Fair disclosure - I’m a huge Ilona Andrews fan. Their books are imaginative and intense. Fated Blades was as well done as I expected. Their world creating is amazing and the characters always a mix of likable, gritty and tough.

From the opening scene when Ramona takes a huge leap of trust (well not really trust, hope?) and shows up at Matias’s office. Intrigued by her brazenness, Matias spares an immediate execution to hear why she’s there. The two find the only answer to the universe’s most pressing issue is to work together. It’s not long before they learn a deep respect for each other. They share a similar drive and ability that few others can claim. They work well together. So well in fact that they form an almost unheard of ability to combine their talents. Could they actually be fated mates?

The story, as I mentioned, involved a very imaginative world, nay universe. The characters were intriguing and the dialog fun. What a great way to spend a few winter hours! Having not read the first books isn’t he series was not an issue. This book works well as a stand alone.

Thanks to the authors, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC.

I adored every word of this book! The characters are simply fantastic – everything you want from a romance novel, but still very much a part of their own science fiction world and the rules they live under. Their relationship is a perfectly developed adversary-to-lovers story that’s not only believable, but one that the reader roots for 100%. The world building is fantastic and easily accessible – I haven’t yet read the first two books in the series and had no trouble understanding or enjoying Fated Blades. There is a certain amount of fighting and violence in the story, so readers who are looking for sweet romantic relationship development may want to look elsewhere, though there is a decent amount of that too. Fans of the authors should have no hesitation in picking up this delightful story, and those who haven’t experienced the bliss of an Ilona Andrews action romance are in for a real treat. Highly recommended!

This was great! When I saw that the writing pair of Ilona Andrews had a novella coming out, I knew that I was going to have to read it. I went into the story with incredibly high expectations because I have come to expect great things from this writing pair. I am happy to report that those expectations were met. This book was everything that I had hoped that it would be and I was entertained from the first page until the very end.

Ramona and Matias were fantastic characters and I loved the fact that they were able to work together despite the fact that their families have been enemies for generations. Ramona and Matias are both secare which gives them the ability to use blades and shields from their arms with just a thought. The fighting scenes were rather intense and very exciting in this story. The pair has a lot of chemistry but they don’t act on it since they are both married, at least until they can find their cheating spouses. This story had it all: great characters, action and excitement, and wonderful sci-fi elements.

I would highly recommend this novella to others. It is a longer novella at just over 200 pages but it was still a very fast read. It is the newest installment in the Kinsmen series but would work perfectly fine as a stand-alone story. I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful writing pair!

I received a digital review copy of this book from Montlake via NetGalley.

This was a well done fantasy novella. Although this is the third installment in a series I was not too lost and was able to understand the world. The characters were well developed and played well off each other. This is very plot heavy so don’t go into this thinking it’s going to be a sweeping romance. This is very much an adventure story with a romance.
That aside, I do think readers will enjoy this if they are a fan of feuding families, reluctant allies, enemies to lovers, and high stakes adventure.

Fated Blades was a great installment to the Kinsmen universe. I highly anticipated being back in this world, as I loved the first two in this series and it did not disappoint. Although this can definitely be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading the first two Kinsmen novellas, Silver Shark and Silent Blade. It will make the reading experience that much richer and give additional insight into this well crafted world.

Taking place on the planet of Rada, this is an enemies to love story focusing on Ramona and Mathias, who despite a long standing, generational family feud, through circumstance & necessity, end up having to join forces and team up together. Without giving anything away, they undertake an all important hunt, racing against time to find those who have wronged them and reclaim what was stolen from them both.

This novella includes everything we've come to expect from Ilona and Gordon, fantastic world building (exceptionally well developed for a novella), multi dimensional characters, clever repartee, and a kick ass hero and heroine. Plus don't forget a smattering of politics, magic, superb battle/action scenes and unique weaponry. (The Andrews blend of politics, family and magic is always a treat.) It's an exciting, fast paced read with a great story.

It was a delight watching Ramona and Mathias develop from their start as enemies and see them discover each other and uncover the true nature of the long standing feud and themselves. Their connection was multi-faceted and had undeniable magic and chemistry. I love intelligent, well drawn characters, especially those indulging in some snarky banter. The romance between this smart, fierce, ruthless yet compassionate duo was so satisfying.

Not my all time favorite novel from House Andrews but only because the competition is so stiff! But a great read and since its quite lengthy for a novella, nothing feels cut short or left out. You're left feeling gratified and complete.

Truly this is one of my all time favorite authors and I will read anything they write and any genre they try. They are that good. This novella is a nice way to dip your toe in if you're new to Ilona Andrews. Then do yourself a favor and move to the hard stuff :) like Kate Daniels, The Edge, Hidden Legacy, The Iron Covenant and more. You can't go wrong with any of their books, be it novel or novella!

