booksandcats
Written on Sep 8, 2022
Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author, continues her spellbinding series set in the Hidden Legacy world where magic controls everything...except the hearts of those who wield it.
As Prime magic users, Catalina Baylor and her sisters have extraordinary powers-powers their ruthless grandmother would love to control. Catalina can earn her family some protection working as deputy to the Warden of Texas, overseeing breaches of magic law in the state, but that has risks as well. When House Baylor is under attack and monsters haunt her every step, Catalina is forced to rely on handsome, dangerous Alessandro Sagredo, the Prime who crushed her heart.
The nightmare that Alessandro has fought since childhood has come roaring back to life, but now Catalina is under threat. Not even his lifelong quest for revenge will stop him from keeping her safe, even if every battle could be his last. Because Catalina won't rest until she stops the use of the illicit, power-granting serum that's tearing their world apart.
- ISBN10 0062878360
- ISBN13 9780062878366
- Publish Date 17 September 2020 (first published 25 August 2020)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Avon Books
- Format Paperback (US Mass Market)
- Pages 400
- Language English
Reviews
MurderByDeath
Written on Oct 15, 2020
I'm a fan of this series, but admittedly I prefer Nevada and Connor over Catalina and Alessandro. Even so, this was a lot of fun to read and I was fascinated by the Abyss. What I appreciated most though, was that Andrews didn't drag out the romantic interest story line; I expected another 'Oh no! Will the couple ever find true happiness?' cliffhangers, but instead it was all wrapped up rather neatly a little past midway. Nice. This allowed me to more fully enjoy the actual plot of the story, which involved a lot of fighting and magic using, which I prefer to the romance.
As a bonus, Nevada and Connor played a part in this story, although it was much too small, and a lot of backstory was filled in about Nevada's split from the family.
All up it was a fun story I was disappointed to see come to an end. I hope there will be more with Catalina as the central character if only because I'm hugely intrigued by the Warden role and Linus.
Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading
Written on Sep 23, 2020
The story began on an interesting note and intensified as it progressed. The previous book ended with Alessandro leaving to pursue his quest for revenge, which left Catalina heart broken. Now he has returned to protect her from whoever wants her dead. While he is protecting her from danger, she will be safe guarding her heart.
I loved these two together. I enjoyed their passionate interactions and the non-stop action they frequently faced. Catalina has shown immense growth throughout the series. Her position as the new head of Baylor House allowed her to show her efficiency and capabilities as a leader. I loved her take charge attitude and the way she allowed no one to intimidate her. Regarding Alessandro, I had a wonderful time uncovering the mystery of who he was and learning what made him tick.
Although the characters shares a moment of passion the romance was not the focal point of the story. The authors made the main characters’ feelings for each other known, but they do not give readers a front seat view as it relates to the development of the romance. For me this was not an issue as I was too busy hanging on the edge of my seat as the characters faced danger at every turn. The magic, action and suspense were superbly woven together to create an intense and exciting read.
It was good to get answers as it relates to Nevada’s decision to abdicate her role as head of the Baylor House. The story ended on a happy note, leaving me smiling from ear to ear. The epilogue though hinted that there is more to come and I for one can’t wait to discover what next this brilliant duo has in-store for their readers.
Conclusion/Recommendation
If you are looking for an action packed, fast-paced and magical read then I highly recommend the Hidden Legacy series.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
EBookObsessed
Written on Sep 10, 2020
Be back with a full review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
Quirky Cat
Written on Aug 26, 2020
Catalina Baylor is secretly the deputy to the Warden of Texas. What does that mean, exactly? It means that she keeps the balance, keeping those with and without magic safe, by ensuring that a line is never crossed. It also means that she has one of the biggest secrets possible to keep from her family.
Now a new threat is on the horizon, and Catalina has to shut it down quickly. She won't be doing it alone though, as Alessandro has found his way back into her life. Realistically, she's going to need every bit of help she can get, even if she doesn't want it.
“They attacked me and Linus simultaneously. The thought burned a trail through my mind like a comet.”
Can I go back in time? Just one day. Just enough to I can sit down and read Emerald Blaze all over again for the first time. Is that too much to ask? Seriously though, I'm completely in love with this book. It was worth every minute I had to wait for, and then some.
It's amazing how quickly Catalina and her story have grown on me, leaving me eagerly seeking the next novel in her series. Actually, I take that back. I adore the entire house Baylor, and will take any story that springs from their world.
The whole family is full of charismatic and interesting characters. Plus the Baylor family as a unit is seriously amazing, and maybe just a little bit envy-inducing. I mean, who wouldn't want a grandmother that retrofits tanks?
I'm always amazed at how the authors are able to up the ante for each novel. The stakes always feel real and desperate, without ever getting out of control (we've all seen series that get too meta to enjoy). It's impressive, and more than enough reason to have continued investment in the world.
Honestly, I could go on and on about all of the things I loved about this book. The world-building, the characters, the action, the romance, it's all there, and in the right balance. I also adored the smaller details and moments strewn into the series. Like background characters getting moments, and things like that. It brings it all full circle, all while further fleshing out the world.
I do feel like a lot of my questions, both from Catalina's story, and from Nevada's series, were answered in this novel. If I'm being honest, it makes me all the more excited to see what House Andrews will do with Arabella's series (please let that be something that happens!).
One of my favorite parts about the entire novel is Catalina's character. She's gone from being a younger sister that was hard to take seriously, to a confident woman fully capable of taking care of herself – and her family. It was wonderfully done, and I loved being able to watch her grow into that character.
In case it wasn't obvious, I highly recommend Emerald Blaze, as well as the entire Hidden Legacy series. It is so much more than it looks at first glance, and really is a series that will steal your heart. It stole mine.
The Cool Aunt
Bonus Review! I pre-ordered Emerald Blaze through Bank Square Books, and thus got access to the Arabella short story. I'm pretty sure the short is going to be released to everyone later, so no worries!
The Cool Aunt is a quick short story from Arabella's perspective. Really, it's the first time we're getting a chance to see through her eyes, and that alone is excitement enough. I don't want to describe it too much, because spoilers. But I will say that it fits in nicely at the end of Emerald Blaze, and fleshes out a scene or two that Catalina missed out on. It's a perfect little snippet, and I love it.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Aug 7, 2020
The case was intense with lots of action and magic. Catalina and Alessandro worked well together from investigating and questioning suspects to crushing monsters. The Andrews team brought the battles to life with fantastic imagery and detail. I felt like I was thick in the swamps.
I was glad to get answers regarding Nevada and her previous actions. It also allowed us to see how capable Catalina is. We’ve been witnessed to her growth, but in Emerald Blaze no one will doubt her role as House Prime.
I forced myself to saviour this read by purposely stopping each night. It was wonderful and each day I was excited for nightfall so I could slip into this world again. Now I am stuck waiting for the next installment. Ugh!
The Andrews left us in a good place. They wrapped up the current case, didn’t break my heart and have me anticipating the next book. I consider that a win!
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Linda
Written on Jul 2, 2020
Emerald Blaze is a fast-paced, action-packed, romantic, and magic-filled installment in the Hidden Legacy series! There is a lot going on, some past story-arcs coming to a conclusion, but also many new ones opening up for future books.
I loved how Catalina grew in this novel (not that she hasn't grown in the past, but she's truly her House's Prime in this one), and how she was able to take on more than one enemy with intelligence and flair.
FRC