Showing posts with label Ilona Andrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilona Andrews. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Review: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

 
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Maggie the Undying #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: March 31st 2026 by Tor Books & Macmillan Audio
Pages: 480
Audio Book Length: 21hrs 33min
Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Source: Publishers
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Libro.fm | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Maggie grew up loving an epic fantasy series, reading and re-reading the two books released over and over eagerly awaiting the next book, but it’s never come. So, when she wakes up wet and naked in a medieval-like city it doesn’t take her long to recognize it as the setting of her beloved books: Kair Toren.
 
How did she get there? Did she have a mental break where this is a figment of her imagination? It seems all too real to her and if it is, she needs to make a plan of action because she’s been thrust into a pivotal place in timeline of the books. She knows what’ll happen and it’s devastating to this world. Maggie will use her knowledge to save Kair Toren and its inhabitants. Characters she’s grown to love using every bit of information stored from her countless reads. Some well-known and some new to her, each carving out a place in her heart, and mine! Of course, there’s a few cute, and fierce animals, and a slow-burn romance to root for! There were also a couple of plot twists I didn’t see coming!
 
I was amazed by Maggie’s sharp brain and her political maneuvering! Yes, she had knowledge from reading the books, but even when it was new to her, Maggie weighed the possible outcomes and came up with clever plans.
 
I absolutely LOVED This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me! I think it’s the most epic and ambitious fantasy plotline from Ilona Andrews to date and they knocked it out of the park! That ending! I need the next book!
 
I alternately read and listened to an audio copy and I recommend either version. Kristen Sieh is a new-to-me narrator, and I thought she captured the essence of Maggie’s character perfectly! She had a great range and performed all characters, male and female, a variety of ages and accents beautifully!

5 Stars


Book Description:

A page-turning, unforgettable fantasy set in a city peopled with ruffians, spies, malcontents and murderers. Experience out-of-this world adventure and dangerous politics as Maggie tries to survive waking up in her favourite fictional world.

A heart-pounding epic from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author duo Ilona Andrews.


When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy and naked in a gutter, it doesn’t take her long to recognize Kair Toren. It’s a city she knows intimately from the pages of a famously unfinished dark fantasy series – one she’s been obsessively reading and re-reading, while waiting years for the final novel.

Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic and mayhem? Her encyclopaedic knowledge of the plot, the setting and the characters’ ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she’s coming to love – a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to return home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes – and attentions – of duelling princes, dukes and villains. This all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the ending she’s seen on the a cataclysmic war.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is the beginning of the most epic adventure yet from genre powerhouse writing duo Ilona Andrews. For fans of Samantha Shannon, Sarah J. Maas, Danielle L. Jensen and isekai portal fantasy.


Thursday, September 4, 2025

Review: The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews

 
The Inheritance (Breach Wars #1) by Ilona Andrews

The Inheritance (Breach Wars #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: August 10th 2025 by NYLA
Pages: 280
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Ten years ago, interdimensional gates opened up all over the world and monsters spilled out. The Earth paid a heavy price, but when those gates opened some humans started registering magical gifts called “Talents”.  Now these Talents go into the gates into the “Breach” to mine out special resources to help in the fight against these alien forces.
 
Ada Moore is a Talent working for the government as an Assessor, going down into the gates to look for valuable resources before they shut the gate down. As a single mother of two, she needs the health insurance and other benefits, so she braves the danger and so far, it’s paid off. However, her mission with combat team Cold Chaos, something goes horribly wrong, and she’s stuck with only the team’s German Shepherd, Bear. Ada’s determined to get out and back to her kids, though. Her time in the breach is filled with danger, discovery and change! I loved Bear, her sweet and fierce companion!
 
Right away I was rooting for Ada! She’s a relatable, normal mom, trying to get by and do the best for her two kids, but she’s also resourceful and smart! Her Talent is a special, complex one! I won’t say more.
 
Back up top, the leader of Cold Chaos, Elias McFeron, a powerful combat Talent, is trying to find out what happened after the news of the mission gets back to him. Going back down to retrieve the fallen is his priority.
 