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. A thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and the authors.

Folks, folks, folks! This is an enemies-to-lovers fated-mates trope, if the fated connection made the couple unstoppable killing machines. From the moment I heard there was a new Kinsmen novella coming out, I was ridiculously excited. And when the Luisa J. Preissler cover art came out? Pretty much incoherent (and yes, in case you were wondering, that is an actual scene from the book). While I would highly recommend reading the other two novellas first, there’s enough backstory given that I think it would work as a standalone.

“It was one of the universe’s great ironies that after running half across the galaxy to get away from each other, both the Baenas and the Addlers ended up in the same sector, on the same planet, and in the same province.”


The Addlers and Baenas have been enemies since the end of the war six generations ago that created the secare, genetically modified people with the ability to generate nanotech blades and shields, called seco, from their arms. As they both occupy sections of New Delphi on the planet Rada, it makes life a little interesting, but for the most part, they’ve settled into a sort of cold war. Until Ramona Addler shows up unexpected at Matias Baena’s office with devastating – and infuriating – news. Their spouses have absconded – together – with information that could wreck both their families, they’re forced to work together to recover them. It soon becomes clear, however, that they need to save not only their families’ livelihoods, but possibly the entire sector.

“He wanted to keep looking at her.
He wondered how fast she was.
He wondered if he was faster.”


Is it possible come up with an angstier trope than enemies to fated lovers? Because, oof, this novella is packed to the brim. While the families are not directly engaged in hostilities, they’re both in a research race for technology that would drastically enrich whichever family figures it out first. And while both Ramona and Matias do care about ensuring the continuation and financial viability of their families, this wouldn’t be an Ilona Andrews book without multiple layers of meaning. They both have other very good reasons for wanting to control it, reasons that add even more angst. As the respective heads of their families, both Ramona and Matias are competent, loyal, absolutely lethal – and lonely. They both understand that being the head of a kinsmen family, especially one in a research armsrace, is a stifling, exhausting and thankless job. There’s all sorts of angst as they realize they’re really quite similar, and though they are seriously attracted to each other, they can’t act on that attraction because they’re still married to their idiot cheating spouses. Oh, and their families would happily murder each other. Because the other thing that they understand about themselves and each other – they’re weapons. While they don’t resort indiscriminately to violence, they also have no qualms about defending themselves or their families, and that’s something that they each deeply admire in the other.

“Silver Shark” will always be one of my favorites, but it’s amazing how much the authors have improved in ten years, from the depth of characterization to the battles. The fight scenes are absolute perfection, if by perfection you mean intricately choreographed carnage with a high body count. The final battle in particular is absolutely exquisite with an unbelievable emotional payoff. The world of the Kinsmen gets a little more fleshed out, too. There’s a little more of New Delphi and Dahlia province, including a bit of the wilds between cities. Which, without being too spoilery, is one of my absolute favorite parts, considering it showcases both each individual character’s growth, their attraction for each other, and some of that fighting.

”Go forth, brave heroes, track down the traitors, and recover your data so you can pay me. I wouldn’t recover the spouses, however. Seems like a lost cause.”


Overall, the best way to say how I feel about this book? When I saw it was available, I immediately dropped everything and inhaled the book in one sitting, paused for sleep and kid stuff, and then read it again. Highly recommended, and I desperately hope that this is the start of many more novellas set in this universe!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 stars

This is book 3 in the Kinsmen series, but you don’t have to read the previous two to enjoy this one (you’ll just get a better idea on backstory of the world). This was my first foray into this authors’ works, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The plot is very clearly described and interesting. One item in particular that I really need to compliment the author on is the description of the fight scenes (there are several). I’m a very visual person and when I read books I visualize all the scenes in my head like it’s a movie, and battle scenes are usually difficult for me because they aren’t described well or there’s just too much going on. But in this book everything was very clearly laid out and I could see it all in my mind perfectly (it probably does help that there were only a few combatants at a time). Overall I had a great time with this book and would highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When I heard that Ilona Andews was releasing another book in their Kinsman series, you better believe I pre-ordered it as fast as possible! They are one of the few authors on my must-buy list and Fated Blades did not disappoint.

If you've read the other Kinsman novels (which are not necessary, in my opinion, prior to reading the latest book, but are great to explain more about the world), you will know that it's set in an alternate world with modified humans. This time, we meet the sacare, an elite class of warrior who can bring up swords and shields from their arms in the blink of an eye. Amazing battle scenes? Check. Romance? Check. Humor? Also check.

Ramona and Matias are heads of rival families who are forced to work together or face annihilation of everything they have been working for after some of the worst personal betrayal. Both are strong, fierce warriors who have been ignoring their loneliness. The story jumps right into the conflict and doesn't stop until the last page- I may have stayed up late the day I received it because there was no way I could put it down.

