Magic Bites discussion

Reading this splendorific series has ruined any chances of liking any other urban fantasy book....EVER. Not only was Kate Daniels an admirable character who had flaws which she was aware about and also dealt with (something most other UF main characters are too slow to figure out) the book in its entirety was incredible. The world building, the characters, and the plot were written with such a different perspective, I was shocked. I loved it because of is large amounts of humor. Further more, Kate did not fall head over heels with Curran as soon as she saw him; in fact, they totally could not stand each other's presence in the beginning, which proves she not some little girl who falls for anything equivalent to sex with legs. Also, the story included a VAST amount of different kinds of species other than the generic wolf vampire, etc. AND it had a different perspective on vampires. This is commendable since every other UF book I've read (and trust me, I've read a great number of them) seem to be too afraid to deviate from the norm, which leads me to my point: This series has ruined me since I cannot help to compare Kate and the series' plot to all the other books I've read, which I end up dropping when I find they fall short to this series, with the exception of the Mercy Thompson, which is almost just as good. I would love it if anyone has any recommendations because I find myself seriously starving for a good UF series that can stand to par with the Kate Daniels series.

Have you tried Faith Hunter's series starring Jane Yellowrock? I like that one for all the reasons you have listed above. Plus it's one of the few series that keeps evolving with each book. Highly original with a smart heroine, great world building, a variety of non-human characters, lots of action & dry wit. I'm picky but highly recommend these books.

Really? I tried reading the Jane Yellowrock series, but I kept getting stuck on the fact that she always bragged about herself. What's your take on the book, since I might give it another try.

It's always interesting to me how people have different takes on the same book. It's such a matter of taste & I really hesitate to recommend for that reason. Like you, I really enjoyed Kate Daniels. I've also read most of the Mercy books but found that series kind of stagnated as Mercy seemed to be losing her mojo.
My personal kryptonite has always been female MC's that weep/wail, need constant rescue, make stupid decisions (as a plot device) or were apparently born without a spine.
Jane is a kickass & confidant about her skills but I never found it overbearing as it's the only area of her life where she feels secure. As the series begins, she doesn't fully know what she is, where she came from or even how old she is. She's led a solitary existence with the exception of her friend Molly, a witch. As it progresses, her character undergoes a constant evolution as her situation changes & she slowly begins to acquire a "family" of sorts. She also gradually recovers memories & learns more about her origins at the same time as the reader so we feel like we're riding shotgun with her.
There's a complex world around her in New Orleans once she takes a job with Leo, the head fang-face. The author has created some great supporting characters but again, there are tons of secrets & only as you keep reading do you discover what they are, their capabilities & whether they're friend or foe.
As for the romantic side of things, there's no insta-love, thank God! (SOOO tired of page long descriptions of every inch of a guy's body while they're doing the deed 20 minutes after they meet.) Instead, there are possibilities & heartbreak but only in the last book does it become clear who she's finally let into her life. She may face the world looking strong with her leathers & knives but there's a real vulnerability on the inside that we're privy to because we know her history.
Have I answered your question in all this blather? I guess it boils down to 2 things. One, I like Jane. She learns from her mistakes & when she runs into trouble I never get a feeling of deja vu (the "oh, wait, this is just like that time in book 3" syndrome) Two, unlike other series that begin to run on fumes at about book 5 or 6, each of these is a natural progression from the last book. There are multiple story lines going on & each character has their own arc so it never feels repetitive or like the author is running out of ideas.
Hope this helps. It can be like when a friend recommends a movie so you lay down your hard earned cash & walk out 2 hours later thinking they must have been drunk when they saw it. If you do go ahead & read the series, I'd be interested to hear what you think. Cheers!

I love all three series -- just a comment, I had a hard time getting into the Jane Yellowrock series initially, but persevered and found it extremely rewarding about halfway thru the first book. It is a bit of a slow start, but there is tremendous evolution to the characters as is said here and that is part of the wonderful attraction. All 3 series to my mind are the bar to judge other UF works.

have you tried Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series?

I've enjoyed Kate a lot. I agree w/ all your reason for loving Kate. Try J.C. daniel's Colbana files. It reminded me of Kate a lot. There's no insta love and the heroine kicks serious butt.

