
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.

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.
So glad you loved both. I cannot wait for more of Hugh’s books and yes what the hell is she?!?
She’s scary and I love it!
Ah yes, I was one of the poor saps who thought I’d catch Hugh’s book later and read Magic Triumphs first. LOL Oh well, I’m a Hugh fan so I’ll still read it.
Oh, you definitely need to.
I really loved these two books too. I’m sad to see the end of the Kate Daniels series, but it isn’t the end of Kate’s world. I’m really hoping that ending of Magic Triumphs means there is a spinoff there. I would love to read that series.
We definitely seem to have the Hugh spinoff, but hopefully something with Julie is in the works.
One day, I’ll get to the Kate Daniels series. I’m going to start that series once I finish Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series. I love how excited everyone is for these books though.
You are missing out!
The two books were so good! I love this series so much!
Sometimes bad guys make for the best characters, especiallly when you get to know them. And hate to love is fun! Sounds like made a fun couple to read about.
It’s bittersweet when series end, but I’m glad it was such a good ending!
Nice that Kate Daniels ended well, and woo hoo for the start of a new one! Plus bad guys are always fun to read about. 🙂
I loved both of these books. I thought that Magic Triumphs wrapped up the series very well. I didn’t want to see it end but I don’t think it could have ended better. Iron and Magic was equally amazing. It was great to see more of Hugh and Elara was fantastic. I actually got a really early copy of Magic Triumphs before Iron and Magic was released and read it right away because I couldn’t stop myself and I think it worked out of order but I did know I was missing something with Hugh and Elara. I can wait for more about Julie and the other characters!
I keep meaning to read her books because they sound so good.
Magic Triumphs was a fabulous ending to a great series….although I am going to miss Curran and Kate…but CONLAN, he was so funny and cute. It was great seeing how they handled being parents.
I will try to remember to read Iron and Magic before the final book in the Kate Daniels series. Thank you for the head’s up. I am really enjoying being back in that world right now. In fact, I should put away my computer and get back to my book!
I haven’t read any of these, but that first one sounds awesome. I would have no problem with a series I love coming out with a book that revolves around the bad guy. They are sometimes the most fascinating!
Look at you coming out of your cave for IAndrews!!
I’ve heard so many great things about the stories set in this world. Glad you’re enjoying them too
I just started the Kate Daniels series and it’s great! I adore the Hidden Legacy series, but haven’t had a chance to read the newest book. However, I do love a good wedding! I can’t wait to see what this author duo comes up with next.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?