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8th out of 1,667 books
—
6,996 voters
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1)
by
Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author)
When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.
Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's...more
Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's...more
Mass Market Paperback, Ace, 260 pages
Published
April 1st 2007
by Penguin
(first published March 27th 2007)
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3.5 stars
10 Reasons to Love Kate Daniels:
1. She doesn't take any crap from anyone.
2. She's sarcastic and occasionally rude and always hilarious. Who else would greet a snarly Beast Lord with "Here, kitty, kitty...?"
3. She knows all the rules of diplomacy when dealing with shapeshifters, vampires, and other supernaturals.
4. She knows how to break all those rules and commands respect in spite of it.
5. She admits when she makes mistakes.
6. She's comfortable with herself and who she is. But she's lo...more
10 Reasons to Love Kate Daniels:
1. She doesn't take any crap from anyone.
2. She's sarcastic and occasionally rude and always hilarious. Who else would greet a snarly Beast Lord with "Here, kitty, kitty...?"
3. She knows all the rules of diplomacy when dealing with shapeshifters, vampires, and other supernaturals.
4. She knows how to break all those rules and commands respect in spite of it.
5. She admits when she makes mistakes.
6. She's comfortable with herself and who she is. But she's lo...more
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Well . . . damn. This didn't turn out as I'd planned. While reading this I kept thinking to myself, Just go with three stars, almost everyone else you know has. The series will get better as it goes, just as everyone says, then you can rave and give them four. Although there were plenty things that bothered me about this, there were still more things that I liked. In fact, I would say that this surpassed my expectations.
But let us get the bad stuff out of the way first: I...more
Well . . . damn. This didn't turn out as I'd planned. While reading this I kept thinking to myself, Just go with three stars, almost everyone else you know has. The series will get better as it goes, just as everyone says, then you can rave and give them four. Although there were plenty things that bothered me about this, there were still more things that I liked. In fact, I would say that this surpassed my expectations.
But let us get the bad stuff out of the way first: I...more
Ever ventured out into the world of dating and discovered that it was disproportionately populated with assholes? Did you ever look around and say, "Where the hell are all these assholes coming from?"
Well, if Curran turned your oven on then the answer is possibly: You!
Yes, that's right. Assholes who have the common traits of narcissism, marchiavellianism and pyscopathy according to recent studies, score more with the ladies. It's called the Dark Triad (I know - best name ever) and in many respec...more
Well, if Curran turned your oven on then the answer is possibly: You!
Yes, that's right. Assholes who have the common traits of narcissism, marchiavellianism and pyscopathy according to recent studies, score more with the ladies. It's called the Dark Triad (I know - best name ever) and in many respec...more
I tossed Magic Bites into the my last Amazon order, mostly because of the Patricia Briggs quotes on both front and back covers as well as several positive blog reviews I'd read. The most fascinating thing about this book is that the author's name, Ilona Andrews, is actually a combination of Ilona and Andrew Gordon's first names. They are the husband and wife team who create the Kate Daniels books. That is to say, together they come up with the characters and plot, then Ilona writes the book, a...more
More of a 3 and half star really. Although I did like Magic Bites, it suffered from freshman-itis. The world building was a bit convoluted and difficult to nail down, but that's mostly because its an intricate world Andrew's building and one like no other. (I also get the feeling the book was reedited for page count with, unfortunately, world building becoming the bloody casualty.)
Still the tale of Kate Daniels and her search for the being that not only killed a beloved friend but also is cutti...more
Still the tale of Kate Daniels and her search for the being that not only killed a beloved friend but also is cutti...more
Well, another new addiction. I've already ordered the second installment used from Amazon. I didn't want to waste the time it takes to troll the UBS, so I went ahead and swallowed the shipping. It's worth it.
Andrews's "Kate Daniels" series takes place in and near Atlanta. It's a little confusing as to the time frame because nothing is as we know it. Magic has erupted and eaten away normal life, but it seems humans and beasts have adapted and make an uneasy go of it.
