I didn’t expect to love this book…After all, Hugh was the villain of several previous books. Also, the idea for this book began as an April Fool’s joke on the authors’ blog. Even so, I am a huge Ilona Andrews fan, and I will happily read anything they publish. And I was not disappointed. The characters, especially that of Hugh, are clearly drawn and defined. The plot is solidly constructed, and (as always), the authors provide a world that – almost feels like our own.

Love love this author. Wasn't sure I would like this book. both characters start off as unlikable but by then you are so drawn in that you can't wait to see what happens next. If you thought you knew who Hugh was you are in for a big surprise. I immediately started reading the book again as soon as I finished.

Ilona Andrews has done the impossible: they have managed to redeem the one character I previously thought was unredeemable, someone who seemed to fit into a perfect cookie-cutter villain archetype, someone who deserved everything bad coming his way. That someone was Hugh D'Ambray and his book - it is certainly more his book than Elara's - delves into his backstory, offering up all sorts of complicated nuances and color to what the reader had previously assumed was a black or white worldview. Astounding reversal and so well grounded! This is a breathtaking, spell binding work that expands upon the Kate Daniels series and adds a fascinating new character to rival Hugh, Elara - who is not just his equal but terrifying in her prowess. Fans of Ilona Andrews will not be disappointed - another masterpiece that will leave the reader excited for the next book in the planned trilogy.

As the description points out, Hugh was Roland’s warrior, but has been cast out, cut off from Roland’s magic and when we first meet Hugh here, he’s in bad shape. Hurting as he was Hugh didn’t fully grasp his Iron Dogs were loyal to him, not Roland. Now that they’re being hunted down, and murdered Hugh must get himself together, get his Iron Dogs back in fighting shape to meet the threat.

Elara and Hugh have things each other need to survive, Elara has a castle, food, and supplies Hugh’s Iron Dogs’ desperately need, and Elara needs protection for the people in her keep. To make their alliance believable they decide to marry. They hate each other on sight, Elara has already heard the rumors of Hugh and expects him to be a terrible man, and Hugh views Elara a cold harpy. This is a marriage of convenience, but of course I was hoping for it to turn into more! Love-to-hate relationships are so much fun and loved every verbal sparring match between these two! Really made things heat up!

Hugh was quite a despicable character in the previous books, so when I first heard there would be a book centering on him I wondered if I could ever view him as the “hero” or like him. Shouldn’t have worried because Ilona Andrews pulled it off splendidly! You don’t have to do this because there’s enough information to get the picture, but I did go back and skim through some of the events in Magic Rises (book 6) and Magic Breaks (book 7) to remember exactly what happened with Hugh, Kate, The Pack, and Roland. Some of his actions seemed unforgivable, but we were only looking at them through Kate’s eyes. Here we get Hugh’s motivations, and some important insight about Roland’s influence on Hugh here in Iron and Magic. It made ALL the difference in my opinion of Hugh and I ended up rooting for the guy!

Elara is likeable right off the bat, she’s completely loyal and protective of her people, strong and intelligent in her actions. Elara is also a person (?) of powerful magic, but she’s a mystery and I look forward to finding out more about her in the coming books.

The fight/battle scenes were exciting, full of danger, and action, and easy to follow. I was surprised and thrilled by what’s revealed about Hugh, his skills and powers. Elara is a bit of an enigma, not sure what she is yet, but I have some ideas. When she steps into a fight you take notice, and I was stunned by a certain villain’s reaction to her in the end!

Iron and Magic was fast paced and riveting! We get Ilona Andrews at their best, and what they’re known for as writers: exciting action, multi-faceted, compelling characters, interesting mythology, and of course my favorite: romance! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!

A copy was kindly provided by NYLA via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Note: This is a spin-off Urban Fantasy series to Kate Daniels. Reading the previous series is not necessary, but I highly recommend doing so to increase your enjoyment of this book!

Check out my review of this book on the blog: https://onewayoranauthor.wordpress.com/2018/06/29/arc-review-iron-and-magic-by-ilona-andrews-the-iron-covenant-1/

WHAT A WILD RIDE.

The Ilona Andrews team really did not disappoint with IRON AND MAGIC, which follows one of the antagonists in the Kate Daniels series, Hugh d’Ambray. I came in knowing that this was going to be a tough sell. The thing about Hugh’s character in the Kate Daniels series is that he’s written so well as an antagonist. He’s killed beloved characters, imprisoned, and tortured many people and shapeshifters. However, the authors writes this redemption book so well, even someone who was side-eyeing the announcement of this book like me fell in love with it. As someone who has been subjugated in a manipulative relationship before, I am very harsh when it comes to redemption arcs. The Andrews team writes Hugh’s with dexterity and care. Many loose strings when it came to his character in the Kate Daniel’s series is wrapped up. The heroine they introduce, Elara, is a force of nature that holds her own against Hugh. All in all, IRON AND FURY is another example of the authors’ tactical and heartfelt writing that I have grown to love.

