Tag Archives: magic

Lightbringer by Claire Legrand – a Review

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Lightbringer by Claire Legrand – a Review

 

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Description:
In this epic finale to the Empirium Trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claire Legrand, two queens, separated by a thousand years must face their ultimate destinies.

Queen Rielle, pushed away from everything she loves, turns to Corien and his promises of glory. Meanwhile, whispers from the empirium slowly drive her mad, urging her to open the Gate. Separated from Audric and Ludivine, she embraces the role of Blood Queen and her place by Corien’s side, determined to become the monster the world believes her to be.

In the future, Eliana arrives in the Empire’s capital as a broken shell of herself. Betrayed and abandoned, she fights to keep her power at bay—and away from Corien, who will stop at nothing to travel back in time to Rielle, even if that means destroying her daughter.

But when the mysterious Prophet reveals themselves at last, everything changes, giving Rielle and Eliana a second chance for salvation—or the destruction their world has been dreading.

 

 

Review:

Lightbringer by Claire Legrand is the 3rd and final book in her Empirium trilogy.  I waited with high anticipation for this final book of this trilogy, and am happy to say that LeGrand did a masterful job of ending this to our satisfaction. Refresher: The theme of this trilogy revolves around two heroines, Rielle and her daughter, Eliana; one destined to be the Blood Queen (who would destroy the world) and the other to be the Sun Queen (who is the Queen of Light and Salvation).

Lightbringer picks up immediately after the cliffhanger in Kingsbane, where Rielle fully embraces her role as the Blood Queen, even though she is now pregnant.  Her powers, with help from the controlling evil angel, Corien, continue to grow to unstoppable proportions, opening the gate to allow the bad angels to wreak havoc on the world.  Legrand gives us amazing look into Rielle as she descends into the darkness as the madness controls her.

Eliana, whose POV is in current time, a thousand years after Rielle, has been captured by the Emperor (Corien), who uses his powers to invade her mind, causing her to suffer badly, but she is determined not to give in to him despite the horrifying pain.  She also is filled with hatred to Simon, who betrayed her with Corien, leading to her capture.  Corien wanted Eliana to use her powers to allow Simon to bring them back to the time when Rielle was alive.  While Eliana suffers, she begins to hear a voice talking to her, and teaching her to do things to enable her escape. Who is this person, the Prophet?  I loved Eliana, who was strong, independent, powerful and a true wonderful heroine.

At the same time, Audric (Rielle’s husband, who still loves her despite her terrible deeds), has escaped his territory taken over by an evil cousin, and eventually will gather friends to help him fight Corien.  We do get a few other POV’s, such as Audric, Ludivine, Simon, Navi, Jessamyn & Zahra. 

The last half of the book was an amazing and epic climax that kept me glued to my kindle, unable to put it down.  There was so many things happening, you couldn’t blink or you would miss something.  All these characters from Eliana to Rielle to Audric and all the secondary characters played a major role in all the pieces falling into place, changing the end game as Rielle and Eliana story reaches its climatic ending.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this is one ending you need to read.

Lightbringer was an intense, exciting, emotional and wonderful ending to this fabulous trilogy, with major twists along the way.    It was such a great finale, and I loved how Legrand pulled it all together so seamlessly, as well as being a befitting ending.  Well done by Claire Legrand, as Lightbringer was a terrific conclusion.

Reviewed by Barb

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Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
A half human, half angel and her bonded gargoyle protector must work with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

 

 

Review:

Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L Armentrout is the 2nd book in her fantastic YA fantasy paranormal, The Harbinger series. Refresher: Trinity Marrow is a trueborn (half human/half angel); she has spent all of her life protected and trained by Wardens. In the last book, Trinity was betrayed by her protector, Misha, and she used her growing powers to kill him to save herself and others.  Zayne, is our hero, and he becomes Trinity’s Warden protector, as we learned then that it was Zayne who was supposed to be Warden who bonded with her.

Rage and Ruin picks up where the first book left off.  Both Trinity and Zayne can feel the attraction between them, but since he is now her protector, any relationship between them is forbidden.  They both work together to search for the Harbinger, who has been killing Wardens and Demons.  Each day, Zayne will work on training Trinity, especially with her eyesight disability, to teach her how to sense those attacking her out of her sight.  They also go out to search and find out who is the Harbinger, and stop him before the world is destroyed.

