Book 1, Iron and Magic: Iron Covenant

The basic story line has been covered repeatedly in the previous reviews, so I want to pose a few hypothetical questions to those reviewers, but that would create spoilers. Ugh! I’ll try to be careful, but be forewarned.

I did not expect to come out of this story actually empathizing with Hugh, of all people! The most interesting aspect, in my opinion, was his use of the blood sword. Readers of the KD series know what it takes to make one. Hmmmmmm.

The were hyenas visit. Wow. Very interesting by play there. Think about it and who they are in the greater KD universe.

Hugh has a heart. Who knew? Certainly not him! This is going to be interesting. Looking forward to his next meeting with Kate and Curran.

Elara is more than a match for Hugh. I loved it every time she one upped him. I was cheering her on and she more than held her own.

Ok. That’s it till the next book. This is a MUST read in my opinion. I enjoyed it from the first page to the last and it left me wanting more, as always.

These guys have definitely found a good spin off storyline. This book highlights the specialness of the authors. Who else would take a dastardly villain, make an April's Fools joke for fans reading their blog, and then give in to fans' pleas to really make it happen? They were presented with a dilemma- how can you make an identifiable protagonist out of a insufferable antihero? They're doing all those things and more here. One thing they do really well is create a cast off supporting characters who are fun and interesting. This is the first of a set of three, and it was worth reading and will get rereading. I find it worth it to read everything they write, as they are witty and creative. My favorites are still there Edge series, and I have the feeling that this series will get better with each book.

High is a horrible bastard who deserves to die. How did the author lords make me like him? The world is topsy turvy now I have to root for him in his new life. I LOVED this book. I cannot wait until Magic Triumphs to find out what's happening with the elder and mrogs. It amazes me how an April fools joke morphed into such a great book. Once again Ilona kicked butt and took no prisoners. Well done and thank you. Can't wAit for the audio book.

I remember watching Wayne’s World the movie many years ago and watching Wayne and Garth bow down and yell “I’m not worthy”, kinda the way I feel after finishing “Iron and Magic”. You know Hugh as the horrible right hand of Roland and could never be redeemed right? If they did it would be some cheesy epiphany where he realized what a horrible person he was and decided to do better ……. Nope, this is Hugh and he becomes the ultimate anti-hero in this book and while mellowing a bit by the end he is still Hugh but not controlled by Roland anymore.

I kept expecting Kate Daniels to make an appearance and maybe save the day and he would swear his undying loyalty …………. Not even close. The relationship between him and The White Lady has to be the ultimate love/hate relationship with a lot of emphasis on the hate part.

What really keeps Hugh from being a monster aside from the removal of Roland’s evil influence which we get a LOT more information about that relationship than we ever knew from the Kate Daniels books. He is loyal above almost everything else, those Iron Dogs of his are what keeps him from just killing himself and we see a lot of things about that relationship we never suspected. He was not exactly a puppet to Roland but, in many ways, not far from it. Part of what makes this an amazing story is getting to know Hugh who was not exactly who we thought. Making Hugh into a human being we did not hate without making him into a caricature of the character we have hated for so many years was an example of extraordinary writing ability.

I can’t tell too much about The White Lady since she has a lot of secrets and it is exciting to find out about them as they are revealed. She is a match for Hugh in temperament and power.

There are several plots involved here as with most Ilona Andrews books and I won’t try to go into them since I feel a lot of it would border on spoilers so be careful about other reviews wanting to share too much, this is a book that is much better if you get surprised by the situations and solutions.

I can say that although I have seen nothing that says it will happen, I just can’t see any way to get the epic ending I want without Hugh and Kate teaming up in some way but since this is going to be a trilogy and Kate only has one book left I might be way off not to mention the fact that this is basically an indie type release where I am pretty sure that Kate Daniels belongs to Penguin/Ace publishers.

