Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: White Hot
WORK NOTES: under joint pseud Ilona Andrews, with husband, Andrew Gordon
PSEUDONYM(S): Andrews, Ilona
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/
CITY:
STATE: TX
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
Writes under joint pseud Ilona Andrews, with husband, Andrew Gordon * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilona_Andrews * http://www.ilona-andrews.com/about/
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Russia; married Andrew Beauregard Gordon; children: two daughters.
EDUCATION:Attending Western Carolina University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer.
WRITINGS
Also, author of the “Kinsmen” series and the “Innkeeper Chronicles” series and of the novella, Of Swine and Roses. Contributor to anthologies, including Hex Appeal and An Apple for the Creature.
SIDELIGHTS
Ilona Gordon and her husband, Andrew Beauregard Gordon, are novelists writing under the joint pseudonym, Ilona Andrews.
Magic Bleeds and Gunmetal Magic
Andrews’s “Kate Daniels” series debuted in 2007 with Magic Bites, in which Andrews introduces Kate, an investigator and liaison to the paranormal community in Atlanta. In the series’s fourth book, Magic Bleeds, she must stand up to a member of her family. A critic on the Night Owl Reviews website remarked: “Magic Bleeds is the best yet of this series! Insanely fun read, action-packed.”
Gunmetal Magic: Magic Gifts: A Kate Daniels Novella finds Kate investigating murders at her ex’s worksite. A contributor to the Fiction Vixen website suggested: “The writing is always seemless, the storylines are always action packed and interesting.” “This is a cotton-candy urban fantasy—fast, funny, and entertaining. It’s a good read,” asserted Regina Schroeder in Booklist.
Magic Rises and Magic Breaks
Kate goes on a dangerous mission to the Carpathian Mountains in Magic Rises. A reviewer on the Smexy Books website suggested: “Magic Rises more then rises to the occasion in this delightfully funny, dark, high octane action packed installment that addresses love, loss, and choices. This series just keeps getting better and better.” The reviewer added: “The storylines and direction they take are top-notch.” The same reviewer noted that the book was “sure to appeal to all fans of urban fantasy and the mythological world and characters Ilona Andrews has created in their bestselling ‘Kate Daniels’ series.” A Publishers Weekly critic praised the book’s “vividly imagined fight scenes, clever use of obscure mythology … and rich characterization.”
Magic Breaks tells of Kate’s struggle to survive during a war between vampires and shapeshifters. “Existing fans will be entertained, while new readers won’t be entirely lost,” predicted a Publishers Weekly contributor.
Magic Shifts and Magic Binds
Kate and Curran, her mate experience waves of magic in Magic Shifts. They also investigate the case of a mission person. An Internet Bookwatch critic described Magic Shifts as a “vigorous, fast-paced story.”
In Magic Binds, Kate deals with frightening prophecies and an impending magical war. Schroeder, the Booklist reviewer, suggested: “This is a fast-paced story in an interesting and well-established world.”
On the Edge and Bayou Moon
On the Edge is the first book in another series by Andrews. It finds the Drayton siblings living on the edge of the Broken world (or the real world) and the Weird, a paranormal world. A Publishers Weekly writer described On the Edge as an “engaging urban fantasy series opener.”
In a world called the Mire, Cerise and William, both on separate missions, become attracted to one another in Bayou Moon. “From the get-go, Cerise and William’s voice captures the reader and drags them kicking and screaming into the world of the Weird,” asserted a contributor to the Night Owl Reviews website. The same contributor added: “With a great setting, a super action-packed plot and fabulous characters, Bayou Moon is a thrill to read.”
Fate's Edge and Steel's Edge
The Weird countries fall into chaos after a theft in Fate’s Edge. A Publishers Weekly reviewer called Fate’s Edge “an appealing blend of madcap caper, spy thriller, and romantic comedy.”
In Steel’s Edge, a healer named Charlotte determines to help Richard, a swordsman, in the Edge. “Picking up an Ilona Andrews book is always a good idea, but it’s especially true when a series ends as strongly as this one does in Steel’s Edge,” asserted a writer on the All Things Urban Fantasy website. A critic on the Fiction Vixen website remarked: “What was not to love about this book? It had it all. The plot was so tight. … The Andrews’ create such complex yet identifiable characters.” Frieda Murray, reviewer in Booklist, commented: “The characters are well drawn, and the plot, though standard, can keep you turning pages.”
Burn for Me and White Hot
Burn for Me introduces Nevada Baylor, an investigator taking on a case for a House, or family, with paranormal powers. A reviewer on the Para Junkee website remarked: “Fans of UF and PNR should both like Burn for Me; it’s got action and humor, but enough romance (and promise for more in the future) to satisfy someone who normally reads romance. It’s a given that fans of Ilona Andrews will love Burn for Me, but if you haven’t read any of their other books, Burn for Me is a good place to start.” “Romantic sparks and a tangled mystery make this a lively, impressive series debut,” asserted a Publishers Weekly critic. Sarah Grant, contributor to Booklist, noted: “The stakes are high throughout, the action is tight, and the romance is steamy.”
Nevada begins using her newfound magic powers while investigating a murder in White Hot. May Flaum, contributor to the Smexy Books website, commented: “So often an ever growing rich cast of characters can take over and push the main characters into the sidelines, but not here. They each add details, insight, laughs, and charm to this wonderful series.” Flaum added: “Ilona Andrews knows how to pace a book. Start to finish there is urgency, things are always happening and must be paid attention to, but there are also tender moments.” Comparing the book to the previous installment in the series, a writer on the Dear Author website remarked: “Like Burn for Me, White Hot is action-packed and exciting, as well as romantic. The world of the series, in which the magically gifted Primes wield power in the name of their Houses (families), makes a great backdrop and foil to Nevada’s dilemmas and her relationship with her family, who are tethered by bonds of deep affection rather than considerations having to do with power.” The same writer continued: “As in the earlier book, Nevada is a great character, smart, level-headed and funny, as well as utterly devoted to both her loved ones and her work. It’s impossible not to like her.” A Kirkus Reviews critic praised the character development and noted: “Add breathtaking romance and sexual tension plus a complex, layered plot, and you have a book that’s hard to put down.” The critic called the book “an enthralling paranormal romance from a master of the genre.” A reviewer in Publishers Weekly noted that the book featured “fully realized characters, killer action scenes, and a hot and sweet romance against a dynastic world of mages.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, July 1, 2012, Regina Schroeder, review of Gunmetal Magic: Magic Gifts: A Kate Daniels Novella, p. 39; December 1, 2012, Frieda Murray, review of Steel’s Edge, p. 35; September 15, 2014, Sarah Grant, review of Burn for Me, p. 38; September 15, 2016, Regina Schroeder, review of Magic Binds, p. 33.
Bookwatch, November, 2015, review of Magic Shifts.
Internet Bookwatch, November, 2015, review of Magic Shifts.
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2017, review of White Hot.
Publishers Weekly, July 20, 2009, review of Must Love Hellhounds, p. 127; August 17, 2009, review of On the Edge, p. 51; October 10, 2011, review of Fate’s Edge, p. 37; June 24, 2013, review of Magic Rises, p. 149; June 30, 2014, review of Magic Breaks, p. 44; August 4, 2014, review of Burn for Me, p. 35; March 27, 2017, review of White Hot, p. 87.
ONLINE
All Things Urban Fantasy, http://allthingsuf.com/ (November 26, 2012), review of Steel’s Edge.
Dear Author, http://dearauthor.com/ (May 31, 2017), review of White Hot.
Fiction Vixen, http://fictionvixen.com (July 31, 2012), review of Gunmetal Magic; (December 10, 2012), review of Steel’s Edge; (July 28, 2014), review of Magic Breaks.
Ilona Andrews Website, http://www.ilona-andrews.com (November 6, 2017).
Night Owl Reviews, https://paranormal.nightowlreviews.com/ (May 1, 2010), review of Magic Bleeds; (September 1, 2010), review of Bayou Moon.
Para Junkee, http://www.parajunkee.com/ (November 2, 2014 ), review of Burn for Me.
Smexy Books, http://smexybooks.com/ (July 29, 2013), review of Magic Rises; (May 30, 2017), May Flaum, review of White Hot.*
Ilona Andrews
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Ilona Andrews is the pen name of Ilona Gordon and Andrew Gordon,[1] an American husband-and-wife duo who write urban fantasy and romantic fiction together.
Contents [hide]
1
Early lives
2
Career
3
Personal lives
4
Works
4.1
Kate Daniels
4.2
The Edge
4.3
The Kinsmen
4.4
Innkeeper Chronicles, or Dina Demille
4.5
Hidden Legacy
5
Short stories
5.1
Kozlov Universe
6
References
7
External links
Early lives[edit]
Ilona was born in the Soviet Union and came to the United States as a teenager.[citation needed] She attended Western Carolina University, where she majored in biochemistry and met her husband Andrew Gordon.[citation needed]
Career[edit]
Gordon helped Ilona write and submit her first novel, Magic Bites.[2] Its sequel, Magic Burns, reached #32 on the New York Times extended bestseller list in April 2008.[3]
Personal lives[edit]
The Gordons live in Texas.[4] They have two daughters.
Some confusion has been generated by the fact that Andrew Gordon is commonly referred to by his surname. Regarding this, he has said, "I know it can be confusing, but here is the deal: My legal or if you prefer, government name, is Andrew Beauregard Gordon. Andrews is my grandmother Helen’s maiden name and my middle name comes from the confederate general PGT Beauregard who fired on Fort Sumter and basically started our Civil War. Ilona calls me Gordon and that is how I think of myself, in the military we always used our last names."[1]
Works[edit]
Kate Daniels[edit]
The Kate Daniels novels are set in a slightly futuristic Atlanta, where magic and tech periods follow one another. During tech, guns and cars work. During magic, planes fall from the sky and generally anything technological fails but forgotten magic spells work again. In this world, magical creatures again roam the lands. Heroine Kate Daniels is a mercenary who fights various types of monsters. Kate is special: she is a human with some magical abilities but foremost she's a great warrior.
