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Available
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Publication
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2018), Edition: 1, 392 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. HTML:The Iron Covenant Book 1 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.… (more)
Media reviews
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lavinient
Wow. Yes! I love dark heroes. Hugh is such an ass. But who wouldn't be after being raised by Roland? Roland dumped him though, and after months of self-pity, Hugh needs to find a place to keep his Iron Dogs safe. Elara Harper needs men to keep her people and castle safe. A perfect union. Except
I was able to hate the things Hugh did to Kate and characters I love, but also accept his redemption. I started to admire him.
I really think you need to read the Kate Daniels series before reading this one. Andrews doesn't spend much time explaining the world and familiar characters. And I think you need to be introduced to Hugh as Roland's man first.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
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Hugh and Elara hate each other at first sight. But also the sexual tension crackles between them and some respect starts to seep in. Really, the chemistry between Hugh and Elara is amazing.I was able to hate the things Hugh did to Kate and characters I love, but also accept his redemption. I started to admire him.
I really think you need to read the Kate Daniels series before reading this one. Andrews doesn't spend much time explaining the world and familiar characters. And I think you need to be introduced to Hugh as Roland's man first.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member STACYatUFI
I LOVE Kate Daniels and I love everything Ilona Andrews, but I was scared to read IRON AND MAGIC because I just couldn't imagine that Ilona Andrews could make me like Hugh enough to read a whole book about him. I was wrong. I enjoyed every single moment, and I see Hugh in a whole new light.
We
Hugh and Elara are anything but a happy couple. You can feel their attraction, but they will do anything to hide it and make each other miserable. They bicker and banter constantly, but it was pure entertainment. Things develop slowly, but they are definitely moving in a good direction.
I enjoyed getting to know the side characters. The Iron Dogs and Elara's people mixed well together and it was neat seeing them work together towards common goals. We also get a visit from some familiar faces and I can't wait to see more familiar faces come together in future books.
I'm excited to see Hugh and Elara grow as allies and partners and I'm excited to see what Kate and Hugh can do on the same side against Kate's dad.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
We
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already know the overall world, but we now get to see a different slice than we're used to. Hugh is a giant mess when we start IRON AND MAGIC. He has always been a bit of a dark character, but we see him at his lowest and watch him grow into a man he can start to be proud of. Elara is a bit of a mystery, but she has a strong following of people that look to her for protection. It takes a while to really find out about her, but there wasn't one point in the book that I didn't like her. Hugh and Elara are anything but a happy couple. You can feel their attraction, but they will do anything to hide it and make each other miserable. They bicker and banter constantly, but it was pure entertainment. Things develop slowly, but they are definitely moving in a good direction.
I enjoyed getting to know the side characters. The Iron Dogs and Elara's people mixed well together and it was neat seeing them work together towards common goals. We also get a visit from some familiar faces and I can't wait to see more familiar faces come together in future books.
I'm excited to see Hugh and Elara grow as allies and partners and I'm excited to see what Kate and Hugh can do on the same side against Kate's dad.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
Of course I love this book! How could I not? I have been really eager to get my hands on this book and love the fact that the whole concept started out as an April Fool's joke. Being the awesome people that the writing team of Ilona Andrews are, they decided to make this book happen when their fans
This book is set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series. I do think that readers could enjoy this book without reading this series but I think it would work best if read in order. If you were to read this book before reading Kate Daniels, there would be quite a spoilers for the series. Plus Kate Daniels is awesome and you don't want to miss those books.
Hugh is one of Roland's men in the Kate Daniels series and as I said earlier one of the bad guys. As I read this book, I started to understand Hugh and some of the things he has done made more sense. At the start of this book Hugh is pretty much at rock bottom. His men are doing well and he knows that he needs to do something to improve the situation. He makes a deal with a village to offer protection in exchange for food and shelter by marrying Elara who has her own set of abilities.
Hugh and Elara were so much fun together. They bickered constantly and I have to say I loved every moment of it. I don't know if I have ever had so much fun watching two people fight. Despite their disagreements they grow to have a mutual respect for each other. They also quickly prove to be very honorable and committed to making their agreement work.
This book had everything I was looking for. There were some pretty comical scenes with great banter. The characters were wonderful and I really getting to see a few favorites from the main series make an appearance. There were some exciting action scenes and a finale that blew me away. I can't wait to read more about this group of characters.