Bottom Line: Only 5 Stars because that is all I can post, the fact that I was totally satisfied with the ending even though this is book 1 is an amazing feat within itself, the story was addicting, innovative, imaginative (where the XXX do they get these ideas??), and I can’t wait to read the next one and a testament to a great ending is the fact that I am not screaming at the moon to get it. I am not worthy indeed …

Ilona Andrews is, as always, impossible to put down. I had a hard time imagining Hugh D’Ambray being likeable given his history in the Kate Daniels series, but Andrews managed it in a way that felt believable and not hokey. Read this in less than 48 hours despit work and kids! They did a good job of making this accessible even to people who haven’t read the Kate Daniels series. (But if you’re considering reading this, you might as well go read Kate’s series first—all but Magic Triumphs, which should be read after this book—because it’s out-of-this-world good, and it’s fun hearing characters mentioned here that you know from the other books.) I’m convinced at this point that Ilona Andrews can’t write anything that is less than spectacular.

I have loved every book written by Ilona Andrews but this story exceeds all the others. The lead characters are both deep and complex and extremely well written. Each is written with a unique and fascinating voice and the organic way we learn about them is outstanding.

The secondary characters are numerous and so far only lightly drawn in, but I expect we will be learning much more about them as the series grows and expands. There was just too much initial world building to be done in this first story to allow for much peripheral detail. I am looking forward to a possible future alliance between Atlanta and Baile against Roland in the next books.

Thanks so much to the authors for their marvelous gift of a great saga. It is much appreciated.

Hugh d’Ambray was dismissed by Roland and left on his own. Hugh had been Roland’s devoted Preceptor of the Iron Dogs and more importantly felt like his son. Left alone, Hugh drowns himself in drink and the Iron Dogs are picked off by an enemy. Finally, Hugh rounds his men up and they join with a group living in Kentucky. In exchange for protecting the group, the Iron Dogs will be housed and fed. Hugh agrees to marry the leader of the group to forge the union. The relationship between Hugh and Elara is hilarious. They are equally matched in surliness and in power. Iron and Magic helps you see why Hugh is Hugh. I have never met an Ilona Andrews book that I did not love and this is no exception.

Everyone's been wondering how Ilona Andrews could possibly turn Hugh D'Ambray around. We all loved to hate him for so long. How can they turn him into a hero? Well they do. And it works. Halfway through, I had an "aha!" moment, when I realized how they would make it work. So even if you're iffy about the whole Hugh-as-a-hero thing, check it out.
Elara and Hugh are terrific together. They take a traditional romance trope (the arranged marriage) and turn it on its head. Much wackiness and adventure ensues. The Andrews team also manages to subtly and deftly make some valuable social commentary in this story, something that always sets there books ahead of the crowd.
A recommended read for all Ilona Andrews fans.

In a world where magic and technology come and go in waves, Hugh was tossed out of Roland's sphere of influence and now must find his way without support from Roland and fend off those who would see him burn for his past deeds. Elara is a woman who needs to protect her people. To protect them, she agrees to marry Hugh and provide him with a base in exchange for protecting her people.

After a slower than usual beginning for an Ilona Andrews book, the pace picked up rather rapidly and I found myself staying up late to finish the book. I loved the interplay between Hugh and Elara. Hugh is trying to find himself without Roland to shield him from his actions and has a difficult time with coming to terms with his past. I have not figured out what Elara is and truthfully it's driving me crazy. I hope we learn more about her and her past in the next installment of this series. I used to really dislike Hugh but now find myself a little more empathetic towards him although I still don't trust him. If you read closely, there are hints in this book pointing towards the last Kate Daniels installment which make you wonder how the events will turn out. Will be waiting anxiously for the next Hugh and Elara book!

I devoured this book today. I cheered loudly. I railed against humanity. I yelled like I was watching Alabama beat the crap outta Auburn. Plot was exciting, characters were interesting, worldbuilding was (as per usual) detailed. Gah, I read it so fast I need to reread it soon. Maybe later tonight. :-) Buy the book. Can't wait to see who performs the audio. You better believe I will be snatching that up as well.

I love everything Ilona Andrews writes and with Iron and Magic Ilona and Gordin have reached the top of their game; but then I say that every time they come out with a new book.
We finally get to see that Hugh is so much more than the ruthless, despicable, monster we all thought he was and Alara, well Alara is truly amazing! This beautiful, mysterious woman is so much more than we could have ever imagined! She defies description!
This story is non-stop action, romance, and Magic! I Loved it and can't wait for turned Iron Covenant book to come out! Thank you so much Ilona and Gordon for allowing me into your wonderful worlds!