"A Questionable Client" short story, Kate POV (published in the Dark and Stormy Knights anthology, Ace Books, July 2010, and the Magic Graves anthology, Kindle ebook, September 2011)
Magic Bites novel, Kate POV, book 1 (Ace Books, March 2007)
Magic Burns novel, Kate POV, book 2 (Ace Books, April 2008)
Magic Strikes novel, Kate POV, book 3 (Ace Books, March 2009)
"Magic Mourns" novella, Andrea POV (published in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology, Ace Books, September 2009)
Magic Bleeds novel, Kate POV, book 4, (Ace Books, June 2010)
"Magic Dreams" novella, Dali POV, book 1 (published in the Hexed anthology, Berkley, July 2011)
Magic Slays novel, Kate POV, book 5 (Ace Books, May 2011)
"Magic Gifts" short story, Kate POV (published as a free ebook on the author's website during Christmas 2011, and included within Gunmetal Magic)
Gunmetal Magic novel, Andrea POV, book 1 (Ace Books, July 2012)
"Magic Tests" short story, Julie POV (published in the An Apple for the Creature anthology, Ace Books, August 2012, and included within Magic Breaks)
Magic Rises novel, Kate POV, book 6 (Ace Books, July 2013)
Magic Breaks novel, Kate POV, book 7 (Ace Books, July 2014)
"Magic Steals" novella, Dali POV, book 2 (published in the Night Shift anthology, Ace Books, November 25, 2014) [5]
Magic Shifts novel, Kate POV, book 8 (Ace Books, August 4, 2015) [6]
"Magic Stars" novella, Derek POV, book 8.5 (December 2015)
Magic Binds novel, Kate POV, book 9 (September 2016)
The Edge[edit]
The Edge world is in between the 'normal' earth and a magical world that looks remarkably the same. It's a small piece of land where some things are magical and some are not. Most people on either side cannot go across a border, so the edgers are generally left alone. But the few people that can cross borders cause trouble...
On the Edge (Ace Books, September 2009)
Bayou Moon (Ace Books, September 2010)
Fate's Edge (Ace Books, November 2011)
Steel's Edge (Ace Books, December 2012)
The Kinsmen[edit]
Silent Blade (eBook, Samhain Publishing, June 2009)
Silver Shark (eBook, Samhain Publishing, April 2011)
Innkeeper Chronicles, or Dina Demille[edit]
Earth, as we know it, is a busy way-station for extraterrestrials. However, the people of Earth don't know about other worlds or aliens yet, so by intergalactic treaty, aliens visiting Earth must stay at designated Inns and cannot reveal themselves to the native inhabitants. The Inns, and the Innkeepers who run them, are magically powerful and dedicated to two things: protecting their guests, and maintaining the ignorance of Earth's people to the existence of alien cultures. Dina Demille comes from a family of innkeepers and recently woke her own inn, Gertrude Hunt, from a slumber. As Gertrude Hunt is largely unknown, getting visitors and keeping a thriving inn is tough. Fortunately, Dina is also tough, but goes to extremes to make her visitors happy, whilst keeping the Inn a secret for the local population.
The Innkeeper Chronicles all first appeared as a series of blog posts on the Ilona Andrews website. After full publication of each series, the posts were edited and published as a book.
Clean Sweep (December 2013)
Sweep in Peace (November 2015)
One Fell Sweep (December 2016)
Hidden Legacy[edit]
0.5 Of Swine and Roses (March 2011, short story) [7]
Burn for me (Avon Romance, October 2014)
White Hot (Avon, May 2017)
Wildfire (Avon, July 2017)
Short stories[edit]
"Grace of Small Magics" (published in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance anthology, March 2009 and Under Her Skin)
"Alphas: Origins" (published in Angels of Darkness anthology, October 2011)[8]
Kozlov Universe[edit]
"Questing Beast" (2010)[9]
"A Mere Formality" (2011)
Series
Kate Daniels
0.5. A Questionable Client (2011)
1. Magic Bites (2007)
2. Magic Burns (2008)
3. Magic Strikes (2009)
3.5. Magic Mourns (2011)
4. Magic Bleeds (2010)
4.5. Magic Dreams (2012)
5. Magic Slays (2011)
5.3. Magic Tests (2012) (in An Apple for the Creature)
5.4. Magic Gifts (2015)
5.5. Gunmetal Magic (2012)
5.6. Retribution Clause (2012) (in Hex Appeal)
6. Magic Rises (2013)
6.5. Magic Steals (2016)
7. Magic Breaks (2014)
8. Magic Shifts (2015)
8.5. Magic Stars (2015)
9. Magic Binds (2016)
10. Magic Triumphs (2018)
Small Magics (2015)
Edge
1. On the Edge (2009)
2. Bayou Moon (2010)
3. Fate's Edge (2011)
4. Steel's Edge (2012)
Kinsmen
1. Silent Blade (2009)
2. Silver Shark (2011)
Alphas
0.5. Alphas: Origins (2011)
Innkeeper Chronicles
1. Clean Sweep (2013)
2. Sweep in Peace (2015)
3. One Fell Sweep (2016)
The Innkeeper Chronicles, Volume One (omnibus) (2017)
Hidden Legacy
1. Burn for Me (2014)
2. White Hot (2017)
3. Wildfire (2017)
Collections
Must Love Hellhounds (2009) (with Meljean Brook, Charlaine Harris and Nalini Singh)
Hexed (2011) (with Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James and Jeanne C Stein)
Angels of Darkness (2011) (with Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn and Nalini Singh)
Night Shift (2014) (with Lisa Shearin, Nalini Singh and Milla Vane)
Novellas
Of Swine and Roses (2011)
Anthologies containing stories by Ilona Andrews
Hex Appeal (2012)
An Apple for the Creature (2012)
Short stories
A Questionable Client (2011)
Magic Tests (2012)
Retribution Clause (2012)
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several NYT and USAT bestselling series. They are currently working on urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, the paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and thjeir independently published series, Innkeeper Chronicles.
You can read more about their work on their website: http://www.ilona-andrews.com
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children, and many dogs and cats. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
QUOTED: "fully realized characters, killer action scenes, and a hot and sweet romance against a dynastic world of mages."
White Hot
264.13 (Mar. 27, 2017): p87.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
White Hot
Ilona Andrews. Avon, $7.99 mass market
(384p) ISBN 978-0-06-228925-4
Andrews sets fully realized characters, killer action scenes, and a hot and sweet romance against a dynastic world of mages. It's been two months since the explosive concluding events of Burn for Me devastated Nevada Baylor, a Houston PI and psychic truthseeker (able to tell when people are lying). She hasn't heard from mage Connor Rogan since then, which is just as well, because she's fighting strong feelings for him that go against every one of her instincts. When Cornelius Harrison, an animal mage, asks for her help after his wife is murdered, she takes the case, but her investigation leads her back into Connor's orbit and the stakes become even higher. Nevada's eclectic family is a delight: Mom is a sniper. Grandma specializes in armored vehicles, and her teen sisters and cousins aren't to be trifled with either. Nevada herself is a deeply compassionate person who discovers that Connor isn't as cold and calculating as she first thought--especially when it comes to romancing her. Andrews does a fantastic job of catching up new readers while enchanting existing fans. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (May)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"White Hot." Publishers Weekly, 27 Mar. 2017, p. 87. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA487928151&it=r&asid=3281d99e025c5cad4603fccd3f099fce. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A487928151
QUOTED: "Add breathtaking romance and sexual tension plus a complex, layered plot, and you have a book that's hard to put down."
"an enthralling paranormal romance from a master of the genre."
Andrews, Ilona: WHITE HOT
(Mar. 1, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Andrews, Ilona WHITE HOT Avon/HarperCollins (Adult Fiction) $7.99 5, 30 ISBN: 978-0-06-228925-4
Private eye Nevada Baylor (Burn for Me, 2014) takes another case putting her in the path of Connor Rogan, and it soon becomes clear they've taken on some powerful enemies; Nevada may have to truly embrace her magic in order to save her family and fight for her happiness with the prickly mage.When a client asks Nevada to look into the murder of his wife, she discovers a coverup that sprawls into at least two magical Houses and seems connected to a recent event that nearly destroyed the city of Houston. Working with the powerful Rogan to get to the bottom of both mysteries leads them into danger as well as into the highest echelons of magical society, but things get really interesting when combat-grade soldiers attack her family's office and home. Nevada has never been sure of Rogan's feelings, but things between them heat up when he takes a protective stance toward her--and she is both touched and resentful. Nevada has spent years trying to keep her magic--the ability to tell when people are lying--under the radar, but when she chooses to save a child with her power, her secret gets out, complicating her life even more. Tracking down at least one layer of adversaries fulfills her promise to her client but leads to even more questions as to who the true mastermind is and sets up the third and final title in the series. Andrews (which is a pen name for a husband-and-wife writing team) is a prolific and popular author, and her magical worldbuilding is brilliant and compelling. Her imaginative use of magical personalities and traits is spellbinding, and Nevada, Rogan, and the other characters jump off the page. Add breathtaking romance and sexual tension plus a complex, layered plot, and you have a book that's hard to put down. An enthralling paranormal romance from a master of the genre.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Andrews, Ilona: WHITE HOT." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2017. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA482911850&it=r&asid=be330dd4ab2d527db59f2331f5540341. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A482911850
QUOTED: "This is a fast-paced story in an interesting and well-established world."
