(The Iron Covenant Book 1) (Volume 1) - Iron and Magic

Being a fan of the Kate Daniels world, I have been looking forward to Hugh's book. It's better than I could have ever imagined. Hugh was an interesting character who develops into a wonderful multi-faceted individual. The book adds depth to past events and is a great beginning to a new tangent.

This book truly demonstrates the authors' talents. I truly hated Hugh and now I kind of like him (mostly.) I enjoyed the visitors from the Atlanta Pack and look forward to the other books in the series. More please!

Wonderful addition to the kate Daniel's cannon. I was surprised how much I began to sympathize and understand Hugh. Andrews did not shy away or make the character different in any way...just provided the context needed to see him in a new, better light

I love the world building that Ilona Andrews books create. It's a rich detail that you can easily picture. Their characters are 3 dimensional and you can relate to more than just the main one. I'm a sucker for romance and fantasy and you get both. Great job on a new series in a world I feel I know!

Masterful work by the authors. It is really difficult to convincingly turn around an evil character. Though I didn't like the brainwash angle it wasn't pushed insistently and Hugh wasn't absolved off all wrong-doings. I like how he doesn't actually change in his outlook. Can't wait for the next book.

I loathed Hugh through all of the KD books and when the authors announced a Hugh book I never expected to like it much less feel anything positive for Hugh. Of course now I'm rooting for him and Elera and cant wait to see what new magical monsters the authors can dig up for all corners of mythology. Congrats, another amazing book.

I really enjoyed this book as well as discovering more about Hugh than was learned in the World of Kate. Truly engrossing. This story arc can be read alone. I have already read it several times and learn something new each read.

enjoyable, enough action to keep interest but main characters are well drawn and believable. Elara's backstory is hinted at but not elaborated which really hooked me and I hope that gets explained soon.

When the Andrew's announced this book, I thought there was no way to make Hugh a likeable character. They did it and gave him his perfect match at the same time. This book rocked my socks off. I can't wait to read the next installment in Hugh and Elara's story!

I love the Kate Daniels series, so didn't much think I'd enjoy the story about the villain. Now former villain. But the same fast paced action interspersed with clever humor meant I could not put the book down. Excellent story that blends seamlessly into the Kate Daniels world.

All the books by Ilona Andrews are worth reading, including this one. Iron and Magic does not meet the admittedly-high standard they set.

I assume, in this review, that the reader is familiar with the Kate Daniels series. If you aren't, this isn't a good introduction to that universe; you would do far better to read the first book in the Kate Daniels series.

If you are familiar with that series, you'll remember Hugh D'Ambrey as a super-powered thug and bully. This book rehabilitates him, but the rehabilitation is not well-motivated: Basically, he wakes from a drunken stupor and starts behaving admirably. Most of the other characters in the book are new, and not very interesting - so this book basically amounts to "people outside the familiar cast having adventures in the KD universe". The interaction between the main characters - sexual tension, growing mutual respect, and a lot of hissing - is amusing, but it shouldn't have to carry the book.

If you've enjoyed the Kate Daniels books so far, and you plan to keep reading them, you'll probably want to read this book.

I am a fan of the Kate Daniels series. This isn't quite as good. It is a little hard to see the villain in the Kate Daniels series now as the protagonist. Neither of the protagonists engender much sympathy if you have read the other series, although it is still a good story.

When an author can take the bad guy you have learned to hate, and tell the story from his point of view convincing you to cheer for him, you have found an author who is truly talented. Ilona Andrews is such an author.

Ilona Andrews is the most amazing writing team I have ever had the pleasure of reading. There isn't a series they have written that I haven't got lost in. The world of Kate Daniels is one of adventure, mystery, action and magical drama. I love it! I'm so hungry for more! Keep them coming guys!

I’ve never been disappointed by Ilona Andrews, and this is just proof that everything they write is gold. What started out as an April Fools joked turned into a novel (and eventually a trilogy) and I’ve never been more excited. They did it. They were able to redeem Hugh, at least slightly, in my eyes. I can’t wait for more.

Did I expect to like Hugh this much? No I did not. It shows how great of a storyteller Ilona Andrews is to be able to take a loathsome character and give him so much substance. Bring on the second book.

