Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

[pjthompson]

In case you're one of the few people who haven't heard, ilona_andrews has written a marvelous urban fantasy: Magic Bites.

Although it follows some of the urban fantasy conventions—a tough-as-nails chick investigating mysteries and fighting monsters—this story comes at it from an original and entertaining angle. Set in an alternate Atlanta, Georgia where waves of magic periodically sweep over the land, rendering all technology invalid, ordinary people try to go about their lives, staying out of the way of magic wielders, the wild and dark places. I love how this city—devastated by magic, in a world devastated by magic—still holds on to the old ways of contemporary America, as much as possible. In this, and this only, it reminds me of Sunshine by Robin McKinley. The voice in Magic Bites is completely different, and the worldbuilding thoroughly it's own, but this post-catastrophe, "ten minutes into the future" aspect is something I love about both books.

While investigating the death of her mentor, the independent mercenary, Kate Daniels, has to contend with shapeshifters and some truly inhuman and scary vampires. Although maybe wampyr would be a better word for them, since they remind me of the mindless, predatory vampires from East European myth. I pictured Max Schreck from Nosferatu as I read, but these vampires don't have any mind left, just fearful instinct and necromantic "drivers."

The plot is well realized, the characters well drawn, and Magic Bites is a fun, engaging, and very satisfying read.

Comments

Thanks

[(Anonymous)]

Pam,
Your recommendation for Sunshine was spot on, so I've ordered Magic Bites, thanks!
Julia

Re: Thanks

[pjthompson]

Hope you like it! I thought it was great fun.