Magic Binds
Regina Schroeder
113.2 (Sept. 15, 2016): p33.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Magic Binds. By Ilona Andrews. Sept. 2016.336p. Ace, $26 (9780425270691).
In the ninth installment of the Kate Daniels series, Kate must deal with the implications of having claimed Atlanta, learn to control her own power, and confront her father, Roland--all while grudgingly picking a dress, a cake, and a guest list for her much-anticipated wedding to Curran. Roland has kidnapped a demigod called Saiman. Not everyone wants to rescue Saiman, but Kate can't let her father get away with such a violation. Parallel to this, there's a series of prophesies: if she marries Curran, Atlanta burns. Though it wouldn't be the first time, Kate is attached to the city and its people. She comes up with a plan just crazy enough to work and picks up some useful background about her family's magic along the way. There is a high-stakes magical war on the horizon, but Kate and her people intend to win the battle, at the very least. This is a fast-paced story in an interesting and well-established world, and the development of Kate's power and relationship with the people of Atlanta is quite engaging.--Regina Schroeder
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Schroeder, Regina. "Magic Binds." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2016, p. 33. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA464980862&it=r&asid=c5ce4f97115bb7dcfb84b11504a7fcfa. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A464980862
Magic Shifts
(Nov. 2015):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bw/index.htm
Magic Shifts
Ilona Andrews
Ace Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780425270677, $25.95, www.penguin.com
Magic Shifts provides a fine Kate Daniels novel with an unusual premise: magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlantic, leaving mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate far from their Pack and vulnerable to battles. When their friend vanishes, the two must not only investigate his disappearance, but handle the crippling waves of change that not only affect their world but have led to the emergence of a dangerous new enemy. Fans of novels about magic will relish this vigorous, fast-paced story that rests firmly on the appeal and strength of an unusual world and two compelling protagonists.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Magic Shifts." The Bookwatch, Nov. 2015. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA435637833&it=r&asid=b38dcd1d678fce09b92fa739f7cb3f0a. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A435637833
QUOTED: "The stakes are high throughout, the action is tight, and the romance is steamy."
Burn for Me
Sarah Grant
111.2 (Sept. 15, 2014): p38.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
* Burn for Me. By Ilona Andrews. Nov. 2014. 400p. Avon, paper, $5.99 (9780062289230); e-book (9780062289247).
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
In the world of Andrews' novel of romantic suspense, magic equals money and power. Houston is run by wealthy families with ancient magic lineages, clans who have been selectively coupling to ensure that their houses remain genetically and, therefore, magically powerful. When Adam Pierce, one of the most dangerous and powerful Primes (those at the highest magical level in their own specialty), begins systematically incinerating banks downtown--he's a pyrokinetic; that is, his specialty is fire--Nevada Baylor, owner of her own PI agency, is called in to stop him. Nevada's magic is that she can tell if someone is lying. She's smart, fierce, morally principled, and about to find an irresistible teammate in the handsome Mad Rogan, an equally powerful and dangerous Prime who happens to be searching for Pierce for his own mysterious reasons. The stakes are high throughout, the action is tight, and the romance is steamy. Andrews fully paints this modern-day world of magic with rewarding detail and reveals the "true" versions of such historical events as the Great Chicago Fire, which was not caused by Mrs. O'Leary's cow, but rather by an experimenting pyrokinetic. Readers will burn for the next installment.--Sarah Grant
Grant, Sarah
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Grant, Sarah. "Burn for Me." Booklist, 15 Sept. 2014, p. 38. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA385404332&it=r&asid=4a58fca872f3709aead3a0f80a0f4c3b. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A385404332
QUOTED: "Romantic sparks and a tangled mystery make this a lively, impressive series debut."
Burn for Me
261.31 (Aug. 4, 2014): p35.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Burn for Me
Ilona Andrews. Avon, $5.99 mass market (400p) ISBN 978-0-06-228923-0
This series start from popular author Andrews serves up a refreshing new magical society, excellent world-building, beguiling characters, and strong storytelling. The Osiris serum, discovered in 1863, activated latent human magical talents. In the novel's alternate present, families with strong magical lineage are now dynasties called Houses, and they rule the world. Nevada Baylor of Houston's Baylor Investigative Agency is from an ordinary family, meaning she has little magical talent and thus must rely on more mundane abilities to survive. Under contract to an influential House, she reluctantly accepts a mission that will make or break her family's company. Along the way, she tangles with Mad Rogan, an incredibly powerful scion who renounced his House. Fighting her attraction to Mad Rogan at every step, Nevada must capture the bad guy, unsnarl layers of deception, and come to terms with her own magical heritage if she is to survive. The pace and plot start slowly but soon quicken. Romantic sparks and a tangled mystery make this a lively, impressive series debut. Agency: Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Nov.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Burn for Me." Publishers Weekly, 4 Aug. 2014, p. 35. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA377662263&it=r&asid=542cc739062f2dcdc3bd8cacd811d9b5. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A377662263
QUOTED: "Existing fans will be entertained, while new readers won't be entirely lost."
Magic Breaks
261.26 (June 30, 2014): p44.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Magic Breaks
Ilona Andrews. Penguin, $25.95 (400p) ISBN 978-0-425-25622-0
Picking up some time after the events of Magic Rises, the 11th outing (and first hardcover) for mercenary Kate Daniels has her fighting to prevent her home territory of Atlanta from becoming a supernatural war zone. Kate's father, the immortal warlord Roland, continues his quest for dominance over the city by sending her old enemy Hugh d'Ambray to stir things up. When one of the vampire-controlling Masters of the Dead is killed by a shape-shifter, it brings the two factions to the brink of war. Kate must hold the Pack together while her mate is out of town, find the killer, and survive feral monsters and political intrigue. Magical mayhem ensues and Kate fights for her life against overwhelming odds, leading to a newfound alliances with her foes. Character profiles, an overview of the story to date, and an additional short story ensure that existing fans will be entertained, while new readers won't be entirely lost. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Magic Breaks." Publishers Weekly, 30 June 2014, p. 44. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA373579704&it=r&asid=6ac38cc575fedb984076189d7b8ebca4. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A373579704
QUOTED: "Vividly imagined fight scenes, clever use of obscure mythology ... and rich characterization."
Magic Rises
260.25 (June 24, 2013): p149.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2013 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Magic Rises
Ilona Andrews. Ace, $7.99 mass market (368p) ISBN 978-1-937007-58-4
The smart latest installment of Andrews's semi-post-apocalyptic urban fantasy series (after Gunmetal Magic) takes mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, the werelion Curran, to the Carpathian Mountains. In exchange for bodyguarding a pregnant shapeshifter during a critical time of negotiation between three powerful packs, they'll receive ample amounts of the panacea drug, essential for ensuring the future of their own people. But the mountains are full of strange beasts and deadly mythological creatures, and one of Kate's greatest enemies is hosting the convocation, heralding a confrontation she's not ready for. Nonstop action and intrigue fill the halls of the secluded castle as schemes come to fruition. Vividly imagined fight scenes, clever use of obscure mythology, a uniquely interesting setting, and rich characterization make this a rare treat, only hampered by the complexity of the pre-existing knowledge required to fully appreciate the developments and conflicts. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Magic Rises." Publishers Weekly, 24 June 2013, p. 149+. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA335070449&it=r&asid=ff747db8701739e5cc2df1ef2ee12df6. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A335070449
QUOTED: "The characters are well drawn, and the plot, though standard, can keep you turning pages."
Steel's Edge
Frieda Murray
109.7 (Dec. 1, 2012): p35.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Steel's Edge.
By Ilona Andrews.
Dec. 2012. 400p. Ace, paper, $7.99 (9781937007829).
This is Andrews' most recent Edge novel. The Edge is a frontier between the Broken, our mundane world without magic, and the Weird, a world where aristocrats and magic rule. Charlotte de Ney is an aristocrat and healer from the Weird. After her marriage breaks, up, she flees to the Edge and makes a new home. Richard is a master swordsman from an Edger clan. He's on a quest to eradicate slavers, who sell humans in the Weird. After he is brought to her for healing, she decides he needs her help, whether he wants it or not. The characters are well drawn, and the plot, though standard, can keep you turning pages because the characters develop through the story. But in the end, the novel is somewhat of a letdown. Readers who enjoyed the previous Edge novels will probably like this one, but it is not recommended as a place to start.
Murray, Frieda
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Murray, Frieda. "Steel's Edge." Booklist, 1 Dec. 2012, p. 35. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA312172852&it=r&asid=154b72c3d58d74c3b00de3da687b42de. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A312172852
QUOTED: "This is a cotton-candy urban fantasy—fast, funny, and entertaining. It's a good read."
Gunmetal Magic
Regina Schroeder
108.21 (July 1, 2012): p39.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Gunmetal Magic. By Ilona Andrews. July 2012.448p.Ace, paper, $7.99 (9780425256138).
In the newest installment of the Kate Daniels stories, she's sent to the background, and her assistant, Andrea, takes center stage. Andrea joined Kate as a private detective after getting kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid for being born a shifter. Now she's been called in to investigate a group of mysterious deaths at a work site. To complicate matters, it's a work site run by her former lover, the alpha of Clan Bouda. Not only is there a mystery; there's also a fair bit of politics and sexual tension to begin with. The victims were guarding a vault that hadn't appeared in the building plans, and not only is it clear they were murdered but something was stolen. The former owner of the building was a wealthy art collector, and it seems that some of his collection was more than just pretty objects. This is a cotton-candy urban fantasy--fast, funny, and entertaining. It's a good read, regardless of whether or not you've read the rest of the series, and Andrea is a fantastic narrator.--Regina Schroeder
Schroeder, Regina
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Schroeder, Regina. "Gunmetal Magic." Booklist, 1 July 2012, p. 39. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA297915328&it=r&asid=7cb4d2a19e47bca013dfbee010f36a20. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A297915328
QUOTED: "an appealing blend of madcap caper, spy thriller, and romantic comedy."