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showed a desire to read it. I did wonder how I would feel reading an entire book about Hugh. Hugh is one of the bad guys! I can tell you that I enjoyed every single moment reading this book.This book is set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series. I do think that readers could enjoy this book without reading this series but I think it would work best if read in order. If you were to read this book before reading Kate Daniels, there would be quite a spoilers for the series. Plus Kate Daniels is awesome and you don't want to miss those books.
Hugh is one of Roland's men in the Kate Daniels series and as I said earlier one of the bad guys. As I read this book, I started to understand Hugh and some of the things he has done made more sense. At the start of this book Hugh is pretty much at rock bottom. His men are doing well and he knows that he needs to do something to improve the situation. He makes a deal with a village to offer protection in exchange for food and shelter by marrying Elara who has her own set of abilities.
Hugh and Elara were so much fun together. They bickered constantly and I have to say I loved every moment of it. I don't know if I have ever had so much fun watching two people fight. Despite their disagreements they grow to have a mutual respect for each other. They also quickly prove to be very honorable and committed to making their agreement work.
This book had everything I was looking for. There were some pretty comical scenes with great banter. The characters were wonderful and I really getting to see a few favorites from the main series make an appearance. There were some exciting action scenes and a finale that blew me away. I can't wait to read more about this group of characters.
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
I was surprised how much I liked this book. In the Kate Daniels books, he is a villain but here is character is peeled back. You understand why he was a villain and you see that he is able to change and become something more. I'm looking forward to more books in this series to see what he becomes
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and also what Elara is and what she becomes. At this point, she is a mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member cselpl
I love Ilona Andrews ... stories are fantastic, funny and just entertaining. This is the start of a new series based on Kate Daniels world. Loved it!
LibraryThing member krau0098
This was a great start to the Iron Covenant series. This series features Hugh and Elara and takes place between books 9 and 10 of the Kate Daniels series. I enjoyed all the action and how that was balanced out with some romance. I always enjoy the Kate Daniels world as how it fluctuates between
This was Hugh and Elara's story and it was well done. I loved learning more about Hugh and his background. Him and Elara enter a marriage of convenience for the sake of both their people, as a result they end up battling the enemies of both Elara and Hugh throughout the book.
I enjoyed the humor throughout and the awesome magic too. I did get a bit sick of the constant childish bickering between Elara and Hugh, this was heavy handed at points. However, it ends up being a great story.
Overall I really loved this extension of the Kate Daniels world. There’s a ton of action here and some steamy romance. I always love this world and enjoy the humor throughout as well. While this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the Kate Daniels series first to understand the history and background of this world and the side characters. Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy.
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magic and tech.This was Hugh and Elara's story and it was well done. I loved learning more about Hugh and his background. Him and Elara enter a marriage of convenience for the sake of both their people, as a result they end up battling the enemies of both Elara and Hugh throughout the book.
I enjoyed the humor throughout and the awesome magic too. I did get a bit sick of the constant childish bickering between Elara and Hugh, this was heavy handed at points. However, it ends up being a great story.
Overall I really loved this extension of the Kate Daniels world. There’s a ton of action here and some steamy romance. I always love this world and enjoy the humor throughout as well. While this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the Kate Daniels series first to understand the history and background of this world and the side characters. Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy.
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LibraryThing member tldegray
At first I read this only because it's set in the same world as the Kate Daniels' books. But it was Hugh, see, and I hate Hugh. Everyone hates Hugh. He deserves to be hated. (I still kind of hate him.) But I like Elara, the woman who is too powerful and too frightening to be tolerated by any other
The marry your enemy for the greater good trope works for me, especially when it includes the sly pleasure of teasing the person you claim to dislike. Hugh changed in this book and it was believable, something I wasn't expecting.
This is a good addition to the world Kate inhabits. It broadened the world and made it fresh again.
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than the people she protects. Hugh and Elara make a deal to marry in order to combine resources to protect all of their people, his and hers. They don't like it, they don't like each other, but they'll do anything to keep the people who depend on them safe.The marry your enemy for the greater good trope works for me, especially when it includes the sly pleasure of teasing the person you claim to dislike. Hugh changed in this book and it was believable, something I wasn't expecting.
This is a good addition to the world Kate inhabits. It broadened the world and made it fresh again.
