Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3)

by Ilona Andrews

When magic strikes and Atlanta goes to pieces, it’s a job for mercenary Kate Daniels in this thrilling novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games—an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament—she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta's shapeshifting community...

Reviewed by celinenyx on

4 of 5 stars

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4.5 stars

Magic Strikes is the third book in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, a husband-wife writing team. Don't let the crappy covers fool you, as Magic Strikes once again proves that this is one of the best urban fantasy series out there.

Kate navigates a world where technology and magic alternate. Lucky for her, her sword Slayer always works. The Midnight Games are in town, a fight to the death tournament that attracts all kinds of dangerous supernaturals. When a young werewolf asks her help, she has to help him - especially as she discovers why weres have been disappearing lately.

The pace of the Kate Daniels books is absolutely fantastic. There is not a single dull moment, yet they never feel rushed or too shallow. There is a perfect balance of action and emotion, of touching scenes and fighting. Though I like action in my books, I lose attention when a fighting scene takes too much time. In Magic Strikes, the fighting happens in short intense bursts rather than long drawn-out sequences. Not only is this more realistic (as most fights are over within minutes), it also pleases me as a reader.

Kate is quickly becoming one of my favourite female heroes I have encountered so far. I like how straight-forward she is - she has quite a hands-on attitude, and she gets things done. She can take care of herself, but isn't too independent to ask for help. She's street-smart, and quite snarky, and I love it.

The romantic relationship between Kate and Curran has been building in the last three books, but at no point does their attraction take away from the plot. These books seem to be in no danger of turning into paranormal romance any time soon. Secondly, I would also like to get on my knees for a second and appreciate the fact that Curran trusts Kate to defend herself. Lemme repeat that - a shifter alpha who does not do the "oh no hunnybuns you are too precious for fighting I'll lock you up for your own safety" spiel. He's clearly into her, but he fights beside Kate. At not a single point does he tell her to back off because a situation is unsafe. Hallelujah!

Magic Strikes is another fantastic book in this urban fantasy series. I don't like the covers at all, but what's inside these books is wonderful.

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  • Started reading
  • 22 July, 2015: Finished reading
  • 22 July, 2015: Reviewed