I was so excited to pick up The Inheritance, but I waited until I had a chunk of uninterrupted time because I knew I’d want to read it straight through once starting! Ilona Andrews never fails to deliver an exciting, page-turning adventure with complex, relatable characters! While this storyline does wrap up, there’s so much more to come and I’m eager for the next book!

5 Stars


Book Description:

We are at war. The interdimensional invasion brought us unimaginable suffering, but it also awoke talents slumbering deep within us, a means to repel and destroy our enemy. Every day new gates open, leading to breaches filled with monsters and valuable resources. If you are a Talent, your country needs you. The world needs you. Be the hero you were born to be.

Adaline is a Talent. Ten years ago, she had a happy marriage and a job she loved. The invasion shattered both. Now she works for the government, searching the breaches for magic metals and medicine to help Earth repel an interdimensional enemy. Two kids, one cat, bills, benefits, mortgage and school tuition...Risking her life became routine.

She had gone into the dimensional gates hundreds of times. She was always well protected. This time everything goes wrong. Now Ada is trapped in the labyrinth of alien caves unlike any other. Her only companion is a scared German Shepherd named Bear. Together they must uncover the breach's secrets and escape, because Ada promised her children that she will come home.

The future of humanity depends on it.


Friday, June 20, 2025

Audiobook Review: Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

 

Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: November 13th 2015 by NYLA
Pages: 315
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 50min
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★★½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
 
Re-read 6/13/25 for Books of My Heart read-long. So good!

I didn't write much of a review the first time I listened back in 2016. I appreciated the story more the second time around, especially since I recently finished reading The Edge series and so remembered George, Jack and Sophie a lot more, and I'd now recommend reading that series before this one.

Dina is a little bored and lonely since Sean left, but that quickly changes when Arbitrator George Camarine requests her in host peace talks, at Gertrude Hunt, between the Vampires, Merchants and The Otrokars, aka "The Hope-Crushing Horde", all engaged in a bloody war for Nexus.

A very risky proposition with lethal delegates, but Dina needs the money and it'll Gertrude Hunt's reputation if it goes off well. But that's a big "IF".

The Innkeeper Chronicles is a wonderfully imagined fantasy world with well-developed characters. Mystery, danger, betrayal and just a bit of romance all blended into this exciting installment!

5/9/2016:
I want the next one!

4.5 Stars


Book Description:

Dina DeMille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.

Unfortunately, for Dina, keeping the peace between Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char is much easier said than done. On top of keeping her guests from murdering each other, she must find a chef, remodel the inn... and risk everything, even her life, to save the man she might fall in love with. But then it's all in the day's work for an Innkeeper...


Saturday, February 22, 2025

Audiobook Review: Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

 
Bayou Moon (The Edge #2) by Ilona Andrews

Bayou Moon (The Edge #2) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: September 1st 2010 by Tantor Audio
Pages: 447
Audio Book Length: 15hrs 32min
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
The Edge is a place where magical powers and creatures exist. It sits in between the Broken, our world, and the Weird, a place where magic thrives and where a royal society rules.
 
Cerise Mar’s parents are abducted as part of a land grab in the Edge by a rival family. Their abduction was at the urging of The Hand, a deadly group of unnaturally enhanced humans led by the ruthless and power-hungry, Spider. Cerise has to reclaim her land and get her parents back. Her plans and mission collide with William’s.
 
William was born a changeling and brought up to be a soldier. He left that life when the government turned against him and he’s been living a quiet, solitary existence in the Edge, until the government needs his help again. They have the perfect motivation for William: capture Spider, the killer responsible for the mass murders of changeling children. He’s eager for vengeance!
 
I adored William and Cerise’s first meeting! “The Hobo-Queen” and “Lord Bill” had me cracking up! They had plenty of chemistry, and longing from afar. I thought their romance was well done and in the right amount considering all the danger they were in. I loved the big, crazy extended Mar family and how they *mostly* welcomed William in!
 
Parts really creeped me out, especially the bits in Spider’s POV!
 
