http://www.ilona-andrews.com/
I have just completed the fourth book in this series, and it is truly growing on me. It took me a while to warm to it - the first book contained a few too many out-of-this-world ideas and concepts for me to immediately grasp. But now I am thoroughly hooked.
Imagine a future where magic strikes - randomly and in force, and technology fails. Imagine a world where industry has crumbled, where skyscrapers lay in fallen ruins and city suburbs are twisted labyrinths into other dimensions. This is the somewhat bleak future that Ilona Andrews (a husband and wife writing team) have conceptualised.
It is a world populated by humans, and creatures far strangers. Foul, anthropied vampires that stalk the streets, piloted by hidden masters. Werebeasts of every imaginable shape and size exist - bears, wolves, rats, hyena (my favourite) and many others besides. Where the Knights of the Order strive to keep order over gods and monsters.
Kate Daniels is not a god, nor is she a monster, at least not in body. She's a human, a human with a dark secret and a personal vendetta against the forces of darkness, particularly those that threaten her nearest and dearest. Through this series of books she undergoes various challenges and faces dire threats. With a healthy dose of bitter humour. And yes, there's a bit of smut too.
It takes a bit of getting used to, and a while to get to know and love this rather bleak world, but once you do, you will become as addicted as I.
Individual summaries of the volumes to date:
1. Magic Bites
A brave start for an intriguing series. This novel takes the popular trend of vampires and werewolves, magic and monsters, to a slightly different level. Andrews world is a complicated one, and it takes a bit of getting used to, but their characterisation is engaging and one cannot help but be drawn in. This novel starts with a violent death - that of Kate's mentor and guardian. And she is next on the list. Can she find the killer before all hell breaks loose?
2. Magic Burns
Something a wee bit different whilst still being in the urban paranormal vein. Vampires are truly foul. Andrews has added a few unique twists into a tired genre and come up with something that is engaging and interesting and makes for a fun read (with a few rather tense moments). After stumbling upon a set of stolen maps and accidentally "adopting" a pre-adolescent girl, Kate finds herself caught up in a war between two gods, both set on the same goal - to manifest, rule and conquer...
3. Magic Strikes
The more I read of this story, the more I like it. I am now getting some awesome mental imagery of the post-magic Atlanta, with ruined skyscrapers and strange mythological monsters roaming the streets. The humour is great, the shapeshifters (especially the Bouda and Curran) awesome and it is plain that Ilona Andrews has developed their world very well. I can't wait to learn more! When Kate's friend Derek is found in a near death and exceedingly bad state, she vows to stop at nothing at tracking down the perpetrators. Her investigations lead her to the Midnight Games - a deadly arena in which opponents fight to the death.
4. Magic Bleeds
Just finished this one and I cannot deny it. I am hooked. Character development is furthered in this instalment, and more of Kate's history revealed. I am starting to really grow fond of Andrea and Raphael, as well. I can't help it - I love the Bouda. There's something about their attitudes. You also learn rather more (perhaps than you wanted to know) of shapeshifter lore and customs. There's an Iron Mary on the loose - a strange, hooded figure that spreads fear, disease and death wherever it steps. And it appears that Kate may be the only one with the resources, the courage and the dedication to track down the plague-bearer before it's too late.
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