I picked this book up on a recommendation. At first I was really into the book and couldn't walk away from it, then things started to get a little slow for me. To me there was a lot of repeating and useless info.

Kate is a great main character and while I wasn't too clear on the whole issue with her blood, I did connect with her. I loved that she knew to be afraid of things, but that she never let on just how afraid she was. The magic in the book confused me and I couldn't really grasp onto it.
I wasn't sure about the vampires, and really after reading so many vampire books this one threw me a little. Mindless creatures controlled by the People were a big stretch for me, though I can see the appeal and know that at least the vampires won't be love interests in this book!!
The shapechangers ( love that name by the way) were a great surprise, and who wouldn't want to kiss and kill the Lord of the Free Beasts? Curran was a great addition to the book and I would have loved to see a little more tension between him and Kate, but that kiss was a good one!!
All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it for a quick read! ( )

1st read: October 2020
2nd read: July 2023

Magic disappeared from the world a few thousand years ago, but now it's coming back in waves. The magic wears away technology, rendering it useless when magic is in full swing.

Kate is a great character. She messes up sometimes, but owns up to it and tries to make it right. She's strong and funny.

I really liked Magic Bites this time around. I'm not sure what my problem was a few years ago. :)

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Original review:
I like the world and the characters, but the writing is really difficult for me to read. The authors are excessively descriptive about things that do not matter to the story, like how a room is decorated or what someone is wearing. I like some details, but this was too much.

I've heard that the second book is better, so maybe I'll give it a try sometime. ( )

4.0⭐

One of my favorite series and probably the number one urban fantasy series. I am definitely very biased toward it.

The first thing that stood out to me immediately when I first picked up this book was the word building. The world is in the middle of a magical apocalypse, switching between waves of magic and technology. When the magic wave hits, technology fails and complex structures crumble. While the magic is up, well, then basically anything supernatural can happen. That includes a wide range of beasts, humanoids, and other forms of life from a variety of mythologies. Some people can wield different kinds of magic that help them survive in this new world. Those who don't just hope the technology wave will hit soon and hopefully make the monster disappear, or at least make the guns work. This whole setup just feels so original and allows exploration of a big variety of magical mishaps.

Then we have Kate, our main character. She has a problem guarding her mouth sometimes, which gets her into trouble. She is a kind of badass but with a big heart and a very self-sacrificing personality. She just can't help herself but protect those in danger. Also, the mystery of her origins and powers adds some intrigue to the mix. But while her monologues are great, it's her interactions with other characters that are just legendary. Especially with the romantic interest. Expect some head-butting and wordplay.

The first book is probably the worst of the series and contains a plot hole/illogical moment that was likely caused by some need for cutting. The characterization is not at its best, either. I would encourage anyone to continue forward to at least book two if book one piqued your interest at all. By book three, you should know for certain if it's worth going forth. Although, personally for me, the series blows up in book four when the main connecting storyline gets properly established. ( )

Really probably 3.5 stars. Not my favorite of the series. Hate that Curran and Jim blame Kate for the mess with Crest when it was their idea in the first place. And for them thinking she’s a glory hound when that’s farthest from what she wants ( )

Just as good 4 years later. It's interesting looking back to see the slow & steady world and character building. Such a great writing duo ( )