Andrews, Ilona; Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2); "Informal Buddy Read" ; Start Date 9th October 2013

[Claire]

Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Chapter 2 ...."

I know, right??? I wonder why this even is part of the story - I think they just could have let it go, but maybe there's more to it..."

There must be. Otherwise it would be pointless.

[Karishma]

Teddie wrote: "Biggest surprise from chapter 4: Rambo was a book?!"

Lol! Same Here!

[Karishma]

Natalie wrote: "Through chapter 10

"

Series spoiler (view spoiler)[ I'm really liking Julie and how well the relationship between her and Kate is developing . I never expected her to start treating Julie as her kid.

The part about Red betraying her and after everything her still trusting him and loving him was so heartbreaking.
I'm about to start Magic Slays and at the part where she has run away from school again (hide spoiler)]

[Eunice]

(view spoiler)[Julia was so adorable, and I want to strangle that Red for being such a power-hungry bastard and taking advantage of her. I wonder if he'd regret his decision in the future.

As for Curran and Kate, I see a romance blooming! I think they're quite alike in terms of their personalities and amount of emotional baggage, which is why they can stand each other and get along, but at the same time, it could cause problems since they're both stubborn and unyielding.

Also, the references were a nice touch. It was a bit funny when nobody got it, hahaha. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 7

I love it when UF novels bring in mythology and folklore tales ! When I studied in Ireland I took a class on Irish epic tales and had to study Chu Culan. It's the first time I see it used in a book. It makes me happy and nostalgic of my time in Ireland!

[Claire]

Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[I feel really bad for Julie. Poor little darling. I really like her and her ability is interesting. I also love how protective Kate is of her :)

Kate explains that people with terminal diseases sometimes agree to become vampire servants in exchange of money for their family. She says "you let People kill you and use your body after deaht". Does that mean there's absolutely no part of your consciousness left? Nothing at all?
In any case, I don't think I would ever make a deal like that. You really can't know what they do with you, and ask you to do. What if they order you to kill ? I would hate to be a part of that, even though I would not be conscious of it.

The "evil man" who killed Kate's mother is obviously not dead yet. I'm sure he'll come back into play, if not in this volume, in the next. I wonder what he wanted from them. I have a hunch it has something to do with Kate specifically? I can't wait to learn more. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Chapter 9"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, Julie is an interesting character.

I could see selling your body to vampirism to help your family. I don't think I would want to, but if you are dying and they desperately need the money I could understand it.

You will find out more about him eventually (hide spoiler)]

[Christina]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Chapter 9"

Yeah, Julie is an interesting character..."

I agree with Diane. (view spoiler)[I think if you deeply care for someone, especially your family, there's nothing you wouldn't do. (hide spoiler)]

[Christina]

Chapter 16-19

(view spoiler)[I can't believe it took Kate so long to realize it was the monisto that attracted the reeves. when she thought about what made them come after Red first, then Julie, then her, she even thought about how Red gave the monisto to Julie, but she went on and on and on, and I was screaming "IT'S THE MONISTO YOU IDIOT!!" but luckily she ended up realizing quite soon after lol

I'm intrigued by Andrea's story - I hope we get to find out more her :) I love how Kate said she's her friend, that's all that matters. but I wonder how Red knows about Andrea being a hyenawere.... I dislike him more and more.... (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[ It's interesting how the magic flares affects people and creatures in different ways. Seeing Saiman like that was really weird. He's nothing like the man we met in book one. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

I just finished

After chapter 14 I pretty much read it all in one sitting. It was really good. There was definitely some improvement in book 2.

