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kelly_ann_s 's review for:
Magic Bites
by Ilona Andrews
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy as a genre and have been looking for a new series to start reading. I love the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs and the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter so I was trying to find something with a badass female lead.
I've had the first in the Kate Daniels series on my TBR for a while - no explanation as to why I haven't picked it up before now other than too many books, too little time. Since I was looking for a new urban fantasy series, I went to my trusted book group and searched for Kate Daniels and to my delight, found a number of readers in the group who really enjoy this series.
That was enough for me and I jumped right into the book. All I can say is that I'm glad it is cold and snowy outside as it gives me an excuse to put off going out and running errands and stay cozied up with tea and reading. I really enjoyed this first installment and plan to jump into the second immediately. I do love to binge read series when I can.
The book is not without its over-used tropes. For example, Kate is on her own, having lost her parents and her guardian, and has to rely on her skills as a mercenary to survive. However, these oft-over-used tropes are balanced by unique and creative world building where magic battles technology and where the monsters are not all sparkly and lovable. Kate is likable and often recognizes that she can be a walking stereotype (and her own worst enemy).
The monsters are scary, particularly the main bad person that Kate needs to defeat in this story. The way that the various groups of monster fighters are set up is also interesting. Everything from an old world guild featuring knights to a modern paranormal police force.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Kate and her world.
I've had the first in the Kate Daniels series on my TBR for a while - no explanation as to why I haven't picked it up before now other than too many books, too little time. Since I was looking for a new urban fantasy series, I went to my trusted book group and searched for Kate Daniels and to my delight, found a number of readers in the group who really enjoy this series.
That was enough for me and I jumped right into the book. All I can say is that I'm glad it is cold and snowy outside as it gives me an excuse to put off going out and running errands and stay cozied up with tea and reading. I really enjoyed this first installment and plan to jump into the second immediately. I do love to binge read series when I can.
The book is not without its over-used tropes. For example, Kate is on her own, having lost her parents and her guardian, and has to rely on her skills as a mercenary to survive. However, these oft-over-used tropes are balanced by unique and creative world building where magic battles technology and where the monsters are not all sparkly and lovable. Kate is likable and often recognizes that she can be a walking stereotype (and her own worst enemy).
The monsters are scary, particularly the main bad person that Kate needs to defeat in this story. The way that the various groups of monster fighters are set up is also interesting. Everything from an old world guild featuring knights to a modern paranormal police force.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Kate and her world.