Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews

October 14th, 2019 Kimberly Review 17 Comments

14th Oct
Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews
Sweep of the Blade
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #4
Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Length: 8 hours and 53 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.1x

Maud Demille was a daughter of Innkeepers. She knew that a simple life wasn't in the cards, but she never anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her daughter, Helen, had been exiled for the sins of her husband to the desolate planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud had spent a year and a half avenging his debts. But now all the debts are paid. Rescued by her sister Dina, Maud had swore off all things vampire. Except she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined.

Try as she might, she can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is a powerful vampire House, and Maud knows that a woman who turned down the proposal from its most beloved son wouldn't get a warm reception. But Maud Demille never shied from a fight and House Krahr may soon discover that there is more to this human woman than they ever thought possible.

urban well written Kick Ass Heroine outofthisworld

Major Audiobook hangover! The wait for the Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews seemed to take forever and as soon as it uploaded I devoured it. Now pardon me while I cry in a corner.

This is the fourth audiobook in the Innkeeper Chronicles and I love this series! Love it. The authors release this series first as a serial for free online to fans. Which I avoid like the Black Plague. Seriously, I want my wine glass filled to the brim and I want to enjoy it in one sitting until I am pleasantly buzzed. Usually the novel and audio release close together, but there was a delay. I bought the ebook to support the authors but held out because like red wine, audiobook is my drug of choice when it comes to this pair. It was so freakin’ worth it. I LOVE MAUD!! I mean seriously love her!

While I suppose one could jump in here and begin since this is Maud’s story, don’t do it. I think it would be ill advised. Listen to them in the order of their release.

Maud Demille, daughter of Innkeepers, sister of Dina married an ambitious vampire knight and bore a daughter named Helen. All was well until Her husband plotted for a new position and was killed. Maud and her daughter were exiled and sent to the desolate planet of Karhari. Rescued by her sister Dina, Maud had swore off all things vampire. And in walks, Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr. The tale the unfolds takes place on the planet of Krahr as Arland woos Maud. And Maud tries to decide if she and Helen can find a place to call home.

Maud is an innkeeper’s daughter, and that knowledge is an asset. You can see similarities to her sister Dina, but she is very much her own person. There is a stillness to Maud. Even as she is freaking out on the inside. I loved that strength and poise. She is fearless and can be ruthless when protecting those she loves. Maud is fierce with her sword and wise with her tongue. She commands respect, only the vampires haven’t learned that yet. After all she has been through, I respected her for giving Arland and House Krahr a chance.

Snark, battles, danger and wit await you. The story is richly detailed.  Krahr and the galaxies came to life in vivid 3-D. The Andrews have a unique gift for providing history without info dumps. House Krahr and its visitors kept things interesting, particularly Arland’s mother. We meet several species, learn some about Maud’s childhood and those of Arland’s own family.

Arland is swoon-worthy. I love an alpha who respects his woman enough not to claim her until she is ready.

With this fourth book came a narrator change. It worked perfectly since this is Maud’s story. This was my first listen to Natalie Naudus, and I felt she did an excellent job capturing all the essence of Maud, the curiosity and youthfulness of Helen and providing unique voices for Arland and secondary characters. I found she narrates fast and listened at 1.1x instead of my normal 1.3x to 1.5x range.

Sweep of the Blade was so addictive from the vampire politics to watching Maud really come into her own. I didn’t want it to end, but end it did. Not on cliffhanger, but with hints and promises of stories to come.

I need them NOW! That. Is. All.

Major #Audiobook hangover! Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews #UrbanFantasy #Space #Fandom #InnkeeperChronicles 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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17 Responses to “Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews”

  3. Anne

    I love everything by Ilona Andrews. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Arland. I admit Maud is a much better fit for him than Dina but I loved him at first sight. What can I say? Outstanding review! I always buy the ebooks after reading the serial. I haven’t tried the audio on this series yet.

  5. sjhigbee

    I feel your pain… I haven’t heard this series – but I have been reading it and the wait for SWEEP OF THE BLADE was HARD. There is something about this one – I’ve dreamt of it and like you I LOVED Maud:)). Fabulous review…

  10. Angela - Angel's Guilty Pleasures

    I had this one release day to, but wanted to listen and waited for the audio. I liked the narration change. It worked since this is Maud’s book. I enjoyed learning more about her and Helen and the Vampires. Great review. Wonderful series.