Kate Daniels Series: Is It Good?

[Jessica]

I'm half way through Magic Bites and i'm just not into it, but i don't want to give up just yet since i've heard rave reviews about the books. So if i don't like it so far am i not going to get into it or will it get better?

[Becca]

Different strokes for different folks. I doubt you'd think the second one is better, since I have some problems with it and I really liked the first one.

[Lis]

If I remember right, the first part spends time building & defining Kate's environment, magic on/off, non-traditional vampires, etc. I picked up the first 4 books and read them within a week or two, so they blend a little for me. But, they got better as I went and it ended up as one of my favortie series, but I like darker UF. Last two books were the best.

[carol.]

Magic Bites is my least favorite of the series, partly because of the mystery and it's resolution. If you can identify what you don't like, maybe that will give you an answer: is it Andrew's language? the character? the world? not enough action/too much? I feel like her overall writing style is reasonably consistent, but the plots really tightened up in the next book. Romance doesn't play much of a role until the third and fourth books.

[Darcy]

I really like this series, but do think the first book is a tough one. There is heavy world building setting the stage for future things. If you can make it through try the next one. If you don't like it, then this series isn't for you.

[[deleted user]]

Jessica wrote: "I'm half way through Magic Bites and i'm just not into it, but i don't want to give up just yet since i've heard rave reviews about the books. So if i don't like it so far am i not going to get int..."

Keep going with it. It does get better and the relationship with Kate and Curran wow. The books get better and better.

[Kay]

Jessica wrote: "I'm half way through Magic Bites and i'm just not into it, but i don't want to give up just yet since i've heard rave reviews about the books. So if i don't like it so far am i not going to get int..."

Don't give up! I remember thinking exactly the same thing when I read the first book. I was a little confused about the world Kate lives in and all the groups around her. I mainly stuck with it as a friend of mine who has similar taste in books to me and who had always given me great recommendations, told me it was her favourite urban fantasy series, so I figured it had to be good! She had also had trouble getting into the first book, I have a feeling that's a common problem, but trust me, once you get to grips with Kate's world, you'll start to love the books. I liked Magic Bites, really liked Magic Burns and LOVED Magic Strikes and Bleeds! I can hardly wait for Slays to come out - not long now!
I hope you manage to stick with it Jessica, it really is a fantastic series.

[Tiphaine]

I had a hard time with Magic Bites too. In fact I started it and gave up because I couldn't get into it. Later, I didn't have any other book to read so I tried again. And I'm so so glad I did because now I'm addicted. I can't wait for Magic Salys to come out!
So I would say, keep going, it's worth it.

[Jessica]

This is one of my favorite UF series. I didn't really have any trouble getting through Magic Bites, but I had read about the heavy world building prior to picking it up. Since I was prepared for it, it was easier to just sit back and enjoy it knowing it was going somewhere.


Really though, I adore this series. I almost don't want to read Magic Slays when it comes out because I know how sad I'll be when I'm finished and have to wait forever for another installment :P

[Gaynell]

I had a hard time with the first book, too. As a matter of fact, I had to read it twice to really understand all the world building. Once you understand Kate's world, the series is great. Curran is one of my favorite heroes.

[Mariya]

basically almost everyone has had problems wit the first book, no surprise there but if you push through it, it will be so worth it and you will be saying thabk god I pushed through it. Book 3 is the book where you realize you are obsessed wit the series, book 2 is also great but book 3 is one WOW book.

[Shannon]

Mariya wrote: "basically almost everyone has had problems wit the first book, no surprise there but if you push through it, it will be so worth it and you will be saying thabk god I pushed through it. Book 3 is t..."

I totally agree w/everything Mariya said. Book one was good/ok but the rest of the books were better. Book three blew my socks off. That's one of my all time favorite UF books.

[Becca]

Ok, now I'm really looking forward to reading the third book. Gee, thanks for rubbing it in guys, lol. I didn't really have any problems with the first book; I took into consideration it was a first in a series so character depth/development wouldn't come in till later. Book two, I have one problem with: tiny logic gaps with the plot. Or maybe I just wasn't paying attention at some crucial moment. For instance, if someone could please explain why...


*************SPOILER ALERT*****************





the Fomorians (spelling?) wanted Julie in the first place?




***************************************************



One thing I get a kick out of, is Curran and how he and Kate annoy the ever living crap out of each other.

[Cassie]

Ditto what everybody else said: the first half of book 1 is tough, book 2 is much better, and book 3 rocks.

[Jessica]

ok you've convinced me to keep going! i've been finding the world building really slow and Kate's not particularly interesting at this stage so i thought maybe it would continue like this. But hopefully when there's more action and less world building i'll get into it
thanks everyone for helping!

