Another great book from this writing duo. I loved it and am looking forward to reading more about Hugh and Elara.

This book started out as a April fools day joke from the blog but then with enough begging and wishing we got the gift of a full book.  I love all of Ilona Andrews books but wasn't sure how they were going to turn such a bad guy into a hero because really over many books in the Kate Daniels series we learned to hate him but they did it. Hugh hasn't all of a sudden become a white knight hero more of the damaged and trying to do better one.  I really enjoyed this couple, they have many mysteries about themselves but you don't feel like you are left hanging at the end of the book since the story had an ending but we are definitely left wanting to read the next one.

I can see this series becoming the heir of the Kate Daniels series set in the same world with some links to Atlanta so we could have favorite characters drop in from time to time.

eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review follows:

So, I raced through this book and have to say that I didn't really think it could be done. Could you turn an antagonist with a real streak of cruelty into a protagonist and a credible love interest? The answer in Iron and Magic is yes, yes, you can. As long as you give him something and someone to protect.

Mild spoilers follow:

In the Kate Daniels series, Hugh has been a "Big Bad" of sorts. Not the ultimate, "Big Bad-that distinction belongs to Roland-but a credible and intelligent opponent to Kate and her friends and allies. He's done some dreadful things to characters readers had come to care about and he seemed to do it without any sense of remorse or regret.

And in this book, we see where that has left him. We get into his head and discover what Roland meant and still means to him, we see what he really thinks about Kate and the Pack, and what it will take for him to live his life independent of Roland's magic. And he makes a choice. Well, more than one but there's one big one that made me catch my breath.

On top of Hugh's journey, there's also my favorite trope in fiction. All together now---the marriage of convenience! Elara has no interest in marrying Hugh, Hugh has no interest in marrying her but they must.

Oh no, whatever will they do?

Turns out, they will do quite a lot. Separately and together. They are both powerful and scary individuals and how they find common ground is one of the best parts of this book and I refuse to spoil it except to say that this is not a Beauty and the Beast story. They don't suddenly become less dread in the old sense of the word. But they are transformed.

This is a book with darker themes than Ilona Andrews' fans might be used to, but it suited these characters and situations perfectly. Oh, and the sex is pretty damn hot.

5 stars, 10 stars - who cares?

So, in case you've been living in an alternate universe, this is a spin off from the awesome Kate Daniels series.

Hugh D'Ambray, the creator and leader of the Iron Dogs, was the right hand man of Roland, an omnipotent magician, thousands of years old, able to wield magic like no other. He made a mistake, after hundreds of years of loyal service and he was dismissed, exiled, banished. Drowning himself in a bottle Hugh is brought back to reality by his former centurion commanders who inform him that one of the Golden Legion, Landon Nez, is systematically killing all of the Iron Dogs. Despite his profound depression at being cut off from his pseudo father figure, Hugh still has enough loyalty to his men to try to save them, but without money or land ...

Hugh's second in command identifies a group of witches, occupying a castle, who are in desperate need of soldiers to protect them from a concerted effort (by Landon Nez) to buy their land. An unholy alliance is brokered between the witches and the soldiers, but because both sides have a reputation for reneging on agreements, the agreement is sealed in the most old-fashioned of ways - a marriage.

I have to admit, I always had a soft spot for Hugh, even after all the terrible things he did, so I was over the moon to see he had his own series. And what a start this is. A Taming of the Shrew kind of political marriage. Strange creatures, dogs, a horse who thinks he is a unicorn, vampires, more than one god, sarcasm, pain and gore. It's awesome.

Words fail me, it's poignant, it's sexy (phew Hugh), it's violent, there's magic and modern technology, this is everything that we love in the Kate Daniels world. I was on the edge of my seat and 300+ pages went by in the blink of an eye. And if you follow my reviews you know I rarely gush and probably 60-75% of my reviews hit the middle of the road three stars.

All I can say is, if you loved the Kate Daniels series then you will love this too.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I liked Hugh in the Kate Daniels series, I always felt bad for both of them. They both have this 'father' that puts them against each other and they don't even know it. When Hugh failed to secure the victory over Rolands daughter Kate that he demanded he is no longer the golden boy and is sinking into oblivion as he is left bereft without the perceived love of Roland that he basked in.
When Hugh marries Elara Harper to help him keep his Iron-dogs alive and she needed someone to defend her village. When they meet there is a small amount if chemistry but these two can't afford to show weaknesses to each other and they really do not like one another. They want to be equals. But in time the fondness that they have for one another starts to seep into their interactions.