I really liked Trinity and Zayne together, but both of them early on kept distancing themselves or fighting, and Trinity did not know how to handle her jealousy that Zayne was friendly with other girls.  The sarcastic banter between them went on for quite a bit, but the chemistry and sexy tension between them was sizzling.  It was great to see Roth and Layla again, especially Roth who would use a favor that Trinity owed him to get something he wanted back.  They did raise the bar when they were around to work with Trinity and Zayne.

What follows is a wild exciting intense action-packed adventure, with a number of surprising twists. I loved Zayne and Trinity together, even if it was a bit slow burn; but once they allowed themselves to succumb to their feelings, it was combustible.  As I said previously, I loved many of the secondary characters, especially Roth, Layla, Peanut, and Cayman. To say too much more, would be spoilers, as there are many surprises, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone.

Rage and Ruin is a fantastic addition to this series, with a wonderful couple, and an exciting, tense, passionate adventure, which Armentrout kills us at the end with a wild, heartbreaking tearjerker of a cliffhanger.  Jennifer L. Armentrout once again gives us a fun, heartwarming, romantic, as well as intense action filled story that kept me on the edge of our seat.  I will be counting the days for next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo – a Review

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A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo – a Review

 

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Description:
Ever since her mother walked out, Trix McCabe has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive. Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.

Trix doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw long, but there’s something special about her McCabe relatives that she is drawn to. Her aunt, Mia, bakes pies that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, can tell a person’s deepest secret with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.

Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life . . . or keep running from the one she’s always known.

 

 

Review:

A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo is my first book written by this author, and upon completing this book, it will not be my last.  Trix McCabe, our 17 year old heroine was a wonderful and flawed young girl, who had a rough childhood, with her mother leaving her to live on her own.  Trix has a magical gift of stealing from people so fast, that no one realizes their items are missing.  Trix has managed to survive on the streets, motels, friends, etc; until one day someone calls the police and Trix is given a choice….go live with a long lost family and finish school or go to jail.

Trix moves to Rocksaw, Kansas, where her great aunt (Auntie), another aunt (Mia) and her cousin (Ember) live; to her surprise they each have some sort of magical ability, which seems to be a McCabe tradition.  Auntie tells fortunes; Mia bakes pies that magically fixes emotions and Ember can read secrets upon touch. 

Trix is determined to run as soon as she can, but slowly she begins to feel like she is now part of a family, something she has never really had.  Mia was a wonderful aunt to Trix, always looking out for her and trying to keep her happy.  Ember was shy at first, but in a short time they became close friends. Trix worked in the bakery, which is one of the popular stops in Rocksaw, especially for the wonderful pies that keeps people happy and content. 

Trix will also meet at school, a boy (Jasper) who has his own issues based on the death of his brother due to suicide.  In a short time, Trix will mesh with Ember to join the group of Jasper’s friends.  As Trix begins to feel happiness, she will learn about her long-lost mother that will bring back the past and make her want to run.  Will Trix come to terms with her past and stay with her new family in Rocksaw?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story that is surrounded by many emotions, as well as serious issues.  Trix was a wonderful character who evolved over the course of the story, and the entire McCabe ladies were fantastic.  I loved Mia, who would go out of her way to help Trix through the trying times, not to mention those wonderful pies she made.  (I certainly would love to try one of them  ? ).  Ember was another great character, who needed Trix in her life as much as Trix needed her.  Auntie was a character all the way. Jasper was also great, having his own issues, that would bring him closer to Trix.

A Constellation of Roses was wonderfully written so very well by Miranda Asebedo.  This is considered YA, but trust me when I say that everyone should read this heartwarming story that also touches on depression, abandonment and suicide.  I suggest you read A Constellation of Roses, as it is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth – a Review

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A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth – a Review

 

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Description:
Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

 

 

Review:

A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth is a fantasy YA standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Violet Sterling, who is living in a small fishing town, when she sees someone from her past.  Violet was banished 7 years ago by the King, as her father, who was the caretaker of their home,  was punished for high treason and forced to live in their home unable to leave until he died.  When Violet sees the King, she knows her father is dead, and it is time for her to return to Burleigh House, a sentient home filled with magic.  When Violet returns, she finds Burleigh in deep disrepair, including the lands surrounding the house, and is given a few months to bring Burleigh back to its former glory, or the King will burn it down.  Violet also finds her friend Wyn, who was forced to stay with her father during those 7 years, and was shocked at his haggard appearance. 

Violet as a child was brought up by her father to love the house and its magic, to devote her life to Burleigh, especially when she is older and becomes the caretaker.  She loved everything about Burleigh to the point of obsession, as well as loving the house.  With 7 years having passed, with no contact, Violet finds everything changed, and is determined to help the house regain its freedom, but fears for Wyn’s safety, as well as her own, as Burleigh has also changed for the worse.

