Review: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #3)

*Minor spoilers ahead!*

When magic strikes and Atlanta goes to pieces, it’s a job for Kate Daniels…

Drafted to work for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems these days than she knows what to do with. 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…

ebook

Full-length novel

First-person, single pov

Yes.
The book is heavy on the recaps so you could probably possibly read it without reading the first two books but I really don't think I'd recommend it.

Ooooh, just a wee bit! Can we say, gladiator games and freaky cannibal thingies?!

What I Liked: 
This book blew me away. It was fast-paced, action-packed and freakin’ awesome! Kate is a kick-ass character who is prickly as hell but fiercely loyal and likeable. The subtle shifts in her character from book to book are beautifully written. She’s evolving, her complete isolation and mistrust for all is changing. She has friends; she has people she cares about deeply. She’s – reluctantly – falling in love… It's great reading.

The whole crew were out in force in this book, it’s very shifter heavy and oh my word CURRAN! I don’t want to spoil anything but I now love him. In fact, I love all of the characters in this book. They infuriate me, make me laugh and I can’t get enough.

What I Didn't Like: 
Nothing. I’ve complained in past reviews about the overly wordy writing style and, while the comment stands, I also said I need to accept it and let it go for it is what it is… This is the last time I’m mentioning that with this series unless something in that department shifts for worse!

Other Thoughts:
I’ve commented in the past that I really loved how each of these books seems to focus on a different myth, legend or culture and this one kept up the theme! This time around it was Hindu mythology.

I also think it’s worth noting that, for me at least, this series is getting better and more exciting with every book!

“As he passed me, he leaned to Curran and handed him a paper fan folded from some sort of flyer.
Curran looked at the fan. “What?”
"An emergency precaution, Your Majesty. In case the lady faints.”
Curran just stared at him.
Raphael strode toward the Pit, turned, flexed a bit, and winked at me.
"Give me that,” I told Curran. “I need to fan myself.”
"No, you don’t.” 

💬

“I gave him a smile. I was aiming for sweet, but he turned a shade paler and scooted a bit farther from me. Note to self: work more on sweet and less on psycho-killer.”

💬

“He scooped me up and suddenly I was pressed against his chest. “Were you worried about me?”
"No, I’m ranting for fun, because I’m a disagreeable bitch!”

💬

“I lied. I need your help."
"Who are we killing?"
"Do you have a pen?”