everyone, including me as the reader. I love the juicy tidbits I pick up about what she is capable of and I learned even more about her in Magic Burns.

The Bad

What is bad about this book? If you can find it, let me know. The only thing I can possibly think to mention is that you could get confused by just how much is going on and how many supernaturals exist in this world. However, I LOVED it.

The Romance

The slow showing of a romance between Kate and Curran has me ecstatic for future books. I love these two together. He is so used to being obeyed and she doesn't know how to. He's had so many girls that Kate doesn't want to be just another number lost in his crowd of them. I think she is too different to want to be a part of such a group and can't stand the idea of being another notch on his belt. My favorite part is her description of her ex-almost-could have been that shows up again in this one and needs something from her and Curran. The story line there is pretty funny.

Also, look for Kate explaining the birds and the bees to Julie.

Conclusion

I am mad that I didn't find this series sooner. Seriously  if you haven't read it, or if you haven't read Magic Burns yet, please do. It is a great combination of kick-butt characters, wonderful world building, mystery and action, and incredible writing. Definitely recommended.

Excerpts

"I need an audience with his furry Highness."

Curran smiled. "What's so funny?"
 "Your panties have a bow," he said. I looked down. I was wearing a short tank top - not mine - and my blue panties with a narrow white strip of lace at the top and a tiny white bow. Would it have killed me to check what I was wearing before I pulled the blanket down? "What's wrong with bows?"

He grinned. "Wanna  spot me?"
  "No thanks. How about I just scream verbal encouragements at you?" I took a deep breath and barked. "No pain, no gain! That pain is just weakness leaving your body! Come on! Push! Push!"

"And be girlfriend number twenty-three soon to be dumped in favor of girlfriend number twenty-four who has slightly bigger boobs? I don't think so."

"Your smile has a disturbing edge to it," Ghastek observed. I kept smiling. "I can't help it."