While previous readers of their work are used to the world, the Andrews team still introduces aspects such as when the “magic is down and tech is up,” and vice versa. It’s a dystopian, urban fantasy world where shapeshifters and vampires roam. Hugh himself is cast aside from the wizard Roland, who he had been serving for hundreds of years. In the beginning of the book, we find him destitute and ready to end his life. He’s an alcoholic and lashes out to his loyal military crew. But when they finally persuade him to see reason, he sets out to defend his crew from Nez, one of Roland’s lackies trying to kill him, and aligns himself with the White Warlock, Elara. She has the castle and supplies he needs, while he has the army she needs. Thus begins the basis of the beloved fake marriage trope that I am always, ALWAYS weak for.

“‘The Iron Dogs are more than a job. A brotherhood, you said.’
‘A family, where each of use stands for something greater,’ Lamar said.
‘If you fall, the rest will shield you.’ Bale said.”

Elara is absolutely awesome. Not just “wow, she’s awesome!” but also “awe-inducing.” Her powers are a great mystery to both Hugh and the readers, but we know she’s super strong and this strength is ancient and ominous. She is definitely a heroine that readers will grow to love. She’s snarky and sassy and holds her own up against Hugh. But most of all, she’s loyal and caring. She’ll do anything for her people, and they know it. I love how pragmatic she is about the marriage and how she has no disillusions about Hugh’s character. But she also slowly learns more about him, and that makes her heart open more to him as well. The romance is as sweet as it is prickly. There is excellent banter that we can expect from these writers, but also an underlying current of care throughout the violent threats they give each other. It’s passionate and promiscuous, and I loved every moment of it.

“This wasn’t the way she imagined the day of her wedding. This was some hellish caricature of it.
Tonight she would have to marry that insufferable ass.”

Another thing that the Andrews team writes so well in this story is the explanation behind Hugh’s rationale when he was acting as an antagonist. His actions aren’t immediately forgiven; rather, it’s a tough transition from the glorification he had for Roland to the final realization that the blood and carnage he waged was bred into him for another’s use. I was also impressed by the way the writers closed the doors on the weird sexual tension he had with Kate in previously written books. It was so logical, worked so well within the context of story and character, and gave me another reason to get onboard his redemption. This is the same regarding his other villainous actions regarding other beloved characters.

“It wasn’t the woman he had wanted. It was what she represented. He had wanted her acceptance. He wanted her to admit how good he was…
Validation. So simple.”

This book is probably the ultimate testimony to how amazing this author team’s writing is. Not only are we reading the redemption story of a super well-written antagonist, but readers are actually cheering him on as he makes peace with himself and finds his own ground. I loved Elara’s role in everything, and how her mysterious power makes her an even larger presence. Hugh’s story will gut your heart as you follow how everyone he has ever loved left him, but this fate will change in IRON AND MAGIC. Another thing I always commend the Ilona Andrews team is also how they add diverse characters so seamlessly into the plot. The fighters and characters are always mentioned as POC if there are any, and there’s this sweet girl, Johanna, who uses ASL in this book that the characters take care in using when she’s in the room. Such an easy thing to add in stories, and so appreciated for marginalized readers like me.

I loved IRON AND MAGIC, and I highly encourage fans of the Kate Daniels series to pick this one up. You honestly won’t regret it, as many questions are answered and justified, which I highly appreciated. Hugh’s redemption arc is far from over, but this was an excellently-written beginning. I can’t wait for Kate Daniel’s last book, MAGIC TRIUMPHS, but Hugh and Elara’s story is one that I won’t be missing out on in the future.

Trigger/Content Warnings: heavy brutal violence, blood and gore, explicit sexy times, alcoholism, alcohol withdrawal

Thank you Netgalley and NYLA for the review copy!

Having read Ilona Andrews previously I knew that her work would be amazing but honestly this hit it out of the park. She made me like a character that I personally disliked throughout the books he was in.
Best bit of the books Elara and Hugh interaction, couldn't stop giggling.
I didn't know who I was going to be rooting for as I did throughly dislike Hugh. But there was something about him in the last book he was in (Kate Daniels series) that made me wonder about him. Saying that I honestly didn't know how he was going to redeem himself.
However the twist of the book is that it isn't a book about redemption, .it's a book about owning your choices making peace with it and moving on to making better choices.
I think that's what stands out for me. For both characters.

Ilona Andrews has once again impressed me. Iron Covenant is both the first book in a spin off of the Kate Daniels series, and also a bridge between books nine and the upcoming final book of the series.

This is the story of Hugh finding out who he is, and making decisions of who he will become after being excised by Roland. Unlike many readers, I never hated Hugh. He came across as an arrogant, misguided thug most of the time, but he also had that “attractive, dangerous male who just needs the right woman” vibe going on in my opinion.

This book, like most of her books flows so perfectly, I read it in one sitting. When I was done I reread all the Kate Daniels books in order so I could read it once more with everything fresh in my mind. I loved it the second time I read it too.

