Reality Bites Books

When you pick up a book at the supermarket checkstand you know you are taking a chance. The odds of hitting a winner in the Lottery are better, even the chance of being hit by lightning or eaten by a shark are better...but once in a great while you do hit a winner. This book, Magic Bites, does all of the things that a book needs to do, the hero, (Yuck! C'mon admit it, sometimes the old word just sounds better no matter if it is a bit sexually exclusionary, Heroine there I've said it and feel much better), is heoric, the odds overwhelming, the villian villianous and the guy, guyish. Okay so being a guy its hard for me to find all that much enticing about a romantic icon. Sure some parts of the tale are familiar, the heroine is tough as nails. (No one ever complained about Mickey Spillane or Ian Flemming writing about tough as nails heros, so just get over it. If you don't like some of the conventions of the genre read something else. But some parts of the saga explore uncharted ground. No cape-wearing, accented, evening dressed vampires here. No, these guys are not the party going type and if you don't know what that means buy the book and find out.

All in all a great read and a new take on some supernatural sacred cows. Do it the right way, buy the book from Amazon and get the companion book, Magic Burns at the same time. Then you won't pick it up one dark and stormy night and find that instead of Magic Bites, you have Magic Burns and will either have to start without knowing the backstory or wait two weeks to get the first book from Amazon! Great new series and waiting with a worm on my tongue for the next one, Magic Breaks...How's that Ms Andrews? Or maybe Magic Blaze, have you tried, Magic Blooms? No that's not right but then you could do Magic...

Magic Bites is a decent, quick fantasy read. It is a sort of hardboiled urban fantasy with blood and guts and a light whodunit mystery that relies more on the particular version of supernatural creatures that this author created, and less on any traditional mystery concepts. What I mean is that the bad guy in this is a magical creature, who wants magical creature things and who kills in magical creature ways, rather than, say, a jealous lover who kills and blackmails before running off to Mexico. I like these kinds of books when the magical creatures are unusual or interesting in some way, when the main character is sympathetic, and/or when the writing is fun.

This one had good magic, so-so writing, and a fairly irritating main character. She was intriguing, but way too over the top with her [...]-kicking image. A lot like John Taylor of Simon Green's Nightside books, who also annoys me in the way he is always implying how incredibly dangerous he is to mess with, and never takes his armor off, even for a second, because he has to keep his myriad of enemies in check with the neverending bluff that is his reputation. It is annoying for me to read because the authors, both in Green's case and in this book, act as if the reader is another person who can never be allowed to see the main character's weakness, and that's just silly. They drop hints of humanity, imply vulnerability, but never pursue it for long: Kate tries to date in this one, and regrets it when it blows up in her face, but she doesn't regret it that much -- because she still has [...] to kick.

But I did like the version of vampires in this, and some things about the shapechangers. I like the Order of knights, though not much was said about them, and I really liked the villain -- though the actual character of the villain was not so good. The only scary thing about him was his power, and his personality and non-magical abilities should match his power for scariness -- see the Denarians in Jim Butcher's Dresden series for the way to make the bad guy scary.

All in all, it wasn't bad, and I'll be reading the sequel.

If you're into the genres of Urban Fantasy or Speculative Fiction, or if you like to see a well-written female lead or some truly fabulous world-building, then by all means please check out Ilona Andrews' Magic Bites. It's an excellent piece of fiction; the writing is fun, engaging, and clever. She's developed a very tactile and realistic future-Atlanta, and her characters all feel satisfyingly 3-D. I thoroughly enjoyed both this and the sequel, Magic Burns, and I'm eagerly awaiting the third installment.

In this, Ilona Andrews' first novel, there is magic in the world, and it does not like technology. Set in Atlanta in the not-too-distant future, Magic Bites tells of a world where magic comes in waves, alternating with "tech" (times when technology works). Because of this influx of magic, there are certain agencies which have been created to deal with new magical problems such as harpies, dragons, and the occasional salamander-wielding arsonist. One such agency is the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, a highly-structured system which "helps" citizens who cannot afford any other aid. Another magical clean-up agency is the Mercenary Guild, to which Kate Daniels belongs.

When Kate's oldest friend and sometime-protector Greg is murdered, Kate takes on a mission to figure out why and how he died, and to avenge his murder. Kate's investigations bring her to the Order - which she left several years beforehand due to "authority issues". They put her in league with the Pack (shapeshifters who have conquered their beasts and retain their humanity), and have her facing off against the city's Masters of the Dead (necromancers and their vampire drones) in a battle for the city - and her life.