Perhaps I should preface my review by saying that I will read anything written by the authors. Having said that this book was a surprise. We knew Hugh as the evil but attractive protagonist in the Kate Daniels series. I was a bit sceptical of whether I would warm to him as the hero. But I was totally wrong. The plot develops the characters from being untrustworthy to showing that everyone responds to their situation. In the story we see a great new pairing set alongside Kate but obviously to interact with those characters in a later novel. By the end of the book I was totally engaged with all the main characters and left waiting for more.

This author couple never disappoints, I preorder everything and count the days until there's a new book in post-shift Atlanta. If you haven't read the Kate Daniels books yet, they aren't required to enjoy this, but you will enjoy this book so much more if you've read the history and know the back story, and all the other books are excellent, so go do that, first, then come back and buy this. Great characters, in a world you can imagine perfectly in your head. Action, romance, this one is a bit sexier than some of the others, but it's done well, and I can't wait for the next installment!

Ilona Andrews nailed it. This book was excellent. Hugh's beginning journey from anti-hero onward is nuanced, complex, and very well portrayed! Elara is great, such a perfect antagonist for him ... and partner! There are mysteries yet to be solved at the end, but the finish of book one in the series is terrific....surprise and fun appearances in this and hints at what's to come in next book(s). I look forward to all the re-reads I will be doing, as some parts...are just so savory. I even read over as I was reading the first time. I think authentic sounding dialogue is one of the hardest things to craft as a writer, and in this, when Hugh and Elara are discussing his past, probably one of my favorite scenes...

A very telling tale! How does Hugh overcome being banished from his father and God? By becoming a drunk and loser. His Iron Dogs come for him when his enemy starts killing them. They decide that there is only one place to go. The Castle of Baile. Owned and ruled by Elana the White Warlock. What deals are made? What sacrifice will each make to protect themself, their people and eventually each other? When new enemies and old enemies come knocking will they and together to protect their own or will they break? A must read by fans of the Late Daniels series!!!!!!

Ilona Andrews writes the most wonderfully, reliably and hugely enjoyable contemporary fantasy novels I know. This one, like all of them, is full of fantastic magical action, tons of humor, surprising and cool different types of magic, and great chemistry between the romantic leads. Hugh D'Ambray was entirely unlikable in the Kate Daniels series, but by the end of this book, I was rooting for him in this context, and I loved the fact that he and Elara are both equally scary and ruthless and perfectly matched to each other. I'm really looking forward to Book 2in this series!

I was surprised, but I really enjoyed this book regarding Hugh “the villain” from the Kate Daniels story line. I really liked Hugh’s character in Kate’s world so I found it interesting seeing what has happened to him since Roland kicked him out. The 2 main characters seem perfect for each other and I look forward to seeing them learn to trust one another. I find it confusing that book 2 and 3 will come out after the last Kate story but in the sequence of time all of this series takes place before the last Kate book. Trusting the authors on this! Great read!

An extremely nice offshoot to the pantheon of Kate Daniels stories. I had always loved to hate the main male character when he showed up in the other novels, but this one both humanizes him and fits in well with the storyline over all. A fun read. It can be a stand alone, but the world that Ilona Andrews has developed is broad and full of plot lines that this book plays into. So in general, it would be to a new reader's benefit to have a working knowledge of the previous books. Of course, it will undoubtedly whet your appetite enough that you will seek out the other books!

Question: What do you get with 2 stubborn adults, who refuse to admit to each other what they feel? Answer: "Iron and Magic"! You can read this book without reading the Kate Daniels Series, but you would get a lot more out of this book if you know about it. The book has it all - drama, battles, magic, passion, love/hate - lots of that. Also, the Snark meter is 10! Illona Andrews excel in character and world building in all of their novels. When I read their novels, they feel real to me, not like a lot of other novels I have read. You will love the book.