(view spoiler)[I loved Julie and how quickly Kate became protective of her. I loved seeing the two bonding and I'm looking forward to see them both again in book 3.
I also love Curran. His bickering with Kate is hilarious and I really can't wait to see their relationship progress. That thing about him giving Kate food is interesting. Shows that Curran is seriously interested in Kate.
On of my favorite part in this book is also the use of Irish mythology. It makes it all really interesting. It also makes me nostalgic of my time in Dublin.
Lastly, Damn it Ilona Andrews ! She finally made me care for that Bran hero, just to kill him off a couple of pages after. That's so unfair !!! lol (hide spoiler)]

[Teddie]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "I just finished

After chapter 14 I pretty much read it all in one sitting. It was really good. There was definitely some improvement in book 2...."

I agree - I love how the series brings in mythology from all over - Celtic, Slavic, Norse - really hammers home the idea that the world is filled with magic, but that the magic ebbs and grows throughout civilizations and ages.

[Christina]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "I just finished

After chapter 14 I pretty much read it all in one sitting. It was really good. There was definitely some improvement in book 2.

I loved Julie and how quickly Kate became protectiv..."

okay. sh*t. I guess I should be more careful with spoilers once people say they have finished x) (view spoiler)[you hit me with Bran here, will have to forget about it quickly! (but then again I'll read that part later today so I'll be over it quickly as well ;)) (hide spoiler)]
my own fault, I know.

[Claire]

Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "I just finished

After chapter 14 I pretty much read it all in one sitting. It was really good. There was definitely some improvement in book 2.

I loved Julie..."

OMG! I'm so sorry you were spoiled for that !!!!

[Christina]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "I just finished

After chapter 14 I pretty much read it all in one sitting. It was really good. There was definitely some improvement in book..."

haha it's okay! like I said - it was my own fault lol

[Christina]

FINISHED

I am shocked by myself that I was actually (view spoiler)[tearing up both when Bran died, and a bit later when Julie mentioned her mother again :o I mean it's not unusual for me to cry while reading certain books, but I definitely didn't expect it reading this series... we'll see how I go in the next book of the series :P

I like that Kate and Andrea build up a little friendship, but Kate almost made it sound like she wanted to blackmail Andrea when she asked her if she's going to tell Ted she's a beastkin (after Andrea asked how Kate knows about Roland and the towers)

I honestly don't care for Curran much, and Jim feels like a real jerk by now, but I hope there's a lot more of Andrea and Julie to come in the next books. Julie needs some good to happen to her now.

so yeah, I will continue the series, just not right now as I have other BRs planned, but Magic Burns was so much easier to get into and through than Magic Bites. (hide spoiler)]

[Christina]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Chapter 2 ...."

I know, right??? I wonder why this even is part of the story - I think they just could have let it go, but maybe there's mor..."

so.... there was (view spoiler)[no real point to it after all. it only showed that Curran will consider what Kate has to say and to pavethe way for what's to come for them in the future I guess (hide spoiler)] :P

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Christina wrote: "
FINISHED


I am shocked by myself that I was actually tearing up both when Bran died, and a bit later when Julie mentioned her mother again :o I mean it's not unusual for me to cry while reading..."

The books just keep getting better.

[Claire]

Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Christina wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Chapter 2 ...."

I know, right??? I wonder why this even is part of the story - I think they just could..."

I was surprised at (view spoiler)[ how many times Kate had to bring that thing up, especially considering all that had been happening with Julie and stuff, which in my humble opinion was waaaaay more urgent. lol.
But I guess it brought some relief from the whole danger thing. and the dialogues were kinda funny. I can't complain ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Checking in for Team Draco Malfoy! Excited to read more about Kate!

[Amy the book-bat]

I hope to join in for a few in this series. I read book one a while ago, but need to read some series books for challenges in other groups, so might as well get credit for my team as well :-)

[Melissa]

Ch 3 -

Geez, I haven't heard about a leshii since I was a kid! I spent sooooo much time in the woods. I used to know a rhyme to keep safe from them but all I can remember is: "leshy, leshy rhythm rhyme" ... something, something ... Darn, I wish I could remember. Still - it's cool to see mention of creatures I had mostly forgotten.

