This review is for the audiobook version of Magic Bites, by Ilona Andrews. I tried this one again, on Emmalita’s recommendation. I’d attempted it in the past, and just couldn’t get into it, but I’m glad I gave it another chance. Once I made it past the first hour, I was hooked! (I’ve even got book two waiting for me to finish this review) Kate Daniels is a magical mercenary, ready to help whoever will pay her, but when her estranged uncle is murdered, she does the unthinkable and teams up with the official magic authorities. Kate has to cooperate with several different conflicting groups, and juggle a possible new romance, while keeping herself safe from whatever killed her uncle. She meets with were packs, negotiates with necromancers, and fights monsters of all kinds. She seems all tough all the time, but is willing and able to help when needed.
Ilona Andrews builds an interesting world for her series, with just enough familiar to make it easy to absorb, and changing enough to make it interesting. Kate is a compelling character, and her problems seem relatable, despite the fact that I have nearly nothing in common with her.
The reader has an unusual voice for an audiobook, with flat midwestern notes, rather than the usual “non accent,” adding to the character of Kate. She does a good job with giving other characters distinct voices and personalities as well. Writing these reviews has made me really think about the readers and how they affect my enjoyment of a book, and Renée Raudman does a great job.
The Kate Daniels books are, without a doubt, among my favourite paranormal fantasy series of all time. I love the books so much, but book 1 (which is the first book the authors ever had published, and they’re very honest about its flaws) is a bit rough. The series gets SO much better with book 2 and I will happily buy and read anything they put their name to now.
I listened to a sample of the audiobook, and Ms. Raudman’s narration didn’t really work for me. I’ll keep reading these in book form (the opposite of the Dresden Files books, where James Marsters narration is so excellent that I have to listen to every book).