Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Magic Burns
Kate Daniels #2
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace (April 1, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0441015832

SUMMARY:

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how 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. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. 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.

MY THOUGHTS:

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!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"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?"
--Kate and Curran, page 94

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?"
"My hole puncher broke."
"You have no respect for the undead."
--Kate and Ghastek, page 117

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!