This review is for the audiobook version of Magic Burns, by Ilona Andrews, the second book in the Kate Daniels series.
After the rough start I had with the first Kate Daniels book, I decided to start the second one before I could forget everything that had happened. I don’t think this was actually necessary, as the authors did a good job of refreshing my memory in the first couple of chapters, while also moving the plot along. This time Kate is once again working with the shape-shifter Pack, and for the Order as a liaison to the Mercenary Guild. While trying to help the Pack recover some lost documents, she comes across a ritual site and a child named Julie. The child’s mother disappeared after a ritual and Julie asks for Kate’s help to find her. As Kate tries to do what is right, she is put in the middle of an ancient war between two Celtic gods. Once again she has to juggle many allegiance, but trying to keep everyone happy is a tall order.
This book taught us a lot about Kate, more about what she can do and where she comes from. It further entwined her with Pack business, and resolved her non-relationship from the first novel. We also learned more about the world the authors are building, with more detailed explanations of how the magic surges and fades. I’m looking forward to seeing where this leads in the third book of the series.