Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews is the 1st book in her new Kate Daniels World series. I have read every series by Ilona Andrews, and this illustrious duo (Ilona & Gordon) continue to amaze me how their stories are so great, always grabbing our attention from start to finish. In Blood Heir, even though I had read some early chapters that Andrews so wonderfully gave us glimpses, I was totally blown away with this story, and our heroine; unable to put the book down until I finished it in the wee hours. Needless to say, Ilona Andrews has risen to the top of my list of favorite authors that I need to read. If you have never read Ilona Andrews…..shame on you.

Eight years ago, Julie Olson Lennart (Kate and Curran’s adopted daughter), left Atlanta for California and stay with her ultra-powerful aunt, who would help teach her how to learn about herself. The mysterious death of a pastor, brings Julie back to Atlanta, but she is now very powerful, magical, with a new face and new name, Aurelia Ryder. Aurelia arrives not revealing her identity (she is now the Princess of Shinar), but with the knowledge that she needs to stop an ancient ultra-powerful god, Moloch, who is determined to destroy the world and Kate Daniels; and if she reveals her identity or goes to see her mother, Kate and those she loves will die. Aurelia is on her own to find the killer of the pastor, and magical creatures that are killing those touching a special artifact; once she does this the prophecy can be stopped. But can she defeat Moloch?

As soon as Aurelia arrives, she is met by a wolf pack, stopping her from entering Atlanta, led by the Beta of Bouda pack, Ascanio; she manages to get past them, and not be recognized. She takes over the case of the dead pastor, acting as a Knight. Along the way, Aurelia meets evil almost at every step, and despite all the fire and heat, she manages to defeat the creatures sent to destroy her. In a short time, Luther and then Feldman discover who she really is, and because of the potential of Kate’s death, they honor keeping her identity a secret. But Aurelia is then blindsided by a huge werewolf, who also wants to know who killed the pastor, and wants to work with her, despite her refusal, he and his pack follow her every move. The caveat: this werewolf is the Beta of Ice Fury (a major pack from Alaska); his name is Darren, but Aurelia recognizes who he is really is…..Derek.

What follows is an exciting, mind blowing, non stop action filled thriller from start to finish. Aurelia Ryder is now a bad assed heroine, who manages to win her battles despite life threatening situations that had us holding our breaths. I loved when she cared about a young street girl, who she takes under her wing, and her concern for the boy who was brutally beaten. Most of all, I loved seeing so many characters from the Kate Daniels world, especially Conlan, who is close to his sister, and was fun to see him. Of course, both still visit their grandfather, and continue to learn more of the world of Shinar.

Blood Heir was an amazing adventure that introduces us to the Princess of Shinar, who has totally changed over the 8 years she has been gone. Having a powerful mother like Kate, allowed her to move forward and find her true self, being trained by her grandmother, who after all, was the Plague Maker, among other things. I loved the new Julie, and pray the new Derek will there for her in the future. I look forward to the next book in this series, as Blood Heir was totally mind boggling.

OMG THIS BOOK!

I must admit when I received the email titled "Wishes do come true! Blood Heir now available for you", I was ecstatic ! I have been waiting for this book for so long!

Ilona Andrews' books are some of the first urban fantasy books I read and I almost grew up with Kate Daniels and the other characters ! When the Kate Daniels series ended three years ago, I was in mourning and remember rereading the entire series at least twice in a row !
So this summer, when the authors blogged that they were going to publish a new book in the universe (a story that started with chapters posted online to help a nurse cope with Covid), I was ecstati c!
And I was not disappointed ! Reading this book was like coming home after years of wandering : we find familiar things that we had missed but also new things so exciting !

Small note: as everything is well summarized, it is possible to read this book without having read the previous ones but frankly, it is much more interesting if you have read all the other books (including the one with Hugh !)

