REVIEW: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Happy Book Birthday to Iron and Magic!


Publisher's Summary: 
Truly a stellar read. Iron and Magic marks the first in the Iron Covenant series for Ilona Anderews, the husband and wife writing team that have brought us the Kate Daniels books and many more.  If you love Kate Daniels, then you have also grown to love/hate Hugh d'Ambray. He's a complicated villain who has now lost his way since being cast out by Roland, Kate's evil, wizard father. (That is probably over simplifying lol).
Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast. 

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify. 

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies? 

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.” 

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

_______________________________________________

When Hugh learns that his Iron Dogs are in jeopardy, his pulls himself together and forges an alliance with Elara, a witch known as the White Lady. Elara is an enigma--strong, beautiful and possessing a mysterious ancient power that is both awe inducing and terrifying. The two have a marriage of convenience--Hugh will help protect Elara's people, and in turn Hugh and his Iron Dogs have food, shelter and a chance at a new life.

Their alliance is tenuous at best but rife with coiled tension. Hugh remains an antihero but as reader's learn more about him, Hugh has an interesting past and his perceptions are skewed based on his time under Roland's influence. He isn't without honor or empathy and he is learning to care for others and see a larger picture. Following his journey will be exciting.

Elara is equally intriguing. I cannot wait to find out more about her and just what she's sacrificed for her people. She and Hugh are a good match and we'll have to see if real love is in the cards (which I'm guessing it is).  These two have amazing banter, tension and good sexual chemistry--tenants of what you'd expect from any of Andrews' couples. There is great plot, action, adventure and monsters.

Loved the book!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: White Hot by Ilona Andrews

White Hot is the much anticipated follow up to Andrews' Burn For Me. Quite possibly one of my favorite books in the world. I've actually read it three times already and that rarely happens!

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

What can I say?  This writing duo has done it again.  There is a fantastic blend of urban fantasy elements (magic, supernatural abilities) along with a thrilling plot steeped in intrigue, greed and a bit of power hungry chaos.

Excellent character development with some twists and plenty of the trademark snarky humor which I love.

I'm not sure there is a hotter couple than Nevada and Rogan. The narrative sizzles with their tension and when these two do connect, I thought the speakers would combust! Another stellar performance by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Innkeeper Chronicles Vol 1 by Ilona Andrews

*Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Meet Dina Demille, a nice Texas gal who runs a seemingly ordinary, quaint B&B. But Dina’s inn is a magic, thinking entity; her fluffy Shih-tzu, Beast really is a beast; and her guests are the kind that no one on earth is supposed to know about: guests like a dethroned galactic tyrant with a massive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced—and superhot—alpha-strain werewolf.

So don’t expect a normal stay…and don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage….

In Clean Sweep, Dina—with the unwanted assistance of newcomer (and alpha werewolf) Sean Evans and Arland, a cosmic vampire soldier—takes on an extraterrestrial killing machine that could destroy her Inn, her neighbors, and everything she holds dear.

I really enjoyed this book.  The Andrews husband/wife writing team do what they do best, build a fast paced, detailed and adventurous world filled to the brim with action, tension, humor and memorable character.  I love Dina and the other characters for their diversity as much as the snarky humor these authors do so well.

While this is a contained story-line, readers are introduced to enough continuing questions to want to come back for more!  I also cannot speak highly enough of the audio narration as performed by Renee Raudman.  She does a stellar job as she has will all the other Andrews audio titles.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sweep in Peace, finds Dina hosting an anything-but peace summit between three warring intergalactic species; Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char. 

This book was a hoot! I loved the premise and all the details of trying to make the peace summit successful despite some big hurdles.  What I also loved was the crossover from The Edge series and seeing some well loved characters mix with Dina.  However, for me, the best part was Orro, the high strung and masterful chef, who has been disgraced following the poisoning of a diplomat.  I adore him to the moon and back!

Overall, some great twists and surprises to bring back key characters.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

One Fell Sweep sends Dina to the galaxy’s worst penal colony to rescue her sister; and back home to fend off a clan of assassins in pursuit, all while saving a guest’s civilization from annihilation…and searching for her missing parents.

Another excellently plotted adventure with good romantic tension, action, and humor.  I enjoyed the addition of Dina's sister and niece as well as the resurgence of characters and some unexpected twists. Dina is making strides toward finding companionship and answers to her parents' disappearance. 

Fantastic performance in audio again by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

REVIEW: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

*Thank you to Netgalley and Ace for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: September 20, 2016

Kate Daniels is back with another highly entertaining adventure in Magic Binds.  The dynamic husband/wife writing duo of Ilona Andrews stun with not only compelling characters, dialogue and stories but also with heart pounding action, humor and plenty of angst.

Kate and Curran are still adjusting to their new roles after leaving the Pack with Curran reorganizing The Guild and Kate keeping her father, Roland, at bay despite his encroachment on Atlanta, which Kate had to claim for her own.  Tensions are high politically and personally as Roland manipulates those closest to Kate and pushes her boundaries by overstepping his place on many levels.  Finally deciding to tie the knot, Kate learns from the Witch Oracle that her impending marriage will cause Atlanta to burn and the death of the man she loves.  And the only person she can turn to for help is long dead. Fortunately for Kate, death isn't the obstacle it could be.  She'll have to learn to master her power and call upon other alliances if she stands a chance at changing her future.