I'd back up Dee's suggestion of Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series. It uses magic in a way that no other series does and while yes, there is a romantic relationship between the h/h, it's slow to develop and not the absolute focus of the series. It also has the distinction of having one of the hottest love scenes I've ever read and it was just a kiss between a couple who had been together for a while.

The other series I would recommend is Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. It's more of a traditional h/h series but there's just something about the way that series is developing that makes it stand out from the crowd.

I'll put it this way - in the last couple of years I've had NO time to read at all but the series I made myself find time for were the Kate Daniels series and the Guild Hunter series. What helps is that both series have amazing audiobooks which is how I managed to keep up with them.

Ilona Andrews has a new paranormal romance series, but it is more UF than PNR. "Burn for Me" is the first book she's just released, and it's a great read.

Have you tried Patrica Brigg's Mercy Thompson series? Also a good UF series.

I love the Kate Daniels series as well!!! I can't wait for more!!!

Dee wrote: "have you tried Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series?"

I have read all of these. It is a good series but not a great one.Life is too hard in that world.

I haven't read the Kate Daniels series yet. I have the first few, but I have a lineup to get through first! I feel that way about Kim Harrison's The Hollows/Rachel Morgan series though. Seriously, I can't find a series that compares for me. Sounds like Kate Daniels might be a winner though.

In reading your description of Kate, I think you might like the Hollows quite a bit then. It's funny, lots of different creatures (Rachel is a witch, and her business partners are a vampire and a pixie - The pixie character is a riot, btw), the heroine is kickass. Lots of action, and a little romance without the excessive sex of so many of these urban fantasy series. (I'm no prude, but frankly I find it gets BORING after awhile! I don't need a graphic sex scene every other chapter. I had a heck of a time getting through Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress because of that. I read the first one and will probably not continue - I just need more STORY than that!)

Karen Marie Moning's Fever series was fantastic. I also recommend Kresley Cole's Immortal After Dark series.

I just finished Jeaniene Frost's first Night Huntress book and I loved it.

Stacie wrote: "I haven't read the Kate Daniels series yet. I have the first few, but I have a lineup to get through first! I feel that way about Kim Harrison's The Hollows/Rachel Morgan series though. Seriousl..."

Stacie,
I am a huge fan of the hollows, as well as Kate Daniels. I highly recommend it to you. I agree with you about the sex thing, I read erotica, so I'm obviously not opposed to sex in books. But I really enjoy a book when there is more to the plot then sex in all it's different positions. :). I am always on the look put for a new series to read. I tried the Jane yellow rock series that everyone is talking about, I couldn't get into it. Marbles give The hollows a try I think you will like it.

It actually took some time for me to get into the Kate Daniels series. However, I'm on book 3 right now, and I'm LOVING it!

For me, the ones that I consider must-reads are:

The Fever series
The Mercedes Thompson series
and the Chicagoland Vampire series. These three are my top favorites.

Marbles, Ilona Andrews has also ruined me! But I would say that the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning is just as good as the Kate Daniels series. It starts with Darkfever and just keeps getting better from there. It is really amazing. I would also recommend the Disillusionist Trilogy, but I saw on your profile that you already started it. And yes, Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews is SO GOOD! Despite the ridiculous cover, I almost think I will end up liking this series more than Kate Daniels.

I am fairly new to the Urban Fantasty/Paranormal Romance genres. I started with the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, then went on to read the Cat and Bones series by Jeanine Frost, the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter, the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, and I just finished the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.
They are all interesting and fun to read; all are exciting in their own ways. I love that Ilona Andrews has created very different supernatural creatures and that she has given vampires such a unique twist. The Fever series also has completely different characters from the usual vampires and werewolves. All of these series have strong female main characters, and all include some romance. All are a fun read that made drew me in and made me feel like I had gone on an adventure somewhere. I was recently reading about the two genres and learned that most urban fantasy writers are female. Jim Butcher is one of the few urban fantasy writers who is a guy. He writes the Harry Dresden series, which are a lot of fun.

I've read quite a bit of this genre, but I can't really say that there's anything else that does quite what Kate Daniels does.