My heart went out to Lark (Sophie), Cerise’s younger sister, who had a traumatic event shape her. Lark appears in future installments of The Edge and The Innkeeper series, as does George and Jack, Rose’s younger brothers, so it was nice to reread her introduction. I loved seeing her, George and Jack again and they continue to be some of my favorite characters of Ilona Andrews’ stories!

Renée Raudman's narration is excellent! I highly recommend the audios!
 
I read Bayou Moon back in 2015, and re-read it again for a read-along I’m participating in with Anne @Books of My Heart. I loved it even more the second time around!

5 Stars


Book Description: 

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Walmart and magic is a fairytale–and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.

But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.

When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive.


Saturday, January 18, 2025

Audiobook Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

 
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

On the Edge (The Edge #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: September 29th 2009 by Tantor Audio
Pages: 384
Audio Book Length: 12hrs 8min
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I read On the Edge back in 2013, and just read it again for a read-along I’m participating in with Anne @Books of My Heart and loved it even more the second time around! If you’re looking for a strong female character, clever banter, and a slow burn romance look no further. Their Kate Daniels series won me over as a fan, and The Edge series only increased my love of their writing!

Rose lives in the Edge, a world in between the Broken: our normal world, and the Weird: a world where magic dominates. She lives with her two younger brothers, having to take over the role of parent since her mother died and her father took off. Rose makes barely enough money in the Broken to care for their needs, and she struggles to keep her brothers behaving while trying to provide. Behaving takes special restraint when you have magic powers like Rose’s little brothers do. Rose is also gifted magically, not that this has made much of a difference in her life so far, other than making her a target for unwanted advances.

Enter Declan, an aristocrat from the Weird. He shows up demanding things of Rose and used to being in charge, but Rose isn’t just going to listen to some stranger. However, there’s something in the Edge killing, so she reluctantly teams up with him.

This was such a strange and different story, in the very best way. Rose is a wonderfully crafted heroine with some pretty cool powers. No TSTL. She works with what she has and tries to get by. I was touched by Rose’s caring relationship with her younger brothers. The boys as well as Rose’s grandmother were well fleshed-out secondary characters that you grow to love.

On the Edge is first in a series, but this story wraps up nicely, and the next one focuses on another secondary character. You can’t go wrong with Ilona Andrews! I’ve loved everything they’ve written!

As for the audio narrator, you can't go wrong with Renée Raudman! She won me over with her performance of Kate Daniels and she was wonderful here as well!


5 Stars


Book Description:

Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.


Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Audiobook Review: Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews

 

Sanctuary (Roman's Chronicles #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: July 30th 2024 by NYLA
Pages: 152
Audio Book Length: 4hrs 27min
Narrator: Chris Brinkley
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Roman is grumpy, back from a task assigned by his Slavic god, Chernobog, still not complete, but he has the Koliada, the Winter Festival off. All he wants is to rest, sip eggnog and eat cookies, but things change when a teenage boy and his puppy (cue heart eyes!) shows up on his property and asks for sanctuary.
 
You’d think Roman, a Dark Volhv serving an evil god wouldn’t be a big-hearted softy, but “evil” in this story isn’t defined in the traditional sense. Soon after taking the boy in, a band of mercenaries show up determined to take the boy and the dog, but they have another thing coming if they think Roman’s just going to give him up. It was fun to see them underestimate Roman and his rag-tag bunch of strange and lethal creatures, adorable in their own odd way!
 
I’m a big fan of Ilona Andrews! It was fun to have Roman fleshed out, as I’ve liked him in the Kate Daniels series. Sanctuary was a fun, fast read, action-packed and infused with Andrews’ signature humor! Things wrapped up, but there were paths left open and I’m eager for more stories! A possible romance a-brewing? I’m all in!
 
I listened to the audio version with Chris Brinkley, a narrator I’ve enjoyed in the past, performing. His pronunciation of what seemed to be to me, difficult words (gods, mythology, etc.) was smooth and well done! I thoroughly enjoyed his performance! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

4.5 Stars


Book Description:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes a novella featuring Roman, our favorite Volhv wizard in the always intriguing, colorful, volatile Kate Daniels world.

