by Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #1
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic… One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds. In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy…
I finally started the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and I chose to begin them on audio. Magic Bites is the first in this wildly successful urban fantasy series. Magic Bites is chock full of dark paranormal creatures. Trust me there are no sparkles here. Raw, gritty with a kick-ass, take no prisoners protagonist Magic Bites offered a good introduction to this twisted world.
The story takes place in Atlanta where magic and technology battle. Here we meet Kate Daniels a sword-wielding human who is more. There is magic in her blood, and until now she has spent most of her life in seclusion, but when her guardian is murdered Kate is determined to seek her revenge.
The world Andrews introduces us to is filled with paranormal creatures from vampires, weres and shifters to strange abominations caused by breeding. A council governs the paranormal world and magic as well as others seeking to gain power. It was simple, yet complex.
The characters are fairly fleshed out, and all have unique voices. Kate is unapologetic, from the clothes she wears to the method she will use to kick your ass. I loved her, and I see so much potential in her for growth. Curran is lord of the beasts, and I am anxious to see how his role plays out because, OMG the man needs a smack. He is controlling, aggressive and oh so arrogant! I got angry at myself, because the big lug managed to sneak into my heart.
Magic Bites is dark, bloody, and filled with potential. I slipped right into the story and connected with Kate and many of the characters. The villains were creep-tastic notching up the tension. We witnessed necromancy and carnage with some kick-ass scenes as Kate investigated her guardian’s death.. I love raising the dead. The plot had great balance with intense action scenes, quite moments and a dash of humor.
The narration by Renee Raudman was good. She gave the characters clear voices, and I was easily able to follow along. The next book is Magic Burns, and I plan to continue the series on audio.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia
I love it when bloggers review older books as well as the latest releases, so hats off to you for doing this! I have heard a lot of good things about this author, and this shows the blunt side of a paranormal world. I like the sound of that. It seems like the characters were lovable even if they didn’t have lovable traits about them as well!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Olivia, I think it is nice to mix it up 🙂 and love hearing you like seeing it.
Lorna
I wish I had loved book 1, but I didn’t, and I am almost afraid to admit that I don’t want to continue with the series. I really struggled to even finish it. I know I am in the minority, but I am glad you are loving them.
kimbacaffeinate
Lorna..I did not love this, far from..but I saw potential. I am currently on audio five and since the second book I have been completely in love with the series. Honestly book two feels like a totally different author..it is tight, well crafted and flows wonderfully.
Stephanie
Wow!! Between you and my co-blogger Alexa (who started the series last month), apparently I need to get my butt in gear and get on these books too! I’m pretty sure I have the first few books.
Thanks for the awesome review! I hope you enjoy the next books just as much.
kimbacaffeinate
Let me put it to you this way Steph. I finished the audio of book three yesterday and before I had even written my review I bought and began listening to audio 4. Now as a rule I wait at least 4-6 weeks between books…so you know its good!!
Bookworm Brandee
I’m an audio newbie, Kimba. I’ve only listened to 2 books so far. I don’t know how I would like listening to this series. But I have *read* and *loved* Kate Daniels. I’m not caught up in the series but I’m almost there. Kate is such a kickass heroine. I just love her. And Curran does need a smack…but weaseled his way into my heart as well. I think this series just got better with each book. I hope you find it the same. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am adoring this on audio…it adds an extra layer especially between Kate and Curran.
Candace
I’ve had this book for years but I started it at a bad time and so only read a chapter or two before setting it aside. I really need to pick it up again though cause so many people rave about this series!
kimbacaffeinate
This is the weakest book, but the next two..wahoo!
Elsi
Magic Bites was my first introduction to the PUF genre. I was so glad that someone suggested it to me as not only have I enjoyed reading through the Kate Daniels series, but I’ve also had the pleasure of spending time in The Hollows with Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan and crew.
kimbacaffeinate
Loved the Hollows series:) I am on audio three Magic Strikes and loving it 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m so pleased you’ve started this series Kimba! It’s one of my all time favourites and just keeps getting better and better.
A great review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am on Magic Strikes now and loving them, in fact I bought book 4 on audio today!