Sign me up for more Kinsman stories, please!!!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

This short novel is set in the science-fiction themed Kinsman Universe, but is a stand-alone story.

This book had the standard Ilona Andrews (IA) hallmarks of interesting world-building, strong, proactive hero and heroine, and plenty of action.

This format doesn’t have the space for the slow burn relationship development IA does so well in other series; this book is a good choice when you are in the mood for a faster pace.

With Fated Blades, Ilona & Gordon return us to the kinsmen universe and the planet Rada, once again tempting us with the rich scents of New Delhi and surrounds. Kinsmen families, the Addlers and the Baenas have generations of enmity until betrayal forces family heads into an uneasy alliance. Ramona Addler and Matias Baena must work together to defeat known and unknown enemies seeking to take everything they hold dear.

Although you can't always tell a book from its cover, the cover of Fated Blades captures the energy that swings and carries through the book. It is a delightful twirl through the Kinsmen universe returning us to New Delphi. Although this is not the first book in the series, you do not need to have read the previous books. The Adlers and Baenas are keenly aware of each other as their families have been long standing enemies in the ruthless upper echelons of Rada. Though all the ruling families boast genetic enhancements, the secare, from the Adler and Baena families, and their seco blades are among the most feared. To maintain the peace, Ramona Adler and Matias Baena have always avoided each other, while ensuring they know as much as possible about their traditional rival, in the galleries of power. Unexpected personal and professional betrayal stuns both, requiring them to work together to save their family positions. Now, instead of dancing around each other, they must learn to spin together to prevent disaster from befalling their families and Rada. The writing flows smoothly through the story, leading us on a fun frolic as Ramona and Matias learn more about the betrayal and find more in common than they ever expected. Elements of the family histories are uncovered through the journey, providing exciting insights and twists to the end of the book. More science fiction than romance, I enjoyed the story and the characters and learning more about the unique Kinsmen universe. Old fans and readers new to Ilona Andrews will find this book a welcome addition to their libraries.

Futuristic sci-fi goodness that kept my heart pumping from the action sequences as well as from the romance, Fated Blades was filled with betrayal, loyalties lost, complex family history, and newly paved pathways forward between two strong leaders.

No matter what author duo Ilona Andrews writes, the level of detail, the intricate storylines, and the multidimensional characters always wows me. I jumped in here at book three in the Kinsmen series--which is a longish novella--and while there was a tiny bit of adjustment to get used to the world they created, this was a thrilling adventure with enough emotions to give it nice depth.

I'll leave you to find out what happened to Ramona and Matias in their personal lives to set them on a completely different journey than they expected. It was very much unexpected. And it fueled their already driven personalities to not only find revenge but to also make sure their--and their families-- futures were secured. Along the way, of course Matias and Ramona found passion together they never thought would happen with their supposed enemy. The ending wrapped up quite quickly. But I think given that they basically waged savage war against their foes--and came out the victors--Ramona and Matias deserved all the good they could find in their lives.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. I love the writing of Ilona Andrews, and I will read just about anything they write. I'd somehow missed that this was in their queue, so Fated Blades was a great surprise. As always, the action portions were top notch, and the fight sequences were great. Matias and Ramona had fantastic chemistry from their first encounter, and I loved their banter. While the plot felt a little rushed at the very end, I still walked away feeling pleased. I really hope that there will be more books in this universe, because this was a lot of fun.

I can’t believe that it’s been nearly a decade between the last Kinsmen Universe book and Fated Blades. I was absolutely ecstatic when I heard that Ilona Andrews were writing a new book in the series and oh boy, the book lives up to my over excitement!

For the unfamiliar, the Kinsmen Universe books are space opera-y romances that take the best romance tropes and apply them to super badass sci-fi characters. Think Boss/Secretary but she’s a secret super soldier with deadly psychic powers (Silver Shark) or a Jilted Bride from an Arranged Marriage but now she’s undercover and out to assassinate him with magic tech (Silent Blade).

In Fated Blades, the authors again romped through some of my fave tropes with our MCs Ramona and Matias who discover that their spouses have been cheating together and committed corporate espionage to put the cherry on top. Their families are sworn enemies but the MCs must join forces to save their fortunes, reputations and then their very planet.

Top that off with the most delightful pining as they discover a rare affinity for each other despite Good People Scruples (as they are still married) while racing to thwart a sinister superpower from getting their technology. Bonus, Ilona Andrews even manage to work in my absolute fave trope Fated Mates into the story and I am absolute incandescent with delight.

PLEASE read this book (and the rest of series) and come back to squeal with me!

Release: 23 November


Thank you to the authors for the arc!