Violet is determined to find a way to free the house from its binding that is destroying Burleigh, and possibly both her and Wyn’s life.   What follows is an exciting and emotional story, where we go back into Burleigh’s memories of the good days when Violet was a child, and the sad changes during those 7 years, and when her father dies; looking for clues that will reveal the true hidden secrets.  Violet and some friends will desperately try to find the hidden secret that is needed to save them all.

This is a difficult review to write, as you really need to read this book to understand.  A Treason of Thorns was a different type of story about a sentient house with magic, the family that lived there in a somewhat gothic theme, with a great heroine and very good secondary characters. I suggest you read A Treason of Thorns.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Blood Race/Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons – Reviews

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The Blood Race/Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons – Reviews

 

The Blood Race
The Blood Race series – Book #!
by K.A. Emmons
Release Date: July 2017

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Description:
All Ion Jacobs ever wanted was to be normal. But when you’re capable of killing with your very thoughts, it’s hard to blend in with the crowd.

Running from his past and living in fear of being discovered, Ion knows he will never be an average college student. But when Hawk, the beautiful, mysterious girl next door unearths his darkest secret, Ion’s life is flipped upside-down. He’s shocked to discover a whole world of people just like him — a world in another dimension, where things like levitation, shape-shifting, and immortality are not only possible… they’re normal.

Forced to keep more secrets than ever before, Ion struggles to control his powers in the real world while commuting between realms — until his arch enemy starts a fight he can’t escape. Now he has sealed the fate of the Dimension, severing their connection to the real world, and locking himself inside forever. But a deadly threat hidden in plain sight may cost Ion more than just his freedom — it may cost him his life.

The Blood Race is the first book in K.A. Emmons’ riveting new sci-fi/fantasy thriller series. If you like epic urban fantasy, fresh takes on super powers, deep allegories, raw emotions and intricate plots that surprise you at every turn, you’ll love the first novel in Emmons’ page-turning series. Grab your copy of The Blood Race and delve into a new dimension today!

 

Review:

The Blood Race by K.A. Emmons is the 1st book in her new The Blood Race series.

Ion was an outcast, he didn’t fit in, he always felt different, going from school to school, he’s always felt a freak, and after the latest incident at the new school, Ion was at his wits end !!!

Hawk isn’t interested in much, she keeps herself to herself. And when her “Sensei” wants her to take on Ion to “teach” him about what and who he is, she isn’t interested, but after persuasion from Sensei, Hawk takes up her task.

Ion is shocked and stunned when Hawk approaches him, at first he is wary, then scepticism and then disbelief, why wouldn’t he know if he had powers ? Then once Hawk shows him a different world, his fears double, he doesn’t believe her at first…..

This new world accepts his differences, but he can’t let go of his old life, trying to blend both is a difficult task, and one both Hawk and Ion don’t  think possible …..

We are then introduced to the villain of the story, and believe me, there is no redeeming qualities about this person !!!!

Wow !!!! What a great read. Something totally different from the usual paranormal read. Very well written, the descriptions of the world and characters just jump out of the page.

Can’t wait for book two ?oh thanks for the cliffhanger…… it  definitely makes you want to find out what happens next ?

 

 

Worlds Beneath
The Blood Race series – Book #2
by K.A. Emmons
Release Date: July 2018

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Description:
I used to think that seeing was believing, but now, as I struggle to stay alive below the ravine, I begin to realize that – good or bad – I will see whatever I believe.

“Who are you, Icarus, that the earth opens its mouth to receive your blood?” Sensei’s words were my last thoughts before I fell into the bottomless ravine, plunging toward my own death, and bringing about Hawk’s at the same time. Or so I thought.

I woke up underwater. I awoke in a strange and unfamiliar world, filled with maze-like forest, shadows, and nightmares seemingly as vivid and dangerous as reality. I had no idea who I was, or how I got there – I couldn’t remember anything, until I remembered her: Hawk. The other half of my soul.

I knew that in order for her to stay alive, I had to survive and find a way out. But that’s easier said than done when you’re trapped in a realm as deadly as your every thought – and dominated by a hierarchy of ravenous wolf packs.

Alerted by a dream, I realize that Hawk has left the Dimension to come find me. For an instant, I rediscover hope. But that hope quickly burns to ash when I realize that we may not be the only ones down here. Someone else with a thirst for her blood may have survived the fall too. And I may have just lured her right into the jaws of a predator even fiercer than the wolves.

