Sweep In Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles, #2)

by Ilona Andrews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Currently the Inn has one guest Caldenia, an exiled tyrant with a bounty on her head. The Inn needs business to sustain itself and not just financially. When George an arbitrator arrives wanting to hold peace talks in the Inn between the Holy Cosmic Anocracy vampires, the Otrokars loving referred to as the Hope Crushing Horde and the merchants of Baha-char, Dina can hardly say no. The interactions and social dynamics of these clans/species were fascinating.

“Caldenia blinked. “Who are the attending parties?”
“The Holy Anocracy represented by House Krahr, the Hope-crushing Horde, and the Merchants of Baha-char. They coming here for Arbitration and they will probably try to murder each other the moment they walk through the door.”
Caldenia’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so? This is absolutely marvelous!”
She would think so, wouldn’t she?”

The Andrews took us through Dina’s role as the Innkeeper during the arbitrations from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment. I was either stifling a giggle or holding my breath. Sweep in Peace had many different threads from the chief she hired to handling warrior boredom and it held me spellbound. Tricks, theft, murder, and promises all kept Dina forever juggling. The girl is clever and I do not recommend crossing her. Yet Dina is also a softy, and you cannot help admire her. I love that if she friends you, she champions you.

“Football is a wargame of land acquisition.”

We see familiar characters like Sean, the vampire and the local law both of which provided some humor. We also get updates, and see a certain wolf from book one. I am told some of the new characters introduced were from the Edge series, so now I need to read them. Caldenia was a hoot and sometimes downright creepy. The Inn itself is magical, and I would never want to leave..although other guests may be an issue. LOL.

“The universe was full of wonders. Some of them would drive you insane if you thought about them too long.”

The Andrews are a spectacular writing team bringing scenes and emotions to life. I could see each character/species as if they were sitting next to me. They did a wonderful job of explaining and allowing us to identify with the warring factions. Renée Raudman brought them all the characters to life, especially the merchants and our outcast chef. The Andrews and Raudman together are magic! I recommend listening to anything the three of them produce.

“Are you going to let me go?” Jack asked quietly. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer