This is the kind of book that makes me want to sit down and re-read the series all over again.

The problems that Kate & Curran have this time don't seem to be connected to what they've done or who they are this time. But the Andrews weave in a lot of back story and explain a lot of the 'why' in events of previous books.

I have to admit--I think there is a lot more going on to and with Roland than a need to kill Kate just because his children always turn on him. I was fortunate to be in the audiobook version when he was telling his tale at Applebee's and I am no longer getting a 'supreme, evil being' vibe. Well, I am, but that's no longer ALL I think is going on with him. I see some twisty-twists happening over the next couple of books. Roland may surprise us.

The Andrews team is currently putting out some of the best fantasy that I've read and I refuse to qualify it by naming it urban fantasy. It's just very, very, good fantasy. And if you haven't tried the audiobook versions of this series, do yourself a favor. Rene Raudman is superb.

( )

So I realize Roland is not a good person and means all the chars I've come to love bad tidings, but he's a freaking hoot. and really anything that makes Ghastek have aneurysms over can't be ALL bad right? ( )

For some reason, this series is always my backup plan, I never actively go out of my way to read it. And every single time I finish a book I'm totally baffled why the hell not...
This time though, the series is in my reading plan for the year 2021, so I AM FINISHING THIS SERIES! (well.. the books that are out at least).

Worldbuilding:
We're no longer in the Keep! But let me tell you that suburban lifestyle really isn't for Kate and Curran lol.
Set in the urban fantasy world we know and love, more exactly, the city of post-Shift Atlanta, we followed Kate all over the place (because of course, she is not the type that sits around quietly when there is someone's life to be saved). It was no issue though as all scenes and environments were really well described and detailed enough.

Character development:
I have to say right off the bat that I really like how Julie is getting a more 'prominent' part, actively helping out and such. She's cool (even though still being a teenager), but then again, she had to grow up really fast in the last few instalments and with people like Kate, Curran and Derek around, it's hard not to be awesome :)
Kate and Curran (as I've already mentioned) are out of the Keep and trying to fit in with the neighbours. It's not easy, though it gives us readers a lot of entertaining scenes :D It's good that they've new and interesting challenges going on at the Guild but of course, this wouldn't be a true Kate Daniels book without some fierce and ancient enemy!
I did miss Derek in this instalment, I mean, I know he was there, but he only came to the front a few times. I hope to see more of him in the next instalment! That said, this series has so many interesting and colourful characters whom I want to see more of! :D They all feel so alive!

Pacing and flow:
Such smooth writing, it's always a pleasure to read books by this author.
You just know when you pick up the book that it's going to be near non-stop action, still, very well balanced with all the conversations to keep the story moving forward.
Oh and when you get at that part (you'll know when you do), remember to just keep on breathing ;)

The book:
The book itself was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There was no sex described (if that is important to you). The book is 342 pages long, spread over 23 chapters and told from Kate's point of view.

Final thoughts:
I just love this series and truly recommend it to everyone who loves shapeshifter urban fantasy. There is some romance in it, but really, more as an undertone. Love, love, love it! So the big question now is ... when will I read the next instalment? Well, depends a bit on the Bookshelf Bingo game I'm in atm (hello SOS: Serious Overload of Series people!) but in any case... this year! ( )

eh, not my fave in the series. I skimmed a lot. Also, I really don't like Mahon. He needs to be put out to pasture. ( )

The first time I read Magic Bites I didn't get why there were so many rave reviews. I mean it seemed pretty average. The world building was cool and Kate seemed alright but a bit standoffish. The romance between Kate and Crest was mediocre - it seemed like she didn't like him at all and it felt forced and awkward. The romance between her and Curran wasn't any better. It didn't make sense why he followed her home while he was on his date. I liked Derek and Ghastek was creepy. There was lots of snappy, witty dialogue and I had a few laughs - but I was just confused. It was good but it wasn't great.

Yeah - read the rest of the series. It gets SO MUCH BETTER. Kate stops being standoffish and starts letting people in. Derek becomes a total badass. Ghastek - well he's still pretty creepy. But also funny and kind and sweet when he wants to be. And Curran - I love him now. He is an absolute ass in this first book. But I forgot. He becomes everything you want in a love interest. There's a ton of new loveable characters; Julie, Andrea, Aunt Bea, Raphael, Barbaras. Some new evil ones; Hugh, Roland. So much action and adventure and intensity and laughs.

So do yourself a favour. Keep reading.

I like that Barbaras and Derek all end up on the same street. And I like that Julie is more involved with the cases. The scene with Curran, Derek and Julie fighting ghouls and Kate freaking out and telling them to leave a note is funny. It's also nice that Curran finds something to occupy himself with (the Mercenary's Guild) - only Curran would find politics fun. ( )