I'll admit, I was nervous to read this. I've read and adored all the Kate Daniels books, and Hugh is a big villain in them, so I wasn't sure I could get behind him as a character. I also had high expectations from a favorite author, and I knew I would be really let down if the book sucked. But Ilona Andrews whipped out their magic again! I couldn't put this book down until it was done, and then of course I wished it were twice as long so it wasn't over yet. :)

I found Hugh and Elara engaging and relatable, and I liked that their characters weren't as helpful and straitlaced as Kate and Curran. It makes sense; these aren't really rule followers. I thought their frequent bickering and antagonistic relationship would be annoying, but they stayed on the right side of angst and teasing. I happen to talk trash with my husband a lot, so it was fun to see another couple doing the same.

The side characters were great to meet as well, and I'm looking forward to their characters being fleshed out in future novels!

No spoilers, but at the end when Hugh makes a stand I was fan-girl cheering!

One other note - I really have to commend the authors for the way they structure their books. I've read a lot of trash where authors put out a book that doesn't provide resolution at the end as a hook to get you to buy the next installment. Ilona Andrews doesn't do this. Each novel has a central plot arc/crisis that is introduced in the beginning and resolved by the end of the book, while there are overarching plot threads that extend into future books to provide unity and to build a larger issue that can't be resolved in a single book. I just find this so satisfying!

ow excited was I to see this book pop-up on Twitter as available for ARC reading? It's no secret that I love Ilona Andrews, especially the Kate Daniels universe so to see a book set in the same world was like candy, give it to me now!!

Iron and Magic focuses on Hugh D'Ambray, part of the big bad against Kate and Curran in that series. But there's something about Hugh in all his assholery that is appealing to readers, me included. Be warned, do not read this book until you have made it through all the books with Kate and Curran first (not including the one that is yet to come out). Otherwise there are spoilers for events in those books that you probably don't want to know second-hand.

Anyway, this book was action packed from word one. One of the things I love most about this writing duo is that they write strong women. And Hugh needs a woman who can hold their own if he's going to be in a relationship. These two have chemistry and even when they are trading barbs, you can see that when they finally give in, it's going to be epic. And it was. I might have needed a fan after that one.

The world building continues to be stellar and I cannot wait to find out more about Elara and her crew as this story continues. I immediately wanted more when the book ended but I know I will have to wait a long long time for that. It's okay, it's worth it.

Lots of action, lots of banter, loads of slow burn/explosive relationships. All in all, 4 out of 5 stars for this one, my friends. It's a must read, especially if you love this universe.

I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Bless you, whoever granted me this opportunity because this book was so freaking phenomenal, that there are no words. In my bleak reading slump Iron and magic was a shining light, a reflector of perfection. Okay, so I knew that I’m going to enjoy the story, because, hello it was written by Ilona Andrews, and it’s about Hugh (whom I really liked despite his original disposition regarding his devotion toward Roland) but it still surprised me in a good way. This is just a masterpiece and you need to read it like as soon as it comes out.

However, before I go into it deeper some disclaimers. First of all, this is a spinoff series to the Kate Daniels series so if you didn’t read at least a couple book from that you probably going to be lost. While the plot is not so strongly connected to the series the world building and the characters are.
Secondly, if you aren’t up to date with the series then this book and my maybe even my review can be spoilery. I’m going to try to avoid any kind of spoilers in my review but those of you who are unfamiliar with most of Kate story I can’t guarantee anything. Also I’m going to try and not compare the book to the Kate ones but it’s going to be hard.

Back to the review. I’m not going to write a litany about the writing because everybody knows well by now how spectacular the writing duo at what they do. They are one of my favorites and they never disappointed me before.
A for the world building, the story takes place in the same world as the Kate Daniels series so that’s why there are not much detail about the basics of it, because you already should know it. That said there are still some introduction just not enough to navigate the world without some existing knowledge. But while the story takes place in the same world, still there are completely different feel to it. Finally we get out from Atlanta and get to see parts of the rest of the country. It was a nice little touch. While in Atlanta, there is a bustling city with a slightly industrial feel to it, in this book we are in the middle of the wilderness, in a castle and due to this everything has a more medieval feel to it. I loved this twist, and not just the small details we get but the different angle, view of the world as well.

