Magic Burns

Magic Burns follows mercenary Kate Daniels in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta where magic and technology alternate in waves. When magic flares begin hitting the city with increasing intensity, Kate must investigate a missing survey team while protecting a young girl searching for her missing mother. The story incorporates Celtic mythology and dangerous magical artifacts into an urban landscape where order breaks down during magic waves. Kate navigates alliances with shapeshifters and other supernatural factions while uncovering the source of the magic flares threatening Atlanta. This second installment in the Kate Daniels series expands the supernatural world and its politics. The narrative balances action sequences with character development as Kate confronts both external threats and her own past. The novel explores themes of power, responsibility, and chosen family in a world where magic creates both destruction and possibility. Through Kate's experiences, the story examines the cost of protecting others and the challenge of maintaining humanity in a dangerous environment.

Readers rate Magic Burns as stronger than the first book in the series, with faster pacing and deeper character development. The relationship between Kate and Derek emerges as a fan favorite element. Likes: - Kate's growth as a character and displays of power - The Celtic mythology elements and world-building - Action sequences and fight scenes - Humor mixed with dark moments - Supporting character Julie adds emotional depth Dislikes: - Some found the plot hard to follow - Romance develops slowly for a urban fantasy series - Celtic terms and names create confusion - A few readers wanted more Curran scenes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (87,882 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,241 ratings) Sample review: "The world-building expands dramatically in this book. We get to see more of the Pack, more magic, and Kate becomes less of a loner." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The mythology can be dense at times but the character interactions make up for it."

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🔮 Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series, which eventually grew to become a 10-book saga, with multiple spin-off series set in the same universe. 🌙 The book explores Celtic mythology, particularly focusing on the gods Morrigan and Morfran, weaving authentic folklore into its urban fantasy setting. ⚔️ Author Ilona Andrews is actually the pen name of husband-and-wife team Ilona and Andrew Gordon, who collaborate on all their writing projects. 🌆 The novel's post-apocalyptic Atlanta setting features magic and technology waves that alternate, making either magic or technology work exclusively - never both at the same time. 🐈 The character Julie, introduced in this book, becomes so significant to the series that she later gets her own spin-off novels under the pen name Aurelia Ryder, starting with "Blood Heir."