The only negative thing I can say about this book is that because it is the first in a new series it’s not as juicy as you know later books will be, you are getting to know Elara and her people. Having favorite characters from the original series make some appearances with old conflicts does help somewhat negate that effect though.

If you are a Kate Daniels fan you cannot miss this book, if you are not a Kate Daniels fan you, should be.

I am SOOOOO happy I got an eARC from NetGalley. Still keeping my pre-order on Amazon.

So, Hugh is a huge jerk, but in here he really does show up as a jerk with some principles, and we get to discover right along with him what he will become without his god Roland controlling him. I still wanted to punch him in the nose right along with Elara at many points in the book, but it wouldn't be an Ilona Andrew's book if I didn't.

Elara Harper gets nicknamed the Ice Harpy in Hugh's head for good reason, but it's a lot more complex than that. She is terrified of her people being hurt and will do anything - even marry a scary warrior - to protect them.

The two manipulate each other through the whole book, and have reached a truce that keeps evolving. Sex after a battle doesn't magically solve anything between them, and neither does proving their loyalty to their people and each other, because there are still BIG secrets unrevealed. They are still very much a work in progress at the end of the book, more a mystery to each other than to us (because we've been gifted with alternating POV through the story, and because Hugh truly isn't used to having a full range of feelings and is a bit lost), and I really want the next book!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a fan of all of Ilona Andrews' books, but to be honest Hugh has never been my favourite character. It turns out some fans have been begging for this book for nearly 3 years (!!!!) - but I wasn't one of them. I should have been, because I obviously didn't realise what I was missing .

"What do you want more than anything? Tell me what it is and I'll rip the world apart to bring it to you."


Hugh is so much hotter when he's not trying to break up your fave romance couple (fans face). Yes, he has always been charming, but could I have rooted for Hugh against Lennart? I think not.

In all seriousness, there were some questions about how Hugh would navigate a relationship considering all of the terrible, cruel actions we had seen from him in the past. However, he and Elara were like yin and yang - and somehow she seemed to bring out a softer side in him without compromising the integrity of his character. Andrews' manged to shape the romantic aspects of the novel in a way which would have been expected by readers with Hugh's backstory while making sure it was never doubted that everything was consensual.

Which brings me to his character arch - 8 STARS!!! A lot of literature in the past has explored how women blossom into their true selves when liberated from the sphere of a domineering (usually evil) man. It is so refreshing to see the same of a male protagonist.

This new life, it was just his. Hugh didn't owe it to anyone. He was building it himself, brick by brick, one shovel of cement at a time...


Urgh don't we just love positive character development!? At last he has escaped from Rolland's shadow.
For past readers of Ilona Andrews, expect the same laughs, heartfelt moments and an entire weekend lost to reading. For newcomers, I couldn't recommend this enough - but consider reading the Kate Daniels Series, starting with Magic Bites, first.

Favorite Quote: “As long as you stay here, you have a home. I’ll never abandon you.”

Hugh D’Ambray has been cut loose by his master and pseudo-father, Roland. He wallows in the booze until his will to live and need to save his people overrides his death wish. With no money, shelter, or weapons, the Iron Preceptors have no hope of surviving the necromancers that are gunning for them. Until his advisor approaches him with a proposition. A marriage of convenience to one they call the White Lady.

Elara Harper just wants to keep her people safe. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Elara knows there is a war coming and they are right in the middle of it. She needs help and if she has to make a deal with the devil to get one…then so be it.

Hugh needs a home. Elara needs a weapon. And they need to make this relationship as believable as possible if they want to survive what’s coming for them.

Sometimes the devil is in the details.

Iron and Magic, first in the Iron Covenant trilogy, spins off the Kate Daniels series and runs concurrently with book 9 in the KD world-Magic Binds. Hugh d’Ambray has been disavowed by Roland and he and his people are being hunted down and killed by Landon Nez, Roland’s Necromancer. Hugh needs a miracle and it comes in the form of a witch whose own reputation is as sketchy as Hugh’s.

I will be the first to admit I was skeptical when I first heard this story idea. Anyone can write a story of redemption, the trick is not only making the redeeming believable but getting your readers to buy it. Hugh D’Ambray; Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, Nemesis to Kate Danials, has to be one of urban fantasy’s top unredeemable men. First seen in book 3-Magic Strikes, he reappears like a bad penny in Magic Rises and Magic Breaks. Rescued by Roland as a child and trained by Voron, Hugh has strength, power, skill, and an unimaginable ego that Kate has repeatedly trampled on. He has committed some unspeakable acts against Kate, Curren, and their friends and his jealousy of Kate and what she represents is what got him in the mess he’s in now.

“You’ve failed me, Hugh. I have no further use for you.”