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LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
I was interested to see how a book from Hugh’s POV would go. Hugh has been a bad guy working as warlord to Kate Daniels’s dad. Now he has been tossed aside and stripped of everything he was given and worked for. Surprisingly the one thing he has is the loyalty of his men that are slowly being
The story is good and finding out more about Hugh humanizes him in this story. I really though he was a total bastard in the Kate Daniels books. But this is written that you don’t have to have read the books to figure out what is going on and the nice thing is you also don’t need to read this to read the final Kate Daniels book. They complement one another but there is not a secret key in either book that you have to have to unlock any secrets.
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done away with by Roland. When Hugh is found drunk in the gutter by some of his men they get him back on the path of being a leader to them even if it is no longer in Roland’s service. With no funds and little food they take on a job of protecting a group of magic users that one of Roland’s vampires wants moved off some land. Elara is in a tight spot, she has very scary magic but doesn’t use it that often because of what it costs. Her people have been on the move for a while, but they have a place now and are trying to make a home. Of course it doesn’t last and she needs guards to protect everyone. Hugh and Elara come to an understanding to help both of their goals. One way to make sure it works is they wed. This is a political union only to make sure that people realize Hugh will protect the castle. And almost as soon as they are there they are set to work. The story is good and finding out more about Hugh humanizes him in this story. I really though he was a total bastard in the Kate Daniels books. But this is written that you don’t have to have read the books to figure out what is going on and the nice thing is you also don’t need to read this to read the final Kate Daniels book. They complement one another but there is not a secret key in either book that you have to have to unlock any secrets.
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LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Iron and Magic, filled with some of my favorite things. Snark, sparks, witty comebacks, testy relationships, challenging characters, magic, fantastic beasties and romance.
Finally Hugh got his own book. Yes the dude who was treated so badly by his father figure and his semi sibling while being one
Hugh has been through so serious battles, hard core childhood, and lived a one dimensional focused unemotional life. War, war war, fight, fight ,fight, blood, blood, blood, it was his thing till he was booted out of the dread kids club. He took his most loyal warriors The black Dogs and they hit the road trying to.... well staying alive would be nice. You see more than one person wanted them dead or worse. On this path they stumble upon a castle filled with people who are in danger of __________ . This castle has a harpy and she loathes this man. Let the fun begin !
Elara, the harpy. she is something. Snarktastic ! Her lines are some of the funniest I think I might have gotten the Guinness record for highlighting. Strong, yes she is and she struggles not to to fall for the bad guy. I loved her while she felt unwanted feelings she never wavered who she was to fit a mold.
Bucky, he won my heart more than any character. He's a stud, a big hot blooded stud with such and attitude ! When he pranced after a nasty bit I burst out laughing.
I'm not going to tell you anymore, no spoilers. This is going to be another fantastic series from these wonderfully creative authors. Thank you NetGalley and NYLA Publishers for the chance to review it.
Finally Hugh got his own book. Yes the dude who was treated so badly by his father figure and his semi sibling while being one
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super nasty dark dastardly villain. You know in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews ? Yes that Hugh. Hugh is so cold he's hot. Yup ladies he's one of those boys you hate to love and can't stop yourself from drooling too. Please if you haven't read the Daniels series do before you start this, you need to know this man before.Hugh has been through so serious battles, hard core childhood, and lived a one dimensional focused unemotional life. War, war war, fight, fight ,fight, blood, blood, blood, it was his thing till he was booted out of the dread kids club. He took his most loyal warriors The black Dogs and they hit the road trying to.... well staying alive would be nice. You see more than one person wanted them dead or worse. On this path they stumble upon a castle filled with people who are in danger of __________ . This castle has a harpy and she loathes this man. Let the fun begin !
Elara, the harpy. she is something. Snarktastic ! Her lines are some of the funniest I think I might have gotten the Guinness record for highlighting. Strong, yes she is and she struggles not to to fall for the bad guy. I loved her while she felt unwanted feelings she never wavered who she was to fit a mold.
Bucky, he won my heart more than any character. He's a stud, a big hot blooded stud with such and attitude ! When he pranced after a nasty bit I burst out laughing.
I'm not going to tell you anymore, no spoilers. This is going to be another fantastic series from these wonderfully creative authors. Thank you NetGalley and NYLA Publishers for the chance to review it.
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LibraryThing member samnreader
Well…I am not sad I waited while you all read about my beloved Hugh. That was well worth it.