The plot was so exciting, fast paced and dynamic, there was not one boring moment in it. There is everything a book like this need. The storyline is so neatly built up, full of possibilities but in the end still wrapped up tightly. Alas the book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger but it also has a lot of open directions where a possible next book can go on.
Most importantly, while the book has some connections to the original series the storyline itself is not necessary a companion to it. You can read it as a completely separate book as well. What I want to say is that Hugh story doesn’t revolve around the whole Roland debacle.
The books starts out with a wedding, looks like the author duo has a taste for weddings, I mean in Kate 9th book, this then the upcoming Hidden legacy novella. Yes, it’s a theme, let’s throw a party!!
I loved the whole storyline, from the first page to the last but my favorite parts were the epic and spectacular battle scenes. They were precise and calculated so nothing like in Kate Daniels series but I enjoyed them more for it. They were just so great, I pictured them in my head in full color and…..and……and…..yeah, they were just that good.

The story is narrated in dual POVs. One for Hugh and one for the new character Elara. I was happy that we saw the progression of things from both sides because this story needed it.
As I mentioned earlier, I really liked Hugh in the original series as well, but in this book his character is elevated unto a new level. He is strong, a great fighter and an even better leader with a flare to the dramatics and a cheeky self when it comes to his private life. He is not afraid to make the hard calls and he is brutally calculating but after Roland banished him he lost his direction. In this book, on the surface he is all that everybody thinks who he is but under it all he is like an addict who is trying to quit. His devotion to Roland is/was his addiction but without it he starts to realize how much his leader deprived him emotion and free will wise. It was a phenomenal journey to follow, his rediscovery.
Then there is Elara, who is a similarly great leader but a kinder, softer one. She is some kind of magically enchanted being but her full story stays behind a smoke screen so far. She is also strong but lonely. She is the light to Hugh dark, so in that regards they are a perfect couple.
The two of them has amazing chemistry and the sparks fly between them with each encounter but both of them see this alliance as more of a silent warfare. Every time they start to get closer to each other they get calculating and look for things they possible can use against each other. At the core they were the same and this caused some pretty serious friction between them but in the end when in need they worked phenomenally together.

Other than Hugh and Elara there were an abundance of new and interesting characters in the story. I especially loved Hugh centurions and the brotherhood, camaraderie and loyalty between them. That said there are a couple of interesting possibilities among Elara’s people a well.
Also there are a couple of characters from the original series making an appearance as well, which is the main connection between the two series. I’m not going to go into detail in this one because of spoilers, only going to say that I love Ascanio, more and more with each of his appearance.

All in all I loved, adored and everything in between, this book. It’ just perfect. It has a loose connection to the Kate Daniels series but the storyline is completely individual and it’s own. It also made me want to re-read the complete Kate Daniels series and just in time for the final book.

People who have read the Kate Daniels series will know Hugh d'Ambray but this book sees him much changed. Roland has cast him aside taking away all of his certainty about his actions and leaving him broke and broken. His first response is the try to commit suicide by alcohol. But when his men come to find him and tell him that his Black Dogs are being hunted down and killed, he has to pull himself together and save the people who gave him their loyalty.

Hugh gathers just over 300 of his troops but now needs to find a way to feed, clothe and house them. When he is approached to marry Elara Harper, he is skeptical. But Elara has a castle, people to protect, a bad reputation, and needs a strong man to provide that protection.

Neither one of them are happy to marry the other but it is the best option for each of them. Two strong people are naturally going to butt heads and one of the best parts of the story is the banter between the two of them as they try to do the best they can for the people under their care.

Both have secrets and both have enemies. Landon Nez, who is the current leader of Roland's Golden Legion of Vampires, is an enemy to both of them. He wants Elara's castle and he wants something from Hugh but it isn't clear to either of them what it is. The Golden Legion is formidable but they aren't Elara and Hugh's only enemy. They also have to deal with an invasion of vampire-like creatures and the soldiers who command them who are gating in when the magic is up. They are apparently under the control of one of the magical beings who can't survive on Earth when the technology is up.

The story is filled with battles large and small. Through it all Hugh finds a new purpose for his life and begins to tentatively trust Elara and her people even after he learns her secrets. I loved the relationship between Hugh and Elara. I loved seeing the world Ilona Andrews has created through the eyes of another character and in another location. I can't wait to read more in this new series.

I knew the book will be awesome, I just never expected it to be so brilliant!