The prologue offers us a look into Hugh’s backstory. We learn why he worshipped Roland and blindly followed his lead. We see what led to his downfall and then the story begins with how he has chosen to survive. Is this a story of redemption? No. I think it is more of a rebuilding. Hugh d’Ambray has had his entire life ripped from him. He has hit rock bottom and now must crawl up and out of his hole to keep promises a23wq21`

“The bottle of moonshine called to him. He didn’t have to turn around to know exactly where it was, tempting him to do what severed limbs did-wither and rot. And while he rotted, his people would die one by one. No. No, he owned Nez a debt. He was Hugh d’Ambray. Preceptor of the Iron Dogs. The Dogs paid their debts.”

Hugh needs a miracle…and her name is Elara Harper.

“Who will I be marrying?”
“The White Warlock.”
“You want me to marry a man?”

Elara is an Andrews heroine through and through. Strong, bold, opinionated, powerful, kick arse, and untrusting. Considered an abomination by some and a God by others, she is responsible for hundreds and takes that very seriously. Living in an old castle on an estate smack dab between Roland and Kate’s power bases, Elara knows what is coming and knows the humans under her care will not survive these two heavyweights. A witch of unimaginable power, she is the monster under the bed…the bogeyman used to scare little kids into being good. While she does have a moral code of sorts, it revolves around those under her care. She is a wild card in this series and I am more than ready to discover everything about her.

“She had to teach d’Ambray who she was. The White Warlock. Unclean. Cursed. An abomination. They would come to this meeting tables as equals, and if they chose an alliance, she had to make sure they left as equals.”

I loved Hugh and Elara and I appreciated the care taken to develop them as individuals and a couple. I didn’t come into this story expecting Kate and Curren 2.0 and I was pleased care was taken to make sure there would be no mistaking this couple for anyone but themselves. The old saying, “God made then and the Devil matched them,” describes them perfectly. A relationship built on antagonism and lots of snark, I laughed so hard as this couple bickered, threatened, fought, insulted, and demanded concessions from one another. Elara and Hugh are a lot alike in that their loyalty can be deadly and they will do what it takes to survive. This couple will burn down the world and everyone in it who stands between them and their loved ones. No self-sacrifice in their make up.

Their evolution from strangers to friends is slow and well worth the wait. Both have been betrayed by those they cared for; tossed aside and threatened for their gifts. They have…issues and enough baggage to stock a Samsonite store. The sexual tension is quite intense and the one small sex scene is perfect in its resolve to stay true to this couple’s nature.

Some new and some very familiar faces are seen here as Hugh and Elara prepare for Nez and eventually Roland. I enjoyed meeting the Iron Dogs and seeing them as people with their own hopes, dreams, and desires. Elara’s people are just as interesting and look forward to learning more about their own gifts. Though Kate and Curren are referenced multiple times, we don’t see them. This is not their story. Color me surprised when Raphael and Andrea pay an unexpected visit to the castle. We even get a visit from Roland though it did NOT go the way he planned. *fist pump* I can’t wait for Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels series) and the next book in this series.

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!

Once again, Ilona Andrews have used their powers for good and wrote a story that is what Urban Fantasy strives to be. Action packed with intrigue, suspense, adventure, danger, laughter, sadness, and a cast of characters whose energy and spirit drags you right along with them as they prime their swords and sharpen their tongues for the next battle.

Grade: A

I read and enjoyed Ilona Andrews’ recent Hidden Legacy trilogy and was keen to read more of the authors’ work, so I nabbed a review copy of Iron and Magic without realising it’s a spin-off of the popular, long-running Kate Daniels series. Which I haven’t read. But I was intrigued by the blurb, which promises an uneasy alliance between a disgraced warlord and a magical being who should not exist, and when I realised that the aforementioned warlord was actually the villain in the Daniels books, I was even more intrigued – I do love it when a bad guy is transformed into a hero.

For anyone – like me – who hasn’t read the other series, I’ll try to give a bit of background information without getting too bogged down (and here I’ll say “Thank You” to Maggie Boyd for giving me a few pointers). Iron and Magic is the first book in the new Iron Covenant series, and is set in the Daniels universe, in a near future in which technology and magic vie for supremacy. When the tech is up, magic doesn’t work and vice versa, and there’s no way of telling when a magic wave will hit or how long it will last. Hugh d’Ambray, the Preceptor (leader) of the Iron Dogs was once the right hand of Roland, the god-like being who is Kate Daniels’ father, but has been cast out and is no longer in Roland’s good graces or under his protection. When we encounter Hugh at the beginning of the book, he’s been on a massive bender, he’s heartsick, directionless and heading downward in an ever increasing spiral of hopelessness and despair. The life he knew has been ripped away from him, along with his sense of self and his place in the world, and he’s a complete mess when he’s found by some of his men who tell him that the Iron Dogs are being wiped out by the Golden Legion, the necromancers who ‘operate’ Roland’s army of mindless vampires and are led by Landon Nez – who hates Hugh. Who hates him right back. The pair had been Roland’s two enforcers, and with Hugh’s exile, Nez’s power has increased. The news is bad – from a force of thousands, the Iron Dogs now number only three hundred, and clearly, Nez is intent in wiping every last one of them from the face of the Earth.