[Tracy]

Becca wrote: "why the Fomorians (spelling?) wanted Julie in the first place? "

My take on it was that she was wearing the necklace with the cauldron lid on it at the time.

[Tracy]

Jessica wrote: "ok you've convinced me to keep going! i've been finding the world building really slow and Kate's not particularly interesting at this stage so i thought maybe it would continue like this. "

I found the first book a bit difficult because I thought the world-building was developed too fast, as in I felt it wasn't introduced and explained in enough detail. But I absolutely love Kate, she is my favourite heroine and after a while I started to understand the magic world a bit better. This is a great series.

[Becca]

Thanks Tracy.

[AH]

Keep reading. The first book is not their best work, the second OK, the 3rd and 4th are awesome. It is definitely worth the read.

[Jessica]

omg i just finished magic bleeds! i've totally loved the series, i'm so glad you guys got me to keep going!!!!! i didn't realise magic bleeds wasn't the last one though and i was horrified that it ended with the way it ended, i'm so psyched for magic slays!!! does anyone know if there will be another one after that?

[AH]

I think that there are supposed to be at least 6 or 7 books.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Jessica wrote: "omg i just finished magic bleeds! i've totally loved the series, i'm so glad you guys got me to keep going!!!!! i didn't realise magic bleeds wasn't the last one though and i was horrified that it ..."

Ilona's contracted for 7. After that, well, she's probably keeping that close to her chest. :D

A lot depends on if she's got a story idea and a contract. I'm figuring she'll wrap up the major story arc regarding Roland in book 7 -- because there's no guarantee past that, at the moment.

[Kay]

Jessica wrote: "omg i just finished magic bleeds! i've totally loved the series, i'm so glad you guys got me to keep going!!!!! i didn't realise magic bleeds wasn't the last one though and i was horrified that it ..."

Hurrah! I’m so pleased you stuck with it Jessica, I just knew you’d love it! How could you not - Kate & Curran are the best!
Counting down the days now for Magic Slays =D

[Kristen]

I read magic bites awhile back and was not really wowed, however after magic burns - i made a rush order for amazon to get the next 3 in the series. :)

[Red]

Haven't read this series yet, but now I'm prepared for the first one and to not give up on it. :)

[Becca]

So I take it that Magic Bleeds ends in a cliff hanger then? If so, I'll just wait until I can get that one and the next. I'm not a very patient person....

[carol.]

Not a cliffhanger. Each book is complete in itself. Issues regarding Kate and Curran, or Kate and Roland are ongoing, but without any of those nasty "about to die but wait for the next book" moments. In fact, Magic Bleeds resolves some of the "will they or won't they" aspect of Kate and Curran's relationship.

[Tanya]

Keep with it. I was not wowed by either the first or second book. The second book was still pretty slow until the second half. However, they get really good after that. I just finished Magic Slays it was one of the best books I've read. It blew me away! Kate Daniels and Mercy Thompson are my two favorite UF series.

[Lis]

Magic Slays was awesome and my favorite in the series so far. They just get better and better. Another good reason for those that just started this series to hang in there.

[Lisa O.]

I agree, Magic Slays was amazing and the best one yet! Although, I did like all of them, they do get better as you go.

[Seline]

I love this series! I just reading Magic Slays at the moment. The first 3 books were amazing! I search for another good series because I'll finish Magic Slays very soon.

[Shannon]

Tanya wrote: "Keep with it. I was not wowed by either the first or second book. The second book was still pretty slow until the second half. However, they get really good after that. I just finished Magic Slays ..."

Oh, I agree. Magic Slays was AWESOME. It ranked up there w/book three (another top fav). Mercy & Kate are my two fav UF series too!

[Mrs.]

I try and tell people who are thinking of picking up the series, to go to Ilona's website and read the world building page. It really does help make the first book easier to understand!

This is such an awesome series and in my two favorites ever! (Eve Dallas is first)

[Taida]

Lis wrote: "Magic Slays was awesome and my favorite in the series so far. They just get better and better. Another good reason for those that just started this series to hang in there."

I have been finding these comments interesting because Magic Slays was my least favorite of the series. I started reading the series right when Magic Bites came out and I had no problem with the first book. However, I felt that Magic Slays did not significantly contribute to the overall arc of the series, except for the part where we learn more about Kate's past. I.e I am not sure the reader is at a different place in the storyline at the end of this book than we were at the end of Magic Bleeds. I guess different strokes etc. Maybe I will feel differently when the entire series is done.