Fate's Edge
258.41 (Oct. 10, 2011): p37.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2011 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Fate's Edge
Ilona Andrews. Ace, $7.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-0-441-02086-7
Andrews's delightful third Edge novel (after 2010's Bayou Moon) returns to the no-man's-land separating the twin planes of the Broken (our mundane world) and the Weird (an alternate, splintered America filled with feuding nations and magic). Against her better judgment, reformed grifter Audrey Callahan undertakes one last job, helping her family steal a valuable magical item. The theft's aftermath threatens to spark conflict between several Weird countries. Kaldar Mar, jack-of-all-trades and agent for Adrianglia's enigmatic Mirror organization, is the first to find Audrey, promptly enlisting her services in order to recover the artifact. With the vicious rival society known as the Hand closing in, the two must use every skill at their disposal: running cons, stealing, donning disguises, and fighting for their lives. The clash of personalities and quick wits fuels serious chemistry, resulting in an appealing blend of madcap caper, spy thriller, and romantic comedy. Agent: Nancy Yost. (Dec.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Fate's Edge." Publishers Weekly, 10 Oct. 2011, p. 37. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA269776736&it=r&asid=4b2046ffe40fe000d4edd1400dabe8d1. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A269776736
QUOTED: "engaging urban fantasy series opener."
On the Edge
256.33 (Aug. 17, 2009): p51.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2009 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
* On the Edge
Ilona Andrews. Ace, $7.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-441-01780-5
Andrews (Magic Bites) takes dysfunctional family stories to a new level in this engaging urban fantasy series opener. Rose Drayton and her two young brothers live in the woods between two worlds: the Broken (mundane smalltown Georgia) and the Weird (a world of strong magic and rigid social hierarchy). Those on the Edge between the two possess individual magical abilities. Rose has perfected her talent, a deadly white flash, and now the Weird's aristocrats envy her power. Is it a coincidence that vicious hounds invade to steal magic and destroy the Edgers just as Weird blueblood Declan Camarine demands that Rose become his bride? Though Rose rejects Dedan's advances, the two must join forces to save her brothers and others on the Edge. Andrews has created a complex plot and convincing characters that will keep the pages turning. (Oct.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"On the Edge." Publishers Weekly, 17 Aug. 2009, p. 51. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA206392863&it=r&asid=f0c6d8d9ab4179208fe79a95c3b881e1. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A206392863
Must Love Hellhounds
256.29 (July 20, 2009): p127.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2009 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Must Love Hellhounds
Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook. Berkley, $15 paper (386p)
ISBN 978-0-425-22959-0
Four well-known fantasy writers bring magical dogs into the plots of otherwise standard paranormal novellas. Harris's urban fantasy, "The Britlingens Go to Hell," pits bodyguards Batanya and Clovache against demons, wolfwomen and two hellhounds guarding some unusual prisoners. In Singh's paranormal romance, "Angels' Judgment," vampire trackers Sara and Deacon must discover who is murdering vampires; one suspect owns a hellhound. In Andrews's sexy "Magic Mourns," Andrea, a knight who helps people with magic problems, links with a shape-shifter to find a stolen corpse, but first they must get by a three-headed dog. In Brook's page-turning romance "Blind Spot," Maggie Wren, CIA operative turned vampire's personal assistant, teams up with a hellhound to find her boss's kidnapped niece. Only the most obsessive dog fanciers will be really enthralled by the passing mentions of canines. (Sept.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Must Love Hellhounds." Publishers Weekly, 20 July 2009, p. 127. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA204319153&it=r&asid=031f4f8733adcf3c5f221ebc7481cd61. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A204319153
QUOTED: "vigorous, fast-paced story."
Magic Shifts
(Nov. 2015):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Magic Shifts
Ilona Andrews
Ace Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780425270677, $25.95, www.penguin.com
Magic Shifts provides a fine Kate Daniels novel with an unusual premise: magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlantic, leaving mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate far from their Pack and vulnerable to battles. When their friend vanishes, the two must not only investigate his disappearance, but handle the crippling waves of change that not only affect their world but have led to the emergence of a dangerous new enemy. Fans of novels about magic will relish this vigorous, fast-paced story that rests firmly on the appeal and strength of an unusual world and two compelling protagonists.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Magic Shifts." Internet Bookwatch, Nov. 2015. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA435638170&it=r&asid=1d1a77bcb50f9ed079511ffe3598566d. Accessed 9 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A435638170
QUOTED: "The writing is always seemless, the storylines are always action packed and interesting."
Guest Review: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
July 31, 2012
Fiction Vixen is pleased to welcome Angela today to review Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
As a huge fangirl of the husband and wife writing team that is Ilona Andrews, I must say I was both excited and not excited when I heard the next book in their Kate Daniels series wasn’t going to be about Kate Daniels, but about her best friend Andrea Nash. Excited because, hey, this IS in the Kate Daniels series, which in my opinion is probably the best Urban Fantasy series out there. Not excited because, in my experience when an author starts to branch out and tell the secondary characters stories I tend to find those tales not as good as the original storyline. In this case there should have been no worries, Andrea Nash is just as kick ass of a character as Kate Daniels is.
Andrea has been the best friend, a kind of side kick if you will, of Kate Daniels through out the series. In Gunmetal Magic we get to see her in action, all by herself, told from her POV. This book has, of course, a mystery to be solved. Four shapeshifters who work for Raphael have been murdered while guarding a job site. Jim has asked for Andrea’s help to find out what happened. While working the case Andrea finally has to deal with Raphael, an ex-lover whom she parted with on bad terms, but, for Andrea to deal with Raphael, she must also deal with her painful past and come to terms, once and for all, with who she is and who she wants to be.
For me the storyline of Andrea accepting herself and her and Raphael coming to terms with who they are to each other was the meat of the story. The reader finally gets a glimpse of Andrea’s childhood and let me tell you, it is not pretty. I got this huge, painful feeling in my chest when Andrea is remembering some of the uglier aspects of her childhood. When she finally tells Ascanio the whole story of her life my heart hurt for her. What I loved about her though, is that when she comes to the realization that she has to deal with her shapeshifter side and accept that as a positive part of herself, she doesn’t waver. Once she has made the decision to let the part of herself she has been holding back come to the forefront she moves forward and embraces herself. Of course, we learn that part of the problem between Andrea and Raphael has been her accepting herself as a shapeshifter and entering into the Pack. The push and pull between two people who love each other, but who come from two different life experiences, while being interwoven with shifter mating rituals was lovely to read about. I LOVE shifter mating rituals, OMG, how I love shifter mating rituals. All I can say is…. purple shag carpeting. On everything…
One of the best parts of this series is the secondary characters and the dialogue between them. There is never a dull moment and often I find myself chuckling out loud at their banter. Every character is so unique and interesting that I always want to know more about each and every one of them. It’s always a good thing when I am just as invested in say, Derek or Ascanio or Jim as I am with the supposed main characters. Even though the storylines tend to be heavy on some type of mythology it never overshadows the characters. The way this team writes lets the characters be in control and the main focus at all times. I like the reliance on each other’s strengths and the willingness to work together to overcome the odds.
We get to see Kate, Curren and other beloved characters throughout the story and I enjoyed seeing them through Andrea’s eyes. I have always loved Kate and Curran together but the reader actually gets a little different take on them as a couple when told from a different POV. Ascanio cracks me up and the back and forth between him and Julie kind of made me go.. “hmmmm…”. Might there be something there between them in the future? I would love that. Roman plays a much bigger role than in the previous book and to be honest, I found him to be an awesome character. I even had a few, aha, moments when Andrea and Aunt B were interacting with each other.
Overall, this continues to be, in my humble opinion, the best Urban Fantasy series out there. From the rich world building, to the witty, sarcastic dialogue to the original takes on mythology and folklore…. there are no rivals. Ilona Andrews has managed to weave all the parts I like best about reading into one series and continue to improve with every single new addition. The writing is always seemless, the storylines are always action packed and interesting , and I honestly care about what happens to the characters they have created. I’m hoping that they decide to include more books about other secondary characters into their writing schedule.
Favorite Quote:
“You mean you showed her your guns and she didn’t faint?”
Ha-ha-ha. “No , honey, you’re the only one who does that.”
“As I recall, it was usually the other way around.”
“I’ve seen plenty of guns. You have a nice one, but it didn’t make me faint.”
“That’s what you say now.”
“Raphael, I don’t own this phone. Don’t make me break it, because I just gave up my last ten bucks to use it.”
His voice was sweet as honey. “Darling, do you need me to loan you some money?”
“I have never in my life needed you to loan me money. If I was dead, and the ferryman needed a coin to take me across the river to the afterlife, and you had the only quarter in existence, I’d tell you to stick it up your ass.”
People looked at me, This wasn’t going well.
Rating: A+
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
07/31/2012 by Ace Fantasy
GoodReads
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QUOTED: "What was not to love about this book? It had it all. The plot was so tight. ... The Andrews’ create such complex yet identifiable characters."
Review: Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
December 10, 2012
When I found out there wasn’t going to be a Kate Daniels book in 2012 I knew I had to do something, fast. There was no way I could go a full year without reading something from Ilona Andrews. Even though there was a book from the Kate Daniels world coming out, I wanted more so I picked up a book from The Edge series. Not that I would expect anything less but what I got was a wonderful romance/urban fantasy series. Steel’s Edge is the fourth and final book in the Edge Series. Our H/h are Charlotte de Ney, The Healer, and Richard Mar, brother of Kaldar from Fate’s Edge.