 

Review:

Worlds Beneath by K.A. Emmons is the 2nd book in her The Blood Race series.

Hawk and Icarus are separated by dimensions, but she isn’t willing to leave him there, their relationship might need work, but being the half of a person means something to Hawk, so she braces herself to find him. But in some parts I get the feeling she is still fighting how she feels. 

The ongoing story of Ion/Icarus as he struggles to find his way in either world. Hawk’s (attraction to Ion/Icarus) and her disassociation with her friends and family (she is beginning to realise that you need at least someone in your life to lean on ? But with so many letting her down (especially Icarus) 

You find out in book one why and how Ion becomes Icarus (no I can’t tell you) but it will make sense. 

The worlds that the author has created is so well written that you can imagine the darkness of the forests that Icarus is trying to get out. The dreams, are they real ? They feel real, and when the dreams turn to nightmares…… 

And the unfolding story between Icarus and Hawk, is a slow and well thought out story, all their emotions are there to read on the page. 

Sometimes it’s hard to write about a trilogy without giving too much away (especially if you haven’t read the first book) and you definitely need to read the first one. 

Usually the second book is a let down in the trilogy, but not this one, it was just as good as the first book. 

So many twists and turns, lives intertwining, people in love with other people, and hungry wolves that are constantly hunting for prey. Each chapter is dedicated to one character. It’s their point of view we see. 

Can’t wait to read the final installment. 

Reviews by Julie B.

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Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman – a Review

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Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman – a Review

 

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Description:
Everyone in Vallen knows that ice wolves and scorch dragons are sworn enemies who live deeply separate lives.

So when twelve-year-old orphan Anders takes one elemental form and his twin sister, Rayna, takes another, he wonders whether they are even related. Still, whether or not they’re family, Rayna is Anders’s only true friend. She’s nothing like the brutal, cruel dragons who claimed her as one of their own and stole her away.

In order to rescue her, Anders must enlist at the foreboding Ulfar Academy, a school for young wolves that values loyalty to the pack above all else. But for Anders, loyalty is more complicated than obedience, and friendship is the most powerful shapeshifting force of all.

 

 

Review:

Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman is the 1st book in her new YA/Middle Grade Fantasy Elementals series. I do enjoy Fantasy, and even though this is middle grade/ya, it is a story that anyone can read and enjoy. 

Anders and Rayna are brother & sister twins, who lost their family years before and at the age of 6 they left the orphanage they were living in for fear of being separate.  They both live in the streets of Vallen and work closely together  to survive using their skills to steal, which they do very well, and seem to have fun in doing so. 

The city they live in is protected by Ice Wolves, who guard the city against attacks by Scorch Dragons.  Every month the leaders have a trial for those coming of age (12) to be tested if they have wolf blood and thereby be sent to Ulfar Academy to train to be Ice Wolves and become in time Wolf Guards.  Anders and Rayna always attend the meetings in the village, since it is a good day to pickpocket.  However, as they try to escape being caught stealing, they end up on the line to be tested.   Rayna touches a magic staff, and shifts into a scorch dragon. Anders watches in horror as Rayna is attacked, but manages to escape and fly away. Anders, who no one knows is related to the scorch dragon is tested and shifts to a wolf.  Though he wants to go to the academy and learn how to fight dragons, Anders is determined to find his sister.  The next day he finds her at a secret hiding place, and they both do not understand how twins of the same blood can be different species.  Before they could talk more, Rayna is spotted and dragons come to her rescue and take her away.

The story now centers on Anders at the academy, where he meets other Ice Wolves, and makes friends with other students, especially one who he will learn to trust, Lizabeth.  Anders is determined to learn all he can to fight dragons, and find special artifacts that could help him find Rayna.  Though he has hated dragons all his life, it is Lizabeth, who feels that dragons may not be as bad as they all think; since they were at peace years before.

What follows is watching Anders learn to be more self sufficient, and being to realize that perhaps Lizabeth is on the right track, since she feels that it is in the best interest of everyone to get the wolves and dragons to talk.  While it was nice to watch Anders make new friends, and learn how to fight, the last 1/3 of the book is very exciting, as he and Lizabeth will leave to help rescue Rayna.  What they find will change the game, and open things up for future books.  Will Anders and Lizabeth survive in Dragon territory?  Will Anders find Rayna safe?