#ilonaandrews #kinsmenuniverse #fatedblades #sffromance #spaceopera #bookmages

I absolutely Loved this kinsmen romance. Andrews packs so much into a short novel, and even though it's been years since I've read anything in this world, the world building and exposition is so seamless that it's easy to catch up. Although it's number three in a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone without losing anything.

One thing that I always find fascinating about Andrews' books is the line the characters draw. They often have morally gray protagonists--characters that seem like cold blooded killers, but have certain rules they won't break. They always take their characters to the very edge of this line without crossing it.

Fantastic action sequences, a romance that happens in a short time without feeling rushed, and clever plots to keep readers on their toes. Another great read from this amazing duo.

So, listen, this might not measure up to other books by these authors that I've given four stars to but it feels like it's been a hundred years since they published a book (time has no meaning anymore) and I started having a good time almost immediately after starting it, and said good times pretty much didn't stop, so. It gets a four.

<i>He felt a sudden urge to do something dramatic and impressive. He needed to get ahold of himself.,</i>

I probably should've reread the preceding novellas to see if there was, in fact, any carry-over or easter eggs in this one because as far as I can remember the first two were completely unconnected, beyond being set in the same universe, and this one feels the same. I'll leave it to my blog buddy to confirm this, though, as she's read them more recently than me.

All you really need to know is this is Andrews but sci-fi. The world, the hierarchies, it's all pretty much explained in this novella so if you choose to start here, you aren't going in with a loss of context. Everything relevant you need is here.

"<i>Am I seeing things? Clearly this is just a weirdly specific bad dream, one where two people who hate each other team up to bust into my office and destroy my prized furniture</i>."

Oh, and also? It's an enemies-to-lovers romance but more in the sense that the enmity is inherited, not personal, and they have to come together in an extreme situation when they are both, similarly, betrayed. The journey takes them through a reluctant teaming up, to respect, to.. well, more. Obviously.

If you like action scenes, if you like family politics, if you like snark and banter, if you like my-enemy-is-my-enemy-but-I'm-making-them-my-friend dynamics, and also if you can't infer the other trope I won't list by the title..? Well, just give it a think.

This is a very biased review because there are so few books by this duo I don't enjoy and I would honestly read their grocery list and probably have a good time. And I make no apologies for it. If you haven't yet joined the Andrews bandwagon, what are you waiting for?

How exciting that House Andrews dusted off an old series and wrote another novella in the Kinsmen universe! I enjoyed re-reading Silent Blade and Silver Shark in preparation for Fated Blades (each features a new couple so I do not think you have to but certainly helps with world building to read past stories).

I love sci-fi romance and Fated Blades certainly delivers. Both main characters felt right for each other. There were beautiful scenes described with explosions all around that is classic Andrews’ style. Loved it!

Any complaints I might have are just due to it being shorter than I would like but Andrews is amazing at writing fleshed out, impactful novellas.

More Kinsmen please!

The Baena and the Addler secare families known for paired fighting had been enemies for generations. So, when Matias Baena found out that his wife and her lover Gabriel Addler had stolen both families seco research he made an alliance with Ramona Addler quietly to find them. They knew that neither of their spouses had enough brains to plan the theft, so they had to find them quickly before anyone else found out it was gone before they could kill each other.

I already had pre-ordered Fated Blades even before knowing it would Kinsman #3 because Ilona Andrews writes stories that I read more than once because they are so good.

Now I need to read the other Kinsman stories again since it has been a while.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I truly enjoyed this story. I normally don’t enjoy enemies-to-lovers plot lines but these characters were enemies by circumstances that they were born into and did not allow that animus to override logical thought. This seemed to truly be a story of two like people finding each other and recognizing their similarities. I also enjoyed how while there was definite attraction between them that they did not go too far before they were free of free from other relationships. The story was well written and engaging and I would definitely recommend reading it. I also noticed that there was a section left in the acknowledgments section for thanking early reviewers. I know this review is late and so this probably is not relevant, but for personal reasons I would ask my nome not be included. I love Ilona Andrews and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this story early.

I will admit to being a huge Ilona Andrews fan-- I've been an avid reader of theirs for many years, so some bias may be involved in this review. That said, the things I love most about their work (the deep characterizations of even side characters, the unique spins on traditional stories-- in this case, a dash of Romeo and Juliet, and the world-building) definitely shine in this story. I admit that its length made it feel a bit abbreviated, and the female lead goes from "we couldn't possibly" to "I'm in love, let's do this!" in the span of a sentence. If it were a bit longer, some of the moments would have had time to breathe a bit more, but I see it as a good thing when the main complaint is that a book should have been longer.

This book is a stand-alone, but fits into the Kinsmen universe. You can read it alone-- there weren't any tie-ins, that I could see, with any of the other books, but if you're interested in more like that, there are other novellas as well.