Taken from her home at the age of seven Charlotte de Nay has become The Healer. When she finds out she is barren and her husbands presents her with an annulment she loses it. There is a fine line between healer and destroyer and Charlotte almost trips that line with her ex. She realizes she cannot continue her current life and leaves to travel to the Edge where she can start fresh.
Upon entering The Edge she finds things are so very different from what she is used to. After trying to heal someone and being shot for her efforts she stumble across the grandmother of George and Jack from previous books. She takes Charlotte in and becomes like family to her.
Richard’s goal in life has been to take down the slave traders. They changed his life and the life of his niece irrevocably and they must be stopped. When he injured he is found by people who bring him to Charlotte to be healed. He needs bloods so Charlotte leaves him there with Éléonore. While she is gone the slave traders find him, kill Éléonore and destroy the house. Charlotte vows revenge even if it means using her gift in an ugly way. She follows Richard and the traders into the Weird where she rescues him and teams up with to bring down the slave trade.
So really, what was not to love about this book? It had it all. The plot was so tight and kept me riveted from page one. The Andrews’ create such complex yet identifiable characters. Charlotte and Richard had more of an urban fantasy love match and by that I mean it didn’t come across as romance. They just happened as a couple. I didn’t, at all, doubt the depth of their feeling but this book more explored the world and the parts other characters play than it explored their relationship. Because of the beauty of the overall story not having it be 100% romance was not an issue.
Richard was strong and true. There were times were he wanted to just leave it all behind and go away with Charlotte but he didn’t give up. He stuck to his promise to make the world somewhere where Lark (Sophie) didn’t have to fight if she didn’t want to. Richard’s relationship with his brother was funny and got some great page time.
“Congratulations,” he said, his voice dry. “You finally managed to find a woman as tragically noble as yourself. I didn’t think one existed.”
“I’m not tragic.”
Kaldar held up his hand. “Spare me. Some children were born wearing a silk shirt; you were born wrapped in melancholy. When they slapped you to make you cry, you just sighed heavily and a single tear rolled from your eye.” He dragged his finger from the corner of his left eye to his cheek. “Your first words were probably ‘woe is me’.”
“My first words were ‘Kaldar, shut up!’ because you talk too much. Still do.”
Charlotte was also a great character. She followed through with her desire to avenge Éléonore’s death even though it meant using the wrong side of her gift. My heart hurt to see her struggle towards the end. I thought it brilliantly written the way she had to come back from flaming out. Too often we see no consequences from the display of huge magic usage. Here our characters were heald accountable for that usage.
Now let’s talk about the stars of this book. As with the previous book Jack and George stole the show. For several books now we have watched them grow and mature. We also have the addition of Lark (Sophie). The children/mini adults are heartbreaking and oh so lovable. They grabbed on to me in their first book and haven’t let go yet. I know this is supposed to be the last book in The Edge series, but I beg you Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, PLEASE write their stories. I am not sure I will be able to stand not knowing their fates. I might have to create mini stories for them in my head and that will be nowhere near as good as what you can do. I feel like there is so much left to explore in this world and would be very grateful if we could have more.
As always, this book from Ilona Andrews was a gem. I am never disappointed and I eagerly look forward to their next offering whatever it may be. Final grade- A
Favorite Quote:
“Jason has father-figure issues, doesn’t he?” she asked.
“Yes.” Richard sighed.
“In that case, it’s good that you’re a human Cuisinart,” she said.
“I’m sorry?”
“A Cuisinart. It’s an appliance from the Broken. You put vegetables into it, push a button, and it chops them into tiny pieces.”
Richard frowned. “Why would you need an appliance to chop vegetables? Wouldn’t it be easier to chop them with a knife?”
“It’s meant to save time,” she explained.
“Does it?”
“Well, cleaning it usually eats up most of the time you save on chopping.”
“So you’re telling me that I’m useless.”
“It’s a neat gadget!”
“And I’m hard to clean, apparently.”
Rating: A
Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
November 27th 2012 by Ace
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Jen and Angela’s Top Ten Reasons Why Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews is a Must Read
July 28, 2014
10. CURRAN IS A BAD-ASS IN SO MANY WAYS- Ok, we know he is top cat because he is the Alpha of the pack. He took control of thousands of shifters and keeps control. But in each book he shows us little pieces of that badass-ness. He shows us why everyone should be afraid of him. Its kind of hot.
Curran’s eyes went gold. His voice dropped into a rough growl. “If you’re going to shoot, make sure to empty the clip, because after you’re done, I’ll shove that gun up your ass sideways.”
Blue Jacket blinked. “Can you even do that?” I asked.
“Let’s find out.” Curran stared at the thug. “Well? Shoot, so we can start this experiment.”
AND
“Did you strangle the wolf alpha?” Not that she didn’t deserve it.
Curran grimaced. “Of course not. I needed information. After I put her face in my mouth, we agreed that it was in her best interests to tell me what I wanted to know.”
9. KATE- We might have started with Curran, but Kate is no slouch. She keeps this series together and is possibly the best urban fantasy heroine around.
I thrust my bloody hand into the ward. It shuddered like a living thing caught in convulsions and solidified into a translucent wall of red. The people behind me screamed. The wall cracked and shattered into chunks. The pieces of the ward rained down, melting into thin air.
It didn’t hurt. It didn’t hurt at all.
8. IT’S DAMNED FUNNY! – This series has a deadpanned humor to it that even when you think everything is going wrong you find yourself laughing out loud.
“What the hell is this?” Desandra asked.
“This is Cuddles. She’s a mammoth donkey.”
Derek grinned. “Do you have any self-respect left?”
AND
“Your sword is made out of your grandmother’s bones?”
“Okay, I see how it sounds weird when you say it in that tone of voice…”
7. BEST SECONDARY CHARACTERS EVER, NO QUESTION- Each book in the series seems to introduce readers to new secondary characters or gives us more information on ones we have already known about. For Magic Breaks the most prominent secondary characters were Robert Lenesco (Rat Alphas), Desandra, Derek and Ascanio. They were all-stars.
“Where are we going?” Desandra asked.
“We’re going to Blue Ribbon Stables,” I said. “It’s the closest place to rend a horse.
“Why?” Desandra asked.
“Because I can’t keep up with you on foot,” I said.
“And she runs like a rhino.” Derek added. “You can hear her a mile away.”
Traitor. “I thought you had my back?”
“I do,” Derek said. “The rhino running is nice. Makes it easy to keep track of you. If I ever lose you, I just have to listen and there you are.”
“Yes,” Desandra agreed. “It’s convenient.”
I laughed.
“Are you always this casual?” Robert asked.
“Derek and I worked together for a long time,” I told him. “He’s allowed some leeway.”
“What about Desandra?”
“She only bothers with protocol when she wants something. The rest of the time it’s lewd jokes and descriptions of plums.”
Desandra snickered.
Robert’s eye crept up. “Plums?”
I waved my hand. “Don’t ask.”
6. NEED ANOTHER EXAMPLE? Here’s some Ascanio and Derek goodness.
“Sit your ass down, Don Juanabe,” Derek said.
“Don Juanabe?” Ascanio pulled out his swords.
“”Don Juan Wannabe,” Derek explained. “See, I shortened it. If you still don’t get it, I’ll write it down for you after the fight.”
“You’ve maxed out your wit quota for the night,” Ascanio said. “I’m just getting started.”
“Be careful, you might sprain something in your brain.”
“Quiet,” I growled.
5. SUCH LOYALTY! The characters you’ve come to depend on to have Kate’s back never let her or readers down.
Jim paused. “Don’t get yourself killed and don’t make me come and rescue your ass.”
“Thanks, Mom. I love you, too.” Jim growled under his breath and went to the Jeep.
“Jim!” I called, too loud. He turned. I waited a second to make sure I had everyone’s attention. “If I’m not back by tomorrow and the Beast Lord is still gone, you have my blessing.”
Jim blinked. His mouth opened. “Understood, Alpha.”
4. EVEN THE BAD GUYS ARE LIKABLE- Readers of this series are having a hard time disliking people we know are the bad guys. Hugh and now Roland play huge roles in Magic Breaks. Hugh does some pretty dastardly things and even after reading the book, we wonder how people will feel about him. We think there will be confusion. And Roland won’t be discussed here because he screams SPOILER.
Hugh leaned forward, looked at me, and said in a quiet conversational tone, “Do you ever just get bored at these things and want to punch someone?”
“Punch any of mine, and I’ll break your arm off and beat you to death with it.”
“Kate.” Ghastek’s voice vibrated with warning. “I don’t think you quite grasp the situation.”
Hugh grinned. “That’s my girl.”
Ghastek blinked. Jim bared all his teeth in a feral snarl.
3. FROM PAGE 1 TO 300 SOMETHING…. IT NEVER STOPS- This book won’t give you a chance to breathe, it won’t let up and it will provide amazing action and hijinks. The arc is moved forward at an amazing pace and the reader will be yelling SLOW DOWN! We guess that most people will sit down to read and then find themselves turning the final page wondering what happened to half their day.
We looked at the fire. “This is one hell of a date.” I said.
“Trapped by a horde of vampires in the middle of a snow-covered field, huddling around a tiny fire on thin blankets,” Curran said. “Drink it in, baby. All this luxury just for you.”
2. THE ENDING! This is the way you end a story arc. No spoilers, but we think readers will be blown away by what happens in the last few chapters and excited to see what it will mean for the last few books in the series.
“You can do this, baby,” Curran said quietly, his gaze fixed on Roland. “Go in, get them, kill anything that gets in the way. You are coming out alive. I promise you that.”