OMG, OMG, OMG- this book is fabulous! Both leading characters are wonderfully rendered and the pages practically crackle with the electricity (attraction/respect/frustration!) between the two of them. The whole cast of characters are outstanding as is the storyline. Once again, Ilona pens a book that I simply cannot put down - and when I finally have to (in order to get some sleep), the next day, it calls to me to come finish it. The suggeted reading order is this book, then Kate Daniels 'Magic Triumphs' and then Iron Covenant Book 2 and 3...not out yet. Count me pre-ordering!

Ilona Andrews’ books just keep getting better and better. It takes some delicate and convincing writing to get me to start to love Hugh, as I have hated him for as long as he’s been a fixture in the Kate Darnley world. Now I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Hugh and Elara. If you are a fan and haven’t discovered this world, do yourself a favor and buy all the books and read them. This is what a great storyteller brings to the table. I believe I’m going to pull out all my copies and reread them from the beginning. Such a fun world to visit,

These authors just get better and better. This was so intense I had to stop reading and breathe every few chapters. The dark humor, the intelligent, suspenseful writing...I think it might be unmatchable. When my brain clears I'll read it again and see if the magic holds. You can read this without reading the Kate Daniel's books but you might as well, because you will want to read them after reading this, and before the last Kate Daniels book comes out later this year.
I never believed the authors could make me love that jackass, Hugh, but they did.

I loved getting know Hugh d’ambrey better. He was always such an interesting character within the Kate Daniels storyline. U enjoyed learning more about his history and understanding his devotion to Roland and his motivations regarding Kate. If you haven’t read the Kate Daniels books I would definitely start with them. I love her whole series, even when I want to knock her in the head. You don’t need to read her series to follow this one, I just think knowing all the references to her in this book makes the character development that much more rich. Enjoy!

Question: What do you get with 2 stubborn adults, who refuse to admit to each other what they feel? Answer: "Iron and Magic"! You can read this book without reading the Kate Daniels Series, but you would get a lot more out of this book if you know about it. The book has it all - drama, battles, magic, passion, love/hate - lots of that. Also, the Snark meter is 10! Illona Andrews excel in character and world building in all of their novels. When I read their novels, they feel real to me, not like a lot of other novels I have read. You will love the book.

OMG, OMG, OMG- this book is fabulous! Both leading characters are wonderfully rendered and the pages practically crackle with the electricity (attraction/respect/frustration!) between the two of them. The whole cast of characters are outstanding as is the storyline. Once again, Ilona pens a book that I simply cannot put down - and when I finally have to (in order to get some sleep), the next day, it calls to me to come finish it. The suggeted reading order is this book, then Kate Daniels 'Magic Triumphs' and then Iron Covenant Book 2 and 3...not out yet. Count me pre-ordering!

Ilona Andrews’ books just keep getting better and better. It takes some delicate and convincing writing to get me to start to love Hugh, as I have hated him for as long as he’s been a fixture in the Kate Darnley world. Now I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Hugh and Elara. If you are a fan and haven’t discovered this world, do yourself a favor and buy all the books and read them. This is what a great storyteller brings to the table. I believe I’m going to pull out all my copies and reread them from the beginning. Such a fun world to visit,

These authors just get better and better. This was so intense I had to stop reading and breathe every few chapters. The dark humor, the intelligent, suspenseful writing...I think it might be unmatchable. When my brain clears I'll read it again and see if the magic holds. You can read this without reading the Kate Daniel's books but you might as well, because you will want to read them after reading this, and before the last Kate Daniels book comes out later this year.
I never believed the authors could make me love that jackass, Hugh, but they did.

I loved getting know Hugh d’ambrey better. He was always such an interesting character within the Kate Daniels storyline. U enjoyed learning more about his history and understanding his devotion to Roland and his motivations regarding Kate. If you haven’t read the Kate Daniels books I would definitely start with them. I love her whole series, even when I want to knock her in the head. You don’t need to read her series to follow this one, I just think knowing all the references to her in this book makes the character development that much more rich. Enjoy!

