Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

August 2nd, 2018 Kimberly Review 53 Comments

2nd Aug
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
Iron and Magic
by Ilona Andrews
Series: The Iron Covenant #1
Narrator: Steve West
Length: 12 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups

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.

urban Auto-Buy ROMANCE SUSPENSE 2018 Fave

Ilona Andrews rocks. What more can I say? Iron and Magic began as an April Fool’s tease, and lordy am I glad it came to fruition. Narrated by Steve West, this is the first in The Iron Covenant series.  Wicked banter, delicious snark, and a threat had me devouring Iron and Magic.

I bought the ebook on release day but forced myself to wait for the audio. It kind of killed me, but I love urban fantasy, particularly Andrews on audio and let me tell you, IT WAS SO FREAKING WORTH THE WAIT! I’ve always kind of had a soft spot for Hugh. Thankfully, I am not alone and Andrews did him justice. If you are a hater, you’ll soon admit you (at least) feel sorry for him.

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, comes from the world of Kate Daniels and was one of Roland’s men. A favorite until they banished him. When we meet Hugh, he is a shadow of himself, having lost Roland’s favor and the magic that came with it. Some of his men seek him out when another is hunting and killing the Iron Dogs. Destitute, without weapons and seriously hungover, he lifts himself up confronts the enemy and works to protect his remaining men. He must do so quickly because the necromancers are coming!

Enter the White Lady. Elara Harper is a magical creature tasked with protecting her people. They own a fortress and sell their wares, but a threat is coming and she must prepare. They strike a deal and the two enter an arranged marriage. Oh, lordy was this a sizzling, snark filled union. I laughed at their barbs and bit my lip as the chemistry between them builds. Battles of supplies, ruling and their people ensues, but the danger grows ever closer.

Elara is unusual, and I found her magic so intriguing. Huge who is no longer immortal can heal and is an excellent strategist. Both are kickass on the battlefield. Despite all the flying barbs, sexual tension and baiting the two have a mutual respect for one another.

The intense battles, scenes, talks of Kate, and unexpected encounters were freaking brilliant. Necromancers, vampires, Buffy and bizarre creatures, not to mention Elara..O.M.G. I am over the moon excited that there will be more books in the Iron Covenant series.

This was my first time listening to Steve West and I bow to Andrews decision to go with a male narrator. Now I love Renee Raudman, but Steve was no less brilliant with a wide range of voices and he captured the snark, tension and story that made listening perfection.

Enough fangirling. Now, go grab Iron and Magic on audio and devour it!

I waited for the #audio of Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews. It was so freaking worth the wait! #loveaudiobooks #mustlisten #urban Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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53 Responses to “Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews”

  3. Olivia Roach

    Can Illona Andrews even do any wrong? I am so looking forward to reading more of her works in the future. I haven’t read this one before, but I am very much looking forward to trying this one in particular.

    Olivia Roach recently posted: 6 Mini Movie Reviews!

  4. Lindsi

    Eep! I was waiting for the audio, too! I’m so happy it lived up to your expectations! I love Ilona Andrews. The Hidden Legacy series is one of my all-time favorite reads. Nevada and Conner are such a great team, and I enjoy the family dynamics. I cannot wait to get started on this! <3

    — Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    • Kimberly

      I did. Now the pubs sent me a finished copy of Magic Triumphs and I have to stare at it while I wait for the audio. The torture is REAL!

    • Kimberly

      I have listened to everything, and have also physically read them after listening. I am completely part of the fandom.

    • Kimberly

      You should be able to jump in, there is of course some history pertaining to some of the characters, but I give props to Andrews for recaps woven into the tale.

    • Kimberly

      Oh, and sorry Crystal, Hugh first appeared in the Kate Daniels series, which I highly recommend. Book one is rough, but after that I could not get enough.

    • Kimberly

      Right? It was killing me. So many times I almost said the heck with it, but man I am so happy I waited!

    • Kimberly

      Urban Fantasy is such a blast, and if you start to dabble in adult fiction, you cannot go wrong with Ilona Andrews!

  17. Angela

    Wonderful review. You have got my giddy vibe going after reading the review. I bought the book in paperback and eBook on release day, but I knew the audio was coming and the snippet I got to listen too was like; WOW. So I used my credit and got it in audio. Now I just have to start it. I never read on release day anymore, but I sure know that the Andrews team will never disappoint me. ^_^

    • Kimberly

      I don’t think I have listened to West before but loved, loved, loved his narration. Now I need to look up books he narrates 🙂

  22. Braine

    I’ve been so out of loop when it comes to UF and fantasy in general that I obviously missed this. I have to take a look at it, all the iron in this book is triggering some GoT feels from me. I may be wrong but that’s a good start for me at least. lol

  24. Nick

    I am slowly making my way through the Kate Daniels books again, and them I’m going to pick this one up. The banter and the romance sounds like so much fun. And Elara’s abilities do sound very intriguing. So happy to hear that Illona Andrews deliver once again. They really do rock!

    Nick recently posted: Monthly Memories: June & July 2018

  26. Ailyn Koay

    interesting choice of words Kim, what kind of burn are we expecting from the couple? burn in hell or carpet burn?