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msteasam's review
2.75
This book was much worse than the first one. Some of the minor issues that I could overlook in the first book of a series are back full force.
The main character is constantly sexually harassed. This happened occasionally in the first book, but I don't think there's a single male character here that doesn't do it, except a 15 year old boy who is instead trying to sexually assault another kid. It got grating very quickly.
The romance doesn't work for me because the love interest is literally an "alpha male" who tries to control the main character and again, sexually harrasses her constantly.
Things just kind of happen with no build up. There are several occasions where monsters just appear and attack, but it's not handled well at all.
Really hoping that the 3rd book irons out some of these issues and pulls everything together, because this one did nothing for me.
The main character is constantly sexually harassed. This happened occasionally in the first book, but I don't think there's a single male character here that doesn't do it, except a 15 year old boy who is instead trying to sexually assault another kid. It got grating very quickly.
The romance doesn't work for me because the love interest is literally an "alpha male" who tries to control the main character and again, sexually harrasses her constantly.
Things just kind of happen with no build up. There are several occasions where monsters just appear and attack, but it's not handled well at all.
Really hoping that the 3rd book irons out some of these issues and pulls everything together, because this one did nothing for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual harassment
bree_h_reads's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol
hailstorm3812's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I liked this more than the first one. I am always a fan of accidental child acquisition and the world is starting to come in focus more and more. Intersted to see where it goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment and Sexual harassment
thoseoldcrows23's review
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual content
naturally's review against another edition
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
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
relin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I love this series and the world, I've reread this so many times over the years. Always a joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Racism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, and Outing
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Torture
Racism is fantasy racism where a new group of people are being discriminated against, just in case that helps. Animal deaths - one off screen but discussed, one on screen but magical animal.thoughtsontomes's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is one of my favorite urban fantasy worlds and each book that world is expanded upon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Self harm and Death of parent
space_bandit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
librarymouse's review
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.75
This series is really fun. I Love the addition of Julie to the cast of characters. Kate immediately starts referring to her as "my kid", and the dynamic of the pack and they're protective nature around children is really nice. I like that Kate doesn't try to replace Julie's mom, but offers up the role of weird aunt. This is a really interesting storyline, and I look forward to seeing how the plot twist that was revealed in this book about Kate's parentage plays into future novels in the series. I also really enjoy the addition of Andrea into the series. I love a good female friendship, and the two of them are really good for each other. Curran's reactions to learning about Kate's words of power is very funny. It feels a little bit like a sitcom to have him psych her out of a kiss. The one thing that really messed me up for a while is the death of the dog in the honeycomb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
booksthatburn's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Kate starts watching over Julie, a young girl whose mom has vanished while worshipping in a coven who can't keep their crows straight (a dangerous thing in a world alternatingly drenched in magic and tech). Julie is one of my favorite characters in the series and her first appearance here sets the tone of their relationship for the next few books. This also is the first book to feature Andrea, an excellent markswoman who loves the Order and guns. The dynamic between Kate and Curran is emotionally charged in a way that currently is tilting towards mutually consensual violence but Curran seems to be making subtle (and not-so-subtle) moves in a more sexual direction that Kate hasn't yet reciprocated.
This picks up on the last known status of a bunch of plot threads but isn't trying to wrap them up, really (except for Crest). It continues Kate's entanglements with the Pack and the People, and shows her involvement with the Mercenary Guild and the Order but isn't focusing on them as much this time around. There's a new storyline featuring some new characters (a few who won't continue past here and some who will be series regulars), but even that has a connection to a minor character who appeared in MAGIC BITES. That storyline has a major thing that is both introduced and resolved in this book. There are several things explicitly left for later which involve changes to the status quo. The main character is still Kate, her voice is consistent with the previous book. It might make sense to start here because this is laying so much groundwork of its own, but the dynamic between Kate and the Pack (specifically but not only Curran) definitely benefits from being read after the first book, since otherwise Curran's strong personality can be a bit off-putting when it lacks the context of Kate's opening salvo to their interactions in MAGIC BITES.
This book begins with a map theft and stays pretty focused on the characters important to that initial incident, while building out the world in specific ways. This introduces the witch covens as an important power in the city, shows some factions within the Pack, and deals with a different set of gods that are upsettingly more relevant during the Flare. Bran, Andrea, and Julie provide three completely different sets of problems and opportunities, keeping this from feeling like just a stepping stone to later books.
This picks up on the last known status of a bunch of plot threads but isn't trying to wrap them up, really (except for Crest). It continues Kate's entanglements with the Pack and the People, and shows her involvement with the Mercenary Guild and the Order but isn't focusing on them as much this time around. There's a new storyline featuring some new characters (a few who won't continue past here and some who will be series regulars), but even that has a connection to a minor character who appeared in MAGIC BITES. That storyline has a major thing that is both introduced and resolved in this book. There are several things explicitly left for later which involve changes to the status quo. The main character is still Kate, her voice is consistent with the previous book. It might make sense to start here because this is laying so much groundwork of its own, but the dynamic between Kate and the Pack (specifically but not only Curran) definitely benefits from being read after the first book, since otherwise Curran's strong personality can be a bit off-putting when it lacks the context of Kate's opening salvo to their interactions in MAGIC BITES.
This book begins with a map theft and stays pretty focused on the characters important to that initial incident, while building out the world in specific ways. This introduces the witch covens as an important power in the city, shows some factions within the Pack, and deals with a different set of gods that are upsettingly more relevant during the Flare. Bran, Andrea, and Julie provide three completely different sets of problems and opportunities, keeping this from feeling like just a stepping stone to later books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Cursing, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Excrement, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Alcohol