Kate is a mercenary who hunts...more
Andrews's "Kate Daniels" series takes place in and near Atlanta. It's a little confusing as to the time frame because nothing is as we know it. Magic has erupted and eaten away normal life, but it seems humans and beasts have adapted and make an uneasy go of it.
Kate is a mercenary who hunts...more
Apr 04, 2013
Maggie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Maggie by:
Noelle, Carla, Steph, Rachel, Angie, etc
Shelves:
2013,
crushworthy-guys
When your entire blogroll recommends a book and your co-blogger threatens public shaming until you read said book, what do you do? Well, you fall asleep the first two times you try to read the book. I mean, the main character was drinking Boone's Farm Hard Lemonade. FFS. How am I supposed to take a mercenary seriously when she drinks something that high schoolers barely get drunk off of? Not only that, it takes place in a future Atlanta where people are driving buggies with horses? Because of ma...more
Brace yourselves, this review is a bit long winded. I devoured Magic Bites, but I’m still unsure of how I feel about it as a whole, and it's nearly impossible to describe.
What I liked:
The heroine. Kate has a dry humor, she can even be a bit of a smart ass, but she knows when to hold her tongue and she doesn’t push too hard or too far. She’s an ass kicking, sword welding badass and yet, she is remarkably down to earth. She has an astounding wealth of knowledge about the magic saturated world she...more
What I liked:
The heroine. Kate has a dry humor, she can even be a bit of a smart ass, but she knows when to hold her tongue and she doesn’t push too hard or too far. She’s an ass kicking, sword welding badass and yet, she is remarkably down to earth. She has an astounding wealth of knowledge about the magic saturated world she...more
In this first book of the Kate Daniels series we are introduced to a near future where the world (we get to see Atlanta) alternates between 'tech' and 'magic'. The authors' world is original and quite different from what we're used to (vampires are not sexy!).
The heroine is likable and, even though we don't really get to know her as readers, she does show an occasional vulnerable side. There is quite some mystery surrounding her and it's hinted there is way more than meets the eye when it comes...more
The heroine is likable and, even though we don't really get to know her as readers, she does show an occasional vulnerable side. There is quite some mystery surrounding her and it's hinted there is way more than meets the eye when it comes...more
I’m going with a 3.5 on this one, I really liked this story but came up short of loving it. The synopsis is everywhere on this one so I’ll just cut to the chase.
*Had to update my spoiler. Thanks Laura *waving*
I read this one coming off of Sacrificial Magic. Now that wasn’t the best of the series but anyone who is into the Downside Ghosts series knows that the intensity is pretty high through everyone of the books. I might have liked this one more with a buffer between that book and this one, I d...more
*Had to update my spoiler. Thanks Laura *waving*
I read this one coming off of Sacrificial Magic. Now that wasn’t the best of the series but anyone who is into the Downside Ghosts series knows that the intensity is pretty high through everyone of the books. I might have liked this one more with a buffer between that book and this one, I d...more
Sep 10, 2012
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
urban-fantasy
And again my rating is the dreaded...3. I had one commenter very upset about books that got/get a 3 rating. He sort of felt everything should get a kind of "pass/fail" rating...4/5 or 1. The problem is that all books AREN'T 5s or 1s. This is a good example.
If you read my profile you know that for a book to get a 5 from me it means "I love it" it means the book is, if not on my favorites list a contender to be on it. Therefore a "4" rating means the book is very good, it might even be exceptional...more
If you read my profile you know that for a book to get a 5 from me it means "I love it" it means the book is, if not on my favorites list a contender to be on it. Therefore a "4" rating means the book is very good, it might even be exceptional...more
This book is guaranteed fun for any chick who daydreams about these 3 things:
1) Smiting bad people with a sword.
2) Finding a mate who scares the bajeezus out of people more than she does.
3) Living in a world where day-to-day-living means just trying to stay alive. (Despite that reality, Kate Daniels is a nice gal...well, when she's not smiting bad guys.)
Ilona Andrews (the writing team of Andrew and Ilona Gordon) has transformed Atlanta, GA into a magical world with a heroine (Kate Daniels) that...more
1) Smiting bad people with a sword.
2) Finding a mate who scares the bajeezus out of people more than she does.