Ice Wolves was a good start to this series, and I really enjoyed the characters that Kaufman has created.  I loved the cute relationship early on with Anders and Rayna.   I really enjoyed the friendship between Anders and Lizabeth.  I will warn everyone, that Ice Wolves ends in a cliffhanger, which has us anxiously awaiting the next book.  Of course, I hate cliffhangers. Lol    If you like fantasy, teen heroes, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine – a Review

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Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine – a Review

 

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Description:
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Review:

Ink and Bone begins with Jess Brightwell having to deliver a book to one of his dad’s “customers”. Illegally. Books are illegal to own, but that hasn’t stopped the Brightwells from being a family of “runners”, meaning those who illegally obtain books and sell them to the highest bidder. As Jess makes his way to deliver the book, things don’t go quite as planned. The Garda, the Library’s muscle, are everywhere and Jess has to get creative in order to meet the buyer. He delivers the book but soon discovers that the buyer is an Ink Licker, i.e., one who destroys books by EATING the pages……. Yep, that’s how it begins.

We flash forward six years to see that Jess’ father has made the decision to send him to try out for a place working for the Library. He knows that Jess isn’t really cut out to take over the family business and figures that he’d best serve his family as a spy while serving the Library. Jess, almost reluctantly, agrees and sets off on the long journey to Alexandria. Once in Alexandria, he discovers that there are thirty other candidates to fill only six positions. Uh oh….. Add to that the fact that he knows he can never return home, and that he may actually like some of his fellow students……… He knows that he has a long, hard road ahead of him. Unfortunately, he had no idea in the beginning just how hard. Everything that he and his fellow students thought they knew about the Library ends up being laughable. Because once the Library in Oxford (England) is threatened by war between the English and the Welsh, he and his fellow students are sent to the war zone to save as many books as they can. What follows is a heart breaking series of events and earth shattering revelations that changes everything they’ve ever believed in and forever changes them. At least, those who survive.

I have to say that when I started this one, I didn’t think I was going to like it. At all. I’ve never been a big fan of Dystopian worlds and the pace was slow. And, that bothered me more than you’ll ever know. I love Rachel Caine. Her Morganville Vampire series is one of my all time favorite YA series. EVER. So, based on that alone, I continued reading…..and a funny thing happened. I found myself so engaged with all of the characters that I didn’t want to put it down. The world that Caine has created is so imaginative that it will blow you away. The cast of characters is long and varied and very intriguing. The basic storyline itself has been done before, but not by Rachel Caine. She has rewritten history and created a world that will leave you wanting more. A lot more. The only problem I had with this entire story was the pace. As I said earlier, it’s slow, although it did pick up in the second half. I’m thinking that since we have the world built, the next one will be move along at a faster pace. You will fall in love with the premise. You will fall in love with the characters. And, in the end you will be wanting more. If you’ve never read Rachel Caine and are a fan of YA, you’re sorely missing out. Well done, Rachel Caine!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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

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

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

Review:

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews is the 1st book in her Hidden Legacy series.   I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new series. I am a huge fan Andrew’s Kate Daniels series, as well as the Edge series. Burn for Me turned out to be a fantastic start to this enthralling series.

The world-building for this series is pivotal and huge, as it sets the stage of a world run by families and magic. Nevada, our heroine, is a private investigator, who works with her family to keep the agency afloat. She accepts cases from a House with major magic, as they hold the liens on the family business.   Nevada is forced to accept a case that has little hope of surviving, and even her family is against her taking it. But with the threat of losing the business, Nevada accepts. Her target is to the find Adam Pierce, who is a Prime (Ultimate magic power), and his ability is indestructible fire.

Connor (Mad) Rogan, our hero, is another powerful Prime, who runs the House Rogan. Mad, who got his nickname from his time during war, where he was able to destroy anything and everything, to help win the war, and his reputation followed him home. When Adam Pierce destroys a bank and the people in it, his accomplice was a distant cousin. Because he was asked to help find the cousin, Mad becomes involved in finding Adam. In order to do so, he must partner up with Nevada, who wants nothing to do with working with someone like Mad.

Though the chemistry between Nevada and Mad was hot, this is not a romance. At least not yet. Probably in future books, there promises to be more, as Mad will do anything he can to weaken Nevada’s frustrating attempts to steer clear of him. I for one look forward to seeing more of Nevada and Mad becoming a full relationship. I also loved Nevada’s strange family, who were wonderful secondary characters.

Back to the story…This was a fantastic look at magic, power, and what the forces of evil can do with it to destroy those around them. There is so much world-building in this amazing story, but the exciting action is non stop, as we feared for our heroes’ lives in so many unbelievable situations. Great new series by Ilona Andrews, and I will be there waiting impatiently for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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