Hugh built the Iron Dogs into more than a fighting force; he forged a brotherhood, “a family, where each of us stands for something greater”. Hugh’s realisation that the remainder of his men need him to lead them finally sobers him up, and his determination to do what he can for the loyal Dogs who have always followed him is the first indication that this character – seen as a ruthless killer, a conscienceless butcher – is redeemable.

Sending out one of his inner circle to gather the rest of the Dogs, Hugh sets about solving their most immediate problem, which is finding a suitable base. Berry Hill in Kentucky is a definite possibility, a small settlement on good farm land near a lake, occupied by families with children, and a few witches and stray druids – who need protection from Nez because Roland is after their land. The Dogs need somewhere to live and the denizens of Berry Hill need protection; it sounds perfect. But the only way to hold off Nez is by a show of strength, so they’ll need any alliance they work out to look completely watertight… and the best way to do that is the ages-old method of marriage. Once Hugh gets over the shock, he realises he has few other options; they’re running out of food and they need somewhere to regroup… he might as well meet with their Lady – the White Warlock – and see they can hash out.

It’s clear from the first time we meet Elara Harper that she’s possessed of a powerful magic, but mostly her powers are kept fairly vague and we’re not told exactly why her enemies have branded her an Abomination; but this is a series, so I expect things will become clearer in subsequent books. She’s not wild about the idea of marrying a complete stranger either, but she will do whatever needs to be done to keep the people of Berry Hill safe. She and Hugh are alike in many ways – strong, stubborn and determined – so there’s no way they are ever NOT going to strike sparks off each other. They quickly find out how to push each other’s buttons and take delight in needling one another and I loved their constant snarky, and innuendo-laden bickering.

She gritted her teeth and put her hand into his.“Oh look, my skin isn’t smoking,” Hugh murmured.
“You’re overdoing it with the PDAs.”
“We’re newlyweds. If I threw you over my shoulder and dragged you into the woods, that would be overdoing it.”
The image flashed before her. “Try it. They won’t even find your bones.”
“Oh, darling, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding my bone.”

I particularly enjoyed the way in which the Dogs and Elara’s people begin to work together against their common enemy; I love scenes of strategising and watching the good guys figuring out how to outwit the bad guys, and the plot itself is well-constructed and executed, with plenty of action, laced with mysticism and magic. The fight-scenes and set-pieces are very well written and paint a vivid picture of the action in the mind’s eye; there are a few gruesome scenes, but nothing fans of this series or of urban fantasy in general are unlikely to have come across before.

Ultimately, however, it’s the central characters who really dominate and propel the story, and I’m definitely invested enough in knowing what happens next to want to read future books in the series. From reading reviews of the Kate Daniels novels, I gather that Hugh was something of a one-note character; Roland’s enforcer who was quick to violence and was without remorse. If that’s the case, then the authors have done an excellent job here of growing and rounding-out his character without giving him a personality transplant. He’s still quick to violence and he still doesn’t baulk at killing or doing whatever he must to ensure victory, but here, he’s making his own choices, and they’re based on things other than what Roland wants. Hugh is fighting for a cause, for the people he cares about and who rely on him for safety and protection; but even though he’s come to understand how far Roland used and manipulated him, he constantly struggles with feelings of loss and abandonment.

Elara is a fascinating character and I’m looking forward to finding out more about her and her magic. She’s as ruthlessly pragmatic as Hugh, and as determined to protect her people as he is to protect his; they clash, but can see that they are stronger united and are able to work together to achieve the desired end. They have great chemistry and it’s clear they’re strongly attracted to each other, but it’s too early for declarations; by the end of the book they’ve developed a genuine mutual respect and have arrived at a truce of sorts, and I’m looking forward to future developments.

Iron and Magic is a strong start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

Grade: B

Let me start off by stating this book has not been on my TBR pile or even close to the top of my TBR pile because I am not a Hugh fan. Personally, when this book was announced I felt it was an unnecessary spin off.

The only reason I decided to give this book a shot is because I've been dying to read Kate 1o a.k.a Magic Triumphs and because Ilona Andrews was kind enough to give me a review copy via Netgalley.

I am so glad that I gave this book a shot because I.NEED.MORE.HUGH.AND.ELARA.AND IRON DOGS in my life.

THIS BOOK

Guys THIS BOOK.

Why Kate Daniels Fans should pick up this book
I'd recommend every Kate Daniels(KD) fan pick it up because a lot of important shit happens which will definitely be used in Kate 10. Many questions also come up about Hugh, Roland, Kate and their relationship in general which I hadn't really focused on before.

I felt I understood Roland and Hugh better after reading this book. I also realised how similar Hugh and Kate were in their upbringing. I love how much depth this book adds to the KD world.

As I want to avoid spoilers I will just say that I squealed with joy whenever there were any references to the KD world and there were MANY.