Mariana
I loved this series, but was a little late to the awesomeness. The first book was not my favorite and it took me two tries to actually finishe but now I’ve read them all and can’t wait for more. The best part for you is that you can listen back-to-back all the released. Yay!!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed I am amazed at how different book two is by comparison:)
Jan
So glad you’re reading this series, Kimba. It’s one of my very favorites. I have to admit I read this one quite awhile ago so don’t remember too much about it. Maybe I should go back and listen to them…
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad I chose audio. It is fantastic, I am on Magic Strikes and the narrator rocks it
Samantha
I just adore this series! I’m working on catching up with this series (finally) and I can tell you the books just get better and better! Enjoy 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am on book three Magic Strikes now and agree Book two was like a completely different beast..so much tighter.
Alreem
I heard a lot about this series and I’m planning to start reading by new year if possible ,, you know how you want to read a number of books but it is always no time for this or that ,, anyway lovely review 🙂 thought it not a book you really liked but atleast you enjoyed it and that all what matters!!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…yes I am familiar with that Alreem. If only sleep were optional!
Katherine
This is an author I’m really wanting to read. I’m glad to hear audio worked for you. I have a much higher chance of actually getting to her books in audio form!
kimbacaffeinate
I am on audiobook three and I can only say they keep getting better and I love them.
kindlemom1
I am so excited you are starting this series Kim! I didn’t completely fall in love with this series until after book two but I totally love it now.
kimbacaffeinate
I am on Magic Strikes now and you are right..I loved book two!
Braine Talk Supe
Hat’s off to you! I’ve been so busy/lazy/(food)comatose this week to do much blogging. I want to start this series before the year ends too, here’s to hoping I get to do that.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh lord Braine…I read and scheduled this over 6 weeks ago. This weekend I am listening to audios, decorating and eating pumpkin pie for breakfast. Now I have a nasty cold. I am currently on audio 3 Magic Strikes and this series rocks:)
Sophia Rose
I need to get back to this series. I read this first one last year and loved it, but got distracted. And Curran, lol, yes he was a bit full of himself at times, but he could back all that up too. Kate was a gritty heroine that I could really admire.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo if you liked it you are in for a treat because they get better..way better:)
Lupdilup
I remember this one didn’t blow me away, I thought it was good and I saw potential like you mentioned, but as series developed it became one of my favorites, I hope you have the same experience 🙂
Great job!
kimbacaffeinate
For me, now that I have listened to two, and listening to three Magic Bites isn’t as refined. I am so glad I started them 🙂
Rita
I thought you had read this series by now. I tried part of the first book years ago and didn’t enjoy it enough to continue. I’m glad to hear that the first book is just for setting the scene and the storyline improves. Maybe I’ll give it another shot sometime, I don’t do audio, but I can imagine a story such as this would be perfect on it–enjoy.
kimbacaffeinate
Seriously..I know Rita. I am currently on audio three, Magic Strikes. The series really comes together in two and wow just wow..I am loving it
Melanie Simmons
I’m so glad you started this series on audio. It is one of my favorites. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, I had book one and two on Amazon and was able to snag audio..so glad I did. I am on audio three now:)
Melliane
Yay for starting this series! I really love it. I think the first one is not the best but after that each one is better than the last one. I hope it will be the same feeling for you.
kimbacaffeinate
Right? It is about time, I am currently on audio three 🙂
Glass
I will stick to e-books because I usually end up not liking audios that much.
I am so freaking excited to start this series, I need to finish few arcs first and then “Hello there, Kate!”.
Great review, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Either way it is a series you will want to read!
Red Iza
One of my friends read the series and thought it was too dark and broody for her taste – she loves the kickass side more than the brooding ! I’m a bit like her, so I’ll wait until my library reorders their missing book #1. Great review !
kimbacaffeinate
I am now on audio three and just loving this series.
blodeuedd
Book 1 was actually the worst of the series and I am so glad I was warned, even the author said it was not her best. But then they got awesome
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed book two rocked and I am enjoying Magic Srikes
Kathryn
I see I am able to get this in NZ on audible so may try it. I have just read a novella on an anthology by Ilona Andrews so only writing I have read of theirs so far. I have her newest first book Burn For Me on my Kindle so will see how I go.
kimbacaffeinate
Just FYI book two really rocks. So if this ends up being meh for you..keep listening.
sharonda
I have this on audio too! cannot wait to listen to it. Loved the review 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am loving the audios Sharonda..enjoy.