3) Living in a world where day-to-day-living means just trying to stay alive. (Despite that reality, Kate Daniels is a nice gal...well, when she's not smiting bad guys.)
Ilona Andrews (the writing team of Andrew and Ilona Gordon) has transformed Atlanta, GA into a magical world with a heroine (Kate Daniels) that...more
Feb 12, 2012
Anzu The Great Destroyer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Lion King fans
Recommended to Anzu by:
all my friends except Aly
Shelves:
ball-busting-chicks,
evil-horned-ones,
fanged-and-deadly,
furry-wild-and-rabid,
zomg-i-must-have-him,
scary-shit-beware,
the-fantasy-of-urbans,
rotten-stinky-walking-dead,
paranormal-fix,
i-am-stalking-you,
oh-you-so-funny,
reviewed-2012,
a-bit-of-mush,
to-the-mystery-machine,
dark-so-dark,
well-arent-you-mister-popularity
Five reasons why owning a Beast Lord would kick ass
1. Getting dinner has never been this easy. I always have a hard time finding a good place to order my food from. Order, yes, since I’m too lazy to go out sometimes. Having a Beast Lord with me could save the day. Think of eating some yum roast whenever you want. You just say “Hey Curran, don’t you feel like eating some rabbit?” and he just goes and gets it for you. Freshest rabbit out there and it’s all yours.
Nah, I kid the rabbit catching thin...more
1. Getting dinner has never been this easy. I always have a hard time finding a good place to order my food from. Order, yes, since I’m too lazy to go out sometimes. Having a Beast Lord with me could save the day. Think of eating some yum roast whenever you want. You just say “Hey Curran, don’t you feel like eating some rabbit?” and he just goes and gets it for you. Freshest rabbit out there and it’s all yours.
Nah, I kid the rabbit catching thin...more
Anyone who knows me, knows about my love -that burns with a fiery and undying passion- for these books and have probably been stongly encouraged (okay coerced) into reading them! But I can't help it. Something about them draws me in. It has all the things I love, interesting new world; check! Sarcastic and funny heroine; check! Out of this world sexy alpha male; check! Paranormal creatures; check! A fast paced plot and plenty of bloody action; check! Tell me what is NOT to love?
Kate is one of my...more
Kate is one of my...more
Dec 18, 2009
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of gritty urban fantasy and occult detective fiction
About twelve years ago, there was a little girl named Danielle who read a book called Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton, and was seduced into the dark, enchanting world of urban fantasy. She went on to read more urban fantasy than she could shake a stick at. Over the years, she lost touch with Anita Blake, and mourned the loss of a tough-as-nails, kickass, urban fantasy heroine to join for exciting, dangerous, and magical adventures.
Recently, she finally picked up a book called Magic Bite...more
Recently, she finally picked up a book called Magic Bite...more
Read: January 5, 2010
Kate Daniels is now one of my favorite characters. She is just so mouthy and strong while being totally aware of some of her faults and personality. I just adored her!
Really funny at times and I literally laughed out loud at several points, a really unique take on urban fantasy especially in regards to the vampires, loved that its wasn't just you run of the mill vamps and werewolves but a menagerie of other creatures. It was like the usual rules of the genre just didn't app...more
Kate Daniels is now one of my favorite characters. She is just so mouthy and strong while being totally aware of some of her faults and personality. I just adored her!
Really funny at times and I literally laughed out loud at several points, a really unique take on urban fantasy especially in regards to the vampires, loved that its wasn't just you run of the mill vamps and werewolves but a menagerie of other creatures. It was like the usual rules of the genre just didn't app...more
The Kate Daniels story is very intriguing and left a lot of unanswered questions but that's a good thing for a series. At first, I was in the dark ~ A LOT but then I found out about the prequel and read that. (A Questionable Client in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights) It explained a few things as to why the world is the way it is and a little bit about Kate.
