Magic Burns (2008)
Written by: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 260 (Paperback)
Publisher: Ace
Why I Chose This: My 2019 Resolution Project for Speculative Chic is to read the books in the Kate Daniels series and finish up with a first read of the final book. I first read Magic Burns in 2008.
The Premise:
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…
Spoiler free.
The second installment of the Kate Daniels saga launches us into a new facet of life “post Shift,” in a world where magic and tech are at war. A magical flare is sweeping Atlanta, heightening the power and intensity of magic (and magical beings) to the point that deities are able to manifest. The first novel, Magic Bites, gave readers a taste of unfamiliar Ukrainian magic, but book 2 thrusts us into Celtic lore and all things crow-related.
Two things were immediately evident to me as a reader with this book. First, the authors (a husband and wife writing team) probably tried to work in criticism they may have received regarding their first book. The Kate Daniels series is urban fantasy on the more extreme side, but this book packs in a lot of contemporary or recent past pop culture references, perhaps in Andrews’ attempt to tie the world closer to our own. It was always awkward and a bit out of place, especially for a main character raised with such a purpose that didn’t seem to include much historical trivia. Luckily, it tapered off.
Second, the authors are also a lot more comfortable with the idea that their series will continue, and we get satisfying information regarding Kate’s history and magical abilities. It’s obvious that they have a direction in mind for her as well, because hints are woven in regarding plot directions I know the series takes later. In addition, this book introduces us to two characters close to Kate who will be around for the long haul, showing Kate’s softer side without ever diminishing from her overall badassery.
After the events of Magic Bites, Kate has also achieved “Friend of the Pack” status, which means a return of our favorite hyper-masculine werelion, Curran. The toxic masculinity tapers off a bit here, and the evolution of their relationship continues to progress slowly. He’s still a walking HR violation, but at least now he’s attempting to woo Kate through shapeshifter cultural means instead of kissing her without her consent.
In conclusion: Lots more world-building, fun character introductions, and deeper hints about both Kate’s background and future. A few laugh-out-loud moments break up the tension in a narrative that continues to not shy away from the visceral in a violent world that doesn’t pity the weak.
Featured image via Ilona Andrews
No Comments