I've been fascinated by Hugh since the first time he walked on page. That doesn't mean I didn't want to kill him time and again and in the most excruciating ways possible. He is such a fucking asshole that he just owns the page when he shows up. He brings out all those primal feelings that I personally can't decide if I want to fuck him or slice him to tiny little pieces. So I could totally sympathise with his new wife Elara. I enjoyed his suffering, I enjoyed when he was beaten down and spend way too much time telling him "You're a moron! What did you expect to happen?". In fact about a third of my copy has notes attached (thank God for Kindles because if I had to get a post-it note to plaster all over a physical copy it would look monstrous) where I'm talking to Hugh and making fun of his life choices. You see I usually don't bother to actually write the things I'm saying to the characters in my head. It's just I'm lazy. I might highlight here and there and leave a couple of notes and that's it. I literally highlighted half the book. Every snappish conversation, every time Hugh got his nose rubbed in, every time I laughed out loud and made people look at me like I'm a raving lunatic. And there were a hell of a lot of those moments.

I know some people would find parts of this book objectionable. But to me those parts were perfect because it's Hugh and this is his nature. And if you've read the books so far you should be prepared for them. It doesn't mean you have to approve of his actions, in fact it's better if you don't. But to write it any other way, IA would have to break character and it would ruin both the book and the series. Hugh is the way he is and if you can't stomach that, please don't vent your annoyance at the authors. Staying true to character isn't easy and pulling off a stunt like this one, where by the end of the book you actually feel sorry and root for Hugh, is simply amazing. And it's one of the reasons why an IA book is an automatic pre-order for me.

This book has everything and more from Ilona Andrews, the husband/wife writing team of the Kate Daniels series. Iron and Magic is a separate but linked storyline to this series. First-time readers might be at a disadvantage reading this book as a stand alone, although there is enough back story to get the gist of who plays on what team. Hugh d'Ambray, Perceptor of the Iron Dogs, and overall bad-ass, bad guy is out-of-luck and out of a job but has somehow retained the loyalty of the remaining Iron Dogs. Hugh needs a home base and food for his men. Elara Harper, the White Lady needs additional protection for her people. Each can meet the other's needs but neither trusts the other. Solution: marriage! Join forces or face annilihation. Protection for food and shelter. Both have secrets and neither likes to share. The plot is clear, well crafted and so finely written that you feel for Hugh who has never been a sympathetic character, ever! Discover his back story and if you catch it, you might understand how Hugh's personality change can result. As for Elara and her people, we've been introduced, seen some unusual powers but we've barely scratched the surface. The authors leave you with a conclusion to this episode but you know there is a whole lot more to come. Can't wait!!!! Enjoy -

Full review to be published online near the end of June.

4.5 Stars. Ah, but IRON AND MAGIC was so much fun to read. The storyline was great; and the snarking/verbal foreplay between Hugh and Elara was to die for. This is set in the same world as Kate Daniels, but in a different setting (rural Kentucky); yet still manages to be fresh and different. As great as they always are, the Ilona Andrews duo have outdone themselves here.

Now that the ‘Kate Daniels’ series is winding up, I’m hoping there will be some great crossover moments and plotlines involving Kate and Curran. If IRON AND MAGIC is anything to go by, this is going to be another fantastic series.

I’m a little blurry from staying up past midnight to finish this arc and then working today but it was worth it, totally worth it. I’m a longtime avid (rabid) fan of the Kate Daniels world so when it was announced that Hugh was getting a book, I squeed. Like everything else from these two, Iron and Magic was spectacular. I’m not going to let loose of any spoilers, just praise for another great, solid story. I’m looking forward to the official release, and more books in this series!

Ilona Andrews does it again! There’s blood and sex, regret and monsters, all the things that make an Andrews’ book a work of gritty paranormal perfection. What I love most about books that take place in Andrews’ post-shift world and center around an impossible love story is the time it takes. Though there’s heat, the build up to not just the bedroom stuff but to the actual relationship is wonderful. That slow burn, stubborn souls motif was done so well with Curran and Kate, Julie and Derek, and now Elara and Hugh. Reading Kate’s story, you’d never imagine yourself to align with Hugh in any way. Yet, the authors give us a Hugh that is still hard as steel, tough as nails, and guilty as hell. In this, Hugh feels real. He’ll never be a hero, thank goodness. But he makes a damn good anti-hero. He is the Deadpool to Kate’s Zatanna, and that’s a wonderful thing.

This was amazing. I was scepticle about this series but it blew my mind. Hugh is the perfect anti-hero, he is cruel and deadly to his enemies but gentle to those he protects. His relationship with Elara is hilarious reminds me of Kate and Currans in the beginning. What is Elara, this will keep me up until the next book. Hopefully the next book comes out soon.

From an Aprils Fools joke for their readers, to this sinfully bloody good read, is a testament to their giving us what we want. And boy howdy, did we get it. Hugh d'Ambray has been forsaken by Roland, and the Iron Dogs he led are being hunted down. In need of shelter and food, they search for a place to regroup. Elara has 4000 people in her village that needs protecting. And with this alliance, they both get what they need. Landon Nez is hunting them, and he wants Elara's castle. A truly epic battle will reveal a true self, and the darkness that resides in them both. The. Best. Snarky dialog. Cannot wait for book 2. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for Netgalley.

Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is an exceedingly entertaining story teller consistent in drawing reader’s in with her energetic adventures and heated battle scenes with a slight peppering of romantic heat laden in.
That being said, Iron and Magic was a difficult read for me with the plethora of emotions I felt towards the villainous Hugh D’ambray.
I really struggled with the character’s in this premiere novel in Hugh’s current life. Having devoured the Kate Daniels’ series prior to Iron and Magic, I have seen Hugh’s lack of moral ethics when he was blood bound to Roland and was thoroughly repulsed. As this novel is only the first in the series, the world was not fully built, understandably so, and I still struggled with my repulsion with Hugh. (As this book kicks off the first of the redemption of Hugh, I know it will take several books into the series for me to forgive past evils and murders wrought by Hugh’s machinations— especially the beloved characters from the Kate Daniels world.)

It was very hard for me to see the progression of Elara and Hugh’s relationship. For about 80% of the novel, I did not want Hugh happy, I wanted him to suffer through depression and be completely dark. I am not ready for a Happy Hugh. He has decades of sin to answer for before he gets his happily ever after.
Hugh needs more time spent suffering from his conscience; he is only recently experiencing the guilt of his past nonsensical brutal slayings and because of this, as a reader, it was very very hard to feel sympathy for his plight. Andrews did reveal that Roland was the reason for Hugh’s abhorrent behavior, and that Roland would tamper with Hugh’s conscience to make him forget his evil misdeeds.
There are a lot of unanswered questions pertaining to Elara Harper and the new cast of characters in regard to origins, etc, to be addressed in preceding novels.

There was a lot of action scenes in this book as well as a lot of plot, so much so, that at times I felt that there was too much going on, and I didn’t know where to focus my mind. On the flip side, Andrews does a phenomenal job of detailing different magical heritages from around the world in all of her books, and Iron and Magic was not exempt from this benefit.

After reading Iron and Magic, I am looking forward to reading Hugh’s redemption series even though I still do not like Hugh, as Ilona Andrews is gifted with creating original stories, while keeping the reader surprised during the unfolding.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I admit I never have been a fan of Hugh, but I changed my mind!!
Ilona and Gordon did a great work with Hugh and Elara.
There wasn't anything that I didn't enjoyed and I couldn't put the book down.
I love this book and can't wait for the next one. Thank you Ilona and Gordon for this wonderful book.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Iron and Magic is the newest book from one of my favorite authors, husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews. This is the first book in a new series, The Iron Covenant, set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series. I adore the Kate Daniels series so I was extremely excited to get the chance to read and review an advanced copy of Iron and Magic.

I was especially intrigued as the protagonist of this new series, Hugh d’Ambray was a villain in the Kate Daniels series. It takes a lot of skill to turn a character that readers have hated for so long into a character that we can root for. But Ilona Andrews make it seem easy. I was almost surprised at how quickly Hugh changed from villain to hero.

Iron and Magic is a fantastic new addition to the Kate Daniels world. While we see a few familiar characters, most of the story revolves around this new side of Hugh and a fresh new cast of characters. They have a range of interesting back stories and new magical skills.

The new main protagonist, Elara Harper is a the leader of a band of magic users. Their castle is under attack. They need an army. Hugh is still reeling from his break with Roland, and his people are dying. He needs a base, somewhere safe for him and his soldiers. And so a bargain is struck. To seal the deal Hugh and Elara must marry and learn to work together for their common goals.

Elara is a completely new character who is strong and amazing. She easily goes head to head with Hugh, and stands her ground. She is a powerful, strong, smart and caring woman who is fascinating and mysterious. I can’t wait to learn more about her.

As always Ilona Andrews presents a rich world filled with strong male and female characters. Their tremendous world building skills and fantastic characters transport the reader to an amazing world of fantastic characters, bloody fights, heady romance and intense interpersonal relationships.

I am so happy to have another fantastic series to read!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am... speechless. These authors have done it again.
Absolutely stunning. They were able to turn the worst villain in their books into a lovable, brooding, sexy anti-hero. Ugh. I cannot wait to read more about him.
But let's talk about Elara. The Andrews can write some mean, powerful, goddess-like bitch... I mean, heroine. I just love her. She's perfect. Now I want to see her gooey marshmallow center as she falls head over heels in love with Hugh. Please.