by Ilona Andrews
From Goodreads:
No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work.
Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.
Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.
Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?
As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”
Hugh and Elara may do both.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
My official first read of 2019! I'm off to a great start!
It feels like ages since I've read an Ilona Andrews book. I wasn't much of a fan of the Kate Daniels books (please don't hate me) but I've read the author's other series. And this new addition?!? HOLY. CRAP. I don't even know where to begin fangirling.
The writing and world-building was solid. One of the things I really love about Ilona Andrews is how much research and thought goes into her stories. Iron and Magic was no different. I read this in one sitting because I was so invested in Hugh and Elara's lives. And the romance!! It was sexy, hot and everything swoonworthy! I didn't finish the Kate Daniels series so I don't really remember Hugh? But I'm so glad the author decided to give him his own book.
I love reading the alternate POVs of Elara and Hugh. There was so much going on and still so much unknown. Elara especially is a huge mystery. What the heck is she?! The side characters were all unforgettable. I don't know about you, but I'd want the Iron Dogs to be on my side in a fight. They seemed like a really fun but badass group of people. Dugas, Johanna and Savannah were amazing minor characters as well. But I have to say my favorite would have to be Bucky. He (she?) will be your favorite too, trust me.
Iron and Magic is complex, action-packed and very addictive. I love how bloody, brutal and relentlessly alluring it was from start to finish.
Now please excuse me. I have to make up for not reading this sooner by re-reading it again.
Book two please.
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