1. KATE AND CURRAN, TOGETHER- We think the thing that makes us love this urban fantasy above all others is Kate and Curran’s relationship. Each of them brings something different to the party, but they have each other’s backs, under any and all circumstances. The last two chapters of Magic Breaks will bring enormous changes to this series, but they were absolutely perfect. So perfect.
“We go together,” he said.
“No.”
“I don’t tell you what battles to fight. Don’t tell me when to fight mine.”
“Curran, there is no turning back after this….”
He shook his head. “I love you. We go together.”
“But….”
“No,” he said. “Not up for discussion.”
Oh, you stupid idiot. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
“Yes. But I’m a demon in the sack.”
I laughed. “Okay then. That fixes everything.”
“That’s right, it does.”
Angela- So that’s our top ten. Jen and I wanted to write a review that would express our love for not only Magic Breaks, but the series as a whole. Without giving away any spoilers. Wow, that was hard. We had seven million quotes highlighted, but didn’t want to give away too much. We wanted to give readers a hint of how awesome this book was without ruining their reading experience. Magic Breaks will most definitely be on my top ten list for this year. I was on an adrenaline high from page one right up until I read the last word. Ilona Andrews and the Kate Daniels series never, ever let me down. If you’re not reading this series you need to move it up your TBR list. Final Grade- A+
Jen- I am going be honest and say that Magic Rises, book six, gave me heartburn. I have read it three times now and I knew that Magic Breaks was going to be a big one. Well, it was huge. So many things happened and to keep a series this fresh and exciting at book seven is pretty impressive. We are looking forward to book eight just as much, if not more, than we were this one. Final grade- A+
Rating: A+
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews
July 29th 2014 by Ace Hardcover
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QUOTED: "Fans of UF and PNR should both like Burn for Me; it’s got action and humor, but enough romance (and promise for more in the future) to satisfy someone who normally reads romance. It’s a given that fans of Ilona Andrews will love Burn for Me, but if you haven’t read any of their other books, Burn for Me is a good place to start."
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews #review
Posted by Patti | Nov 2, 2014 | Book Promo, Book Review, Book Talk | 7 |
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1
Published by HarperCollins on October 28, 2014
Genres: Action & Adventure, Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Also in this series: Burn for Me
Also by this author: Steel's Edge, Burn for Me, Magic Breaks
PJV Quickie: I am always wary of a favorite author starting a new series. Being that this is Ilona Andrews, though, I had high expectations going in to Burn for Me, and to say I was not disappointed is a huge understatement. Burn for Me grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages until the end. I cannot wait until the next installment in this fabulous new series.
Review:
Burn for Me is set in a version of our world that is full of magic. The magic is carefully cultivated and passed down through family lines and magical dynasties have been created.
Nevada Baylor is a private investigator in her small family firm. In the magical caste system, her family is not important at all. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, they had to sell their independent firm to a larger corporation in order to stay in business. When the corporation calls her up to handle a particularly difficult (and dangerous) case involving a powerful firestarter, she knows she won’t be able to bring in the culprit but does not have the option of turning the case down.
Mad Rogan is a legend. His magical abilities are epic and his family is one of the most powerful in the world. He is searching for his nephew, an accomplice to the firestarter and wants to know what Nevada has uncovered. She refuses to talk and he’s intrigued by her ability to resist his magic and wants to know what secrets she’s hiding, unrelated to the case.
Nevada soon realizes that if she wants to stay alive, she’s going to have to work with Mad Rogan. As they track down the firestarter, an attraction grows, but Nevada knows that as a ‘nobody’, she doesn’t have any hope of a relationship with a powerful magic user like Mad, and she doesn’t want to fall for him and end up hurt when he’s done with her.
~~~~~~~
The summary above doesn’t express what an awesome book Burn for Me is! Parajunkee reviewed it a few months ago here, and she was spot on – I loved this book! The worldbuilding was cool, I like the idea of magic being “discovered” and the repercussions of that through successive generations. In addition to the interesting plot, which kept me guessing, the characters were genuinely interesting. Nevada was a great heroine: ethical and family-oriented and fiercely loyal to her clients. Rogan is my idea of a perfect bad-boy hero: strong, powerful and protective, but dangerous and deadly too. The secondary characters kept me entertained; there were times when Nevada’s family members stole the show. I’m not sure if I should admit that I kind of liked the flirty, spoiled bad-boy firestarter right up until the end. (Hmmm…I may have a soft spot for bad-boys)
Don’t let the cover turn you away – Burn for Me is an Urban Fantasy read with *just enough* romance to keep my romantic little heart happy. The smoldering tension is soooo good, but really as far as sex there’s only a kiss or two.
Recommendations:
Fans of UF and PNR should both like Burn for Me; it’s got action and humor, but enough romance (and promise for more in the future) to satisfy someone who normally reads romance. It’s a given that fans of Ilona Andrews will love Burn for Me, but if you haven’t read any of their other books, Burn for Me is a good place to start.
QUOTED: "Magic Rises more then rises to the occasion in this delightfully funny, dark, high octane action packed installment that addresses love, loss, and choices. This series just keeps getting better and better."
"The storylines and direction they take are top-notch."
"sure to appeal to all fans of urban fantasy and the mythological world and characters Ilona Andrews has created in their bestselling Kate Daniels series."
Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
July 29, 2013 By Tori 24 Comments
Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews
Urban Fantasy
Releases: July 30, 2013
Ace
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: ”If you come into these mountains with open hands, I will welcome you. If you come holding a sword, you will die by it.”
Pirates, and sea monsters, and princesses…oh my!
Kate Daniels and her mate, the Beast Lord, find themselves once again putting their life on the line to save an innocent. When two pack teenagers start to go loup, Kate and Curran have to negotiate with the European packs for access to the herbal medicine that can save the teenagers from certain death. The Europeans agree to a trade which requires Kate, Curran, and some of the pack to travel to Europe. The Europeans want Curran and the pack to protect an important pregnant shifter until she gives birth. Then and only then will they release the formula for the medicine. Soon Kate and Curran realize there is much more at stake than simple bodyguard duties. Someone wants Kate and Curran separated permanently and are willing to destroy whoever and whatever gets in their way.
Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series remains one of my top urban fantasy series picks to date and I frequently recommend to anyone who stop and listen to my fan girling Often rereading this series multiple times per year, I find comfort in this dynamic duo’s writing. While the familiar draws me in, it’s the ever changing world and vibrant characters that keeps me returning. I find their style of writing addictive and I await their new releases with barely concealed impatience. This series is the perfect urban fantasy with its balance of power and vulnerability. We are not overburdened with emotional angst or ridiculous unbelievable feats. Plot action and ripe tension is tempered with snarky humor and everyday life.
A strongly character driven series, we share an intimate connection with our protagonist, Kate Daniels. Her pain, sorrow, triumphs, and defeats are also ours. It has been a thrilling ride as we have watched her grow from a solitary lonely figure hiding herself and her power to having friends, family, and a lover who is more than able to handle Kate and all her idiosyncrasies. Her growth shines through more and more with each book. She is still scared but she is learning how to trust in herself and others. The world building stays fresh and exciting with constant evolution as we travel throughout an alternative magical version of our world.
Magic Rises is an emotionally dark and weighted story that opens up new doorways for both the arc and the romance. Centering almost exclusively around our protagonists, the storyline(s) explode in multiple directions, using our lovers as the catalyst.
Kate and Curran are one of my favorite urban fantasy couples. Enemies to lovers has always been a favorite trope of mine and these two have led us all on a merry chase. Starting from book one, they have slowly and somewhat antagonistically carved out a relationship, obliterating anyone and anything that dared to stand in their way. Secure now as Liege and Consort of the Southwestern Pack, Kate and Curran are beginning the delicate process of trying to sustain their love. Jealousy, anger, and sorrow fill this installment as Curran’s over protectiveness and Kate’s insecurities rear their ugly heads.
“I’m so used to watching people for swords, I never saw the knife. You were too close.”
Kate and Curran’s relationship has provided plenty of entertainment throughout the series. It’s not the main focus, but it is a large part of it. Especially as the series has progressed. The plot and romance blend so effortlessly now, it has become a major component of the series without corrupting the genre. I enjoy the dynamics of their relationship and the challenges that they face. Curran admits he is more dominant than most; but he tries so hard to achieve a balance of give and take. Kate is still unsure of how to proceed in this relationship (or any relationship) but she makes remarkable advancements. She still doesn’t understand (or refuses to believe) why Curran loves her. She constantly builds walls to keep him away only to tear them down in her rush to get back into his arms. Curran’s ability to effortlessly and unwittingly hurt Kate, often in his need to protect her, still catches her off guard. That’s not to say Kate is a pushover in her love for Curran. She carries a big sword and fought over twenty two shapeshifters for her right to stand by his side. She gives as good as she gets and is one of the few people who can make Curran second guess some of the decisions he has made concerning her. Curran’s biggest fear is losing her yet by his own actions he pushes them straight towards that conclusion.
“You still don’t get it […] I trusted you and you used it against me […] We are not okay.”
Our cast of supporting characters are still a vivid and dynamic group. I’m amazed by Ilona Andrew’s skill at characterization. Each one has a distinctly separate personality that continues to evolve and grow with each new installment. Andrea, Kate’s very first and bestest friend, has always had Kate’s back. Even when Kate pushed her away. She has proven time and time again her loyalty to Kate and their friendship. She and Kate work well together on paper and I always find myself laughing out loud at their playful banters. Andrea is the type of friend who would help you bury a body-no questions asked.
“I hate her already,” said Andrea. “George hates her too, don’t you, George?”
“I think she’s adorable,” George volunteered. “We should give her cookies and milk and if she promises to keep quiet, she can sit at the big peoples’ table.”