What I particularly liked :
- the universe which is always so complex and detailed. There are of course the waves of magic and technology that make everything more interesting but also the different factions and the reorganization of the post-Shift world (I love being back to Unicorn Lane =D) but also post-Battle of Atlanta (the NS and its organization intrigue me enormously ! But there is also the new dynamic in Atlanta and outside ! What about Ghastek and his new faction ?? And the People of the Sun ?? And the Pack of Ice Fury ??)
- the plot around the murder of the pastor (all the investigative work was fascinating) and especially around the prophecy and Him (I loved seeing Julie confront him and his priests !!!)
- reading about the old characters several years after the end of the last book who have grown / evolved (special mention for Nick who has always been my darling and who we see a lot in this book !! I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS WITH HER !! It is THE couple that I had not imagined but that I adore =D)
- discovering new characters, each more intriguing than the next (in particular Marten who is probably more than it seems, Conlan (even if technically he is not "new", here we discover him as a real character on its own !), Stella that I liked a lot and Damtur that I can't wait to discover in more detail =D)
- Julie! I have to admit that in Kate Daniels' books, I wasn't a big fan of Julie (too immature ? I always struggle with teenage characters) so I was a bit apprehensive to see her come to the fore but however ... I should never have doubted the authors ! She is awesome !! She grew up, she survived a lot and all of her experiences made her unique and terribly human ! I loved seeing her as an investigator, as a warrior, as a princess, as a niece but also as herself =) And her interactions with Derek were AMAZING !!
- THIS END !!! THIS END !!!

Questions / wishes for the future:
- I want to visit and explore all of the NS but also learn more about their entire organization and see Julie at work there !
- seeing the old characters but in more detail (I want to hear from everyone but ESPECIALLY the children !!!)
- I need some short-story on Nick and Her, I love them too much !! They are such complex characters who have evolved so much over the course of the books !!
- Damian Angevin ! We have few details about him (the Order report at the end killed me xD) but I feel like I'm going to love him !!
- Damtur who will probably become my new darling !! I want to know everything about him ><

In short, an urban fantasy book to be devoured without moderation. If you like badass heroines, well-constructed magical universes, ancient myths and well-crafted plots, TO READ ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT WAITING!
(by the way, the wait will be fierce until the next book)

PS: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

https://lynns-books.com/2021/01/04/blood-heir-aurelia-ryder-1-by-ilona-andrews-blog-tour-bloodheirkd/#comments
4.5 of 5 stars
Eight years ago Julie Lennart-Olsen left Atlanta. She was 18 years old and needed time and space to find herself. She was away much longer than anticipated and when she finally returned it was not in quite the way she wanted or expected. New face, new body, new magic, new name and returning under something of a dark cloud. As much as Aurelia Ryder (aka Julie) would love to be reunited with her family that particular reunion would lead to certain death for those she loves and so Aurelia returns to the place of her youth in the early hours of the morning hoping to keep a low profile and, well, failing miserably.

In brief, Aurelia has returned to Atlanta to prevent a prophecy from being fulfilled in which her adopted mother dies. Kate Daniels is the lynchpin that holds all the different factions of Atlanta together and in peace. If she dies, well, things could go to hell in a handcart in fairly swift order and it seems that a reborn deity known as Moloch the Child Eater (sounds simply delightful doesn’t he) is intent on her death. The prophecy has begun, a pastor called Nathan Haywood has been murdered and Moloch’s minions are infiltrating the City. Aurelia needs to solve the murder and stay one step ahead, whilst remaining incognito. What could possibly go wrong? Well, the return of an old flame could upset the plan, particularly as it appears that Aurelia isn’t quite as blaise about their split as she thinks, and neither is he and they both have an invested interest in this murder mystery.

