Iron and Magic & Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Iron and Magic
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The Iron Covenant #1
Published by: NYLA
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Format: eBook
Pages: 406
Source: Purchased

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

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

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

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

Hugh and Elara may do both.

I’m a huge fan of the Kate Daniels series and loved Hugh d’Ambray’s character in it even though he’s one of the bad guys. He does bad oh so well.  So I was ecstatic to read a new series that revolves around him. I didn’t realize until recently that people didn’t like him because of his bad guy status, but I’m telling you that even if that’s the case, you must read Iron and Magic.

Like I said, I loved Huge, so I was eager to see what happened after the last time we saw him. We really get a good understanding of Huge and who he is, which only made me like him more. Don’t get it twisted though, the guy is deadly and someone to be feared for sure, but there’s definitely more to him. And then add Elara to the mix … holy crap!  Elara is no pushover and is extremely scary in her own way. I loooove her! Plus, the loath-to-love trope is my absolute favorite, and boy, do they do it well. They are so perfectly matched with amazing chemistry, great banter, and a well-earned mutual respect. Also, a couple who fights side-by-side as partners is sexy af!

Really, the whole story was freaking great! There’s also some nice crossover with the Kate Daniels series that was needed. I’m so excited for more of The Iron Covenant series, especially looking forward to discovering more of Elara’s story and what exactly she is.

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Magic Triumphs
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #10
Published by: Ace
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Format: eARC
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She's made friends and enemies. She's found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate's doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.

Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world.

Ahhhh … it’s the end of Kate Daniels. Or is it? Okay, yes, Magic Triumphs is the series finale and I’m very sad it’s over, but at least it isn’t the end of this world. It’s definitely bittersweet, but damn, was it good!

Kate’s life has certainly gone through some major changes since we first met in Magic Bites, and now she has a lot more to lose. We knew everything would have to come to a head regarding Roland, but I was nervous! I like how it all went down, though!

This series has some of my favorite characters, not just individually, but I love them as a group and how they’re always there for each other. I was so happy to see everyone made an appearance, and I love how everyone had a part to play in what transpired. And of course, Kate remains one of my top favorite heroines – deadly, witty, loyal, intelligent … what’s not to love?

It wrapped up really well, but there’s still a few threads left open that have me excited for what comes next with certain characters.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

FYI: If you are a fan of the Kate Daniels series, then I strongly suggest reading Iron and Magic before Magic Triumphs. In fact, treat it as book #9.5 in the Kate Daniels series, because honestly, I would’ve been a bit miffed and felt out of the loop had I read Magic Triumphs first.