[Cathy M.]

Started this today (from Team Severus Snape).

Thru Chpt 5 - (view spoiler)[Didn't realize that Julie was introduced this early! Funny reading their first interaction. And Kate is a bit of a softy. Is she helping out of the goodness of her heart, or because she thinks it's tied to what the bowman is involved in? Intriguing new character - not sure yet if he will be a villain or an ally... Though why would he steal the shifters' maps and then just let Kate take them? (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Ch 3 -

Geez, I haven't heard about a leshii since I was a kid! I spent sooooo much time in the woods. I used to know a rhyme to keep safe from them but all I can remember is: "leshy, leshy rhythm..."

I've never heard of that creature before! Where did you grow up?

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Cathy M. wrote: "Started this today (from Team Severus Snape).

Thru Chpt 5 - [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, Julie is kind of annoying with undying attachment to Red. And Kate is a total softie (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Cathy M. wrote: "I've never heard of that creature before! Where did you grow up?"

I grew up in Maine. We played in the woods all day, every day. Looking for faeries and other magical creatures. It was about a mile from the beach. We never saw any selkies but we did find tons of horseshoe crabs!

[Melissa]

Just finished!! I don't remember who recommended Kate Daniels to me to help with my Jane Yellowrock blues, but I'm so glad that they did! I'm not totally out of my reading slump yet but I like where this series is going!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

@ Melissa - the series just keeps getting better

[Melissa]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "@ Melissa - the series just keeps getting better"

Hi!! How did your last round of bingo go?? Missed having you on my team! :)

I'm glad that the series gets better! I just checked out book 3 ... going to start tonight :)

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I've never heard of that creature before! Where did you grow up?"

I grew up in Maine. We played in the woods all day, every day. Looking for faeries and other magical creatures. I..."

Very cool! I grew up in AZ (desert) and Korea (middle of Seoul) so I didn't get to experience growing up with those types of stories :(

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Just finished!! I don't remember who recommended Kate Daniels to me to help with my Jane Yellowrock blues, but I'm so glad that they did! I'm not totally out of my reading slump yet but I like wher..."

Ditto to what Diane said! I didn't become obsessed with this series until #3 or #4 so you are ahead of the game :)

[Cathy M.]

Thru Chpt 9 -

(view spoiler)[The Honeycomb sounds really crazy! Could you imagine disappearing into the walls (not be choice) & being stuck somewhere else? Reminds me of Stranger Things :P

Kate mentioned the Morrigan - wonder if this is the same Morrigan as in the Iron Druids Chronicles! Kate did mention the Druids...

I have a bad feeling about Red, like something bad is going to happen to him. Really hoping it doesn't though!!

Love how Kate is already referring to Julie as "her kid" though she's only known her a couple hours :) And finally get the 1st story about Roland and Kate's mother! Things about Kate's past are slowly coming out! (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Cathy M. wrote: "Thru Chpt 9 -

(view spoiler)[The Honeycomb sounds really crazy! Could you imagine disappearing into the walls (not be choice) & being stuck somewhere else? Reminds me of Stranger Things :P

Kate mentioned the Morrigan - wonder if this is the same Morrigan as in the Iron Druids Chronicles! Kate did mention the Druids...

I have a bad feeling about Red, like something bad is going to happen to him. Really hoping it doesn't though!!

Love how Kate is already referring to Julie as "her kid" though she's only known her a couple hours :) And finally get the 1st story about Roland and Kate's mother! Things about Kate's past are slowly coming out!" (hide spoiler)]


Honeycomb - (view spoiler)[Totally agree! The Honeycomb sounds pretty scary! I was picturing the Hogwart's staircases on steroids! But Stanger Things is probably more like it! (hide spoiler)]

Morrigan - (view spoiler)[She's my favorite! She is wicked interesting in Celtic Mythology. I loved her in Iron Druid especially! How cool is the title "Chooser of the Slain"?! And the whole crow thing??? Loving it! (hide spoiler)]

Julie & slight spoilers for Jane Yellowrock - (view spoiler)[One of the things that upset me the most about Jane Yellowock in the early books was how utterly alone she was ... there is no constant friendship/familial love. Just when Jane thinks she has someone to claim, she loses them. It just broke my heart. And even though I love Molly, I think I'll always hold a small grudge against her for turning her back on Jane - even if her (Molly's) reasoning was understandable.