Bear with me. First, I rarely read this series that fast. Second, I rarely listen to audiobooks this fast. And third, I think this duo finally struck the exact right chord (hard to say - looking at my
In Kate Daniels, while we have an amazing heroine…and amazing cast. What confounded me in all those years was the fact these sat on any kind of romance shelf. Sure, there were pairings. Sure, the romance has strengthened in the past few books. And sure, there were some hot sex scenes and sexual tension from the get go, but the romance aspect was lacking. The KD series about the plot, and the world-building and here’s where I’m heretic: the romance sucked. *Slams hand down* There I said it. I’m not taking it back. Was part of it, perhaps, that I’m not a huge fan of were kind? (Derek notwithstanding…and Ian…and Jack obviously if he counts) and in KD, it was like a insanely interfering aspect of their lives. And I hope you’re all sitting down…I never thought Curran and Kate were as well-matched as they make us try to believe. Their relationship feels like an epic power struggle that’s only beginning to mature. They are constantly sacrificing their relationship for the sake of their independence. And if you only take one thing from this review, understand that that annoys me.
In Hidden Legacy, the writing duo took family dynamics and romance to the next level. I like this one better. I won’t belabor this point. I will just say I’m happy to put HL on a romance shelf.
But this— this is romance. This one, though it tells a solid story, focuses on the relationship. And holy crap, did I love it. I waited for it. I needed it. From the get-go, I harbored a huge crush on Hugh, and I’m not ashamed to say I always liked him better than Curran. It was the flamboyance, it was the fact he was such a worthy villain, it was the outsider status. He’s just hot. And without all that pack baggage. And in this book,I love the way they complemented each other. Rather than being equally tough & aggressive characters, Elara is not just another Kate. She’s fierce and with a backbone. She’s a gentler soul, loving, empathetic, protective, and an outsider herself. Hugh is my very favorite type of romance hero-a baddie who wants to belong. A killer with a soul. A man who needs to stand on his own. A monster made by circumstances. There was so much to like about his redemption, but it was not really just a redemption was it? It was more than that. We got to see how Hugh was molded and shaped into the man who tortured Kate and her friends (Okay, he wasn’t that hot in the knight protector scene. That was brutal.) by a man who was ruthless and who he saw as his family. He began to realize that loyalty and trust were paid back in kind. The relationship from hate to love, but with an undercurrent of respect was something I loved about Elara & Hugh. They followed through with their promises. And it was sweet and refreshing to not read about characters so hellbent on independence they border on acting the fool.
I did feel there were a couple of inconsistencies
remembering torturing people, but having mind-carve outs for control? Not sure I get this…i felt like the Roland control thing thrown in there at the end was just kind of…convenient?
As we know, Hugh’s also a hell of a smartass, and I love that underlying his bravado is an intensity so powerful that it makes Curran look like a kitty. (I know I don't need to compare, but I always did)
Honestly, there were scenes that were heartbreaking and wonderful. Funny and sweet…and then there was Steve West. Do I think that this would be a 5 star book without him? Probably not. His Hugh was magnificent. (There was a couple points in the middle with Elara and Savannah that I got confused, but that wasn’t quite enough to say much about). More than that, he was able to set the scene, as he does in all the fantasy I’ve listened to him perform, to perfection.
So what else would I give it? 5 stars. For the babies.
Bear with me. First, I rarely read this series that fast. Second, I rarely listen to audiobooks this fast. And third, I think this duo finally struck the exact right chord (hard to say - looking at my
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Hidden Legacy reviews) for me.In Kate Daniels, while we have an amazing heroine…and amazing cast. What confounded me in all those years was the fact these sat on any kind of romance shelf. Sure, there were pairings. Sure, the romance has strengthened in the past few books. And sure, there were some hot sex scenes and sexual tension from the get go, but the romance aspect was lacking. The KD series about the plot, and the world-building and here’s where I’m heretic: the romance sucked. *Slams hand down* There I said it. I’m not taking it back. Was part of it, perhaps, that I’m not a huge fan of were kind? (Derek notwithstanding…and Ian…and Jack obviously if he counts) and in KD, it was like a insanely interfering aspect of their lives. And I hope you’re all sitting down…I never thought Curran and Kate were as well-matched as they make us try to believe. Their relationship feels like an epic power struggle that’s only beginning to mature. They are constantly sacrificing their relationship for the sake of their independence. And if you only take one thing from this review, understand that that annoys me.