The story contained within Magic Bites is interesting, and I love Andrews' conceptualization of magic colliding with our technology-laden world. However, it all could have used slightly more editing, or more writing, or...well, something. There were a few parts where I was unclear as to how the characters got to a certain conclusion, and the narrator is constantly hinting at things which we are never told. Perhaps these hints will be further explained in forthcoming books, and I hope they are. This is an interesting series: I have already started on the next book, and hope that Andrews publishes more volumes of Kate's story.

Ilona Andrews has a hit with with her Kate Daniels series. This is one Urban Fantasy book that is fresh and crackles with energy. If you like your heroines strong, powerful and with wit, you have to read Magic Bites.

Magic Bites takes place in Atlanta, Georgia where magic cripples the city. There are things called flares that can take out modern conveniences such as cars and electricity. During theses times, creatures that enjoy using their magic for their own devious means come out and cause problems. That is where Kate comes into the picture. She is a sort of freelancer mercenary who keeps control and cleans up these problems. Kate has her own special magic at her disposal. She has a pretty nifty sword she can use along with another secret weapon up her sleeve. Kate has two magic words from her deceased father she can use as a last resort if need be. When Kate says one of these words out loud to whomever, the unlucky fool must do what she orders. In Magic Bites, Kate acquires four new words from her mentor who has been murdered. She now has six words and her sword to use. Just because Kate may have these powerful words to use whenever she wants to, there are consequences. Every time she says one of these words, the pain she experiences is unbearable, only to be used if there is no other option.
Greg, Kate's mentor, was a powerful knight who belonged to a group called the Order of Knights and Magical Aid. Kate has the option of joining but she doesn't deal well with authority. Now that Greg has been eliminated, she must enter the world he was involved with to find his killer. This is where she is introduced to a whole new group of characters. Not only are there magicians and witches, but vampires, werewolves and all different types of shift changers.
Once such shifty creature is Curran, who is the Beast Lord. He is also the Pack King a.k.a. the lord of the shift changers. Curran can change into this monster lion and does not like to be told "no" and feels he must be obeyed in all things. You can just imagine his reaction to Kate when they meet. Sorry, folks, this is no love at first sight or even a twinge of lust between the two. Curran can't stand Kate and she feels the same way about him. These two not only come to blows but try their best to kill one another. Remember how Kate has a problem with authority? Well, Curran is the top dog, er... cat and he wants Kate out of the way mainly because of her nose in the air attitude. As the story progresses, Kate and Curran come to an understanding and help one another. Kate eventually finds out who killed Greg, gets her revenge and helps Curran and his pack keep control of Atlanta.

Ilona (and don't forget her wonderful husband Gordon who lends a hand) has come up with a gritty, dark world that has some great potential. I look forward to Kate and her future adventures with her six magical words that can cause so much damage. And, if Kate and Curran end up sharing a kiss or two, I wouldn't mind that either.

Katiebabs
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)

Reality Bites! is a lively compendium of cooking advice, instruction, and recipes. In addition to chapters on "Meal Planning Made Less Difficult"; "Meal Planning Charts"; and "Sample Menus", the family cook is treated to recipes for appetizers, beverages, breads, vegetables, salads, breakfast entrees, lunch entrees, dinner entrees, cookies, candies, cakes, pies, and desserts. From Quick Monkey Bread, Eggs-in-the-Hole; and Barbecue Cups, to Crock Pot Roast, Hobo Dinner, and Chocolate Torte, Reality Bites! is completely "user friendly" and fully illustrated with mouth-watering color photography.

I have a family of five to feed and schedules can be varied and hectic. 'Reality Bites!' is full of normal everyday recipes so I don't have to add errands to a specialty grocery store to my already busy day. The preparation times are realistic which makes it easier for me to budget time for cooking meals. This cookbook is truly real food for real people. If you haven't bought 'Reality Bites!' yet, then you should go and get it!

'Reality Bites!' is a refreshing and honest approach to cooking. It is a blast from the past with familiar recipes that used to be a part of everyday life. The spiral binding is very functional in the kitchen, though I suppose it wouldn't sit on a shelf very well. I wouldn't know for sure since this cookbook stays out on my counter at all times? You will get your moneys worth from this cookboook. I hope T.R. Hader publishes another cookbook soon. What a great gift idea too!

Allison Holloway is a reality-tv obsessed interior designer in Chicago who realizes that the world she loves so much on TV isn't quite as glamorous when she's the one living it. When her design firm signs on to participate in a reality show called Kamikaze Makeover, Allison's world is turned upside-down over the course of the show. One of the producers, a suave, successful PRINCE of all things, tries to wine and dine her. Allison doesn't know whether to resist or succumb since rich men like Nicolo are exactly her type. But then there's the everyday guy, Dave, an ad exec friend of a friend who has been courting her for weeks, but whose bank accounts can't live up to Allie's lofty standards. In the end it all comes down to whether you choose the prince you've dreamed of all your life or the everyday guy who treats you like a princess.

