Iron and Magic

by Ilona Andrews

[booksandcats]

Absolutely brilliant. The writing pair of Ilona Andrews have a talent to write just the most kickass heroines and I love it.

Ok, so I didn't think that I would really like Hugh's book, but I read that it was pretty necessary to really appreciate Kate Daniels #10, so I thought I would give it a shot. The reason why I thought I wouldn't like it is because Ilona Andrews have done a brilliant job at making Hugh a powerhungry, cruel, arrogant Asshole in the previous books and I couldn't see a way how they would make me like him or root for his HEA without completely re-writing his character and story. I am glad to say I was wrong.

Without giving to much away plot-wise, this book is in my opinion exemplary at showing a redemption arch, that is believable. It is explained how Hugh was able to do the atrocities he has done, what bound him to Roland, his whole history. But he is still arrogant, still often an ass and he is most definitely the Character we've got to known in the previous books. We also see his internal suffering, how he has got to come to terms with his past and himself and I love that it wasn't rushed but that he has more time to finish his story.

I really like Elara, her wits, and how she was able to stand up against Hugh, be an equal. I also liked how their relationship developed, from despising each other but in need of the other person to learning mutual respect and a weird sort of friendship before anything else was explored. Plus, her Power make her quite badass, I would love to see her actually face off against Roland or Kate for that matter.

I enjoyed the secondary characters, we got a great insight into the Iron Dogs and I think there are some interesting Characters, that are worth exploring in the future. We see some familiar faces with Ascanio, Raphael and Andrea. I like how Raphael's and Hugh's past was handled and I really enjoyed the strategic and logical Analysis Hugh made of Ascanio. It's always interesting to see known Characters through new eyes (Hughs assessment of Jim was interesting as well for that matter).

The general plot was good as well, with them having to learn to work together while facing the golden Legion plus a new unknown threat. Although it was sad, I'm glad that not everybody survived the fight, it's just more realistic that way.

So, if you enjoyed the Kate Daniels series, you will most certainly enjoy this one as well, if you are looking at this for a new series, that is possible as well I think, most background that you need is explained and given in the book but I'm telling you that you will appreciate everything a lot more if you read the Kate Daniels 1-9 before.