In Hidden Legacy, the writing duo took family dynamics and romance to the next level. I like this one better. I won’t belabor this point. I will just say I’m happy to put HL on a romance shelf.
But this— this is romance. This one, though it tells a solid story, focuses on the relationship. And holy crap, did I love it. I waited for it. I needed it. From the get-go, I harbored a huge crush on Hugh, and I’m not ashamed to say I always liked him better than Curran. It was the flamboyance, it was the fact he was such a worthy villain, it was the outsider status. He’s just hot. And without all that pack baggage. And in this book,I love the way they complemented each other. Rather than being equally tough & aggressive characters, Elara is not just another Kate. She’s fierce and with a backbone. She’s a gentler soul, loving, empathetic, protective, and an outsider herself. Hugh is my very favorite type of romance hero-a baddie who wants to belong. A killer with a soul. A man who needs to stand on his own. A monster made by circumstances. There was so much to like about his redemption, but it was not really just a redemption was it? It was more than that. We got to see how Hugh was molded and shaped into the man who tortured Kate and her friends (Okay, he wasn’t that hot in the knight protector scene. That was brutal.) by a man who was ruthless and who he saw as his family. He began to realize that loyalty and trust were paid back in kind. The relationship from hate to love, but with an undercurrent of respect was something I loved about Elara & Hugh. They followed through with their promises. And it was sweet and refreshing to not read about characters so hellbent on independence they border on acting the fool.
I did feel there were a couple of inconsistencies
As we know, Hugh’s also a hell of a smartass, and I love that underlying his bravado is an intensity so powerful that it makes Curran look like a kitty. (I know I don't need to compare, but I always did)
Honestly, there were scenes that were heartbreaking and wonderful. Funny and sweet…and then there was Steve West. Do I think that this would be a 5 star book without him? Probably not. His Hugh was magnificent. (There was a couple points in the middle with Elara and Savannah that I got confused, but that wasn’t quite enough to say much about). More than that, he was able to set the scene, as he does in all the fantasy I’ve listened to him perform, to perfection.
So what else would I give it? 5 stars. For the babies.
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LibraryThing member tetisheri
Oh, I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this book. I love everything that Ilona Andrews writes. I reread the Kate Daniels books at least 2x a year. So a new book in the Kate world following Hugh D'Ambry was something that I needed to have. I needed to have it like I needed my
Hugh is trying to figure out how to keep going after his whole life has changed. He's looking at his own mortality, trying to figure out what he should do, and what his future will look like. One thing that he knows he's going to have to do is figure out where to find a base for his surviving Iron Dogs so that they can be safe.
Elara is looking for an army to help protect her castle and her people from Landon Nez, Roland's Legatus of the undead. He wants her castle for some reason. She isn't leaving. She's planning on staying, but she doesn't have trained fighters to help her. So when she finds out that Hugh and his men are trying to find someplace to use as a base, she sees how it can be a mutually beneficial situation. So they seal their alliance the old-fashioned way. They get married.
There is so much wonderful that goes on in this book. I've always had a love/hate relationship with Hugh, and I was dying to see how Ilona Andrews would turn him into a character who is the hero of his story. They did it so well. So very well. He's not a perfect man. I mean, he's still Hugh, trained by Roland and Voron, and a man who loves war, but at his core, he's not necessarily a bad man. Elara is just a magnificent character. They are so suited to each other. They both need a strong person to stand up to them and support them. They would run over anyone else. Kate would never have worked for Hugh, they would've tried to kill each other. They did try to kill each other. But Elara, she's going to make him a better person.
Such an awesome story. I need to have so much more of it. I hope there is so much more to come.
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next breath. So, here it is. Hugh is trying to figure out how to keep going after his whole life has changed. He's looking at his own mortality, trying to figure out what he should do, and what his future will look like. One thing that he knows he's going to have to do is figure out where to find a base for his surviving Iron Dogs so that they can be safe.
Elara is looking for an army to help protect her castle and her people from Landon Nez, Roland's Legatus of the undead. He wants her castle for some reason. She isn't leaving. She's planning on staying, but she doesn't have trained fighters to help her. So when she finds out that Hugh and his men are trying to find someplace to use as a base, she sees how it can be a mutually beneficial situation. So they seal their alliance the old-fashioned way. They get married.
