Magic Burns

Magic Burns (2008) Ilona Andrews

The sequel to Magic Bites, Magic Burns continues the story of Kate Daniels, magic user, fighter, and no longer mercenary, but instead member of the Order, a group that helps keep the peace in a dangerous and uncertain world.

While taking a case as a mercenary, Kate stumbles upon a mystery that leads her to some of the more dangerous areas of post-flare Atlanta. During this reconnaissance she discovers a young girl searching from her mother who has disappeared. Having lots both of her parents, Kate immediately takes the girl under her wing and tries to protect her.

In addition to this, Kate’s job at the order is as liaison to the Pack, and she continues to have run-ins with Curran, who Kate firmly believes hates her. This was, in my opinion, one of the weakest parts of the story. It is obvious to the reader that Curran’s feelings for Kate are far from hatred, and so Kate’s discovery of the truth was somewhat frustrating to me. I simply had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t obvious to Kate even if it was obvious to us.

Lucky for me, the focus of the story was upon the search for the man who kept stealing the Pack’s maps, and the source of the undead creatures who kept attacking Kate. And we continue to learn about post-Flare Atlanta and the world that has developed when neither tech nor magic are stable. I still find this a fascinating idea, and very much enjoy the development of the world after the fall of tech.

As with the previous book, the story arc is concluded in the book. Although many threads remain unresolved, they are not left in such a way that they detract from the story or sit as cliffhangers. They are simply ideas and twists that will take a long time to resolve.

All in all, this is an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Although the romantic element between Kate and Curran was not my favorite part of the story, it wasn’t badly done and didn’t make me want to strange either character, so that was fine. But by and far the strongest part of the story is the development of the post flare world, and the mysteries that Kate must resolve.

Although you could read Magic Burns without having read Magic Bites the previous book is available, so you really should read it first.
Rating: 8/10

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