Finished Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews. I’ve heard a lot of people buzzing about this series, so I decided to give it a try.

This urban fantasy focuses on Kate Daniels, a mercenary who works in Atlanta cleaning up magical messes. But after her mentor is murdered, Kate starts investigating, crossing paths with vampires, shapeshifters, and more – including an evil creature who wants to use her magic and body for his own foul purposes.

The world building was really interesting in this book. While magic is “up,” things like spells and wards work. But when magic is down and tech is “up,” more traditional items like electric lights and gas-fueled cars work. I thought the shifting back and forth between these two ideas was well done, entertaining, and a unique concept.

Then, there’s Kate. Can you say smartass? Because that’s what she is, constantly pushing people around her, no matter who they are and how hard they push back. For example, a couple minutes after meeting the head of the shapeshifters, she’s ready to bury her sword in his chest — and he’s ready to rip out her throat. I read a review where someone talked about how Kate’s mouth gets her in trouble. It does, but it also makes her a likable character. I liked the fact she never backed down from anyone.

But Kate does one really stupid thing that made me want to reach into the book and smack her — she gets drunk. There’s a big fight scene, but nobody believes Kate when she says the real bad guy is still out there. So what does she do? Goes home and gets drunk on her front porch. Naturally, the bad guy just happens to be watching her. And when he shows himself, Kate sits there and keeps on drinking. Dumb, Kate. Very dumb. You know better than that. But I still like you. 😎

Also, there are hints that Kate is somehow special, that there’s something in her blood no one else can ever know about. I’m curious as to what that is. Especially since Kate has bleach in her car to dispose of any errant blood she might leave behind while she’s working. She’s real hardcore about that.

Overall, if you’re looking for a new urban fantasy series to try, give Magic Bites a chance. There’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Thumbs up.

Up next: Holidays are Hell, an anthology featuring Kim Harrison and others