Kate Daniels has her hands full:

1. While attempting to apprehend a homicidal madman (wielding a deadly fire-throwing salamander) a mysterious assassin with a crossbow kills her prisoner. He then appears to vanish into thin air. Kate needs to find this guy, determine the motive for the killing, and if needed, take him out because he’s apparently very dangerous.
 
2. A female member of The Pack, the local werewolf clan, visits Kate to inform her that she plans to marry Kate’s ex-boyfriend. If that’’s not shocking enough, she also tells Kate that in order to do this she’ll need the permission of Curran, the Pack Master, and that she wants Kate to approach Curran to obtain his approval. By the way, Kate and Curran don’t get along.
 
3. A different member of The Pack hires Kate to find the crossbow assassin who just recently stole some valuable maps from them.
 
4. While looking for the mysterious archer Kate comes upon a distraught young girl searching for her missing mother. She decides to help the child find her mother, a witch last seen in the presence of a new coven leader, because a 13-year old girl alone on the streets of the city probably wouldn’t make it through the night.

Speaking of the city, Kate lives in an urban city which fluctuates between periods of “magic” and “tech.” When the magic is “up” strange and deadly supernatural creatures come out. Buildings crumble upon themselves. Technology like telephones don’t work. Overall it’s a time when humans without supernatural abilities are vulnerable.

When “tech” is up man-made technology devices start working again but most protections, like wards against magical creatures, cease to function. Although in the past fluctuations between tech and magic were somewhat predictable the city has recently experienced infrequent shifts between the two phases.

Throughout most of the book Kate has to juggle looking after her new ward while trying to capture the assassin. This makes for a great action adventure story with lots of twists and turns. Additionally, the tension between Kate and Curran is great and adds an element of romantic suspense to the book. By the way, Curran definitely qualifies as one of those Sexy Werewolves to Howl About.

Ilona Andrews has done a great job balancing all of the plotlines in this book, especially since it comes in under 300 pages. This is due in part to Andrews’ great world building; it’s not hard to imagine Kate and the supporting cast in this environment.

Overall Magic Burns was a good read that gets my recommendation. Check Prices