Magic Breaks is the seventh book in the Kate Daniels series written by Ilona Andrews. This urban fantasy novel follows the story of Kate Daniels, a powerful and independent mercenary with a mysterious past. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology alternate in dominance, the series explores themes of loyalty, power struggles, and the fight for survival. In Magic Breaks, the storyline revolves around a confrontation between Kate and her father, Roland, who is an ancient and extremely powerful being. This conflict poses a threat not only to Kate but to all of Atlanta, as they find themselves caught in the middle of a power struggle between two immense forces. As Kate navigates the danger and tries to protect those she cares about, she faces numerous challenges and unexpected twists that push her to her limits.
[PP2-3] Detecting microwaves
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Microwave remote sensing systems detect and quantify the electromagnetic radiation arriving at a detector, this radiation being either emitted (passive sensors) or scatterered back (active sensors) from the objects. Three properties of the recorded electromagnetic signal are of particular interest: its intensity, its phase and its polarization. The specific quantification of each properties allows signal interpretation, as they depend on the roughness and dielectric characteristics of the surface (intensity and polarization) as well as of the range between target and sensor (phase). The detection of the microwaves is operated through two principal sensor elements: an antenna and a receiver. The antenna collects the incoming radiation and the receiver measures the collected electric signal. As active microwave systems produce their own electromagnetic radiation, they are equipped with two additional elements: a pulse generator and a transmitter. Usually, transmitter and receiver are situated on the same antenna. A simple detector system only detects the intensity of the signal and amplifies it. Coherent systems measure both the amplitude and the phase of the incident electromagnetic radiation. Microwave systems can be categorized in two different types: imaging and non-imaging sytems. Whereas for non-imaging systems each echoe (collected signal) provides a single measurement, imaging systems collect a sequence of echoes that generate a two dimensional image.
As Kate navigates the danger and tries to protect those she cares about, she faces numerous challenges and unexpected twists that push her to her limits. One of the central themes in Magic Breaks is the concept of power and its corrupting influence. Roland, as the epitome of overwhelming power, embodies the dangers and destructive nature associated with it.
External resources
- Hanssen, R. F. (2001). Radar Interferometry: Data Interpretation and Error Analysis (Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing Series, Vol. 2). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
- Woodhouse, I. H. (2017). Introduction to microwave remote sensing. CRC press.
As the story unfolds, Kate must confront her own fears and make choices that determine her place in this world. Through her experiences, the novel explores the idea that power can be both a blessing and a curse, often blurring the line between good and evil. Another significant aspect of the book is the exploration of relationships. Kate's relationship with her friends, allies, and love interest, Curran, is tested as they face the imminent threat from Roland and his powerful army. The bonds between characters are further developed, highlighting the importance of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice in times of crisis. The world-building in Magic Breaks is fascinating and intricately woven. Ilona Andrews creates a vivid and immersive setting, blending magic and technology seamlessly. The authors skillfully incorporate elements of mythology, folklore, and urban legends, bringing depth and richness to the narrative. Overall, Magic Breaks is an action-packed and emotionally charged installment in the Kate Daniels series. As the story unfolds, it delves deeper into the complexities of the characters' relationships, challenges the notions of power, and delivers a thrilling adventure in a captivating post-apocalyptic world. Fans of urban fantasy will find themselves engrossed in the gripping narrative and eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series..
Reviews for "Magic Unleashed: The Action and Adventure in Ilona Andrews' Magic Breaks"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Breaks" by Ilona Andrews. I had heard so many great things about this series, but I found the plot to be lacking and the characters to be one-dimensional. The writing felt rushed and cliched, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. Overall, I was expecting much more from this book and ended up feeling let down.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Magic Breaks" by Ilona Andrews. The story felt disjointed and confusing, with too many plotlines that didn't tie together well. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me feeling lost and wanting more explanation. The main character, Kate Daniels, also wasn't likable to me. She came across as arrogant and unrelatable, making it difficult for me to invest in her journey. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and won't likely continue with the series.
3. Michael Thompson - 1 star - I really did not enjoy reading "Magic Breaks" by Ilona Andrews. The writing style was repetitive and filled with unnecessary descriptions, making the pacing slow and the book feel much longer than it needed to be. The romance between the main characters felt forced and didn't have a lot of chemistry. Additionally, the climax of the story felt underwhelming and predictable. Overall, I was not engaged or entertained by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Emily Davis - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Breaks" by Ilona Andrews, but it fell short for me. The world-building was confusing and difficult to grasp, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. The plot also felt weak and didn't have enough substance to keep me engaged. The writing itself was decent, but the lackluster story and one-dimensional characters made it difficult for me to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.