However, you might want to check out the Greywalker series by Kat Richardson. It took me a bit to get used to the noir style writing, but once I did I really enjoyed it. The writer takes the main character in some interesting directions, and she is definitely one tough woman. The way she handles the two conflicts she's faced with in the first book is really quite clever.

I also kinda want to recommend the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine. The first book wasn't my favourite, but it quickly picks up from there, and it's pretty cool how every book takes the story in a new direction. I don't think I've seen any other series manage the same feat. I would characterize this as a high octane action series, which is a bit closer to what Kate Daniels' story is like compared with the Greywalker series.

Umm... and maybe you'd like this single book by Dia Reeves: Bleeding Violet. It's pretty crazy, in the literal sense, since the main character has schizophrenia, but she's also pretty cool and tough. I mean she goes to this town where there's all these weird monsters and is basically able to handle it really well because her hallucinations have prepared her for weird stuff like that. Nice premise, right? So yeah, worth a read.

Finally, I hesitate to suggest this, but The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I hesitate because the main character is a bit of a male chauvinist, but on the other hand I think of that as his fatal flaw. I mean, regardless of what he thinks of women, he gets his ass handed to him by female characters fairly often. Anyway, this is a series with some really amazing action sequences and a really great variety of fantasy creatures. As the story continues it basically manages to up the ante in each book, giving you bigger and bigger climactic battles for about the first dozen books.

PS: I'm not seeing Harry Potter in your list. If you haven't read it, you should, if for no other reason than the character that's relevant to this discussion: Hermione.

Actually, I'm just gonna recommend two more, these books are going with the theme of books that ruin other books, however, I'm stepping out of the urban fantasy genre here.

Okay, so The Iron Dragon's Daughter by Michael Swanwick. This is going to be unlike any other fantasy book you'll ever read. I mean, on a whole other level compared to the way that Kate Daniels is not like most urban fantasies. The genre is closer to steampunk fantasy, but nonetheless it's quite different from other books I've read in the same genre. I recommend this book whenever possible really, but I guess I can't be certain that you'll like it. I tend to see that a lot of people either think it's really weird and don't like it or otherwise they're in love with it like me.

The other story I want to recommend, you might have difficulty finding because it's a local author (I'm in Australia), is Darkfall and Darksong, an incomplete trilogy by Isobelle Carmody. Again, speaking as someone who's read a hell of a lot of fantasy fiction, this is not like any other fantasy book you'll ever read. It's a closer to classic fantasy, you know with swords and stuff, but the main characters are transported there from the modern world and the world of Keltor is not your average fantasy setting. I don't think Carmody is going to finish this series for a while, but I'd still consider them worth reading even if she never finishes them. Glynn is probably my all time favourite character I've ever seen in fiction. What's interesting about this series is that it's kinda more... adventure than action. I mean, there's some fighting, but largely the main characters talk or finesse their way out of situations rather than fighting their way out.

Josh wrote: "I've read quite a bit of this genre, but I can't really say that there's anything else that does quite what Kate Daniels does.

However, you might want to check out the Greywalker series by Kat Ric..."

Thank you so much for the feedback, Josh. I appreciate it! I love the Harry Dresden series, and am current with the books which are out. I also love Harry Potter and read all the books as they were published. I will try the others you have recommended.

Kim wrote: "Josh wrote: "I've read quite a bit of this genre, but I can't really say that there's anything else that does quite what Kate Daniels does.

However, you might want to check out the Greywalker seri..."

Ah, I just saw that you mentioned Jim Butcher in an earlier post. Sorry I didn't read through the whole thread before posting.

Anyway, if you like Jim Butcher I also recommend the Codex Alera, his other fantasy series. This is more like classic fantasy. I wouldn't say that it breaks boundaries or anything, but it just does the standard fantasy stuff really really well.

Thanks, Josh. I put samples of all the books you recommended onto my iPad.

Wow thanks for all the book suggestions! You guys are the best. I have started a few of the other UF series mentioned here before, but I never really connected with them (hence, the start of this thread) but I definitely going to revisit the books and trying reading them again.
so far here are my favorite series:
Kate Daniels series
Mercy Thompson series
The Fever series

In addition to the ones you mentioned, I agree with the folks who recommended the Jane Yellowrock series. It is wonderful! I also love the Night Huntress series by Jeanine Frost, also called the Cat and Bones series. They are available only on e-readers, as far as I know.

