A review by otterparty
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

I am shocked that this was recommended to me, first by Reddit, then by my local bookstore. This is a pretty bog standard yet paper-thin piece of urban fantasy. The writing is cheesy but not in a way I would consider particularly self-aware. In fact, the writing gives off a lazy impression, probably because the book doesn't dig into its subject matter. The world-building is fairly nonexistent, and even after finishing the book, I hardly know a thing about the protagonist other than she's "quippy." I enjoy a good popcorn adventure every now and then, but this was the bad kind of popcorn. It was an absolute drag to read despite being short. I would not recommend it, even if you're a fan of this genre.