Review: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews - Imagine that when there is a blackout, when no electricity is working, it’s caused by a rise in magic. That’s the world Kate Daniels lives in, a mercenary who cleans up the problems magic leaves behind when it recedes and technology returns. When her guardian is murdered, she is determined to get justice for his death, and finds herself caught in the middle between the Pack, the shapeshifters, and The Masters of the Dead, those who control the vampires. Both factions blame the other for a series of mysterious deaths that have happened on both sides, and Kate’s guardian’s death is somehow involved. Both want the killer found, and want Kate to do the finding.

This was a really good book! I loved the mythology for the vampires and the weres; so different to anything else I’ve read, and very original! And I loved the story! It’s very much a fantasy mystery, and you’re kept guessing all the way through. I have to admit, I normally pride myself in working out what’s going to happen in a book – not that the books are predictable, it’s just something I’m normally able to do – but even I got it wrong with this book! So totally surprised, but it does make sense at the end.

I loved the characters, especially Curran, Beast King of the Pack. He was just so cool, and not as nearly as annoying as Kate makes him out to be, in my opinion. Actually, most of the awesome characters were pack members; Mahon, DooLittle and Derek. Kate was cool, though a little too quick to dislike everyone. And Saiman! Oh, I love him! I’m not exactly sure what he is, but he can change what he looks like completely, but he is cool as a person too.

The story is resolved by the end of the book, but there are other questions that aren’t answered that will flow easily into the next book, with the set up of the next storyline. Over all, this book is pretty awesome, and I can’t wait for the next one. A definite must read for fantasy fans!



Published: 2007 in US / 9th September 2010 in UK
Publisher: Ace Fantasy in US / Gollancz in UK
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Ilona Andrews' Website