Marbles wrote: "Wow thanks for all the book suggestions! You guys are the best. I have started a few of the other UF series mentioned here before, but I never really connected with them (hence, the start of this t..."

I recently read the Night Huntress series and it was fantastic!!!! :) I still need to read the Kate Daniels series (so many people recommend that one). I'm currently reading the new BDB release (The Shadows) as I love that series too! :)

I have it yet read any of the Shadows, but will check it out.
I saw that you are planning to read the Outlander books - they are great!

I read the first 4 Outlander books and loved them but then got off track somehow. Now with the TV series, it makes we want to go back and start again! :) Since you loved the Night Huntress series, I bet you would love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (JR Ward). I'm reading the latest book in the series - The Shadows. Also saw that you had The Fever series marked. That is an awesome series as well! :)

Thank you so much, Marcie! I wrote down the titles, and will check them out. I appreciate the recommendations.

You are very welcome! This is why I love GR! Feel free to hit me with any suggestions as well. :)

Written in red by Ann Bishop is the first book in a great series

Shells wrote: "Written in red by Ann Bishop is the first book in a great series"

That one does sound good! Will be putting that one on my TBR list. Thanks!!!! :)

Thanks for all the suggested reading. I've been reading this genre for about a year, so never realized it was there. I started with the the discovery of the Laurell K. Hamilton books( I know) then moved on to others like: Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, Kitty Norvelle, Cat in Night Huntress Series, Charley Davidson, Guild Hunter series, Merit by Chole Neill (light fare but I like her) and Mackenzie Smith by Helen Harper is a British take on the paranormals. I could not finish the Karen Chance books (too much going on and kind of like a spoof of Hamilton's books) or the Otherworld series by Yasmine Galenon (like drinking tepid tea--- too weak)
Great reviews have sparked my interest in Jane Yellow by Faith Hunter and Greywalker series by Kat Richardson. What do you think about Chase in the Downside Ghost by Stacia Kane? Read a few mixed reviews. I'm picky about reading books because once I start reading a book I feel compelled to finish it no matter how bad it is. So, I really appreciate the reviews, thanks everyone.

Cup a tea wrote: "Thanks for all the suggested reading. I've been reading this genre for about a year, so never realized it was there. I started with the the discovery of the Laurell K. Hamilton books( I know) then ..."

by all means read the Jane Yellowrock series. she is excellent. You may also want to read The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison. Faith Hunter and Kim Harrison are friends in real life and there are sly references between the two series, and in the acknowledgments. And Jane drinks tea not coffee so I like her.

I read the first book in Kim Harrison's series, thought it was funny. Always curious how authors write their world of paranormals. I need to finish my current series(Chloe Neill, Kate Daniels, Mackenzie Smith), but I'm going to try Faith Hunter next. I appreciate your recommendation.

I actually got hooked to Urban fantasy thanks to the Kate Daniels-series. I was looking for something that wasn't elves or dwarves or any other high fantasy like and they recommended this to me at the book store. It hooked me completely to urban fantasy. I'm drawn to these kinds of books now and I can't seem to change my mind. Patricia Briggs, Sandy Williams, Jacqueline Carey, and many others owe it to Ilona and Kate Daniels that I read their books as well.

Hi. Have you tried Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series? It's really fantastic.