Kate does remind me a little of how Anita Blake was in the beginning especially all the blood and gross stuff. I still don't know what...more
Kate does remind me a little of how Anita Blake was in the beginning especially all the blood and gross stuff. I still don't know what...more
Sep 18, 2012
Catherine
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Catherine by:
Everyone and their brother
*Originally Read 6/15/10 - 6/16/12*
I was torn between three and fours for this book. On one hand I thought it was kind of awkward, but on the other hand it kept me entertained. I finally decided on four because it was interesting enough that I only reflected on the things it was lacking once I was done reading it.
In a lot of ways my reaction to this book is just like my reaction to Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. I can see the potential for a great series and I enjoyed my time reading i...more
I was torn between three and fours for this book. On one hand I thought it was kind of awkward, but on the other hand it kept me entertained. I finally decided on four because it was interesting enough that I only reflected on the things it was lacking once I was done reading it.
In a lot of ways my reaction to this book is just like my reaction to Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. I can see the potential for a great series and I enjoyed my time reading i...more
Duplicate Listing
1st read: 2007
Re-read: 14 Jun 2011
[2nd Review ~ Rating remains]
I first read Magic Bleeds when it was released in 2007. I loved it back then and loved it this time too. There were a lot of things I'd forgotten, so after reading Magic Slays, it was fun to return to the beginning and remember how it all started.
1st read: 2007
Re-read: 14 Jun 2011
[2nd Review ~ Rating remains]
I first read Magic Bleeds when it was released in 2007. I loved it back then and loved it this time too. There were a lot of things I'd forgotten, so after reading Magic Slays, it was fun to return to the beginning and remember how it all started.
I had a pretty good idea of what to expect coming into Magic Bites: typical urban fantasy in a slightly different version of our own world; tough heroine; sexy alpha male to add a romantic twist. I was wrong--and kind of right--but Magic Bites is something different.
Now, normally I'd write up my own summary of the book, but I'm just not sure how to manage. Magic Bites is complex and dark and, at times, confusing, if not deliberately cryptic. The book left me with a myriad of unanswered questions...more
Now, normally I'd write up my own summary of the book, but I'm just not sure how to manage. Magic Bites is complex and dark and, at times, confusing, if not deliberately cryptic. The book left me with a myriad of unanswered questions...more
**Having now read books 2 and 3, the series is utterly worth slogging through the FBS. 1.13.10**
I'm having the most difficult time reviewing this one.
I see the potential to it. The world of tech crumbles under the weight of magic. Factions of power rise in the aftermath, most notably the People (necromancers and necronavigators) and the Pack (shapeshifters created by the Lycos Virus). The world is inundated with the paranormal and has to constantly adapt to fluctuations in magic levels. These ar...more
I'm having the most difficult time reviewing this one.
I see the potential to it. The world of tech crumbles under the weight of magic. Factions of power rise in the aftermath, most notably the People (necromancers and necronavigators) and the Pack (shapeshifters created by the Lycos Virus). The world is inundated with the paranormal and has to constantly adapt to fluctuations in magic levels. These ar...more
I had my first foray into adult urban fantasy and y’all, I quite liked it. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews is the first of a series and actually was a great book to lose my urban fantasy v-car to. It’s got plenty of elements I really like from kick ass heroine to swears to fighting to the South ahhh and magic!
here FYI clicking will take you to my blog where you can read the rest of this review
here FYI clicking will take you to my blog where you can read the rest of this review
Loved this book. Love Kate. Must read next one ASAP
Still loved it on second read.
Still loved it on second read.
I listened to the Magic Bites via a downloadable audio file from my public library. It was narrated by Renée Raudman, who I thought gave an above average reading.
I would strongly suggest anyone interested in this series who, like myself, is not a frequent reader of urban-fantasy, have access to the internet when starting Magic Bites. Here is the link to the vital website: http://kate.ilona-andrews.com/ One can safely navigate the site without running across spoilers. There are many wonderful thi...more
I would strongly suggest anyone interested in this series who, like myself, is not a frequent reader of urban-fantasy, have access to the internet when starting Magic Bites. Here is the link to the vital website: http://kate.ilona-andrews.com/ One can safely navigate the site without running across spoilers. There are many wonderful thi...more
I listened to this on audio on my commutes back and forth from work. I liked this story but it didn't blow me away. I expected this, as most of my GR and bloggy friends warned me in advance to be patient, because the story only gets better.
