Monday, December 1, 2014

Audiobook Review: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #2
Unabridged
9 hrs. 38 min.
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 1/26/09
Source: Library
Down in Atlanta, tempers—and temperatures—are about to flare...

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate is going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive.
My thoughts:
I had a much easier time in the world this time. While things aren't completely explained, I did feel like it flowed much better. A few new characters were introduced to the mix which became some great secondary characters I am looking forward to seeing more of as the series goes on. Loved Bran, Andrea and Aunt B. Yes, you can say I really enjoyed these characters.

The action was intense and Curran was still an arse. No romance yet, but you can see it brewing and some hints about it coming. Oh I don't want to give too much away, but I have a feeling that it is this book when the series really starts. I had fun with it and can't wait for the next installment. Renée Raudman does such a great job with such great emotional inflection. I will do the next one on audio because of her narration. I give this book 4 stars.

25 comments:

  1. This is definitely a series where each book gets better!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  2. Glad your continuing to love this series Melissa! It's always nice when a series simply gets better and better with each book.

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  3. Oh yay!! I'm so glad you gave book 2 a chance. I was middle of the road on book one but it's really turned into a favorite series. And yes Curran can so be an arse. lol But such a fabulous one :D

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    1. I think this happens in UF. I have seen several just keep on getting better.

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  4. I enjoyed this installment a lot more than the first as well, but that's to be expected in Urban Fantasy, especially one with such detailed world-building. Ilona Andrews & Renée Raudman are a match made in heaven. Keep listening!!

    Carmel @ Rabid Reads.

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    1. I so agree! I am going to try to do the whole series on audio!

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  5. YAY!!! So glad you're getting into this series Melissa! I agree - the first book is a bit rocky because there's so much going on with this world, but for me this is a series that gets better as it goes, so I hope that's the case for you as well. Looking forward to your thoughts on book 3!

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  6. I am starting this series on audio in January and I am looking foward to finding out finally what all the fuss is about.

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  7. Why are some audio covers so bad looking?

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  8. I loved this one too Melissa and it sealed the deal for the series for me. My review publishes this month as well. I am almost done Magic Strikes and it rocks!

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  9. I loved this one. I just finished the 3rd book and it's my favorite so far. I am loving Kate and Curran's little dance.

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  10. Oh yea!! Yes, I agree with those that have said each book gets better and better. While the romance is secondary to the story, it becomes one of the best parts of the books as you get further and further into it! Wait until book 3 - HOT TUB, that's all I will say.

    I recently listened to all of the audios for this series, after reading them originally when they came out. Love Renee - excellent narrator. I think she gets a great feel for the characters.

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  11. Oh I love love this series! Maybe I should try it in audiobook to see how it is. I heard it was so well done.

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  12. I have this series in paperback but I'm kind of thinking maybe I should go the audio way, I've been hearing good things! I couldn't get into the first one when I tried to read it years ago but I've heard they get better and better.

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  13. I'm thrilled that you loved this one much more than book 2. I love the characters, both main and secondary. Yes, the first book kind of throws you in the middle of all the action but it does become clearer as the series progresses. I *love* Curran and Kate. Watching their romance grow is fantastic and hilarious.

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  14. Yay! So glad you enjoyed this one! I agree the world gets easier to digest this time around. I love the narration too. Lovely review!

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  15. So glad you're continuing with this series, Melissa! It seriously does just get better as the series progresses and I highly recommend other Ilona Andrews titles as well--love them ALL. :)

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  16. I love this series on audio! Renee does a great job.

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  17. Glad you enjoyed this book. I don't think I ever read a book by this author.

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!