The setting. This is a world set a little in the future where magic and technology war with each other. Basically, an apocalyptic event known as the Shift occurred. Magic flooded the world creating havoc, aeroplanes fell out of the sky, technology crashed, electricity was sapped and monsters raged into existence. At the same time, necessity being the mother of creation, protectors such as The Order of Merciful Aid grew, fashioned upon the knight orders of old they are a deadly mission that provide aid to those with magical problems. On top of this, let’s call it urban side to things, there was also an old Kingdom, now resurrected and known as New Shinar. I don’t really want to give away too much about this other than Aurelia seems to have left Atlanta with Erra, an ancient princess and aunt to Kate – all will be revealed during the course of the story. Also, by way of a little more background there are also ‘the People’, necromancers, now known as the Eastern Institute of Necromancy (EIN) who can control (or pilot if you wish to be polite about it ) vampires through mind control and to top it off shapeshifters and witches (and much much more). For the sake of brevity I won’t go into any more detail.

Characters. I’m not going to talk about everyone here. Just the real standout characters. Obviously Aurelia is a fascinating character and one that I feel that we’ve only just scratched the surface of. She is intelligent, capable but at the same time decent and more than that I like her point of view, the way she thinks and the way she narrates and this is so fundamental to staying on board for a series. Aurelia is a lot more than at first meets the eye, no trembling damsel in distress, she has a LOT of tricks up her sleeve and can look after herself thank you very much. We also have a young street kid, a girl called Marten, who Aurelia takes under her wing and who is also very interesting at this stage. We then have Ascanio Ferara, handsome (and doesn’t he know it) alpha of the Bouda clan – I actually found his interactions with Aurelia, or more to the point the way she keeps him at arms length very amusing, And, yes, finally, Derek. Derek was Julie’s love interest (pre Aurelia). The two went their separate ways – too proud to make amends. Now they come face to face again, and although they barely recognise each other they eventually come to an uneasy alliance. MMm, there is some sizzling going on around here. The chemistry is real people and I want a little more of that please. What can I say, I’m totally shameless and I love some on page chemistry. But, for the avoidance of doubt, this is not a book with romance, more the potential for a lovely long simmer (at least I’m hoping for that).

Finally, the conclusion. It was brilliant. I can’t possibly tell you why of course, you’ll have to read this yourself to find out. But, can I just say – metal wolf anyone? I loved that.

Also, I do feel like I should give a special shout out to Tulip – because that is a horse with a difference. And Knight Ryder – really? I love it.

There’s a lot going on here. Lots taking place in the world. Not just between the packs and different factions of Atlanta but in the wider world with the rising of a new civilisation that seems to have arisen in answer to the Shift and the problems that arose as a result. This is a world that is well known to many readers already and yet it feels like there is much change on the horizon to keep new and olders readers equally enthralled. On top of that the MC is a complex character that I look forward to learning more about. Clearly this is a world that the author(s) love and that’s something that really stood out when I was reading this. There are plenty of characters thrown into the mix, the potential for some romance and the birth of some new threads that promise much in future instalments.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Aurelia Ryder series, it takes place some years after the Kate Daniels book end. It features Kate’s ward, Julie, as the main character. I got a copy of this book from the publishers through NetGalley to review.

Story (5/5): I kind of hate reviewing books I love because I feel like I can never do them justice. I will just start by saying this was so, so good. I have missed the Kate Daniels world so much and this book was everything I hoped it would be. This follows Julie's story and is set some years after the events in the final Kate Daniels series. Julie/Aurelia has received a prophecy that an ancient child-devouring god will destroy the world and kill Kate if Aurelia doesn’t find a way to stop her first.

Characters (5/5): Julie/Aurelia is a total badass, she’s received extensive training from both Roland and Erra...so you can imagine what a powerhouse she is. You see a lot of cameos from old characters from the Kate Daniels series, as well as meet a lot of really wonderful new characters. The characters in this book are just awesome and so complex, definitely read the Kate Daniels series before this one.

Setting (5/5): Atlanta has changed some but is still just as awesome. I always love the way this world shifts between magic and tech; it’s just so well done and so well thought out. It was a pleasure to be back in this alternate Atlanta.

