Magic Strikes review

Magic Strikes is the third book in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and it is as fantastic as the first two books! With the extraordinary world building the series is known for and the expressive writing style, the Kate Daniels series is not to be missed by any urban fiction or paranormal romance fan.

Once again, I was sucked into the Atlanta of Andrews' magical world and Kate's newest and most dangerous problem so far - how to find out what happened to Derek and make sure it doesn't happen to any other Pack members. Only she has to do it without letting Curran find out!

The chemistry and byplay between Kate and Curran are phenomenal as always and Kate's ties to other members of the Pack are clearly growing deeper as the series progresses. Andrea, Kate's best friend and fellow Order of Merciful Aid employee, is along for the ride as well which makes for some interesting interaction with the Pack - but I won't say why so I don't spoil it for you :)

In Magic Strikes, the source of Kate's power is pretty much revealed - though Andrews' doesn't say it explicitly. The Midnight Games and the events afterword make it clear for those who hadn't figured it out from the hints in the earlier books. Additionally, Kate's trust in Curran grows significantly as evidenced by the evenst at the end of Magic Strikes. To me, it seems like Kate has come a long way in the three books because she barely trusted anyone to have her back at the beginning of the first book.

Simon makes another appearance in Magic Strikes - and he's as crazy and fun as always! I think he might be my favorite secondary character simply because you never know what he might do or say. Other new characters - ones we've heard of but not met and completely new ones - are introduced as the world Andrews' is building expands with this third book.

If you haven't read the Kate Daniels series yet, I can't recommend it enough!

Synopsis

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…