Kate’s entourage, Barabas and Jezebel, started out as her advisers but are now willing to challenge anyone in their quest to keep her safe and happy. And I do mean anyone. A firm solidarity is presented by the pack towards Kate, which was delightful to see. They can insult and be rude to Kate but anyone else who does it gets their arses kicked. New characters are introduced without any confusion. They fit in as if they were always present. We get plenty of scene time with various other favorites who keep the dialogue hilarious and the story flowing smoothly. There is a scene that may shock readers. Not the event itself as much as the character it concerns. *sad moment*
The main conflict of the story is a whirlwind of intrigue, tension, and heart stopping action as Kate finds herself in the middle of a political catastrophe where being the Beast Lord’s consort works against her. Multiple sub stories race though the book, twisting and turning to close previous open storylines while giving us hints to new ones. Kate learns more about Roland’s end game while being introduced to possible allies who, like her, are not impressed with daddy dearest. Villains galore run rampant through this installment; from hilariously vapid to down right scary. There is one scene that had me giggling like a fiend as they all play “who’s the biggest monster here.”
“You are trapped with us. Give money!”
“You have it wrong, dear. We are not trapped with you. You’re trapped with us.”
Eeeek!
A series of diabolical events set in motion by the villains ends in a climactic finale that guarantees the final coming battle against Roland and his army will be brutal and deadly.
Magic Rises more then rises to the occasion in this delightfully funny, dark, high octane action packed installment that addresses love, loss, and choices. This series just keeps getting better and better. I honestly can’t think of one single problem I had about this book. The storylines and direction they take are top-notch. The way it ends opens up a new future, and I am sure a new set of troubles for Kate to drag Curran and the pack into. Sure to appeal to all fans of urban fantasy and the mythological world and characters Ilona Andrews has created in their bestselling Kate Daniels series. I do not recommend starting the series here. The arc is long reaching and the characters and storylines bleed over without much recap.
RATING: A
QUOTED: "Picking up an Ilona Andrews book is always a good idea, but it’s especially true when a series ends as strongly as this one does in STEEL’S EDGE."
Early Review: Steel’s Edge (The Edge #4) by Ilona Andrews
November 26, 2012 Abigail Review 5
Art by Victoria Verbell
Steel’s Edge
(The Edge, #4)
by Ilona Andrews
Genre: Paranormal Romance|
Excerpt: Yes | Book Trailer: No
Reviewed by: Abigail | Source: Author
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Ace (November 27, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1937007820
ISBN-13: 978-1937007829
Rating
Excellent – Loved it! Buy it now & put this author on your watch list.
Sexual Content
Description
The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people 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…
Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.
Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive…
Review
Ilona Andrews is one of the most consistently satisfying paranormal authors writing today. Whether it’s the grittier Kate Daniels urban fantasy series or the more rural The Edge paranormal romances. Picking up an Ilona Andrews book is always a good idea, but it’s especially true when a series ends as strongly as this one does in STEEL’S EDGE.
From the debut, The Edge series has been a wonderful blend of genres: part paranormal romance, part fantasy, part mystery, part action adventure, part regency. In STEEL’S EDGE, all of those parts are accounted for, but the regency feel is much more prominent since this book takes place mostly in The Weird, a first for the series. In way, STEEL’S EDGE feels like two separate but complementary books or parts. The first half is set mostly in The Edge (the sliver of land caught between the magical ‘Weird’ and the mundane ‘Broken’). We learn crucial backstories about both Charlotte and Richard. I so appreciate the equal focus given to both the heroines and heroes in this series. By the time they get together, I’m always so invested in the characters separately that the union feels so much richer.
The second part takes on a new setting and a much different tone in terms of storytelling. The book shifts away from the swashbuckling adventure that the series is know for and moved into a regency espionage with undercover spying, elaborate cons and artifice. It did feel very different for the series, but not in a bad way–though I imagine some readers may not agree. The romance remains a dominate theme throughout both parts of the book, and longtime fans of the series will be thrilled at the expanded role both George and Jack have in this second part as well.
Very said to hear from the authors that they have no plans to write a fifth book in The Edge series. From the beginning of the series the characters of George and Jack (now teenagers) stole my heart and I was hoping to eventually get a book or two entirely about them. And with the expanded storyline involving Sophie in STEEL’S EDGE, I can so totally see where one of the boy’s romantic future might lie. Hopefully the sales for this book will be significant enough to warrant more books.
QUOTED: "From the get-go, Cerise and William's voice captures the reader and drags them kicking and screaming into the world of the Weird."
"With a great setting, a super action-packed plot and fabulous characters, Bayou Moon is a thrill to read."
Bayou Moon
The Edge Series, #2
Cerise Mar has always taken care of her family. As one of the biggest clan in the middle of the Mire, life isn't easy and lately, things are exceptionally hard. It only gets even worse when her parents are kidnapped by their long-time rivals whom have also taken over their grandmother's house. So now Cerise has to travel to the Weird to get the house ownership papers from her uncle and take the rival family to court. I am not kidding here. Yeah, they might live in a swamp but they're still civilized!
Cue William. Normally, he's happy as a clam being left to his own devices in his cabin in the woods until he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a cold war. That's gotta cramp anyone's style. He used to be a soldier back in his old life and now he's being asked to go to the Mire to hunt for an old enemy of his: An assassin named Spider. Soon enough, William and Cerise's paths cross and while they're both definitely determined to complete their missions, they can't deny their growing attraction and before you know it, they might actually need each other to survive.
Bayou Moon is the second book in Andrews' new The Edge series and even better than the first book! From the get-go, Cerise and William's voice captures the reader and drags them kicking and screaming into the world of the Weird and believe me, you'll love it! Something I absolutely love about Andrews' heroines is that they're so kickass and Cer is no exception! She's a take-no-crap-from-anybody ball of spitfire and seeing her verbally spar with William is incredibly entertaining because he certainly dishes it out too! I really love both characters and at times, William just ripped my heart out. His story is so heart-breaking at times and all I wanted was to push him into my bosom and tell him everything was going to be okay! Yeah, I got seriously attached here.
The plot itself will keep you on your toes! There's a war and everyone's got to take sides before things start getting bloody and the bad guys are awesome in their gruesomeness. Spider was one of my favorite characters. Andrews definitely knows how to write bad guys! I was definitely digging the whole bad rap he got going on. Anyway! With a great setting, a super action-packed plot and fabulous characters, Bayou Moon is a thrill to read and I highly recommend it!
Book Blurb for Bayou Moon
Cerise Mar and her clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands. When her parents vanish, her clan's long-time rivals are suspect. 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.
Night Owl Reviews Sep, 2010 4.50
QUOTED: "Magic Bleeds is the best yet of this series! Insanely fun read, action-packed."
Magic Bleeds
Kate Daniels Series, Book 4
Magic Bleeds is the fourth book in the Kate Daniels series and completely made of awesome! In it, Kate's still working for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid as a liaison and everything seems to be going the same ol' until she's called to break up a fight in a bar called the Steel Horse. Turns out it's not just one of those you-grabbed-my-girl's-ass kind of fights, more like some-dude-just-walked-in-and-impaled-another-on-a-pole kind. Not something you see everyday, even in a magic-crazy city like the Atlanta Kate lives in.
So now Kate finds herself smack in the middle of case that from the get-go, it's more dangerous than the (ab)normal stuff she deals with. There's someone new in town that's causing a lot of trouble and they might be closer to Kate than you think. Hey, what's a little murder and mayhem between family?
I can honestly say that Magic Bleeds was one of my top most-anticipated books this year and it more than delivered. It's hard to describe how absolutely fabulous this story is without accidentally giving spoilers away and that's just not acceptable. I'm afraid Andrews is one of the rare authors that will turn me into a complete fan-girl! I admit it, I loved Magic Bleeds. I love Kate, she's one of the best characters I've ever read, she's so fiercely loyal and brave and such a smartass but in Magic Bleeds, we actually see a softer side of her and it just made me love her even more. Curran? Don't get me started on him. Seriously. One little word from him and I swooned.
The writing is just unbelievable. I could image scenes in my head in detail, whenever Kate was in a fight, my heart just pounded along. At times I felt like I needed to take a break from the book due to just being too engrossing, too brilliant for my little heart, like when you gorge yourself on Belgian chocolate. Magic Bleeds is the best yet of this series! Insanely fun read, action-packed and with scenes that made me turn into a puddle of goo, but in a good way! I'm more than ever looking forward to more Kate and Curran.
Book Blurb for Magic Bleeds
Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.
And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.
Night Owl Reviews May, 2010 5.00
QUOTED: "Like Burn for Me, White Hot is action-packed and exciting, as well as romantic. The world of the series, in which the magically gifted Primes wield power in the name of their Houses (families), makes a great backdrop and foil to Nevada’s dilemmas and her relationship with her family, who are tethered by bonds of deep affection rather than considerations having to do with power."
"As in the earlier book, Nevada is a great character, smart, level-headed and funny, as well as utterly devoted to both her loved ones and her work. It’s impossible not to like her."
May 31, 2017
REVIEW: White Hot by Ilona Andrews
JanineA- Reviews / B+ Reviews / Recommended Readsfamilies / magical powers / Romance / texas / UF / Urban-Fantasy16 Comments
Recommended Read
Dear Ilona Andrews,
Picking up where the first book in your Hidden Legacy series, Burn for Me, left off, book two, White Hot, begins with a scene in which Nevada Baylor costumes herself as “the Lady in Green” to hide her identity and use her truthseeking ability to interrogate a kidnapper and discover the whereabouts of his young hostage.