So, when I'm reading Kate and I see the same solitary life that she's leading, it kills me. I'm really hoping that Julie, Derek & Andrea fill that void for her. And I can totally understand her almost desperation to claim this child that she's just met as her own. Like she's been alone long enough that she's gotta cling to any lifeline. (hide spoiler)]

Kate's Past - (view spoiler)[Since I haven't read the series before, from what I got out of books 1 & 2 - Roland is really just a background character to me ... like a big bad to be dealt with at a later date... BUT that little snippet about Roland and Kate's mother definitely made my ears perk up. Going to be paying closer attention to him for sure! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Thru Chpt 9 - ..."

I've never read Jane Yellowrock but have had the 1st one on my Kindle forever... (view spoiler)[it does sound sad but does sound somewhat typical of these types of stories. In time though she'll build up her network/friends/family to make her fight even harder in the end. At least hopefully! Otherwise that situation would probably get old. (hide spoiler)]

Kate's Past - (view spoiler)[I keep forgetting that there are people who haven't read this before! You're right, Roland hasn't been mentioned too much so far but it's nice to remember these early details, especially since those details of Kate's past helped shape her into who she is now. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

I accidentally killed my Kindle this morning so haven't been able to get thru much more (only thru Chpt 12) but (view spoiler)[I take back what I said earlier about Red... That convo between Kate & Julie about sex?! At least he didn't try to get Julie to have sex with him yet to take her powers. Want to believe he's better than that and does care for Julie...

Don't understand why Curran won't just let Myong marry Crest?!
But at least the sexual tension between Kate & Curran is ramping up :) (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Cathy M. wrote: "I've never read Jane Yellowrock but have had the 1st one on my Kindle forever..."

The first book, Skinwalker, took me longer than normal to finish. Faith Hunter's storytelling style was pretty different than what I was used to and it took me a minute to adjust. But, her writing style came to be one of my favorite things about the series. She kept me guessing all the way through and the consequences of Jane's choices had real, rippling repurcussions throughout the series. There were lots of times when I had no idea what to expect and no clue what was going to happen next. Lots of intense physical reactions - like in a heart racing, palm sweating, fast breathing kind of way. Anyway, it is by far my #1, best, most favorite series which is insane to me because I didn't think I would ever love anything more than Mercy Thompson.

I've avoided Kate Daniels for a very long time ... nothing against Kate but I am always super wary of writing teams ... So far, the story seems pretty cohesive - which makes me happy. I love that it's so action packed and that Kate is more complex than she appears. I love her smart mouth. I especially enjoy a slow burn romance so Curran's "Psych" made me totally giddy. I totally love all the different mythos that are used ... it's so cool and totally up my alley. I am really intrigued by Saiman and can't wait to see what role he plays. There's lots I'm looking forward to in this series, so if it just gets better, I am excited to see where the story leads.

[Melissa]

Cathy M. wrote: "I accidentally killed my Kindle this morning ..."

Oh, no! Can you use the kindle app on your phone in the meantime? So sorry thst happened!

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I've never read Jane Yellowrock but have had the 1st one on my Kindle forever..."

The first book, Skinwalker, took me longer than normal to finish. Faith Hunter's s..."

Sounds like something I would love so I'll definitely read it now!

I didn't even know, when I picked up the 1st one, that it was a writing team. It's very well done, not disjointed or having problems with the flow of the story.