There is so much wonderful that goes on in this book. I've always had a love/hate relationship with Hugh, and I was dying to see how Ilona Andrews would turn him into a character who is the hero of his story. They did it so well. So very well. He's not a perfect man. I mean, he's still Hugh, trained by Roland and Voron, and a man who loves war, but at his core, he's not necessarily a bad man. Elara is just a magnificent character. They are so suited to each other. They both need a strong person to stand up to them and support them. They would run over anyone else. Kate would never have worked for Hugh, they would've tried to kill each other. They did try to kill each other. But Elara, she's going to make him a better person.
Such an awesome story. I need to have so much more of it. I hope there is so much more to come.
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LibraryThing member Bodagirl
Loved it! Hugh was always such an inigma in the main series that I'm glad he's being complicated and fleshed out as a character. I love that the authors bring in so many strains of lore; I can't wait to find out what Elara is.
LibraryThing member DDJTJ1
IRON AND MAGIC IS THE FIRST IN THE IRON COVENANT SERIES BY ILONA ANDREWS. I loved every minute of it! I realize this series is filed under the Fantasy genre but I myself would have filed it under Humor/Fantasy. Listening to Hugh and Elara mix it up as "man and wife" was just great. "harpi" says
Hugh d'Ambray and his Iron dogs need food/shelter and a new reputation. The Iron Dogs and Hugh have been portrayed as traitors/murderers and many other nasty names.
Elara Harper has food/shelter and is running a community and making a hefty profit but she needs protection. When Hugh comes up with the idea of a "marriage" Elara makes sure she sets the rules. And the makes sure she can break the rules at any time. Hugh thinks Elara is a pushover,we know the story, guy thinks girl is weak and stupid but Hugh has got that totally 100% wrong!
What a great listen. The audio is over 10 hours long but it sure doesnt seem that long.
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Hugh. "bastard" says Elara ,yet when the bad guys attack the two of them along with the Iron Dogs and Elara's people fight side by side,slash by slash and magic by magic. I cant wait to find more of the d'Ambray/Harper series.Hugh d'Ambray and his Iron dogs need food/shelter and a new reputation. The Iron Dogs and Hugh have been portrayed as traitors/murderers and many other nasty names.
Elara Harper has food/shelter and is running a community and making a hefty profit but she needs protection. When Hugh comes up with the idea of a "marriage" Elara makes sure she sets the rules. And the makes sure she can break the rules at any time. Hugh thinks Elara is a pushover,we know the story, guy thinks girl is weak and stupid but Hugh has got that totally 100% wrong!
What a great listen. The audio is over 10 hours long but it sure doesnt seem that long.
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LibraryThing member murderbydeath
The best news: even though the timeline of all the books in this trilogy takes place before the final Kate Daniels, Magic Triumphs, out this month, the author has a note in the book that the actual recommended reading order for the books is:
Iron and Magic
Magic Triumphs
Iron Covenant #2
Iron Covenant
This is a huge relief, because no way could I put off reading the last Kate Daniels for however many years it takes for the final 2 books in this series are published.
Now, onto this book. It was good. Gripping, hard to put down. But not as good as the Kate Daniels series overall. I like Elara and I can see the redemptive possibilities in Hugh - I especially liked the authors' insight into the psychological make up of his relationship with Roland - but the two of them together... eh. I don't get the dynamic between them and their sex scene made absolutely no sense to me. I think I know what the authors were aiming for, but the whole thing felt schizophrenic. Like the scene was a double exposure; two different scenes over-lapped. The secondary characters don't feel distinctly individual either, although in all fairness it is only the first book. I have no doubt that will change for the better.
But as I said, it's still a great story; I love, love, love Elara's power potential. I like the twists in Hugh's power. I love Hugh's horse. The book is battle heavy, and sometimes a little graphic, but compelling readable. It's not a Kate and Curran book, but it's a great read nonetheless.
I can't wait for Magic Triumphs.
Iron and Magic
Magic Triumphs
Iron Covenant #2
Iron Covenant
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#3This is a huge relief, because no way could I put off reading the last Kate Daniels for however many years it takes for the final 2 books in this series are published.