Set in the Kate Daniels universe, there are also some supporting character appearances from those stories. The authors did a very good job of presenting a way for Hugh to reconcile with the Pack. The novel also contains several of Andrews' trademark awesome action scenes. There are two weaknesses. The first may be attributed to poor editing, but the authors seemed to have lost track of things such as exactly what Hugh knew and when he knew it. Additionally, they seem to have lost track of exactly who was where at a specific time, resulting in them showing up I. Two places simultaneously. The second weakness is, for me, much worse. That is the authors create more difficult situations, and then usually resolve them by endowing the "good" guys with more and more powers which enables them to win. By the end of the book, there was to me no tension, as I was confident some new power/ability would show up. Kind of disappointing.

I was hesitant about this series. Hugh D'Ambrey couldn't possibly be anything more than a sadistic killer. However, Ilona and Gordon crafted a complex and brilliant character. It really is wonderfully written. Then to match him with an equally complex, unknown and somehow loving female character. I am delighted at the prosoect that Roland can be stopped. I am genuinely looking forward to the next installment in this new series and what will develop fir Hugh and Elara! By the way, if you are wondering if you should get the book...YES!

When I saw a new spinoff series, I thought "Well crud. I wish that writing effort had been focused on the Kate Daniels stories." But I bought it because I love the world created by Ilona Andrews and the writing that draws me in every time. I've never liked Hugh, but just like real life, there's always more under the surface that helps you know and understand a person when they open up and let you in. Hugh has maintaIned his character while growing into someone I want to get to know better. Only great writers can make you root for a previously irredeemable character and to create such a prefect match for him. I want more of Hugh and Elara!

Gordon and Ilona have done it again, another fantastic book. What started off as an April Fool's joke has turned into another great series. When I first met Hugh D'Ambry in the Kate Daniels series he was the kind of villain everyone loves to hate. I really didn't think that it would be possible to turn him into a hero. I should never doubt Ilona Andrews. They were able to come up with totally logical explanations of how most of the really terrible things he did were not necessarily as bad as they looked. Now they didn't turn him into an angel, no one would believe that but with very believable explanations they have shown that he is capable of redemption. Truly great book, buy it, read it and then read it again.

So I love the Kate Daniels world - LOVE IT. This series dives into one of Kate's main nemesis - Hugh :) I always liked Hugh but in the Kate Daniels series, he's kinda a d***k. Hugh's fall from Roland, and thus power, makes him likable and very human even though he's a magical being. I really enjoyed his love interest too, she's something new, not seem before now in the post technical world. I'm very eager for the following books in The Iron Covenant and so glad that I don't have to leave Kate Daniels world when her series wraps-up this year.

If anyone had a concern that these books would not be as much fun without Kate Daniels and Curran, rest assured. This is terrific. Hugh has been a puzzle for most of the series, about as bad and cruel as anyone could imagine and yet, there was something strangely attractive about him. I can hardly wait for the next in this series.

Gordon and Ilona have done it again, an amazing start to a great new series with new and wonderful characters. I was originally upset that this book came out before the next Kate Daniels, but couldn’t put it down once started.
Hugh does not not come across sympathetically in the Kate Daniels series, but here we see him from a different angle and who better to show us Hugh than Elara. Elara is a new amazing main character, move over Kate, you may have met your match.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Ilona Andrews has gifted us with another book that is an intense read from start to finish. This is Hugh's story. Roland's Dog of War. We learn his background. He is such an easy character to hate. But he is human now
We also meet Elara, who is an intriguing character. Together they will fight to protect what is theirs.
I would give this series 10 stars if I could.

Kate Daniels from Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is the 2018 Champion of the Alpha Showdown is now over. This spin off Kate Danels book was just a joke book cover, that we her fans have waited for 2 years To right into reality. Here it is the story of the bag guy getting his. OK maybe only one year but we have waited for this book. As soon as it came out I just sucked it down yum yum yum yum. I refuse to wreck it, you have to read it if you want to find out what happens

Battle strategies, new perspective and magic! I read an ARC of IRON AND MAGIC. The story begins describing Hugh after he is disavowed, and details his journey to picking up the pieces of his life and making new alliances. We are treated to an impressive amount of backstory, which loyal fans of Ilona Andrews are hungry for. It was extremely satisfying to have some insight to past events. The book shows how Hugh communicates, and new and interesting characters are introduced. Hugh and Elara's relationship is featured, and she gives sass right back to Hugh. The conflicts and resolution were very satisfying.