Writing Style (5/5): Every time I read an Andrews book I am reminded what an awesome urban fantasy should be. The world is unique and intricate, the pace is fast, the characters are phenomenal, and the plot just sucks you right in. There are a ton of amazing action scenes, the random dangerous monster, and a large new threat to Atlanta, Kate and the world as a whole. Everything is just so well balanced; there is danger but also humor and it’s soooo entertaining!

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this and can't wait for the next book in the series. I pretty much devoured this!!! It was so much fun to be back in the Kate Daniels world, I am dying to read the next book already and fearful I might be waiting years before I get to read it :-) As mentioned above, I would definitely recommend reading the Kate Daniels series before you read this one. Although they do a cute Q&A type of thing at the end of the book to give you some background if you try to dive into this book without reading that series first.

It’s so great to be back in the world of Kate Daniels and hang out with some of my favorite characters again. And though there are a lot of great nuggets for fans of KD, this spin off series also acts as a great entry point for new readers as well. What did I love about Blood Heir? How shall I count the ways when they are so many? Most of all, Blood Heir is fun. It’s a great blend of action and humor coupled with fantastic world building and high stakes.

Those familiar with the Kate Daniels series will recognize most of the main characters here even though some of them are going by new names. Of course, seeing as this takes place eight years after the end of that series and most of them were pretty young they’ve all gone through a lot of maturing during that time. It was really fun rediscovering and getting to know these characters all over again. At first I was a bit hesitant when I realized that Julie had not only a new name and a new face, but I needed had worried because although she’s obviously gone through a lot in the years she’s been away from Atlanta, she’s still very much Julie at heart. And that goes for the other returning characters as well. And if this is your first time meeting them all then I think you’re in for a treat because the characters are one of the best things about this story. I love the way they play off of each other. You really understand how each of them, even the most insignificant feeling of side characters, very much has their own history in this world. Even for returning fans there are new things to learn about our favorites since so many years have gone by in the world before the story picks up again.

I thought I loved Julie before, but I love her even more now. You can see the influences from her adopted family–both Kate and Erra have had a huge impact on who she’s become as an adult, but you can see bits of Curran in there as well. She’s strong and capable and she’s convinced herself she’s a bit of a loner but it’s obvious she misses her family and craves that connection to her old life. Of course she has to remain distant for reasons, but I’m glad that she does get to reconnect with some of the people she grew up with because that was really fun to watch those moments play out. Also, I’m just super happy that my favorite trio is back.

As for the plot, I thought it was interesting. It’s always life or death on a large scale with this family and that continues here as we find that Julie’s been working at changing the outcome of a prophecy for several years now and the deadline is quickly approaching. There’s a great sense of urgency that runs throughout due to not only the nature of the prophecy and the limitations it sets on what Julie can and can’t do, but it also because of who it involves. Julie’s not just trying to save the world but the thing most precious to her–her family. So while the stakes are high for everyone, they couldn’t be higher for her, personally. I honestly loved how the prophecy plays out so that she can not turn to who she would normally turn to for help. This not only helps keep the story focused on Julie, but it also gives her a reason to stand on her own and let us see what she’s now capable of. But also this plotline kept the story driving forward and made for great pacing as each moment ticked by and time was running out.

I mentioned the humor earlier and it’s great here. There were several times I laughed out loud while reading this one. There’s a particular moment that I’m still laughing about whenever I think about it but I won’t bring it up here because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. 🙂

Overall, I had a really fun time with this book. I’m hoping there are several more planned behind this one because I’m so happy to be back in this world, but especially with these particular characters. I’ve always wanted Julie to get her own story and now, here we are. And I think new readers will love this one as well. Highly recommend this one if you want to read a fun urban fantasy. 5/5 stars.

