Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews

I just finished reading the last two books in this series of four. I decided instead of writing a review of each I would glorify the entire series instead!

For those who might not have had the pleasure of reading this series, let me iterate how wonderful this series is.

First I would like to talk about the main character Kate Daniels.
Ah Kate, she has quickly become one of my favorite female protagonists. She has everything you could want:
- snarky, smart ass attitude (check)
- martial arts moves that can kick your face off (check)
- magical ability that will bring you to your knees, literally (check)
- a SWORD (check)
- overall bad assness (double check)
But that is not all. Kate is fiercely loyal, hard working, caring and puts other peoples needs before her own.

Lets move on to my other favorite character...Curran a.k.a. The Beast Lord, Grrrr!
Curran is Kate's perfect counterpart. Kate is spontaneous keep going at em till they're dead, while Curran is meticulously plan and take em out. I love the banter between these two. Most of the time I am laughing out loud like a lunatic while my husband rolls his eyes and shakes his head in wonder at me. Curran is also very protective of Kate, even though she can't stand it. I love how she is constantly telling him how she is going to kill him. But he is strong, protective, a good leader and can bench press 500 pounds. Like any good beast lord should.

The cast of supporting characters is good too:
Jim- Alpha of the werecats, head of pack security, former partner of Kate while with the Mercs, a little surly but likable.
Andrea- Knight of the Order of Merciful Aid, best friend to Kate, likes guns (a lot)
Saiman- helps Kate with information for investigations, for a fee, a big one
Derek- werewolf, worships the ground Curran walks on
Atlanta- no not a person, the backdrop of the story. With the Magic and Tech always competing with each other for dominance, Atlanta, the city of which they all live in is just as much a character as anybody.
Each bring their own special flavor to the books that is usually funny, sometimes maddening, rarely uneventful and always entertaining.

These books are action packed, full of humor, friendship and yes a little romance for good measure. For those that are lovers of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy it is a sure bet you will thoroughly enjoy this series. And for those that are still unsure if Para/Urban is for you, this series is a good starting ground. But be careful, once you fall, there is no going back.

Please visit the author's web page here.

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how 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. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. 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.

Not so long ago I reviewed the first in this series, Magic Bites. The only thing I can say is that this book was just as good if not a little better. Kate and company are back and busy as ever, with the addition of a few new faces. My favorite being Bran. He is a slippery and oh so sexy thief that Kate has to chase down. One of my favorite and saddest scenes from the book involve him and Kate.

Curran, the beast lord himself is obviously back as well. I love the relationship between Kate and "His Majesty". I like that the author doesn't have them rushing into a relationship. It grows in this book taking Kate a little by surprise. The reader, not so much. But I find it entertaining when the reader can see where something is going before the character in the book. It was also nice to see a soft side to Kate. She and Curran had an open and honest moment that was really sweet. Two moments actually.

I enjoyed the plot in this installment. We get to see more about the witches and the types of gods they worship. Let me tell you, some of them, not so pretty. A little fishy you might say.

If you have not had the pleasure of reading this series I highly recommend it. It starts with Magic Bites.

You can visit the authors' web page here.

Daemon's Mark by Caitlin Kittredge

There isn't a description for this book because for whatever reason the synopsis online is not the right one. So I will come up with one of my own.

What do the Russian mob, a brothel and a dead teenage were have in common. It is up to Luna to find out. In this non-stop ride we follow Lieutenant Wilder around Nocturne City and as far as the Ukraine. We get to see familiar faces and meet some new and unexpected foes and allies alike.

I really like the Nocturne City series and have been a fan ever since it first came out. Daemon's Mark is just as good as the rest. Luna is a strong female lead that is flawed, a little bad tempered and doesn't quite know how to follow the rules. Things that always seem to get her into trouble. She is also loyal and caring, things that make her fellow officers trust her and her friends stick by her.

I have to say I missed a certain misty, glowy eyed hotty in this book, but I'll get over it. Luna and Will's relationship grows in this book and you can tell that Luna is feeling comfortable and safe with him. Something in my opinion she needs.
There is plenty of action in this book. It is pretty non-stop from beginning to end. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

Visit the authors web page here.

Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

Madison Avery is still trying to come to terms with her death and her role as the dark timekeeper (Once Dead, Twice Shy, 2009). With dark reaper Nakita and her mostly light counterpart Barnabas at her side, Madison is determined to prove that, given the choice, those who might be doomed in the afterlife due to their bad choices can in fact be convinced to see the error of their ways in time to save their souls. Her test case involves two teen boys and a computer virus that she knows will be responsible for deaths in a hospital. As she races against time and her nemesis, Ron, she develops new, frightening powers.

What to say about this book. Well first of all let me say I enjoyed reading it and happily put it on my book shelf next to the first in the series. Having said that, I wish there would have been a few more things in the book. Such as, Josh, he was only in the beginning and then a little bit in the middle and that was it. I missed him. It would also have been nice to see Madison learn more about being the Dark Timekeeper. She all of a sudden new how to do some things because she learned off screen between the last book and this one. Which is kind of weird seeing as how the book picks up right where the last left off and only covered a day in total. All well.

The book was enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next one. Lets just hope it covers a little more ground that this one did.

Visit the authors web page here.