Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)
by Ilona Andrews

Gollancz (March 2010)
Paperback, 260 pages
Urban Fantasy

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…

REVIEWER: Carolyn

Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series by husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews. I enjoyed it but, as with book one, Magic Bites, I still can’t connect with this series like I have with other urban fantasies. I think it’s mainly due to the fact that the world is a little confusing to me. I still don’t fully understand it or have a clear picture of it in my mind.

Having said that, there is a lot that I love about this book. The first is Kate – she’s a great heroine, strong, kick-arse and stubborn. I really enjoy her interactions with Curran and they are too few in my opinion. They are constantly butting heads; Curran trying to dominate and Kate refusing to submit (which is another thing I love about her). The second is Curran. I love Curran. He’s my favourite character and I wish he was part of the story a lot more.

As well as being hired by the pack to retrieve some stolen maps, Kate has to take care of a young girl who is in danger and goes in search of her missing mother who is part of a witch coven. Kate meets many new people and monsters on the way, which she has to slay, while also having to deal with a huge magic flare, which is making everything just that little bit more difficult.

The fight scenes are great – I particularly enjoyed the part where Kate uses her full power and all the demons kneel…it gave me goose-bumps. We now realise Kate has a huge amount of power but we’re not sure why – the suspense to find out about Kate’s past is increasing, which is exciting. There’s also a little hint at Curran’s feelings for Kate – awww.

VERDICT:

Magic Burns is an entertaining read with great characters and lots of fantastic action. Although this series isn’t one of my favourites yet I am looking forward to reading Magic Strikes the third book in the series.

RATING: 

ILONA ANDREWS ONLINE
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BOOKS IN SERIES ORDER

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays

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