It’s not easy serving Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it's a fight to the death, but for him, it's just another day in the neighborhood.


Monday, July 24, 2023

Audiobook Review: Magic Tides & Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews

 

Magic Tides & Magic Claims (Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years 1 & 2) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: July 10th 2023 by NYLA
Pages: 158 (Magic Tides) 240 (Magic Claims)
Audio Book Length: 12 hrs 21 mins
Narrators: Hillary Huber & Michael Glenn
Source: Publisher 
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I was thrilled to find out we were getting more stories in the Kate Daniels world! Magic Tides and Magic Claims are the newest installments. Kate Daniels is one of my all-time favorite UF series! Ilona Andrews is such a talented writing team, so I was all smiles diving back in!

With Magic Tides Kate and Curran have moved to Wilmington to get away from the Pack and have a more normal kind of life for their family.  They wanted a place where no one knew them, their powers, their history. Of course, when someone is in trouble Kate can’t deny help. Especially when it’s their son Conlan requesting the aid for one of his friends. The friend’s cousin has been kidnapped by The Red Horn, a nasty criminal gang. When Kate finds out the details she decides to go and get him back. The father, Tom, is more than a little skeptical of Kate’s abilities, but has run out of options. However, his opinion changes as he sees Kate in action. And, oh boy, was it fun to see Kate in action again! Even when she’s embarking on a mission on the fly, she’s still several steps ahead of any opponent.

Magic Claims makes it evident that Kate, Curran, and Conlan won’t be able to stay under the radar, or avoid the responsibilities that come with the power they have. They all feel such a duty to those in need and both were born to lead. With Magic Claims, there’s an evil power demanding tribute from the town of Penderton in the form of human sacrifices. The deadline is coming for another payment, so the leaders reach out to Kate and Curran to help. Another exciting story and the end hints at more stories to come. I’m so excited!

f you haven’t read the Kate Daniels series, you need to drop everything and start it! You’ll love Kate, a smart badass heroine and her Beast Lord hero! The plots are riveting, with action, mystery, danger and romance! I’m so happy to get anything more in this world!

There’s been one narrator for the series up until these two novellas. She was the voice of Kate to me, so of course I was worried to find out there would be a new narrator. When Hillary Huber was picked (I was part of the group voting) I was ecstatic because I knew Ms. Huber would make a fantastic Kate! Love her rich voice, gravelly voice, and her comedic timing is perfection! She’s taken on the role splendidly! Michael Glenn, a new-to-me-narrator, slipped right into the role of Curran and made him come alive in all his alpha glory! I highly recommend the audio! I listened at my usual 1.5xs normal speed. 

5 Stars


Book Description:
In Book #1, MAGIC TIDES, Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the home front.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she's never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

In Book #2, MAGIC CLAIMS, Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their “low profile,” when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The “ransom date” is rapidly approaching.

It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail...well, fail is a four-letter word.

Nothing comes without a price. Now Kate must decide if she has what it takes to pay it.


Monday, January 16, 2023

Audiobook Review: Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews

 

Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles #5) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: January 13th 2023 by NYLA
Pages: 454
Audio Book Length: 16 hrs 25 mins
Narrators: Nora Sofyan
Source: Publisher 
Rating: ★★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Wilmos, Sean’s werewolf friend and advisor is kidnapped and the only way to reach the place he was taken is through a portal controlled by the Dominion. They’ll agree to give access if Dina and Sean host their spousal selection at Gertrude Hunt. This is a huge undertaking with representatives from twelve different alien species. Several very tricky and dangerous. It is a risky event, one refused by the other Inn’s and Dina wouldn’t take it on except for the situation with Wilmos. Sean and Dina definitely have their work cut out for them.

Caldenia is a big part of the story. Officer Marais and even the Costco lady has a role. First Scholar Thek of the koo-ko, aka: space chickens!!! We met them in the novella, Sweep With Me, and First Scholar Thek is with us again sharing his enlightened intellect. So, so funny!
 