Now, onto this book. It was good. Gripping, hard to put down. But not as good as the Kate Daniels series overall. I like Elara and I can see the redemptive possibilities in Hugh - I especially liked the authors' insight into the psychological make up of his relationship with Roland - but the two of them together... eh. I don't get the dynamic between them and their sex scene made absolutely no sense to me. I think I know what the authors were aiming for, but the whole thing felt schizophrenic. Like the scene was a double exposure; two different scenes over-lapped. The secondary characters don't feel distinctly individual either, although in all fairness it is only the first book. I have no doubt that will change for the better.
But as I said, it's still a great story; I love, love, love Elara's power potential. I like the twists in Hugh's power. I love Hugh's horse. The book is battle heavy, and sometimes a little graphic, but compelling readable. It's not a Kate and Curran book, but it's a great read nonetheless.
I can't wait for Magic Triumphs.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Well, this one was hard to get into -- see, IA put so much effort into making Hugh a horrible person in previous books that it's really, really, really hard to like him now. It's incredibly hard to even care enough to start the book. However, because I think that's effective storytelling, I stuck
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with it. It turned out to be an excellent story, and now I'm excited to see where the Kentucky stronghold storyline goes. Also, monster women are amazing. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Iron and Magic
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in The Iron Covenant spin-off from Kate Daniels and should be read prior to Magic Triumphs
Given his actions in the past few Kate Daniels books, it was unclear whether Ilona Andrews would be able to redeem Hugh D'Ambray's character and turn him from
Elara Harper, the White Warlock or White Lady or Hugh's Harpy, depending on your perspective is a very intriguing heroine. While the exact nature of her esoteric powers has yet to be fully disclosed, they are definitely fascinatingsomewhat reminiscent of the Soul Eater or Devourer, Amit, from Egyptian mythology , and I am eager to learn more about her, the Departed and the Remaining.
Readers of medieval historical romance will recognize the relationship between Hugh and Elara from Kathleen Woodwiss's classic The Wolf and the Dove, Amanda Quick's Mystique or Karin Tabke's Master of Surrender. Hugh and Elara's love-hate relationship contains many of the tried and true tropes from the genre including a damaged yet resilient and powerful warrior, a beloved lady with mysterious skills, an arranged marriage, and an enemy who threatens their new alliance. Time will tell if their biting banter and intense chemistry develops into something stronger, but the potential is there.
Overall, a promising beginning to the spin-off and I look forward to seeing the roles Hugh and Elara will play not only in the final Kate Daniels book, but in the rest of their own series as well.
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in The Iron Covenant spin-off from Kate Daniels and should be read prior to Magic Triumphs
Given his actions in the past few Kate Daniels books, it was unclear whether Ilona Andrews would be able to redeem Hugh D'Ambray's character and turn him from
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one of the series' most malicious antagonists into a hero, but I should not have doubted them as they manage to do just that by creating a compelling backstory that provides tremendous insight into his role as Roland's warlord and Preceptor of the Iron Dogs. Elara Harper, the White Warlock or White Lady or Hugh's Harpy, depending on your perspective is a very intriguing heroine. While the exact nature of her esoteric powers has yet to be fully disclosed, they are definitely fascinating
Readers of medieval historical romance will recognize the relationship between Hugh and Elara from Kathleen Woodwiss's classic The Wolf and the Dove, Amanda Quick's Mystique or Karin Tabke's Master of Surrender. Hugh and Elara's love-hate relationship contains many of the tried and true tropes from the genre including a damaged yet resilient and powerful warrior, a beloved lady with mysterious skills, an arranged marriage, and an enemy who threatens their new alliance. Time will tell if their biting banter and intense chemistry develops into something stronger, but the potential is there.
Overall, a promising beginning to the spin-off and I look forward to seeing the roles Hugh and Elara will play not only in the final Kate Daniels book, but in the rest of their own series as well.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Hugh, exiled by Roland, enters into a marriage of convenience to find a home for his Iron Dogs. Elara, the witch, enters into a marriage of convenience to get a fighting force big enough to protect her castle and her people, still endangered by unnamed enemies. They fight each other and fall in
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lust, of course, and leaving Kate Daniels lets the writers have more fun, I think. I’ll read the next volumes if they come. Show Less
LibraryThing member Nemerith
I can't believe this is already book nr 11! I have been reading this series on and off for a few years now (I started in 2017), and Hugh, for me, was always the villain you hate to like, but well, I've always been weird like that :D
If you haven't read any of the Kate Daniels series, stop reading
Worldbuilding:
We're taking a small break from Atlanta and Roland's games and off to Kentucky. To Baile, to be precise (you pronounce it as "Balyeh", and it means "Home"). Which is pretty damn fitting since we're here for most of the book.