It's a great series

I love a lot of UF though

OK! I think I will mention some books that you, guys. Will absolutely love!!!
First off.
Author: Lisa Shearin
Book Series: Raine Benares, and Rain Benares World: Funny, strong kick-ass female and awesome characters. Slow going relationship.
SPI Files: Again Funny and Slow relationship. Female character is not kick-ass, but is learning to defend herself. I would also consider her to be a side-kick that comes up with interesting ways to defeat the enemy and ends up saving the day, without actually defeating the enemy and leaving it to her kick-ass friends and allies. Also very strong-willed and has a slight connection to the Raine Benares.
Author: Honor Raconteur
Book Series: The Artifactor
A Gaeldocraeft Forces
The Advent Mage and Warlords Rising ( Comes after the Advent mage and the novellas)
Deepwoods Saga
Kingmakers
Short Stories: Special Forces 01
Kingslayer
Midnight Quest
Heroes
All I have to say about this. Is that when Miss Raconteur first started trying to get her books. No one took her on because none of her books followed the usual fantasy formula. So if anyone wants to give these a try. Go right ahead, because you might actually enjoy the unexpected.
Author: L. G. Estrella
Book Series: The Unconventional Heroes
The Divine Assistance
* I haven't read all their books. But these two series, I have and I absolutely loved the. So, Soooooo FUNNY!!!
Anyway I'll leave you with these authors and there books. For you guys to try. If you want to know anymore books. That I can recommend just let me know!

Marbles wrote: "Reading this splendorific series has ruined any chances of liking any other urban fantasy book....EVER. Not only was Kate Daniels an admirable character who had flaws which she was aware about and ..."

i absolutely agree. good thing i have no aspirations to write because if i did, every main character would be a weak imitation of Kate Daniels. i will probably always love Dresden Files, but after reading this series, i look back on his character (Dresden) and think "come, just put your big-girl pants on like Kate!"

Marbles wrote: "Reading this splendorific series has ruined any chances of liking any other urban fantasy book....EVER. Not only was Kate Daniels an admirable character who had flaws which she was aware about and ..."
You should definitely try the Mercy Thompson series. It is just awesome. I find that the Kate Daniels books tend to get a little redundant, especially the way the characters talk and even some of the things they say are repeated through out the books. That is what put me off a bit. I was looking for a book like the Mercy Thompson books and this series was recommended to me and I did read I think about 4 of them before giving up.
If you like kate then you will love Mercy. Give it a try.

I think other than the obvious (great writing, compelling characters and worthwhile story), the biggest thing that stands out in the Kate Daniels series is amazing world building. My favorite UF authors, I feel like maybe shouldn't even be in that genre classification because of the worlds they build. I love other UF authors, but it seems that they can never pull me in as well as those that build their own world. Some of these have been mentioned, but here are favorites of mine that do that:

1. The Hollows by Kim Harrison
2. Charlie Madigan by Kelly Gay (sadly cut short by publishing issues, but still so worth reading!)
3. Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning
4. Cassandra Palmer and the Midnight's Daughter series by Karen Chance (although this series has become frustrating in later books)

Seanan McGuire's October Daye series. First book or two was a slow burn for me but it's now my second favorite series. KD being #1.

Marbles wrote: "Reading this splendorific series has ruined any chances of liking any other urban fantasy book....EVER. Not only was Kate Daniels an admirable character who had flaws which she was aware about and ..."

i'm liking the Bargainer series. a lot more romance-y but i like the female lead. the others series was also good. i could not get into the fever books. everyone loves them and is all ' just wait for it, the female MC gets better' but i just couldn't make myself. i think every book should be good, if i'm going to spend time reading them.

These are 2 of my favorite but not every well known series. Jane Carver of Waar by Nathan Long. This is the first book in a 3 book series that is an entertaining spoof of the Burrough's John Carter of Mars books. The kickass heroine goes thru some amazing adventures.
Dying Bites (Bloodhound Files) by DD Barant is the first of a 5 book series in which an FBI profiler is transported to another universe. The heroine is funny and smart and saves the world a couple of times.

Josh wrote: "I've read quite a bit of this genre, but I can't really say that there's anything else that does quite what Kate Daniels does.

However, you might want to check out the Greywalker series by Kat Ric..."

Josh, I was about to recommend the Weather Warden series. Loved it.

I'm impressed by how long it took for someone to mention either Laurell K. Hamilton or Seanan McGuire.

For a different take, I also recommend Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series. Peter Grant, a mediocre young police officer just out of probation meets a ghost before being assigned to a seemingly dead end branch of London's Metropolitan Police. It's also written from the perspective of a mixed ethnicity character (son of a white jazz trumpeter and drug addict and his west indian immigrant wife) in the not always very PC world of a London PC. Oh, and his best female friend, Leslie, is the better cop.