I’m always amazed by Ilona Andrews’ writing talent, they’re just so good, and I’m immediately sucked in every time I pick up one of their books. Here I was in wonder over their imagination, creating all the different species and worlds, and the ways Dina accommodated them at the Inn. At every turn there was a problem to overcome, but Dina and Sean tackled them together as a united team. As usual, humor is woven through the story that at times had me laughing at loud.

Sweep of the Heart is part of the Innkeeper series, book five, and these books are best read in order. Such a phenomenal series, so if you haven’t started you are in for a treat and you can binge read!

The audio version was fantastic! Nora Sofyan performed all the voices beautifully. I loved her portrayal of Dina, which for me was the most important as the lead, and she gave each character (there were many) a distinct voice. I listened at my usual 1.5-1.75x normal speed. Definite recommend!

5 Stars


Book Description:

From the New York Times #1 bestselling author, Ilona Andrews, comes a fun and action-packed new adventure in the Innkeeper Chronicles! We invite you to relax, enjoy yourself, and above all, remember the one rule all visitors must obey: the humans must never know.

Life is busier than ever for Innkeeper, Dina DeMille and Sean Evans. But it’s about to get even more chaotic when Sean's werewolf mentor is kidnapped. To find him, they must host an intergalactic spouse-search for one of the most powerful rulers in the Galaxy. Dina is never one to back down from a challenge. That is, if she can manage her temperamental Red Cleaver chef; the consequences of her favorite Galactic ex-tyrant's dark history; the tangled politics of an interstellar nation, and oh, yes, keep the wedding candidates from a dozen alien species from killing each other. Not to mention the Costco lady.

They say love is a battlefield; but Dina and Sean are determined to limit the casualties!

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Review: Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews


Fated Blades (Kinsman #3) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: November 23th 2021 by Montlake
Pages: 222
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★★

My Thoughts:
The Adlers and Baenas are supernaturally powerful families on the planet Rada. Their families have been rivals for years, but Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must work together after their unfaithful spouses steal groundbreaking technology to sell to a deadly enemy.

At first, they don’t trust each other, but since they must work together, they put aside they old family differences. Mutual admiration, respect along with an irresistible attraction starts to form and they find that they work perfectly together. Perfectly deadly to any that get in their way!

I recently read the prior two novellas in the Kinsman series and loved them! Passionate and hot, set in a vivid and unique world! The previous stories are super short, both less than 100 pages, but Fated Blades is longer at 222 pages, but still a quick read. Each features a different couple, standalone story/romance.

Fated Blades would technically be considered an enemy-to-lovers romance, but they were never at each other’s throats. I enjoyed the fun, sensual push and pull between them, but more than that I loved seeing these two open-up, get close and form an intense bond. Ilona Andrews is one of my all-time favorite authors and I’m continually amazed by their ability to suck me into a story whether it be a 50-page novella or a full-length story!

 
5 Stars


Book Description:

An uneasy alliance between warring families gets heated in this otherworldly novella from bestselling author Ilona Andrews.

At first glance, the planet Rada seems like a lush paradise. But the ruling families, all boasting genetically enhanced abilities, are in constant competition for power―and none more so than the Adlers and the Baenas. For generations, the powerful families have pushed and pulled each other in a dance for dominance.

Until a catastrophic betrayal from within changes everything.

Now, deadly, disciplined, and solitary leaders Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must put aside their enmity and work together in secret to prevent sinister forces from exploiting universe-altering technology. Expecting to suffer through their uneasy alliance, Ramona and Matias instead discover that they understand each other as no one in their families can―and that their combined skills may eclipse the risks of their forbidden alliance.

As the two warriors risk their lives to save their families, they must decide whether to resist or embrace the passion simmering between them. For now, the dance between their families continues―but just one misstep could spell the end of them both.

 

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Review: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews


Publication Date: August 27th 2019 by Avon
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

My Thoughts:
The Hidden Legacy series has now come to focus on Catalina Baylor, one of Nevada’s younger sisters who is now head of House Baylor.  Catalina has taken over as lead investigator for their firm as well. Runa, a poisoner we met in Diamond Fire comes to Catalina after tragedy befalls her house. Taking on Runa’s case, Catalina runs up against a dangerous foe bringing not only her, but her whole family into danger.  To complicate matters, after three years of no contact, once again Alessandro Sagredo pops back into her life right smack in the middle of her case.  Alessandro alternatively flirts with Catalina and then seriously warns her off the investigation. Oh, I look forward to seeing how it’ll all play out in the coming books!

