So earlier this year I eluded to the fact that Stormi and I are starting a new feature in 2019. We are still doing our monthly buddy reads, but we also decided we wanted to knock out some series too. And thus, "2 Bloggers 1 Series" was born. We also have to give credit to Michelle from Because Reading is Better Than Real Life who created out awesome new graphic.
So the series we decided to tackle this year is Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews. We've both heard good things about it and I think Stormi even read the first one a few years ago. So there are 10 in the series so we're aiming to read one a month. I think it will be a great way to get back into urban fantasy as well.
TITLE: Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1)
AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews
PUBLISHER: Ace
PUBLISHING DATE: April 1, 2007
FROM GOODREADS: Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way out of her league—but she wouldn't want it any other way…
MY THOUGHTS: So Kate lives in a word where magic has taken over in addition to it sometimes failing altogether. As with any urban fantasy, lots of supernaturals abound and at the beginning, Kate learns that her long-term guardian and mentor, Greg, has been killed. Soon Kate is right in the middle of two warring Atlanta factions, the People and the Pack. She ends up walking a thin line between the two in order to get to the bottom of Greg's death and even more so, find out who is trying to take over.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this book. First of all, not far into the book, Kate encounters the Beast Lord, Curran, who is leader of the Pack. I can already tell Curran will be a fave of mine going forward. He's kind of grouchy and kind of mean, but he and Kate have a hate/hate banter going on that most readers can tell will eventually lead to more. I also like some of the smaller characters, such a the teen wolf, Derek, who gets paired with Kate during the investigation. Although she doesn't want him tagging along and questions his allegiance, it's obvious they have a mutual respect for each other.
My only issue with "Magic Bites" is to be expected. Since it's the first book in a long series, much of it is spent learning about all the players and the magical world and I'll admit, at times I found it overwhelming. However, that being said, I found this to be a quick read and really enjoyed it. I think Stormi and I made a good choice for out inaugural series read.
RATING: 4 PAWS (make that 4 furry lion paws)