As always, scenes and environments are so well written *sigh*. Total immersion isn't really a question, to be honest, it's just obvious.
Character development:
Hugh... yep, I'm starting with the guy this time cause we've known (and loved and hated) him for a long time now. But he's not in a good place at the moment. Drunk 24/7 and trying not to remember what he has lost. That is until some Iron Dogs come for him and wake him up to the reality that his long-time enemy Landon Nez is killing off his Iron Dogs one by one. But where to go with 300 men and women who have nothing? Well, glad you asked *points at Elara*. May I present to you Elara, our White Lady (but she hates being called that). She's mysterious, powerful, and really doesn't want to reveal anything that might actually help Hugh it seems. But she has a castle with food and plenty of space. All she wants in return is protection. And what way to cement such an alliance but with marriage... oh boy. Expect fireworks and lots of it!
Hugh and Elara are two very, very different people, but they have one important thing in common. They want to protect and take care of their people. This book is about finding the middle ground and moving from there.
Characters, both main and side characters, are very well written. You get to know them, care for them and, omg... the feels. Like seriously, you'll get emotionally invested. Just saying.
Pacing and flow:
A lot happens, and looking back, I can't believe the book is only 392 pages. It felt like way over 500, but in a good way, I promise! Good balance between the action and all the conversation (and fighting and yelling :D). I've taken the time to read this book, but it was always on my mind.
The book:
The book was very well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is some sex described (if that is important to you).
As I've said, it has 392 pages, spread over 17 chapters and is told from both Hugh's and Elara's point of view.
Final thoughts:
What's not to love about this book?! We get to see a different side of Hugh, and I have to admit, I like him even more now :D Superb writing, absolutely engaging. I mean, just pick it up and read it!
If you haven't read any of the Kate Daniels series, stop reading
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this review, and read those first. While I guess it's not mandatory, you will miss out on so much if you don't.Worldbuilding:
We're taking a small break from Atlanta and Roland's games and off to Kentucky. To Baile, to be precise (you pronounce it as "Balyeh", and it means "Home"). Which is pretty damn fitting since we're here for most of the book.
As always, scenes and environments are so well written *sigh*. Total immersion isn't really a question, to be honest, it's just obvious.
Character development:
Hugh... yep, I'm starting with the guy this time cause we've known (and loved and hated) him for a long time now. But he's not in a good place at the moment. Drunk 24/7 and trying not to remember what he has lost. That is until some Iron Dogs come for him and wake him up to the reality that his long-time enemy Landon Nez is killing off his Iron Dogs one by one. But where to go with 300 men and women who have nothing? Well, glad you asked *points at Elara*. May I present to you Elara, our White Lady (but she hates being called that). She's mysterious, powerful, and really doesn't want to reveal anything that might actually help Hugh it seems. But she has a castle with food and plenty of space. All she wants in return is protection. And what way to cement such an alliance but with marriage... oh boy. Expect fireworks and lots of it!
Hugh and Elara are two very, very different people, but they have one important thing in common. They want to protect and take care of their people. This book is about finding the middle ground and moving from there.
Characters, both main and side characters, are very well written. You get to know them, care for them and, omg... the feels. Like seriously, you'll get emotionally invested. Just saying.
Pacing and flow:
A lot happens, and looking back, I can't believe the book is only 392 pages. It felt like way over 500, but in a good way, I promise! Good balance between the action and all the conversation (and fighting and yelling :D). I've taken the time to read this book, but it was always on my mind.
The book:
The book was very well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is some sex described (if that is important to you).
As I've said, it has 392 pages, spread over 17 chapters and is told from both Hugh's and Elara's point of view.
Final thoughts:
What's not to love about this book?! We get to see a different side of Hugh, and I have to admit, I like him even more now :D Superb writing, absolutely engaging. I mean, just pick it up and read it!
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LibraryThing member jazzbird61
Ilona Andrews is on my auto-buy list, but my enthusiasm for this story was a bit weak. More fool me. These two could make a great story out of my grocery list. I won't doubt them again and really looking forward to more of the story. I'm also dying to hear the audiobook when released. Renee does a
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great job on the other series and I have high hopes for this one as well. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018-06-26
Physical description
392 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
1721618805 / 9781721618804
Local notes
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. 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?