The Magic Bites mythology is a fictional universe created by author Ilona Andrews in the urban fantasy series of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta, the series follows the adventures of Kate Daniels, a skilled mercenary with a mysterious past. The mythology in Magic Bites is a blend of various mythological traditions, with a unique twist. The main premise of the series is that magic and technology are in constant flux, with magic dominating during certain periods, known as "Magic Waves," and technology reasserting itself during "Tech Waves." In this world, various mythological creatures exist, such as shapeshifters, vampires, witches, and necromancers. Each creature follows its own set of rules and traditions, adding depth and complexity to the mythology.
Each creature follows its own set of rules and traditions, adding depth and complexity to the mythology. For example, shapeshifters belong to different packs and operate under a hierarchy, with an Alpha leading the pack. Vampires have their own houses, each with distinct characteristics and abilities.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
“It took a qualified wizard to detect a summoning in progress. It only took a half-literate idiot with a twitch of power and a dim idea of how to use it to attempt one. Before you knew it, a three-headed Slavonic god was wreaking havoc in downtown Atlanta, the skies were raining winged snakes, and SWAT was screaming for more ammo. These were unsafe times. But then, in safer times, I’d be a woman without a job.”
That paragraph, about a page in, sold me on Magic Bites. It stars Kate Daniels, a mercenary who handles odd jobs in a world where technology and magic are warring– and technology is losing. In a Magic-punk version of Atlanta, Kate is stunned to learn that the city’s knight-diviner (a prestigious member of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, the guardians of the city) has been murdered. A friend of her father’s Greg was also Kate’s guardian, and the closest thing to family she had.
Barely taking time to grieve, Kate launches herself into investigating Greg’s murder, more than willing to let the Order use her attempts to cover their own, quieter investigation. What she discovers puts her in the middle of the vampires and werecreatures, both of who have suffered loses similar to Greg’s murder, but neither is willing to admit to outsiders what they know and both want to blame each other, threatening to tear the city apart in a supernatural beastie war.
Andrew’s world threatens to leave the realm of urban fantasy altogether, building a city where magic and tech flip off and on in dominance, tearing at each other in constantly flexing waves. Andrew’s characters too, are the battered survivors of the decaying city, each urban fantasy breed–from vampires to shape shifters and beyond– have a made over, wilder representation in Kate Daniel’s world.
Magic Bites is a book that jumps headlong into mythology and magic, leaving the reader charmed and definitely wanting more. Similar in feel to Jim Butcher’s Dresden series this series is sure to be a stand out in the world of paranormal fiction.
Posted May 20, 2008 by Michele Lee in category "Personal- Pingback: Memory | Literary Escapism
- By ilona andrewson 21 May, 2008 Dear Michele, Three people have emailed your review to me. I’ve come by to say thank you! Ilona
Couple this fractious bunch of shifters to a rip-roaring good tale of fantasy, awesome magical pyrotechnics, and cool hand to hand swordfighting. The husband-wife team of Illona Andrews has vast mythological knowledge: Magic Bites as well as the next books in the series genuinely keep me guessing as to the Big Bad monster’s identity until the reveal. (And I thought I was well read, sigh)
One of the intriguing aspects of the Magic Bites mythology is its explanation of how these mythical creatures coexist with humans. It is due to the existence of a magical barrier, known as the "Magic Curtain," which separates the human realm from the magical one. However, during Magic Waves, the barrier weakens, allowing magic to seep into the human world and unleashing chaos. Kate Daniels, the central character, has her place in this mythology. She is a skilled fighter and possesses magical abilities, making her a rare and powerful individual. Throughout the series, she delves deeper into her own origins and uncovers secrets about her father, who was a powerful figure himself. The overarching theme of the Magic Bites mythology is the balance between magic and technology and the consequences of their fluctuations. It explores the tension between these two forces, as well as the conflicts that arise when they collide. Overall, the Magic Bites mythology is a rich and imaginative world that blends various mythological traditions with a unique twist. It offers a complex and dynamic universe filled with intriguing characters and captivating stories..
Reviews for "The Power of Mythology in The Magic Bites Narrative"
- Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic Bites Mythology". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, with too many characters introduced all at once. The writing style was also quite dry and lacked excitement. The world-building felt underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot, and it left me feeling unsatisfied.
- Mike - 1 star - I really wanted to enjoy "The Magic Bites Mythology", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural. Additionally, the mythology aspect of the book felt forced and poorly integrated into the plot. I was expecting a captivating and immersive experience, but instead, I was left bored and unimpressed.
- Sarah - 2 stars - "The Magic Bites Mythology" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The writing style was also quite simplistic and lacked sophistication. I was hoping for a more engaging and immersive reading experience, but instead, I found myself struggling to finish the book. Overall, this was a disappointing read for me.