This book foreshadows events in the final Kate Daniels book. The new characters were interesting, although I made a note card to keep track of who each was, because I started getting them confused. The plot was very solid, and had page turning intensity. The authors stayed true to the characters. I wondered why this book was a different tone than the other books in the Kate universe, and realized it was because Ilona Andrews stayed true to Hugh. The sex scenes were hotter, the battles more viscous, and the dialog sharper. The passion was palpable. I was so invested in the marriage between Hugh and Elara becoming real, and the feelings that were developing. Hugh's character shows evolution, but leaves no doubt that he is still "the Preceptor". You respect him, and the changes he has made, but are not confused about who and what he is. I am eager for the next installment and more adventures for these characters.

“She pictured him exploding into bloody mist. No. Too quick. ”

I loved this book! A slow burn romance. Two stubborn opposites clash while an arranged marriage is the last hope for both of them. To save their people, they come together. If you haven't read the Kate Daniels series, this book might be a little difficult to understand. The authors try to merge both worlds, but sometimes its becomes confusing. I read the Kate
Daniels books (at least the first couple) some years back, so it was easy to keep up.

Action packed and hilarious banter between the two main characters.

Elara is a total badass! There go the days where women were just seen as damsels. Here come the new generation of kickass!

“Some people in the world only saw in black and white. They were driven by fear. They had learned how to survive in their little corner of the world and they saw any change as a threat to their survival.”
n.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Fantasy and Romance.

OMG IT'S SO GOOOOOOOOOD!!!! I'm thrilled this world will continue, with appearances from well-known characters in Kate Daniels' world. This book was packed with magic and tension and insight and action and omgitssogood. :-D The psychological aspects were far more advanced than those I've noted in the KD books, and I really enjoyed it even when I was horrified by some of what I was reading. Excellent, EXCELLENT book. Can't wait for the next!

I started reading the Kate Daniels series when I stumbled upon it at Borders (miss that place!). Probably like everyone else I was skeptical about a Hugh storyline, I didn’t know if I could get behind his story. Of course, I should have never doubted this writing duo! Only they could have made me love a story in which you are equally infuriated with the male character and sympathetic to his challenges. Elara was one of the many reasons I loved this story. She is just another example of the strong, take no s*#t, badass women this team writes. This book was a welcome addition to the Kate Daniel’s world and only increases my excitedment for the next book (and my love for all things that this husband and wife write)!

No one does villains like Andrews. They aren’t single note bogey monsters. They’re fleshed out and real. You might hate them and what they do, but you get them too. Andrews gives you the chance to understand.

Hugh isn’t a good man. He’s done terrible things. But he’s given a chance to be better, not for himself but for the men he shaped and trained. For them he’ll step up and confront his greatest enemy, himself.

This book is so good!

I don’t ever review with long drawn out sentences because written no a book for the review gives the book away....

First, to see the relationship with him, Kate and Roland shows and could be a full circle or not, but something make sense now.

This is a love/hate story, much that you see now in relationships I the real world. Will they last? Will they do on their separate ways? Time will tell or it’s called read and find out.

What started as an April Fool’s joke turned into a Trilogy based on that warlord we all love to hate. Can Hugh find redemption, does he deserve it, can’t he be all that bad if his Iron Dogs love him so much?

More time spent in Kate Daniels world is ok by me. Ilona Andrews once again delivers a book that exceeds expectations and doesn’t let the reader down. This dynamic writing duo never miss a step, read anything by them and be blown away.

The book was a great setup for the last Kate book and I cannot wait to read the detente that is coming.

As always the introduction of new characters leaves you wanting more. I want more Lamar and Bale bickering and Bucky doing whatever he does. In the next one we will hopefully find out Elara’s secrets, we already knew most of Hugh’s.

Fabulous. The authors never disappoint. I wasn't expecting to like the characters or believe the change of heart. They made it believable. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

The authors always have surprising plot-lines, never anything like I expected. There books are a joy to read.