Ilona Andrews is such an amazing writing talent; I’m always anticipating their next story. There’s never a dull moment with lots of action, danger and humor expertly woven into their smart plots!  The Hidden Legacy has been an amazing series and I’m sooo happy we’re getting more stories in this world, now focusing on Catalina.  I’m so happy to see her as a power in her own right, gaining confidence, and whipping out attitude when needed.  I was glued to the pages right from the start! Love the teasing humor from Grandma Frieda (her Herald must be very entertaining) and Arabella! There was bound to be some payback from Nevada, lol! The photo was priceless!  The other Baylor’s continue to entertain as well, and I wonder at something between Burn and Runa? The current mystery/conflict is solved, but as this is a three-story arc, things are up in the air which made me very eager for the next book!

While I think a reader would benefit from reading the books in order, I do think you could read Diamond Fire, the novella before this story, and then Sapphire Flames and still enjoy the story.  However, skipping the previous stories would deprive you of the awesomeness of this series!

5 Suns



Monday, November 5, 2018

Review: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews


Publication Date: November 6th 2018 by Avon Impulse
Pages: 160
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.
My Thoughts:
I loved the first three books of the Hidden Legacy series, so I was a little worried the series ended with book three.  To be honest, it ended in a great place, but of course I wanted more, because it’s simply amazing!  We begin with a little more of Rogan and Nevada (yes!); the prologue from Nevada’s POV, but shift gears and get Catalina’s, Nevada’s sister, POV.  Catalina is smart and powerful, but a little afraid to use her power, and I can already tell I’m going to love her journey! 

If you haven’t read the first three books, stop now, because there are details here that would spoil the prior books.

Nevada and Rogan are getting married, but the small wedding the wanted just isn’t in the cards. A much larger affair must happen due to family and social obligations, and somehow Catalina and Arabella, Nevada’s younger sisters, have become the wedding planners.  Nevada may or may not have become a bit of a bridezilla here, lol. Not because she wants extravagance, just because some of her choices aren’t what a bride marrying into House Rogan “should” be, and she’s kind of stubborn.  Good times, funny times, and it all makes me smile.  During “normal” wedding drama, a family heirloom typically worn by the Ramirez (Rogan’s maternal family) bride’s goes missing and Mrs. Rogan (Connor Rogan’s mother) enlists the help of eighteen-year-old Catalina to track it down. Catalina has been working for the family business for some time so she’s no stranger to investigations.  Plus, she’s a Prime magic user and her talents are especially valuable in this investigation even though she’s a little hesitant to use them.

Catalina’s gifts were showcased previously, and they are no joke!  I can understand why Catalina would be so hesitant to use them, but I’m thrilled she’s testing/trying them out to gain experience and control.  She’s amazing with this investigation and I loved the big reveal at the end.  I’ve long been a fan of Agatha Christie mysteries! I could always count on the big reveal at the end with all the relevant parties present, and this felt a little similar.  

From the first page I was addicted! Ilona Andrews’ talents of storytelling are in a class above most.  I love the Baylor family dynamic, they have fierce loyalty to each other, but aren’t afraid to tease or deal out reality checks when necessary.  The banter between them cracked me up! Catalina is quiet and reserved, as she’s been taught with her brand of magic, but I can see her coming out of her shell and I can’t wait!

 5 Suns




Connect with Ilona Andrews:


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

 On the Edge (The Edge, #1)
On the Edge (The Edge, #1) by Ilona Andrews
Published October 2009 by Penguin Berkely Ace
About the Book
Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.
My Thoughts:
Every time I pick up a book by Ilona Andrews I always wonder why it took me so long! On the Edge was no exception to this and I will say this is another great addition to her expanding shelf!