Well, this book was more than I hoped it would be. It explained so much. I can’t wait to learn more about the characters and see them develop. The look in Roland’s face was priceless (what I imagined anyway).

Mind boggling, amazing, mind-blown, I am just in awe of these authors❤️ to be able to change a readers heart of hating Hugh to in some way respect and even love Hugh....Elara is perfect for Hugh❤️

Excellent book! Hugh was such a hated character in the Kate books... I found the character development necessary to mostly redeem his character into someone likable to be a fascinating ride. Read it. Well, read the Kate books first!

If you ever found yourself rooting for Hugh, even just a little bit, you will enjoy this story immensely. Some of our favorite boudas make an appearance and old atrocities are addressed. Elara is a worthy match for Hugh. Can’t wait to read the rest of their story!

Wow! Words escape me to describe this masterpiece. A villain redeemed, a beautiful, magical woman; love, blood and violence with ties to Ilona Andrews' best known and beloved series. What's not to love?

Ilona and Gordon are my favorite authors, but I wasn’t sure even they could get me to root for Hugh D’Ambray. They succeeded. I can’t wait to read this book again (I just know I missed some details in my haste) and I SO can’t wait for Magic Triumphs and the rest of The Iron Covenant trilogy!!

This was a great read!! I loved it. I really like Elara.....she is great with Hugh. The banter is epic. All I have to say is that when Kate and Hugh meet again...it is going to be awesome. I think we are in for a great ride. Can't wait!

Excellent book with great world building and characterization. The snark around Hugh and Elara is very entertaining as they dance around a relationship that neither one of them expected. I am looking forward to the next one

Theres two sides to every story and this book delivers ! It takes true talent and writing ability to take a "joke" and make it into an awesome addition to an already phenomenal series. A must read for Kate Daniel's fans.

Looking for action, magic, amazing world building, romantic tension with snarky humor...then this is the read for you. Loved Hugh’s story. All of the Kate Daniels series is amazing and this book just added another layer of awesomeness to the big picture. Don’t miss out, well worth it!

This book exceeded all of my expectations. I wasn't sure how I felt about them taking someone who was not good at all in the book and making them the protagonist, but I cannot wait for the next Hugh book. It is amazing.

Ilona Andrews never disappoints! There is a reason this author duo’s books are on my auto buy list. They did a fantastic job turning Hugh from villain to anti-hero. I can’t wait to read more of the story.

SO GOOD
I savered every delious bit! It truly was like enjoying a wonderful meal. Looking forward to the audio version and of course the next in the series. Thank you for all the pleasure you’ve brought me over the years.

I never thought that I would find any redeemable qualities in Hugh. Egotistical, savage, brutal, and brilliant... it’s strange how these characteristics have become honorable now. This promises to be one of the best journeys yet!

I didn't think I could like Hugh, but this book has made it so. Seeing familiar scenes from Hugh's perspective is super interesting, and Elara is fascinating. I can't wait for Book 2! Another amazing book by Ilona Andrews!

This was another fantastic story written by Ilona Andrews. I always thought Hugh d'Ambray had significant potential as another character in the Kate Daniels universe. "Iron and Magic" did not disappoint.

Excellent writing, as always. However, plot seemed unnecessarily complex. Partly due to the need to fill in known background from Kate Daniels story. Did love the elephant. Can't wait to see what's killing the herbs.

I loved this book! For those of you who have read everything by these authors and who might be concerned about putting Hugh in the role of hero, rest assured-- it makes perfect sense in the context of this book. Just awesome!

I love these authors but this book was drek. I forced myself to read it as I know it will feed into the last kate Daniels storyline. I do not find mass murderers who commit crimes against humanity and who excuse their crimes by saying "Daddy made me do it" at all appealing, nor are the war dogs who helped him kill millions of men, women and children cuddly and likeable. The female lead has no depth and some unidentified monster living in her that she has to fight to keep in a box. No this is not an enjoyable book and to all of the fans who think it is well you are of a type that I shall not name but Hitler's followers come to mind. A single book to fit a story line is ok but they are writing a trilogy of this drek. I of course will not be reading even if it is free. I like lead characters who have some morality and likeablity.