Why readers in general should pick it up

Now some readers who venture into this book without any background or any information regarding Kate Daniels might be a little lost especially in the beginning. There are a lot of links to the KD world but Ilona Andrews introduces various new characters that would help orient the new reader. I also felt that while there were many references to the KD world , this book has it's own protagonists and villains.
i.e.
It links to the overarching story of Roland & Kate (KD world characters) but also focuses on a character(Hugh) that is detached from the protagonists in the KD world(Kate and Curran).

I'll try to get my fan girl self under control and give a proper review


Main Book Review

Character Development: The reason why this book was enjoyable and why I would be re-reading it again is because of the stellar character development. Ilona Andrews books always focus on character development and this book does not disappoint. Hugh and Elara are characters I want to read more about.

Mythology & World Building: We're introduced to a completely new species/clan(?) and their politics. I really enjoy the fact that the characters have to use their brain to deal with situations in a fantastical world different but very much like our own.

Dialogues and Wit : Ilona Andrews books are witty and this book is no exception. The dialogues and the way the characters manage to make death and murder fun is commendable.

This book has murder, magic,blood magic, betrayal, magical beasts, fanatics , weird occultist stuff, werewolves, assassins, vampires and so much more..

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait for the sequel. I'd suggest you grab this one as soon as it becomes available.


Pub note: Submitted review on Amazon India and Amazon USA. Will update link once they go live

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you know that I’m an Ilona Andrews fangirl. I eagerly gobble up anything from this husband-and-wife writing duo and frequently try to shove their books on unsuspecting new reader friends. While they’re now known for several series, their biggest books are an urban fantasy series about Kate Daniels, set in a post-apocalyptic Atlantic devastated by alternating waves of magic and technology. While this book is the first in a new series, it’s a spinoff of Kate, and as such would be seriously confusing to anyone new to the world. And on that note – massive spoilers in this review for anything pre-Magic Triumphs.

First off, I was extremely skeptical of this book. In case you’re not aware of the background, this started off as an April Fool’s joke some years ago, since, honestly, who’d want a romance featuring one of the most hated villains from the Kate Daniels series? Besides killing off a beloved character, Hugh was also the dreaded Other Man in a love triangle with Kate and Curran. Not to mention, as Roland’s lackey, he was a bit one-note evil. I had a lot of doubts about how he could be believably redeemed while still acknowledging that he KILLED ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHARACTERs. Ahem. Folks, I was so, so wrong – I was rooting for Hugh after about three chapters.

“Roland discovered an unpleasant fact,” Lamar said. “We do not follow him. We follow you.”


After being cut off from Roland, Hugh is on the run with what’s left of his Iron Dogs, hunted by the Golden Legion. Starving and exhausted, they need a base to regroup. Elara, head of, well, a cult, needs someone to protect her people from her suspicious and unfriendly neighbors. And what better way to seal the deal than a marriage? Of course, while the main participants need to keep up appearances to outsiders, it’s quickly apparent that “My way or the highway” Hugh and “I’m called the White Warlock for a reason” Elara are immediately at odds. Even in the midst of it all, though, these are two smart people used to command, who will bicker and fight but in service of doing what’s they think is best for their people. I think what sold me on Hugh most of all was his commitment to both his people and Elara’s. The Hugh in this book is not the Hugh we’ve met before, for good reason, as getting cut off from Roland broke him completely. Watching him reform himself, while deciding which parts of himself he wants to keep and which to discard, was heart wrenching. Loyalty, though, it what makes both Hugh and Elara tick.

“If you betray us, I’ll make you suffer.”
“We haven’t even married yet, and I’m suffering already.”
“We have that in common,” she snapped.”


And, oh, Elara. She’s the perfect foil for Hugh, unfailingly loyal and committed to her people and what’s best for them, even a sham marriage to a man everyone calls a monster. She’s smart and fierce, and she’s shrewd enough to put Hugh and his starving commanders in a conference room next to the kitchens when they first meet. The authors have a great knack for being able to write from someone’s POV while only hinting at that character’s secrets, and it was fun figuring out along with Hugh’s people exactly why Elara seems to view herself as a monster. It goes along well with the romance, which is, of course, hate-to-love and deliciously slow burn, with plenty of the authors’ trademark witty banter.

“What do you want more than anything? Tell me what it is, and I’ll rip the world apart to bring it to you.”


While we’ve had novellas and other books not from Kate’s point of view, they’ve all been Atlanta-based Pack, so having POVs from both Hugh and Elara was a fascinating new view of the world. There are several plot lines that are left unresolved at the end of the book, including one major one that I was disappointed about, but it is the first in a series. Overall, though, I simply cannot fangirl over this book enough, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves kickass characters, smart and hilarious dialogue, and a tightly-paced engrossing plot!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This book was AMAZING!

I don't even know where to start. I love the Kate Daniels universe, really love it but Curran's 40 page POV don't really do it for me, I need more of the enigmatic Beast Lord, so when I saw that this has dual POV I broke out into my happy dance.