On the Edge is pretty complex like her other series'.  The world is very detailed and I won't lie I had to read the description twice before i fully got it.  Is this a bad thing..no not even a little.  I love her intricate worlds because they just make sense once you understand them.  They are worth reading multiple times I promise.

The story was really fun too!  I can't even begin to explain it, but just know there is a log of ass kicking, swords, wolfs, cats, hounds, and powerful fun magic throughout this story. Also adventure, love, spice, friendship, and family. It was a very well rounded book that kept me glued from beginning to end.

And of course the characters were amazing.  I fell in love with each and every character from Rose and Declan to the young boys Georgie and Jack.  Normally I don't like kiddos in my stories, but with this one they really just fit.  I don't think the story would have been as strong if they were left out.  They were young but still held their own and added a bit of comic relief that was a nice touch.  And what can I say about our main two??  They are both fierce, loyal, stubborn, and just amazing.  I loved the chemistry between the two and they just felt right for each other.  Their ending was perfect and I even laughed out loud!

The only things that bothered me about this were the mini not really there love triangle I thought might happen and the fact that this is basically a stand alone for these characters. The triangle was pretty much just in my own brain, but it did kill part of the story for me.  I didn't like that feeling and I am glad that particular relationship wasn't really pursued.  If you read this you might not even pick up on what bothered me so really it's probably just me.  The other thing is I have gotten used to Ms.Andrews stories being pretty much centered around one couple so when I found out that the next book was about two totally different characters I was a tad upset.  Yes I want to know more about William, but I want more Rose and Declan!  I am hoping we get to see them in future installments.  I don't like losing people!

So even though I am losing people I am still definitely going to read the next installment!  I know Mrs. Andrews won't let me down!

4 suns


Saturday, July 26, 2014

Early Review: Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy, #1) by Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy, #1)
Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy, #1) by Ilona Andrews
Will be Released on October 28th, 2014 by Avon
About the Book
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.
My Thoughts:
Holy hotness!  This book OMG this book!  I knew this was going to be amazing and I was not disappointed AT.ALL!

Nevada is a private investigator and she runs her family business.  Her normal day to day usually consists of finding the cheating spouse, but when a Prime magic user blows up a bank and kills one of the guards her skills are needed elsewhere.  To save her company from being closed down she has to team up with Mad Rogan and find Adam (the Prime) and deliver him safe to his family before the authorities have their way with him. 

Okay so that is the really short version of the what the story is about.  Ilona Andrews worlds are always very intricate and there is just no way I can even begin to describe everything.  Just know that if you loved the Kate Daniels world I can guarantee you will love this one too.  It is so thought out and well amazing honestly.  I wasn't sure what kind of world I was going to be reading about, but man am I hooked!  I just want to know more and I want the next book NOW!

Love love love the characters!  Andrews always creates a tough kickass heroine and while I do love Kate I kinda like Nevada a little bit better.  I know I know I never thought I would say that either, but Nevada has a soft side which I like.  Kate is still one of my all time favorite females ever, but Nevada I don't know I just really connected with her.  She didn't give in to anybody and she knew what needed to be done and just did it.  I respected her decisions and I cheered for her when they worked out.  I also liked that she knew her strong points and wasn't afraid to admit them.

Mad Rogan oh where do I begin.  First I have to say I don't like the Mad part of his name.  I get its his nickname, but every time his name would pop up I would stumble on the Mad part.  I wish the author would have dropped it and just called him Rogan.  I mean after awhile he wasn't just a side character and he deserved to just have a name.  Okay that all being said my oh my as this man glorious.  He of course was a badass Prime and knew it, but there is something underneath all the cockiness that I can't wait to discover.  I loved his interactions with Nevada and well I did swoon at his words just a tad. Yes he is over confident, but I mean hello just look at him!  I cannot wait to see who wins the stand off between them!  I want Nevada to cave, but this back and forth is just too good! 

There isn't anything I would change about this book except for the name thing which is a small complaint. The ending was interesting and definitely piqued my interest for the next book. I wanted it already before reading the last chapter, but after reading that I am dying for it!  I want to know more about this world! 

This is an amazing book that I know Kate Daniels fans will devour! 

5 Shinning Suns!