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.
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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
