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.

What a disaster. Poor Andrea with Raphael showing up with some other chick. I liked that Curran and Kate trick Ghastek - about time he gets screwed. ( )

Lighthearted stuff compared to the normal Kate Daniels fare (which I love-don't get me wrong)-I enjoyed the extra humor in this novella. The Neo-Vikings always make me laugh. Thought it was a good story, if a little speedily wrapped up in the end. Loved the scene at the Guild, Ghastek constantly making his vampire roll its eyes, and the way Curran and Kate tricked him. Read it, Kate Daniels fans. ( )

I'm pretty sure I've read this before, but that certainly didn't stint my enjoyment. Classic Kate Daniels -- full of exhausted, grumpy heroine covered in muck and hoping for a quiet night at home. Good luck with that, Kate. Good luck with that. ( )

3.5-3.75
Even though it has 100 pages, I felt the plot flowing too fast to be fully enjoyed.
( )

Ilona Andrews is one of my favorite authors and the Kate Daniels series is my favorite of all the books that the husband/wife duo write. The writing style is fast paced and engaging and the characters are completely believable despite the fantastical elements that surround all the books. These books are a must read for me and I eagerly devour them and count the months until the next one arrives. I love that despite the occult and romance leanings of these books there is still a generous dose of humor. I highly recommend the Kate Daniels series. ( )