Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1527 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

Clever, but intimidating book...
Magical Bites is a magical mercenary-detective type story that takes a bit of determination to get through the first few chapters. Let me explain; it is a tough talking, well written book but the author initially gives little understanding into some of the concepts, terminologies, and character background - so much so that I kept wondering if I'd picked up a sequel and was therefore in the dark for a reason. After I'd persevered through a hundred or so pages, I became a bit more aware of what was going on and began to enjoy the plot. It is a good book that has a complex storyline and an engagingly tough heroine, Kate. Her story is unravelled slowly throughout the book and the reader begins to learn more about her "special" magically enhanced bloodline. Hopefully, the next book (Magic Burns) will delve deeper into the evolving relationship between Kate and Curran as well as explore her heredity to a greater degree. I have enjoyed reading / decoding this book and now that I have gained some understanding of the author's style and imagination, will press on to the sequal happilly!

A Series With Potential
In this book, we see technogoly duel with magic. It's set some time in the near future and sees magic work somewhat like magnetism. When the "magic field" is strong, the world goes dark, technology (everything from phones to cars) doesn't work, and skyscrapers colapse. The problem is that the "magic field" isn't always present, so there are times when you need the old fashioned techology that we all rely on today.

Since the rise of magic, beings like werewolves, magicians and vampires have come to the fore. It is those beings that we see do battle when the "magic field" is on. In this book, Kate Morgan looks into who killed her guardian (who was a chief magician, for want of a better description).

The story reminds me of Laurel K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series, but with the key difference that it focuses on story, rather than who the central characters fancy. Because of that I'd say the series has potential. It should attract the Hamilton readers who actually believe in storylines.

This having been said, the book is far from perfect. It's good, but it can be a bit busy in places. It's a short book, but Ilona Andrews (the author) seems to have attempted to pack as much story as possible into the book. You want to say "enough already" on occasions, but that having been said, the series is one worth watching.

Quick, summer read
In a future Atlanta, where magic and techology have difficulty co-existing, buildings fall apart and cars, running on water and magic are an alternative means of transportation - as are horses.

In this Atlanta, Kate is a mercenary with the Guild. Her guardian is brutally murdered, and Kate wants to solve the crime. It turns out that someone - or something - is trying to start a war between the Pack (shapeshifters lead by the Beast Lord, an impressive man/lion by the name Curren) and the People (vampires or necromancers).

"Magic Bites" is a fast-paced action fantasy with Kate as a kick-a** woman who knows how to handle herself. The novel is a quick read, especially the last half, when you've accustomed yourself to Ilona Andrews' world of magic.

Right now, having finished "Magic Bites" last night, I would call this book great, but I doubt I will remember the particulars in a month's time. Although, "Magic Bites" is a thrilling ride, I am not buying nr. 2 in the series. As quick as it is, "Magic Bites" looses momentum.

"Magic Bites" is an entertaining Summer read - and I suggest, that if you want a real treat, that you buy the sequel at the same time and read them together.

Louise