NOTE: review link will be live on the morning of 1/7/21

Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews is a fabulous new book by Ilona Andrews. Julie is in Atlanta to do everything she can to prevent a catastrophe that has been seen in a vision from happening. If Kate knows Julie is in town, Kate will die, and the world that Julie knows will be destroyed. I read this book in one night, I was lucky enough to get a copy from NetGalley, and then I read it again to pick up all the nuances I missed in the first read. This is an amazing read, the plot and dialogue are wonderful. We get updates on characters from the Kate Daniels series. But you could also start with this book as an entry into the world of Kate Daniels. I would highly recommend this book. Just wonderful!

Favorite Quote:

"I opened my eyes. A fully human Derek stood right in front of me. His eyes were aglow, and he looked at me as if I were the thing he wanted most in the entire world."

When this book first popped up as a serial on this author duo’s blog I was beyond excited. But honestly? This is the one weekly serial that I haven’t followed week after week, I kind of wanted to wait until it was edited and all the magic that happens after it’s pulled for publication was finished to binge. I wanted to read it all at one time, in one sitting, and savor.

I need to go back in time and pat past me on the back for such a great decision.

This is Julie’s book. And yes, there is a whole lot of Derek and it’s everything y’all.

This Julie has a new name and a new face. Aurelia Ryder is a daughter of Shinar back in Atlanta hoping to save her mother’s life. To do that she has to solve a murder, track down a powerful religious artifact, and change the future. No biggie. Along the way, she will be forced to deal with a whole lot of familiar faces from the Kate Daniels series. Names like Luther, and Ascanio, Nick, and Robert Lonesco. Word of her return absolutely can not get back to Kate and Curran so she’s hoping that the changes to her appearance and the new name will hinder everyone’s memories.

This book was fabulous. I mean, I’m not the most objective person when it comes to Ilona Andrews, I think everything they write is glorious. But really, this book is fabulous. I’ve been waiting for a Julie/Derek spin-off since Magic Triumphs. Maybe even since Magic Stars. This Aurelia/Darren version of them is A++++ top notch amazing.

I won’t dive too deep into the plot, but suffice it to say it’s a well-written mystery that kept me turning pages until way too late in the night. The action scenes are as always outstanding and kept me on the edge of my seat, especially when Derek entered the picture. He and Julie have always been an incredible team and I’m happy to report they remain so. I will say that there is finally a confrontation between them about STUFF and FEELINGS and I was so happy to finally be able to read them talking (yelling) about these things and I hope it means we will get a whole lot more books with them as the main protagonists. Pleasepleasepleaseplease.

It was so nice to be back in this world with two of my favorite characters. It was such a beautiful gift during a shitty year and I deeply appreciate Ilona Andrews lifting their reader’s spirits by sitting down to write a “pandemic serial”. Thank you. If you didn’t follow along week to week, like me, this is the perfect way to start 2021.

Final grade- A

Blood Heir is a long awaited book for all Kate Daniels series fans. If you've ever read anything by Ilona Andrews, then you know just how fantastic their writing is and how you can never not return for more and most times never want the series to end. So, yes, even after 10 books from the Kate Daniels series that was delivered flawlessly with just enough for the readers to hope for more, we absolutely cannot get over our anticipation and excitement for a spin-off series based on two of our most beloved (and most often shipped together) characters. It wasn’t even funny the amount of love, support, and expectation that surrounded Derek and Julie… especially after having read the short story that featured the two of them: Magic Stars.

As soon as I read the first word in Blood Heir, it sent me straight into town Good Mood for the rest of the month. Reading about all the familiar settings with our beloved characters from the previous series and finally being able to see what their future looked like felt like a real gift. Additionally, diving into the fantastically complex plot-line that is typical of Ilona Andrews, was even more exciting because their writing style is one of the most attractive aspects of their work.

Julie, who we see many years later, now has a narrative voice that sounds that much older. However, it is an age that comes with the gruelling experience of being witness and victim to hardship and having clawed her way out of dark pain and nightmares and having survived it with her sanity intact. Staying true to her journey, she also sounds like Kate a little bit but also retains her own personality at the same time. The meld of who she is inherently and who she inspires to be like and loves the most, is absolutely lovely and very believable.