Have read this twice since it’s release. Nothing like a reformed bad boy meeting his match. Ilona Andrews is one of my must read and must buy authors. Looking forward to the continuing story in the next book.

Never thought I would appreciate Hugh, but I do now. This book is nearly perfect. Great characters, terrific action and snark and sarcasm galore. I don't usually buy books beyond my KU subscription but this one was worth every cent. Bring on book 2!

K. Daniels has been my favorite literary character for a long time, but I've also had a soft spot for Hugh & couldn't wait to learn more...not only did this book exceed my expectations, it also provided new characters to fall head over heels for...

The Kate Daniels series is my second favorite series of all time. This is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic spin off. I really enjoy the look inside the mind of one of the biggest villains of the original series.

The world now has periods of magic, when technical things just don't work, and periods without magic, when technical things function. There are vampires whose bodies are controlled from afar by navigators; shapeshifters and people born with and without magical abilities.

In this book we meet Hugh, a hungry street orphan with healing magic, who is picked up by a powerful wizard and gets given more magic and becomes the wizard's warlord. Fast forward to when Hugh is suffering a painful abstinence after the wizard threw him away and removed all the magic he had been given.
Hugh turns to drink but four officers under his command get him to sober up, since a shaman, Landon Nez, who controls vampires for the wizard, is using them to kill off all who were loyal to Hugh. The soldiers need to start from scratch finding a base and provisions and are slowly starving.

Some of us reviewers have previously read about battles involving the adult Hugh, battles seen from the view point of Kate Daniels, (KD) who happens to be the angry daughter of the wizard and a witch he murdered. She and Hugh had been separately fostered by a previous warlord, and been taught to fight really well with swords. One can enjoy this book without having read the KD, books, but knowing some of her views on Hugh and then seeing why he did certain things, is interesting. You can also start reading the KD  books after this one, as they are about times before this book, and Hugh is not all that central in those stories.

In this book, we meet Elara who is a mysterious witch. We don't quite know what she can do, but suspect that her powers are immense, and
frightening. She and her followers are tired of being driven out of their homes by people who fear or hate them. Now it is Landon Nez who is after their property for some reason and she does not want to move yet again.

Hugh and Elara do not like each other but agree to a marriage of convenience, she and her followers providing food and board for his army and Hugh and his soldiers giving her peaceful farming villagers protection.

Other magical creatures turn up, monsters, who kill unprotected people during magical waves. Elara offers various outside, neighbouring villagers magical ward protection, but they refuse help from an evil witch and many get killed, before Hugo and his army are allowed to help one village.

Elara and Hugh also strive to find the funds and equipment to fortify their property, afraid that Landon Nez and hordes of vampires will turn up to try and get her off the property and kill Hugh and his men.

Elara and her followers grow herbs, and hope that the marriage will make customers stop fearing Elara and come and buy their herbal potions. Elara and Hugh thus snipe at each in private but play being a loving couple in front of possible customers.

Landon Nez then offers to let Elara keep the property if she drops Hugh, giving her two weeks to think about it.

The book does not end on a cliffhanger, but something is starting to kill the herbs, and we know that more fighting will probably occur in later books.

Loved it! If you haven't read the Kate Daniels series I would highly suggest you do. This is a stand alone but I think it would be easier to understand the world and back story of Hugh if you read the series.

As a devoted fan of Ilona Andrews, I was looking forward to this book. I enjoyed that they were able to write a book in the Kate Daniels world but maintain a different voice and feel. Definitely excited for Kate 10!

They did it. I wasn't sure they could, but they did. They made me forgive Hugh for all his past bad-buy deeds and completely buy into his redemption. It wasn't even hard, they did it that well. I'm actually looking forward to (and this is speculation, not spoiler) Hugh pairing up with Kate to kick Roland's ass.

Overall, the book was great. Solid plot, great characters, successfully tied into the previous Kate Daniels books while still standing on its own, and definitely looks to be heading for a strong sequel where we will most likely get Elara & Co.'s complete backstory.

If I had to find something to nit-pick, it's the way Hugh and Elara overly "hated" each other. The complete an utter lack of maturity needed to be that antagonistic seemed to be misplaced with the two otherwise rational people. But it was also so much fun to read, I didn't care enough to take any stars off the review. I'm guessing they'll mature before the end of the next book.