[Marsha]

I had some trouble getting into Magic Bites - I kept feeling like I was missing something (explanations, something...), but I did like the book. I enjoyed the characters, even though Kate sometimes annoyed the crap out of me with her stupid decisions and her verbal diarrhea always getting her in trouble), and I loved the action, sexual tension, etc. I found the second book much better than the first with Kate winning me over - I love her one liners. Now, I'm starting Magic Strikes and I can't wait to see what happens! The only major problem that I have with the series is that certain explanations/phrases keep repeating themselves from chapter to chapter and book to book. I understand that Andrews must repeat a description of something (for example who/what Saiman is), but I wish she would change it up just a bit rather than cutting and pasting (at least it seems that way at times).

[Lisa M]

Marsha wrote: "...verbal diarrhea ..."

Best discription, ever! LOL!

[Muana]

Becca wrote: "Different strokes for different folks. I doubt you'd think the second one is better, since I have some problems with it and I really liked the first one."

I have to agree. I fell in love with the series from the first book and thought, ' Why did I take so long to pick up this book and read it?!' I've had it for a long time but the dread I've had worrying if this might just be another trite UF protagonist caused the regrettable delay.

And yes, Magic Slays is also my least favorite of the series (to think that I was sooo excited for it's release, I just couldn't wait!). It was too... touchy... if you know what I mean.

[Muana]

Shannon wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Keep with it. I was not wowed by either the first or second book. The second book was still pretty slow until the second half. However, they get really good after that. I just finishe..."

I'm with you on that! :)

[Vicci]

I too left this series for a along time before I decided to read it. I listened to the audiobooks and experience is so much more. From Curran thunderous voice to Kate's take no prisoner attitude, the series is much more enjoyable. I will admit that "Magic Slays" was a slight departure from the tone of the previous installments, but I look forward to getting back to the basics.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

To be honest, I didn't like the first 2 books at all. I am so glad I stuck with it. I'm addicted. And can't get enough of the series now. I was so happy when Magic Slays came out.

[Kay]

Precious wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Keep with it. I was not wowed by either the first or second book. The second book was still pretty slow until the second half. However, they get really good after that..."

I agree Vicci - the audiobooks of this series are brilliant, the narrator does a great job. I love the series so much that I always read the paperback and then immediately listen to the audio! I think sometimes you pick up little things you missed in your first read.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

I wish I would have known the audiobooks were that good. I am a huge fan of audiobooks and listen to them on an almost daily basis. I probably would've listened to this series rather than read it. I bet Curran sounds as absolutely yummy as I imagine he does.

[Katherine]

I just love this series. I never had any problems with the world building but I like that kind of stuff. I also love that Kate is a smart ass. "His Royal Furryness". ROFL. "Here Kitty Kitty". Kate is a bad ass and I love that too. Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels are definitely my two favorite heroines. I raced through Magic Slays in one day.

Kate (another one) :-)

[The Flooze]

When I read the first, I had no interest in continuing. I felt like I was missing something in terms of the world-building and I was very detached from the heroine.

Peer pressure won out and I kept going. Now it's an absolute favorite - the sort of series where I have to buy the new book on release day and devour it immediately. It becomes steadily better as Kate develops attachments to other people. The writers have a knack for making the reader feel as Kate does. As she became more invested, so did I.

[Becca]

I love this series, but I have to say I never had a problem with the world building. I think after reading some high military fantasy, with a twist, everything after that is easy.

[Vicci]

Tina "reading mommy" wrote: "I wish I would have known the audiobooks were that good. I am a huge fan of audiobooks and listen to them on an almost daily basis. I probably would've listened to this series rather than read it..."

Don't let the fact that you have already read the series stop you from experiencing the audiobooks. I have listened to the "In Death" series on audiobooks over and over again and they just keep getting better with each listen.

[Tina "IRead2Escape"]

Vicci wrote: "Tina "reading mommy" wrote: "I wish I would have known the audiobooks were that good. I am a huge fan of audiobooks and listen to them on an almost daily basis. I probably would've listened to th..."

That's a good point, Vicci. Maybe I'll do that. I know what you mean about the In Death series. I really, really love that series on audiobook. Yummy, Roarke (see? I get distracted just thinking about it)...lol.

[Susan]

I just ordered the first book in this series. Its good to know that this is not the best book in the series but that I should stick with it since it gets better.

[Jessica]

I had a hard time at first with the first book. I think it may have been the love interest. Kate has ended up one of my favorite characters-mostly because she would rather punch someone in the face than deal with her emotions. Also, the build up between her and Curran! Yummo!

[Aaron]

I've read the first two books and I'll definitly read the others but I sometimes have a hard time picturing what is being described. So I guess id have to agree with what the others are saying about the world building.