So there are many things that we need to be caught on up on because the years that Julie has been away from home have been both pivotal and gone to further establish her as close to her family in her heart. Everything she does is almost always linked to or rooted in her love for her family and the experiences of her past. There are many other characters—both new and familiar—who appear and have a rather prominent presence in this book and I’m curious to see where Ilona Andrews are leading us. No matter where it is, I’m very ready, even if I were to be lead blind folded with cotton stuffed in my ears. 

Derek was never really "young". He was always much older than his age after having faced harder and more debilitating situations than those decades older than him. However, he has always survived. He survived the most cruel torture emotionally and then did it again, but with a brutal addition of physical torture the second time around. I wasn't sure how he succeeded and did so beautifully later, but he did. He still does. I'm not sure why I expected Derek to have stayed who he was many years ago when Julie had changed so much. But seeing him was such a shock that even after everything I already knew about Ilona Andrews' work I took a step back and paused because good gracious! Everyone, make room! There's a new badass-extraordinaire book-boyfriend in the house and he could probably take down anyone you may have crushed on before.

The writing was perfect, with a tenor of its own but still fitting of the KD world. There was neither a single dull moment nor a predictable situation and as all Ilona Andrews’ books are, there was lots of action, whip-smart dialogue that were paired with a well fleshed out plotline, and layered with heart-wrenchingly real characters. Blood Heir is an easy ten for me without even having to think about it. It could be read as a standalone perhaps, but coming to Julie’s story after having been through Kate’s life brings a lot of meaning and a deeper connect to the characters as a whole.

I’m an Ilona Andrews fan but the Kate Daniels series I’d the only one I have not read...so I was coming into this book cold. I really enjoyed it even without the backstory and canon. Aurelia is resourceful and competent and the plot was filled with action and colorful characters. It works great as a stand alone work. The authors worked hard to give me enough info to make the book cogent without boring their KD fans. It was a fun quicker paced read that made me want more. Well done.

Blood Heir was begun as a bit of pandemic relief by Ilona Andrews and turned into a top notch, exciting and well told tale. The story takes place 8 years after the events of Magic Triumphs and follows the adventures of Julie, Kate & Curran's adopted daughter and her efforts to solve a mystery and resolve a threat from a new, scary, bad guy. Julie is an interesting character, the mystery is engaging and monsters are as monstrous as ever. As always, the world building and mythology are first rate. The books stands alone well on its own but is more enjoyable with a full knowledge of the series so newbies should begin at the beginning. While there will be inevitable comparisions made between Kate & Julie and Derrick & Curran, the ending leaves plenty of room for further character development and additional stories. Fans of the series will enjoy this one and be begging for more from post-shift Atlanta. Highly recommended.

Ilona Andrews mentions that this one is for the fans that wouldn't let the Kate Daniels series go. This offshoot focuses on her adopted daughter Julie. I absolutely loved it. You could read this one first; the world and backstory are explained very well.

The publisher gods smiled upon me and provided me with an ARC copy of Blood Heir, which I consumed ravenously and completed within eight hours of its availability.

I’ve been a proud member of the Book Devouring Horde (BDH) for the last 13 years since I first read Magic Bites and have never looked back. Blood Heir returns us to post-shift Atlanta, a city trapped between the swings of magic and technology and long-time home to Kate Daniels.

This, however, isn’t Kate Daniels’ story. Forged by magic, Julie, now aged twenty-six has returned to investigate the murder of a man mysteriously linked to a prophecy foretelling the death of her adopted mother.

The story is a wild exhilarating ride through the eyes of Julie (now Aurelia Ryder), and long-time fans will be overjoyed to see her blossom into a powerful young woman in her own right. There are enough moments in the book that remind you that despite how similar she is to Kate in terms of behaviour and wise-cracking asskickery, she is still her own person, her path has been different and her intentions and motivations shine through.