You haven't even gotten to the best books of this series yet so I have a feeling Kate Daniels is going to end up being one of your favorites too! And one plus is that the final book will be coming out in August so you won't have to wait too long for the ending!

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I accidentally killed my Kindle this morning ..."

Oh, no! Can you use the kindle app on your phone in the meantime? So sorry thst happened!"

I found my Kindle so I'm charging it now :) Need to contact the warranty company tomorrow to get my replacement for my Fire. Hopefully it won't take too long!

[Cathy M.]

Thru Chpt 21 - (view spoiler)[Bran has been a source of entertainment but couldn't quite decide if he would be good or bad. His story, again another lonely hero, was so sad and I really felt for him. But, it just proves, careful what you wish for... He wanted to be a hero and that was the life he was given.

I absolutely love this early banter between Curran & Kate! And that conversation with the hyenas about feeding/food? Hahaha so funny! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

I'm about to start my re-read!

[Victoria]

Is it strange that Ghastek is one of my favorite characters? I just love it whenever he makes an appearance

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Victoria wrote: "Is it strange that Ghastek is one of my favorite characters? I just love it whenever he makes an appearance"

Nothing wrong with that. He is an interesting character.
Series spoiler(view spoiler)[
and I like that you get to find out about his past in book 7 (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Cathy M. wrote: "Thru Chpt 21 -..."

Just finished this chapter (view spoiler)[ I love Bran and his story even though it was very sad.

And I was so excited to re-read that part regarding the food! I just loved when Curran was feeding her the soup with a smirk and then the conversation with the hyenas - so much fun! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Victoria wrote: "Is it strange that Ghastek is one of my favorite characters? I just love it whenever he makes an appearance"

Nothing wrong with that. He is an interesting character.
Series spoil..."

I know! Can't wait to re-read it, especially since I'm a bit hazy on some of the details in the later books.

[Cathy M.]

Wow Victoria, you are flying thru this!

Ghastek is certainly a character :) (view spoiler)[Is it really Book 7 that we get his story? I thought it was sooner... It's funny, in this one especially, when he chides Kate and his verbal spars with Derek, all thru his vamp. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

I finished last night and once again, loved this one! I might actually up my rating to 5 because I enjoyed it even more this time. Probably because I already love these characters.

(view spoiler)[That scene in Chpt 23 between Jim & Kate surprised me because I thought they had a better relationship than that! He was really upset with her just because of Andrea? Made me not like him as much...

Chpt 25 - Kate letting her power be know - GO KATE!!! That's one of the many reasons I love her. Bran's death. Ugh that made me tear up! I really didn't want Bran to die, and Kate trying to save him? Talk about pulling heartstrings. It's like he made amends and got back some modicum of humanity just to die like that. Not cool *sniffs*

Last scene between Curran & Kate - oh it is on! hahaha!! (hide spoiler)]

Re Words of Power - (view spoiler)[Can the words be used by anyone or only certain people have power over them? (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Cathy M. wrote: "I finished last night and once again, loved this one! I might actually up my rating to 5 because I enjoyed it even more this time. Probably because I already love these characters...."

Words of Power (view spoiler)[Both. Anyone who has the power to own and use them can use them. Remember Kate said her first word almost killed her learning it. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I finished last night and once again, loved this one! I might actually up my rating to 5 because I enjoyed it even more this time. Probably because I already love these characters...."

(view spoiler)[Huh, that's right. But they have to have some kind of magic in them to use it right? It's not like anybody can hear her say the word and use/say it themselves because they have to have the power behind it? (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Cathy M. wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I finished last night and once again, loved this one! I might actually up my rating to 5 because I enjoyed it even more this time. Probably because I alread..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah. I'm pretty sure you die if you can't "own" the word the first time. Kate said they got easier to own and use the more she used them, but I think that was also just her getting more powerful because she used them, sort of a helpful cycle. (hide spoiler)]