Magic Strikes

Magic Strikes (2009) Ilona Andrews

Now that Kate is working for the Order (and getting a steady paycheck) she’s working her butt off. A magic flare has caused trouble (as usual) and Kate gets to help deal with the upheaval.

But when she goes to investigate the scene of the death of a shapeshifter, things get difficult and her relationship with the Pack Leader Curran becomes even more complex.

So finally(!) we get to learn a little more about Kate’s past and why she is so secretive about her past and her life and always burns anything that has her blood. Unfortunately, it’s becoming harder and harder for Kate to hide her blood–and her past.

I really really really like Kate. Despite the powers that were gifted her by her blood, she works hard to maintain her skills, and we learn precisely how hard she had to work to gain those skills. And the powers given by her blood are no easy gift either, and require work and suffering on her part.

But even more I am fascinated by the world in which Kate lives: a world where magic and technology take turns being dominant, and where the resurgence of magic completely destroyed the world as we know it. We are also starting to see more of the political structure of this new world, and it’s both frightening and fascinating. Even though this is the third book in the series, there is more to discover about Kate’s world with every book.

I highly recommend the Kate Daniels series. Could you read Magic Strikes without having read the previous books? For the story, yes. However, as Kate’s history and background are slowly being uncovered over the course of the series, I would recommend going back to the start of the series to learn about Kate’s powers and abilities as the series unfolds.
Rating: 8/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Dead Reign » »
• « « Monday Mourning