Aurelia’s interactions with new and familiar characters, in particular with her family and Derek, have been a joy to read. I am aiming to keep this spoiler-free, but any long-time reader will find themselves wanting to throw themselves back into the Kate Daniels series to pick up on all the little hints and easter eggs mentioned.

All and all, the book was well-paced, beautifully written and (characteristic of any House Andrews book) left me on tenterhooks desiring for more. Bravo to Team Andrews for exceeding expectations yet again.

I have been a fan of Ilona Andrews for years - have read everything they've written and follow their blog extremely closely. I've wanted a Julie story for a while, and especially after the Magic Stars novella. I followed the weekly chapters posted on the blog and couldn't wait for this story. I was extremely lucky to receive an ARC from NYLA.

8 years after the battle of Atlanta, and Julie leaving with Erra, Julie's back. A prophesy from Sienna shows that Moloch, a newly risen god avatar, is going to kill Kate. And Julie can't warn her because if she sees her in person Kate will die. After stealing Moloch's eye in a battle, Julie's entire face, voice and body has shifted - she looks like a completely different person and no one in Atlanta knows who she is. But as she is trying to solve a murder that is linked to Moloch, she connects with many familiar Atlanta faces, and ultimately has to work with Derek Gaunt, who is back in Atlanta for mysterious reasons.

This book is amazing. It is everything I wanted and more. The beginning starts a little slow but I think it's just to get the feel of Julie's voice and who she is while setting up the conflict. Once she meets up with Derek again, Derek who doesn't know who she is, the plot starts to really speed up. I loved getting to know Julie and get a glimpse of the last 8 years of her life. She is like a perfect mix of Kate, Curran, Erra and Hugh in all the good ways: smart, powerful, strong, and driven by her loyalty to and love of her family. There's not much to say about the plot that isn't a spoiler but just know you are in for an amazing ride.

"Atlanta was a bitch of a city."

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for a review. I’ve been following the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews since book one, and this latest installment does not disappoint.

Jumping a number of years into the future, Julie, Kate’s ward, returns to Atlanta to fight a new evil that will destroy the family she loves. The one caveat? She can not communicate or see them without bringing death down upon them. The path Julie has taken has made her unrecognizable to former friends and family, so her new identity comes with challenges and powers she has had to learn to master and adapt to. The time jump has been well handled, and Julie is an immensely likable character. I found myself fully immersed in this apocalyptic world and in Julie herself. She’s learned strength and patience, and the value of discretion.

The chapters of this book flew by, and there may have been some nail chewing. Two friends from her past who show potential as love interests are there, but as with all books by this author, she leaves the first book on a slow simmer for us to worry over.

This book was excellent, well written, and thoroughly enjoyed and devoured. I will continue to read books by this writing duo, and am glad this one has been added.

It is unthinkable that a fan of the Kate Daniel series by the same author would even consider passing this one up.

Eight years have passed since the events of Magic Triumphs, when Julie left Atlanta and headed out west with Erra -- both of whom, presumably, wanted some distance from the rest of the family.

Julie has been practicing and absorbing powerful magic under Erra's tutelage, magic so powerful that it has remade her face, body, and voice, rendering her unrecognizable. Upon receiving a disturbing prophecy that Kate is in danger, she must return to Atlanta to protect her. However, the prophecy also states that if Kate sees Julie, she is in even more danger.

Armed with her newfound powers and a new, beautiful, and anonymous face, Julie returns to Atlanta under the name of Aurelia Ryder. There is an interesting dynamic here where Julie encounters people she knows, but without being recognized. (She is basically secret-shopping Atlanta.) While it would be a lot easier to just announce "HEY IT'S ME JULIE HELP ME OUT!." she has to re-earn the trust and respect of people who actually already trust and respect her, all on a time crunch, while her adoptive mother is in danger.

Plus, DEREK IS IN TOWN, TOO!

Fans of the series will be happy to return to post-shift Atlanta and revisit these well-known characters in a new series. (I say series with a heart full of hope that this sells well and we get like nine more of them.)