I had a like/hate thing for Hugh, I couldn't wait for him to get his comeuppance but this book made me fall in love with him. This takes place concurrently with the things happening in Atlanta with Kate, although they don't make an appearance there are several mentions about things from the previous books.

I'll admit I was a bit worried 26 pages in, I thought this was going to be one of those long journey books where they travel through the woods for months and what not. This book start immediately after Hugh is banished by Roland, he's left adrift after being cut out of Roland's power and is being stalked by Landon Nez, Roland's henceman who's his enemy. He needs a new base for his war dogs and considering he's broke he has to look for someone so desperate that would accommodate him and his 300 soldiers, in comes Ellara.

I loved her. Kate Daniels is a badass that would totally kick ass, Elara is the monster you don't know is there. I loved the animosity between them when they first met, the bickering set my soul aflame, I just could not get enough. I don't even know what she is but I am so intrigued, I don't know what I'm going to do before the next book comes out. Thinks to self; can I sell a kidney to go forward in time?


When she went all Bane and said;

I do not fear the darkness. I was born in it.

I was legit squealing

Oh, I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this book. I love everything that Ilona Andrews writes. I reread the Kate Daniels books at least 2x a year. So a new book in the Kate world following Hugh D'Ambry was something that I needed to have. I needed to have it like I needed my next breath. So, here it is.

Hugh is trying to figure out how to keep going after his whole life has changed. He's looking at his own mortality, trying to figure out what he should do, and what his future will look like. One thing that he knows he's going to have to do is figure out where to find a base for his surviving Iron Dogs so that they can be safe.

Elara is looking for an army to help protect her castle and her people from Landon Nez, Roland's Legatus of the undead. He wants her castle for some reason. She isn't leaving. She's planning on staying, but she doesn't have trained fighters to help her. So when she finds out that Hugh and his men are trying to find someplace to use as a base, she sees how it can be a mutually beneficial situation. So they seal their alliance the old-fashioned way. They get married.

There is so much wonderful that goes on in this book. I've always had a love/hate relationship with Hugh, and I was dying to see how Ilona Andrews would turn him into a character who is the hero of his story. They did it so well. So very well. He's not a perfect man. I mean, he's still Hugh, trained by Roland and Voron, and a man who loves war, but at his core, he's not necessarily a bad man. Elara is just a magnificent character. They are so suited to each other. They both need a strong person to stand up to them and support them. They would run over anyone else. Kate would never have worked for Hugh, they would've tried to kill each other. They did try to kill each other. But Elara, she's going to make him a better person.

Such an awesome story. I need to have so much more of it. I hope there is so much more to come.

For real, I didn't think I was going to love IRON AND MAGIC as much as the Kate Daniels Series, but I do! I have no words that will do this book justice. It's just Oh.my.god. Just gimme more already! Now, I have freaking loved Hugh D. Ambray in the Kate Daniels Series since we freaking met him!

I don't know what it is, but hot damn do I love my bad boys. I was even at the point that if there was a Hugh and Kate thing, I didn't mind, I loved him that much! I was so pissed when we didn't see him anymore in the Kate Daniels World. I was like, What happened to my Hugh!!! But to hear he was not only going to get his own book, but his own trilogy?! The gods have answered my prays!

When we meet Hugh D' Ambray in IRON AND MAGIC he is in a very drunken state. Roland has exiled Hugh of failing him in bring his daughter to him. But come on, let's be real, who can make Kate do anything she doesn't wanna do? Not even Curran! lolz! Now the Iron Dogs that Hugh leads are being hunted down by Landon Nez, who is Rolands's left hand man. So Hugh needs to find a base for them.

And now we have Elara Harper, The White Warlock who needs protection. So an Alliance begins, though none of them trust each other. So for it to be a true alliance on the inside and to the outside there has to be a marriage. A marriage between Hugh and Elara who basically can't stand each other!

I greatly enjoyed Hugh's and Elara's constant bickering and fighting all the time. And also to mention trying to piss each other off because they enjoy the other's misery. There is definitely attraction there and the want for the other, and I am going to enjoy seeing this relationship develop further.

I loved like all of the side characters. I enjoyed getting to know the Iron Dogs and I loved getting to know Elara's people as well! After reading IRON AND MAGIC I can't say that I think Hugh is a bad man, he's not. He just followed the wrong man, but that couldn't be prevented because Roland is like the only father Hugh knows. Now I know after finishing IRON AND MAGIC this is the question on everyone's mind, but I just have to say it too, What the hell is Elara? I have to know! I look forward to finding out that's for sure!

While in the middle of reading another book, I just glanced at the first chapter of Iron and Magic. And did not put it down until finished. Such fun seeing Hugh more than meet his match in the very intriguing Elara, the White Lady. The imagination from these authors just blows my mind away. The world building is impeccable, and I cannot wait for book two! It is not a cliffhanger at the end, which is truly appreciated.
Loved this cover as well...solid match to the story.

I just went on an adventure to another world where technology and magic compete for supremacy and I it was one thrilling ride where I met mesmerizing characters and fought spectacular battles.

