Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

4 reviews

bree_h_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I think I would die of shock if I didn’t enjoy a book in this series. From the moment the book started I was reminded of why Magic Bites appealed to me so much.
To start, Graphic Audio always does a great job. It adds so much to the story and really elevates my enjoyment. Especially as an audiodrama fan. These productions really help me get invested and keep focus.
The consistency of the characters and world building was also wonderful. I loved seeing characters from Magic Bites and hearing all the tidbits dropped again as reminders of past events. This consistency also helped my OTP, Currin and Kate. I was FERAL for them. I need them together now. Yesterday, even.
I also loved Kate’s character and growth in this book. Her dynamic with Julie especially was adorable. I was so delighted every time she called Kate her kid. I’m dying to see how that relationship develops. This book also had a wonderful insight into the greater mystery of her past and magic.
Also the way this book wove mythology and folklore into the plot was so good. Every reference I got made me so excited. Despite the variety of cultures and stories, everything fit so well together.
However, despite everything I loved, there were some issues that just barely knocked the book from 5 stars.
The prose were generally very repetitive and it took me out of the story a little. I don’t remember if it was a problem I had with the last book, but it’s possible. This issue in part carried over to the fight scenes as well. It felt clunky and didn’t move as quickly as I would have liked. There was also Bran’s ending. It was cliche and that disappointed me a little, but it wasn’t an awful ending. Those things aside, the only other issue was my main problems with Currin, as mentioned in my book one review. He’s just too “Alpha Male” at times and it throws me a little.
Overall an absolutely amazing book, I’m dying to continue the series.
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thoseoldcrows23's review

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This is a step up from book 1; however, several of my issues with the previous book remain. In both case the world building felt clunky and the ending felt rushed. There's also a general problem in this series so far of the relationships feeling a little forced (like, everyone cares about each other way to fast and for no discernable reason), though I do see that improving a bit, and I'm hopeful it will get better as time goes on. The middle of this was stronger than the start and finish, but I had good time and still plan to continue.
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naturally's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

like it's predecessor, magic burns is a fantastic introduction to the world of kate of daniels. what makes this second instalment a little better is the fact that we're provided with a detailed explanation about how/why there is a tech-magic tug of war. additionally, ilona andrews masterfully weaves a plotline rich in Celtic mythology.

we meet an array of great supporting characters in magic burns. it seems that my previous wish - for kate have friendships with other female characters - has been granted twofold. kates scenes with julie were VERY adorable, and kate has a strong ally in andrea. everyone's character development was top-notch - even bran's. i hated him at the beginning and tbh throughout, but his arc was well done.

i like that we peeled back kate's layers a little bit, and more details about her heritage were hinted at but not spelt outright. she's a tough cookie to crack. so is curran. their last scene together singlehandedly cured my depression, ended a drought, made my crops grow, improved my grades, cleared my skin, and made my lifespan lengthen considerably <3
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angelareads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

For me this was an improvement compared to the first book. I really enjoy some aspects, though it is a little too gruesome for me occasionally. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
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