I received a copy of Blood Heir in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Blood Heir is the first novel in the Aurelia Ryder series, a branching off series from the world of Kate Daniels. That and the fact that it's written by Ilona Andrews was really all it took to get me all sorts of hyped for this read.
It's been eight years since Kate's series ended. Now it's time for her ward, Julie Lennart, to take the reigns. She left Atlanta shortly after the battle, and has come into power of her own. All thanks to her grandmother, and the power she took from an enemy.
An enemy that is threatening everything that Julie, now known as Aurelia, loves. Aurelia is willing to do anything to protect the people she cares for, and even those she doesn't know. That's why she's found her way back to Atlanta, this time in a disguise (of sorts). For she knows that if certain people recognize her, everything she's worked for will fall apart, and those she loves most will die.

“This is your last chance to stop it. Meet me by Saiman's grave before sunrise.”

I've had access to Blood Heir for two days now. In that time, I've read it twice, and am seriously contemplating a third reading as well. (EDIT: I caved and read it for a third time over the weekend. No regrets). It has been a hot minute since a book got this under my skin, and yet it's true. I just can't get Julie/Aurelia and her journey out of my head.
So it's safe to say that I adored Blood Heir. Going back to the world (and city) that I've come to love so much was a delight, as was seeing the next generation of characters grow up and come into their own.
This novel was a whirlwind, right from the start. Or maybe that's just how I'm justifying staying up so late in order to finish it all in one go (no regrets – 10/10 would do it again). It sucked me in right from that introduction, and it never let go.
I'm not kidding either – the book hangover is real for Blood Heir guys. Consider yourself warned. It's worth that torture, trust me, but it will make you eager for any and all news about a continuation (or do what I did, which is dive right back in for a second, and perhaps, third, time around).
As with any novel written by Ilona Andrews, it's intelligent, fun, sassy, and knows how to force an emotional investment out of its readers. Especially those die-hard fans that have followed Kate's series from the start. That is why I can't recommend Blood Heir enough, and I'm so happy that the release date is getting ever nearer (not that much longer to wait!). I can't wait to geek out with all of my friends, and pore over theories surrounding Aurelia and the little hints dropped here and there.
Long story short: Blood Heir is amazing. It's going to gobble up your mind and refuse to let go. The pain from finishing it will be real, but it will also be completely worth it. I promise.

This book is a dream come true.

After I read the last book of Kate Daniels, I was CRUSHED, DESTROYED and HEARTBROKEN. I couldn’t believe that my favorite UF series was coming to an end. I read this series more than any other, and I’ve fallen in love with the world and all of the characters.

Getting Blood Heir was something I didn’t dare to hope for.

And now, after reading it, I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that we’ll be getting a full series. Because I NEED MORE!!!!

All throughout the Kate Daniels series, I have been on team Julie and Derek. Although young Ascanio was hilarious and Julie and him had fun, I still hoped for a Julie and Derek romance. Now, after reading Blood Heir, I have high hopes that we are finally getting it.

Aurelia (former Julie) reminded me a lot of Kate, which makes sense after reading the book. But she also was very much her own person. Witty, smart, and quick on her feet. She had all the traits I love in a kick-ass heroine.

I also loved the many cameos of old favorite characters. It just confirmed how much I missed this world, and that we are getting a continuation, is the best thing that happened this year. My face actually had a permanent smile attached to it because the book gave me all the feels, and made me one happy reader.

In the end, anyone who loves this series, who is a fan of Julie (and Derek) will have fun and adore this book. My expectations were exceeded. I got everything I was hoping for out of this novel. I just need more.

My passion and love for this author couple knows no bounds, but I also must say, that they are the ONLY authors who never dissapoint. Their storytelling sucks me in every single time. Their books are on my re-read shelf every time I’m in a slump or need a pick me up.

What can I say, I’m on team Ilona Andrews and I can’t see it ever changing.

Read it, enjoy it, have fun and let’s all cross fingers and hope that there will be more to come.