I adored this book as I do all in the series! It was entertaining, funny and thoughtful. I love the continued progression of characterization as it pertains to the growing story arc.  Kate Daniels and the supporting cast remain some of my absolute favorites in any genre. This writing duo knows just how to craft a truly memorable narrative.

Honestly, I can't think of a single fault except that it is far too long until the next book is published.  I can't wait to see what is in store for Kate and Curran as well as the implications the cliffhanger has for this world.  While I loved getting to read Magic Binds ahead of time, I did miss the added bonus of listening to this on audio.  I definitely will seek it out upon its release.

Final rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @ilona_andrews



#magicbinds #ilonaandrews #katedaniels #magic #romance #humor #action #netgalley #supernatural

REVIEW: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

Magic Shifts is everything that Kate Daniels fans love and more.  It was so phenomenal that even a week later I'm still doing the book Snoopy dance of amazingness!!!  This is very much a transition book.  Kate and Curran are still dealing with the aftermath of Magic Breaks and the impact these decisions have not only on their relationship, family, friends, and the city.  Roland is still a very real threat; however, readers are in for a hilarious treat with the awkwardly tense new relationship with Kate and her father. None of it will end well but the road to the end will be an entertaining ride.

“I had come here intending to declare a possible war and instead ended up planning a dinner date with my father at Applebee’s.” 

The husband wife writing due making up pen name--Ilona Andrews--never disappoint.  Kate is back with all of her bad-ass snark. Having claimed Atlanta as her own, she does whatever necessary--often to the detriment of her own well-being--to protect the city and its people. This causes a smidgen of tension between Kate and Curran, but ultimately he understands her and supports her no matter what.  Fans will yet again swoon at their relationship, especially with this quote:

“I will always be there. I will walk across the whole planet if I have to.” I closed my eyes and whispered, “I’ll meet you halfway.” 

Strange creatures galore fill out the rest of this action paced adventure. Evil djinn, massive insects and giants keep Kate and crew on their toes while also sneaking in an edge and ponderings for later books. 

“Do we have a flamethrower?” Curran asked. 

“No.” 

“We should get a flamethrower.” 

I laughed, I cried, and now I'm pining for the next books.

If you haven't read the series yet, what are you waiting for?  These are an urban fantasy must!  I cannot recommend them enough and if you are an audiobook fan, the narration by Renee Raudman is amazing and engaging.



Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: ilona@andrews
Follow the narrator on Twitter; @reneeraudman


#katedaniels #magicshifts #urbanfantasy #romance #review #audiobook

REVIEW: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Burn For Me is the first in an all new urban fantasy series (Hidden Legacy) by bestselling author Ilona Andrews. The novel blends itself well as a hybrid between UF and paranormal romance.

Female protagonist, Nevada Baylor is a twenty something PI, who is fiercely protective of her large family.  Her talent as a 'Truth Seeker' - brandishing a kind of magic where she can detect and compel others to tell the truth, proves useful in her line of work. Since the untimely death of her father, Nevada has worked tirelessly to maintain the family business and reputation despite the looming mortgage to one of Houston's wealthiest businesses. Unable to break that contract, she is forced to find and deliver one of the city's most dangerous Primes -- a high level magic user -- back to his family.

If that wasn't already an impossible task, Nevada is kidnapped by the equally deadly and devastatingly sexy Connor "Mad" Rogan, an ex-military billionaire, who is a formidable Prime as well. They decide that they'll work together on the case for mutual gain and to more importantly stay alive. However, as the danger heats up, it becomes increasingly difficult for both Nevada and Rogan to deny their electric attraction.  Rogan has never met such a strong willed, sassy woman able to resist he alpha persona; whereas, Nevada knows full well to steer clear less she give in to temptation only to have her heart broken.

What I loved about the book aside from the overall UF world-building, story, and action packed pacing was the character development.  I've long been a fan of this husband/wife writing team who have brought readers not only the Kate Daniels books but also The Edge books.  They have a truly unique and magical way of balancing romance and action while providing substance. These rank right up there with my love of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, The Hollows by Kim Harrison and The Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong.

The novel has a satisfying conclusion to the primary plot; however, readers learn that more is at stake for Nevada and the world she lives in.  I love the slow burn of the growing relationship between her and Rogan.  It is reminiscent of the relationship development between Kate and Curran in the author's other books.

Final thoughts: This was a fantastic read and I can't recommend reading it for its notable writing prowess or listening to the audiobook enough.  It's fast paced with great action, well-developed characters, humor, memorable snark and a whole lotta sexy angst. I cannot wait for the next book, White Hot, to be released on October 27, 2015.

5 out of 5 stars - I'd give it higher!

Check out the author on Twitter: @ilona_andrews





#burnforme #hiddenlegacy #ilona_andrews #urbanfantasy #paranormalromance #sexy #magic #whitehot #thehollows #kimharrison #dresden #dresdenfiles #jimbutcher #longshotauthor #kelleyarmstrong #otherworld