Nevada succeeds and the child is recovered, but Augustine Montgomery, Prime illusionist and CEO of Montgomery International Investigations, the corporation that owns Nevada’s investigative agency, warns Nevada that her actions that day will eventually have dangerous consequences.
Not only that, but Augustine has only agreed to help Nevada assist the police anonymously in the kidnapping case in exchange for a favor. Now Nevada must hear out an acquaintance of his who wants to hire Baylor Investigative Agency, Nevada’s family business, to investigate the death of his wife.
Augustine’s acquaintance turns out to be none other than Cornelius Harrison, stay-at-home dad and animal mage, whom Nevada first met when she was investigating pyrokinetic Adam Pierce, a reluctant childhood companion of Cornelius’s, during the course of the events described in Burn for Me.
Cornelius is accompanied by Matilda, his four-year-old daughter, and has come to seek Nevada’s assistance in investigating the recent hotel shooting of his wife and three of her co-workers, all of whom worked in the legal department at a company called Forsberg Investigative Services. Nari, like the other lawyers, was at the hotel to meet with another group. None of the team from Forsberg, or for that matter, the security force guarding them, left the hotel alive.
Initially, Nevada is reluctant to take the case. It is, as her dad would have said, above her pay grade. But Cornelius’s obvious love for Nari and his determination to find her killer as well as seek justice get to Nevada, and she agrees to uncover the identity of Nari’s killer.
Since Forsberg Investigative Services is hiding relevant information, the first order of business, Nevada and Cornelius decide, is to question Nari’s employer, Matthias Forsberg. To that end, they attend the Assembly, the governing body of the state’s most powerful magic users. There, Nevada comes face to face with Connor “Mad” Rogan, the man who promised to pursue a relationship with her relentlessly, only to disappear from her life two months before.
Almost before Nevada can process Rogan’s presence at the Assembly, or the fact that he too is there to investigate the same murders she is looking into, Matthias Forsberg is killed. Further communication with Rogan reveals that not only are he and Nevada still drawn to each other like magnets, but that their opponents, including a dangerous ice mage, are powerful enough to make joining forces the best way to proceed.
Will Nevada survive more attempts on her life? Will she go toe-to-toe with Rogan over his morally ambiguous choices? Will Cornelius find justice for the death of his wife? And will Rogan admit that he cares for Nevada?
Like Burn for Me, White Hot is action-packed and exciting, as well as romantic. The world of the series, in which the magically gifted Primes wield power in the name of their Houses (families), makes a great backdrop and foil to Nevada’s dilemmas and her relationship with her family, who are tethered by bonds of deep affection rather than considerations having to do with power.
As in the earlier book, Nevada is a great character, smart, level-headed and funny, as well as utterly devoted to both her loved ones and her work. It’s impossible not to like her. Nevada has three rules on which she runs her business, and these comprise her moral code.
Rule One, we stay bought. Once we’re hired, we don’t switch sides. Rule Two, we don’t break the law unless there are extremely unusual circumstances. Rule Three, at the end of the day we have to be able to live with our choices.
One of the themes of the book is moral codes, and how important it is to have them. Another theme is what makes a family, and here again we encounter some wonderful characters. Nevada’s grandmother is still the tough, resilient mechanic whom we first met in Burn for Me. Her mother is a sniper, a survivor, and the keeper of a big secret which finally comes to light late in this novel.
Then there is Bern, Nevada’s computer whiz and hacker cousin, Catalina and Arabella, her teenaged sisters, whose powers we learn more about here, and Leon, her other cousin, a fifteen-year-old whom Rogan aptly describes as displaying “moral flexibility” and who is frustrated by the latency of his magical skills.
Together, Nevada and her family support one another through thick and thin—and not just one another, but Cornelius and four-year-old Matilda as well. Their warehouse / business office / mechanic’s garage / home is a hub of activity, with Nevada the moral and practical center that is also its heart.
I loved the way this home of Nevada’s was contrasted with Rogan’s house. While Rogan has his own (albeit non-traditional) family—he cares greatly about his employees and they are incredibly loyal to him in turn—his house, for all its greater outer beauty, doesn’t have the same humor and warmth.
As he shares more of himself with Nevada, we come to understand why Rogan needs someone like her, and why, for all her doubts about his ethics, she needs someone like him.
Which brings me to the romance. Nevada’s attitude toward Rogan is different in this book than it was in Burn for Me. Whereas in the first book, Nevada kept telling herself how bad for her Rogan was, and resisted his advances because she believed he would tire of her and discard her, as this book begins, she is bummed that he hasn’t followed through on his declaration that he meant to pursue her.
I was disappointed that Nevada’s change of heart took place offstage, between the two books, because I would have liked to see how and why it came about in more detail than we get in White Hot.
The dynamic between Rogan and Nevada is different here from what it was in Burn for Me for this reason, and for another reason as well. Nevada spent Burn for Me convinced that Rogan was a sociopath but here she quickly comes to understand that there are people he cares about. For his part, Rogan behaves more circumspectly in this book, although he still manages to outrage Nevada a great deal with one of his actions.
The change in their dynamic makes this book better—between Rogan’s shift and Nevada’s changed attitude toward him, Rogan comes across as a more consistent and fully believable character. He shows that he has integrity, even if his values aren’t the same as Nevada’s. I might have found him slightly less exciting here in White Hot than he was in book one, but I also liked him better.
The really interesting thing to me in this book, though, was a moral dilemma Nevada is faced with late in the story. Almost as interesting is the way Nevada has become more proficient with her truthseeking power, and can use in ways that are shady. Now that she’s beginning to swim with the sharks, Nevada starts to sharpen her own teeth to keep herself and her loved ones safe, and that brings her to a new understanding of Rogan.
In this way, the characters meet each other halfway, each willing to compromise on some things but not on others. That makes their relationship both convincing and compelling.
As in other Andrews books, descriptions are utilitarian, but the dialogue shines with humor and wit. I have just one more minor nitpick—while the entire rest of the book is narrated by Nevada in first person, the epilogue switches to third person in Rogan’s viewpoint. That felt jarringly late in the book to introduce his POV.
Let me close with a quick mention of how much I enjoyed Cornelius’s animal mage abilities as well as how much I appreciated the subtle way his young daughter Matilda’s grief for her mother was portrayed. The Harrisons are a great addition to the cast, as is a new villain introduced late in the novel.
I am greatly looking forward to Wildfire, which is scheduled to be published in late July. White Hot gets a B+/A-.
Sincerely,
Janine
QUOTED: "So often an ever growing rich cast of characters can take over and push the main characters into the sidelines, but not here. They each add details, insight, laughs, and charm to this wonderful series."
"Ilona Andrews knows how to pace a book. Start to finish there is urgency, things are always happening and must be paid attention to, but there are also tender moments."
Review: White Hot by Ilona Andrews
May 30, 2017 By May Flaum 3 Comments
White Hot by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legancy #1)
Released: May 30, 2017
Urban Fantasy
Avon
Reviewed by May
Connor “Mad” Rogan and Nevada Baylor are back in action after far too long an absence – and I couldn’t be more giddy with how this the second (much awaited) book dives in about a month after the conclusion of the first. While there is a satisfying story within these pages, I would definitely recommend reading these books in order as there is a lot of character development you’d miss out on.
“Let me quote: ‘Do you want seduction, dinners, and gifts? Seduction is a game, and if you pay enough in flattery, money, or attention, you get what you want. I thought you were above the game.’ Did you not say that to me a week before you strolled into my garage to invite me on ‘a date’?”
“Yes. I wanted to skip the bullshit.”
“So what happened? You changed your mind and now you want the bullshit?”
Rogan’s phone chimed. “Yes. I want your bullshit.”
“Well, you don’t get to have any of my bullshit. I’m keeping it.” Okay, and that didn’t sound childish. Not at all.
“Why not?”
“Because you call it bullshit.”
In this installment we continue to see the growth of the relationship between these two, as well as getting more in depth info and players involved in the plot to throw Houston into chaos.
There is a lot to love about any Ilona Andrews book, but specific to this series there are three things I love deeply. First of all, Connor and Nevada are absolutely fantastic, and my favorite type of characters. Both are strong leaders willing to do anything to help and protect those they consider their responsibility. They also work so well together, and are so strong as a team and I love the equality they are working towards. Connor may be obscenely wealthy and a master of his power, but Nevada is a star on the rise and matches him in every possible way. It delights me to follow along on their journey as they encourage and assist each other – neither character being a weak link or in need of saving any more than the other.
Rogan pushed the button, forcing the doors to close, and peered at Cornelius. “Is this my replacement?”
What? “I didn’t replace you.”
“Of course not. I’m irreplaceable.”
Cornelius finally managed to squeeze out a word. “Rogan? The butcher of Merida? Mad Rogan?”
“Yes.” Rogan and I said in unison.
The second thing I love is the amazing cast of secondary characters. It isn’t easy to do- but from her grandma to Cornelius her new client Nevada (and Rogan, to a lesser extent) have a fantastic array of family, friends, and coworkers all gathered around enriching the story. So often an ever growing rich cast of characters can take over and push the main characters into the sidelines, but not here. They each add details, insight, laughs, and charm to this wonderful series.
The third thing, and reason I always say yes to these authors is that Ilona Andrews knows how to pace a book. Start to finish there is urgency, things are always happening and must be paid attention to, but there are also tender moments. Details. Character development. The balance and skillful writing keeps the story flowing while developing a rich tale that I will want to read and re-read again and again.
If you have not begun this series – now is the time. It is a three book series with #3 to be released very soon, and so worth your time. The only complaint I have about this particular story is that it ends leaving me hanging (not quite a cliffhanger – just with a desperate need to know how the next part is dealt with) and that makes waiting for book three agony. These characters are divine and Mad Rogan will forever be one of my favorite leading men.
Grade: A