Hugh and Elara were the main characters that I met on this journey and they are strong, captivating and easily seized my attention and refused to let go once they had it. This couple were both intriguing and daring with lots of appeal and unique characteristics that made them stand out. As for the relationship between them, well it definitely had some electrifying chemistry and an attraction that had sparks flying everywhere but it was also feisty and full of turmoil as they fought each other tooth and nail throughout the story with snappy dialogue that has me convinced that a happily ever after for these two may be a long time in coming, at least they finally have a sort of acceptance of each other, so I can’t wait to find out how their relationship progresses.

Lots of excitement and thrills keep the adrenaline pumping throughout this fast paced and smooth flowing story with lots of twists and turns that kept me wondering just what would happen next. The bad guys and creatures are as fascinating as they are scary and cause Hugh and Elara a seemingly endless amount trouble so there was definitely no dull moment to be found.

I am a huge fan of the Kate Daniels universe and I can never get enough, so I was quite excited to find out that Hugh was going to have his own story. Iron and Magic is well developed and full of all the fascinating elements and all the wonderful characters and creatures that make up the universe, so is it really any wonder that I was completely enthralled by the first book in The Iron Covenant series and I am eagerly awaiting the next.

I loved this book and am hooked on this new series. I have to admit as evil as Hugh has been in the past I have always found him charismatic. I really liked that Elara is a strong, intelligent woman who not only is extremely powerful magically but also can hold her own in a fight. I liked that she doesn’t need to be rescued, but needs Hugh’s help and is willing to work with him to protect her people. The story was not only action packed but had strong character development. It was also cool to see another side of the Iron Dogs and get to know them as individuals.

What I liked most about this series was it didn’t spend time justifying Hugh’s past actions, or positioning him as a victim. There is another series I am a fan of, and one of it’s hero’s long awaited book told of all the atrocities he suffered, much by his family. Then a few years later his brother got a book, and half of it was spent negating the previous book even though the first hero witnessed events first hand. It basically turned a beloved character into a delusional liar to try and make the reader sympathize with the “former villain”. I was afraid this book might do that to, but it does not. Only one event was explained as being misperceived, and the way it was told from Hugh’s perspective it makes perfect sense. I loved that his actions that day weren’t because he was secretly a good guy, it was because torturing someone in that instance did not benefit him. I loved that he stood in his truth and while there were times he apologized for the pain he caused others, he did not apologize for his actions. He was a general and he was at war, he views casualties as unfortunate but a part of fighting. That was driven home because when someone he cared about died he mourned, but he was never driven by vengeance. He is always about playing to win with the big picture in mind.

I can’t wait to find out what is up with that castle and what Elara really is. The next book can’t come soon enough.

Iron and Magic somehow managed to become my favorite Ilona Andrews book to date! It joined a very small percentage of books allowed on my all-time favorites list, and no one is more surprised at that than me.

It’s a true testament to these writers’ skills that they managed to make me fall in love with a book about a character I don’t even like. And furthermore to get me feeling deep empathy towards him. I can say with confidence coming out of this book that I’m 100% rooting for Hugh (even though he’s still an ass ;P). He was always an interesting character in the Kate Daniels series, written well and all, but I couldn’t think of a character I’d least like to read more about. I tell you what – it’s a good thing it wasn’t left up to me. Hugh’s story was brilliant!

One of my biggest joys in life is reading argument scenes between Ilona Andrews characters. Each person is so well-rounded (even the side characters) that they feel like real people. And the inter-character dynamics always gives them that extra spark of life and makes them incredibly relatable. Even though some of these conflicts are repeated across series, I find them so delightful that I don’t mind seeing it over and over. Because Hugh is such a hard-headed personality, the “intense negotiations” in Iron and Magic were especially satisfying. He has truly met his match in Elara.

The pacing in Iron and Magic was fantastic – leading up to a jam-packed ending that had me glued to the pages. I can’t believe how much rich content they managed to pack into the last 10% of the novel. So good! They were already my favorite authors, but that killer momentum is was truly set this novel ahead of the rest in my mind (for what it’s worth, Magic Strikes also landed on my favorites shelf – to give you an idea of the comparative quality we’re dealing with here).

I love the Kate Daniels series, but appreciated how far out of that familiar framework this story took me. It felt like a fresh fantasy read, but still had enough references and politics to keep it in the same vein. I can’t wait to see how things are going to come together in Magic Triumphs (the Kate Daniels finale) because I’m thinking there’s going to be even more crossover.

Overall, every aspect of Iron and Magic worked for me, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Recommendations: Iron and Magic takes place right between Magic Binds (book 9 of the Kate Daniels series) and Magic Triumphs (book 10 of KD). The story is a spinoff, and very much connected to the main series to the point where I’d urge you to catch up with Kate Daniels before reading Iron and Magic as this book discusses almost all of the major spoilers from that series. However, of you happen to be caught up and on the fence about this one – READ IT!!! You won’t regret it. :)

Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller