I'm terrible at reviewing later books in a series because I don't want to have spoilers. So I'll just say that this book is a good addition to the series and I liked reading it. Also, I'm liking the slow, but steady romantic build up between Kate and Curran. And I love the world-building and the backstory of the characters.

I wasn't a big fan of Dali's character. She seems really immature. I hope that I learn to like her though, because there are a few spin-off novellas from her POV. ( )

Didn't change my rating. And poor Derek! This is the book where Kate starts kicking some real baddie beehind. ( )

Kate gets into another mess, not so long after the last mess (Magic Burns) and this time the stakes might mean a one way ticket to a hellish death. A lot is uncovered in this third installment of the urban fantasy series--not just in the course of the brutal investigation Kate practically jumps into, but also towards the overall secret of Kate herself. Namely who she is, how she came to be and what exactly is she training for.

I guessed in the second book what her secret was, but it was nice to have this confirmed and perhaps someone should have passed on the Evil Overlord List to Roland so these things wouldn't have happened. I found Kate's past to be fascinating and was relieved to see she didn't angst on it. She didn't have a safe, happy childhood in the 'burbs, it was intense, risky and bordering on child endangerment in some cases, but she took those lessons and learned.

More then her father wanted apparently.

I found interesting also just how adaptable she has to be in order to remain sane. Not just what happened in her past, but also her present isn't a peachy show either. Stress with Jim erupts, her need to protect those she loves is tested and she was unwanted emotion's pincushion for much of the book. Curran, of course, continues to 'court' her (were-lion style), which irritates her more often then anything else. She should however be grateful that its Curran and not Raphael (a bouda) courting her since a bouda's courting ritual involves a practical joke to be played upon the intented. A 'this can't be topped by another male' practical joke to prove his worth to the female no less.

I did become exasperated with her in regards to her feelings over Curran. I understand them, they are perfectly reasonable from her standpoint and Curran's history, but I found them exasperating none the less. Practically the entire Pack is telling her, subtly and not-so-subtly, that his intentions are VERY CLEAR, but she insists that they are misreading things. If I was Curran I'd take her over my knee and smack her behind until she gave in (who knows she might even like that).

Oh! And lest we forget Saiman...who we last saw dancing naked in the snow. We learn lots about him. Sure he still manages to scream Pervert just by saying 'Hi!', but at least he comes by it naturally.

All in all I am mighty happy with this third installment and if the snippets on Ilona Andrews blog is any indication Book 4 promises to be just as much fun.
( )

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels series #3. Urban fantasy. Best read as part of the series.
Kate Daniel is working for the Order of Merciful Aid. During her investigation, her friend Derek is discovered nearly dead. She must enter a no holds barred preternatural fighting tournament where she and Curran don’t have anyway out but to fight.

Bloody and menacing, this book is darker as Kate tries to save friends and innocents. We are also learning more about her powers, her associates, and watching her friendships grow. The chemistry with Curran is still in suspense and it’s jumping off the page as they battle the inevitable. ( )

I swear this series just keeps getting better and better! ( )