Where the story lacked for me:
1. Little or no romance. Hints of things to come but really nothing in this installment. I'm a romance junkie so of course this is a disappointment.
2. I still really have no clear picture of Kate: who she is, what her powers are,...more
Where the story lacked for me:
1. Little or no romance. Hints of things to come but really nothing in this installment. I'm a romance junkie so of course this is a disappointment.
2. I still really have no clear picture of Kate: who she is, what her powers are,...more
I'll be back for seconds!
The Kate Daniels series kicks off strong with Magic Bites! I bumped this series up in my TBR list after all of the raves from my fellow urban fantasy fans, and so far I’m pleased with the decision! Normally I’m not that into darker urban fantasy, but this one works for me. There is certainly enough humor to keep me interested, so a comical dark urban fantasy can be done! It bridges the gap for all fans of this genre, bringing something to the table that everyone can enj...more
The Kate Daniels series kicks off strong with Magic Bites! I bumped this series up in my TBR list after all of the raves from my fellow urban fantasy fans, and so far I’m pleased with the decision! Normally I’m not that into darker urban fantasy, but this one works for me. There is certainly enough humor to keep me interested, so a comical dark urban fantasy can be done! It bridges the gap for all fans of this genre, bringing something to the table that everyone can enj...more
Magic Bites is about Kate Daniels. A mercenary on her own, doing the odd job that no one else will take. She finds out however that her guardian has been murdered recently. Her guardian was a powerful man and the knight diviner. Not someone taken down easily. As he was her only surviving family member, she's decided to volunteer her services to The Order and find his killer. There is suspicion placed on both the shapeshifters and vampires of their world and each suspects the other. The Beast Lor...more
2nd time reading, this time by audiobook. I also have a paperback.
Wonderful narration, she reminds me of Lori Petty. Loved it more the 2nd time because I'm looking at this through eyes that have seen the future and now I see signs of what is going to happen. Would recommend both the book and audiobook of this series. I'm going to up my rating one star because this is a series I definitely will re-read.
Original review 11/27/10I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, but once I fini...more
Wonderful narration, she reminds me of Lori Petty. Loved it more the 2nd time because I'm looking at this through eyes that have seen the future and now I see signs of what is going to happen. Would recommend both the book and audiobook of this series. I'm going to up my rating one star because this is a series I definitely will re-read.
Original review 11/27/10I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, but once I fini...more
3.5 stars the beginning of this book I felt dragged a little. But I understand why, I am not complaining this book or anything. By the end of the book I didn't want to put the book down. The action and tension was awesome. My adrenaline was pumping and I was there with the characters, feeling there fear wanting to kick that Upir's ass. Anyway the reason for the 3.5 stars is more because I really did have to drag myself through the first part of the book to get there. The world building although...more
Kate Daniels is just my type of a heroine - she's strong, perky and smart, she kicks major butt but she is not obnoxious. I hate angry female heroes who have to prove how awesome they are to every man on principle. Kate isn't like that. She's good and she knows it and she proves her worth by doing her job. Awesome! I would say I like Kate as much as Patricia Briggs' Mercy.
Also, the mythology is incredibly interesting. Andrews takes a very interesting approach to vampires and her were-creatures...more
Also, the mythology is incredibly interesting. Andrews takes a very interesting approach to vampires and her were-creatures...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book Series like this | 40 | 225 | Mar 18, 2013 04:03pm | |
| ★Five Star Series★: Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews | 15 | 61 | Mar 05, 2013 10:37am | |
| Audio Books | 9 | 43 | Dec 12, 2012 08:21pm | |
| Kate Daniels series vs Fever series | 27 | 234 | Jun 29, 2012 02:08pm | |
| Book Boyfriends: Curran | 14 | 49 | Jun 26, 2012 05:33am |
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2sm“Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a be...more
More about Ilona Andrews...
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“Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...”
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“It's a reflex. Hear a bell, get food. See an undead, throw a knife. Same thing, really.”
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