In short, Reality TV Bites is a story about a pretentious, trust fund baby who even at the age of 32 hasn't grown up yet. In case you can't tell, I wasn't a fan of this book. The writing was fine, and I read it pretty quickly, but if I read about Allison's fascination with rich men, designer clothes, or OPI nail lacquer one more time I thought I might scream. In short, Allison ruined the book for me. Dave deserved better than her in my opinion and I can't imagine a laid-back, normal guy like him putting up with a self-indulgent princess wannabe like her. Her decision to try to be more down-to-earth at the end of the book seemed forced and I can just imagine what would happen a week from then if that world were real. She'd be running up an outrageous bill at Neiman's while Dave would be nursing a broken heart somewhere in Wrigleyville. All in all, it just didn't work for me.

Instead of this book, I'd recommend try Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series which has basically the same premise with a better story and more tolerable characters.

At first, I was hesitant to buy this, because I'm not really into reality shows. But I liked Shane Bolks' previous chick lit effort (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated), so I picked it up. I'm glad I did.

It's the story of Allison Holloway, a girl who's always wanted to be a princess. With wealthy parents, an extravagant lake house, a glamorous model brother and a European prince who happens to be interested in her...she's well on her way.

The glitch is sexy Dave, a kind of blue-collar guy of whom her parents wouldn't approve. The chemistry between them is undeniable (it practically leaps off the page!) but he keeps pulling back and she feels rejected.

In the meantime, Allison is an interior designer for Interiors by M, and the company is invited to do an interior design competition...for reality TV. The problem is, they're asked to make people's homes worse, not better. On national television.

The reality TV aspect of the book is humorous, and doesn't take up too many pages. So if you're not into reality shows, no fear. The romance between Allison and Dave is really hot and there's some hilarious pudding wrestling. I finished this book in a few hours.

For anyone who's dreamed of being a princess when she grew up, this one is one that you can relate to. I did.

Shane's humor shines in this tale of Allison, a prince who turns into a toad - or worse - and the ultimate hero, Dave.

Though all the crap, Allison learns that it isn't about what other's think about the outward persona, but the true person inside.

Colorful characters, disfunctional family and quirky friends make this a read that had me laughing, groaning, and cheering.

Great Job, Ms. Bolks -- the force was with you on this!

Not being a twenty/thirty something woman on the dating scene, I didn't expect to be sucked in on page one and to finish the whole book in one afternoon. But that's what happened.

The heroine/narrator is so charmingly flawed I cheered for her all the way, even when she was doing very foolish things. It was refreshing that the hero didn't fall insanely in love with her on page 1. The story was fun and original with some hilarious twists. The secondary characters were also great--multi-dimensional and real (I found mother painfully familiar). As for the humor--I laughed out loud more than once.

Without reservation I would say this is one of the best, if not the best, book I've read in this genre.

In Chicago, beautiful Allison Holloway seems to have it all as she enjoy her interior designer job, makes good money, dates bulls, and loves reality TV though she would not mind a Prince Charming whisking her away to his magical castle. However, her boss Miranda informs Allison that she and her company Interiors by M will be on Kamikaze Makeover competing against a rival firm for three million dollars and their reputation.

Allison struggles with the concept of participating in front of millions instead of being her usual couch potatoes spectator self. Her date Dave takes her to the Bulls games while Prince Nicolo wants to sleep with her and the activist media watches her every move to survive the war in which traitors, backstabbers, snipers and cheats will do anything to win even destroying a woman trying to play by the rules.

This is lighthearted satirical romantic romp gently shreds reality TV, the media feeding frenzy, and fairy tales that encourage a woman to wait for her prince to arrive. The amusing chick lit story line focuses mostly on Allison as she struggles with the reality of invasion into her private life. The support cast especially the Prince, Dave, her long time friend Rory and mom add humor to a fun frolic.

Harriet Klausner

This is a book almost 16 year old Cassie she has never had a boyfriend or ever been on a real date. So when she gets her first boyfriend will it be as great as it seems to be? or just a drag? buy this book and find out or get it at ur local library.

This book is probably part two, it assumes you know the character already, I can live with that but what I can't live with is the sillyness of the whole "Double dream" idea that is just plain silly.

The character herself Ant is rather nicely done Not bad at all but showing characters down our throat like SavageDrgaon and Spawn I see no real reason for them being in the comic to being with. all in all stay away.