This review is for the audiobook version of Magic Burns, by Ilona Andrews, the second book in the Kate Daniels series.
After the rough start I had with the first Kate Daniels book, I decided to start the second one before I could forget everything that had happened. I don’t think this was actually necessary, as the authors did a good job of refreshing my memory in the first couple of chapters, while also moving the plot along. This time Kate is once again working with the shape-shifter Pack, and for the Order as a liaison to the Mercenary Guild. While trying to help the Pack recover some lost documents, she comes across a ritual site and a child named Julie. The child’s mother disappeared after a ritual and Julie asks for Kate’s help to find her. As Kate tries to do what is right, she is put in the middle of an ancient war between two Celtic gods. Once again she has to juggle many allegiance, but trying to keep everyone happy is a tall order.
This book taught us a lot about Kate, more about what she can do and where she comes from. It further entwined her with Pack business, and resolved her non-relationship from the first novel. We also learned more about the world the authors are building, with more detailed explanations of how the magic surges and fades. I’m looking forward to seeing where this leads in the third book of the series.
Yeah, the first book is really quite rough and while a lot of the supporting characters are well established in it, Kate herself feels really off. I frequently recommend that new readers skip the first book and go back and read it later, once they’ve really gotten hooked on the series. It does establish a lot of cool stuff about the world building and the story in general, but feels out of tone with the rest of the books.
So glad you liked this better. Books 3, 5 and 7 are probably my favourites.
They get better as they go – well worth sticking with!
Each book introduces readers to the world and characters in general so technically you could jump in anywhere and get oriented.
Also just saw on goodreads that a new book is en route. Yipee!