Iron and Magic (The Iron Covenant Book 1)

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!

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...

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.

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.

I was not expecting to like this read. Hugh has not been a character I wanted to like ever since he first appeared in the Kate Daniel's series. But by the quarter point in this book, I started to sympathise with him. By the half way point, I had forgiven him. By the end, I liked him. I want to know more about the White Lady and what is going on. So, I liked this book. Didn't think I would, but now I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

I have loved just about everything this pair has published. Until now. While I don't hate it, I had a hard time with this book. I. Hate. Elara. She's just...mean, secretive, and petty. She has a few moments thoroughout the book where she's doing well...but then she turns her B**** mode back on. I know Hugh isn't the best either, but he seems more reactive than antagonistic. The storyline is pretty decent, with a so so initial resolution. I know it's the first of a series, so I am hoping it gets better.

This new series is going to be great! Hugh and Elara are not sure if they can trust each other but are desperate enough to try. They battle each other while trying to keep their people safe. I love the snarky arguments they have. I suppose this book could be read by itself, but I feel you should read the Kate Daniels series first to get the best enjoyment out of the story.

But they managed to add a whole mess to what I thought was already pretty complete.

This is professional grade writing. Complex plot lines, with characters that stretch beyond simple.

I buy everything they publish at full price, without hesitation. And now I have missed several hours of sleep finishing a book I just couldn’t put down.

First read from these authors. Loved it! Totally drawn into their world of mixed magic. Couldn't put the book down once I started reading. Looking forward to the next in the series. Absolute favorite parts of story: them calling each other names! A hoot!

This is a spin off from the Kate Daniels series developing Hugh’s story after he has been stripped of his immortality. If you have read the series, you’ll see some huge departures from Hugh’s character that is morphed into, of all things, romance. However once I embraced that, I realized I liked where the overall story is going. I think Hugh would have struggled more with this change than is portrayed. To me that loses most of what I usually love about their writing. That being said, I will happily continue the story and see where this leads.

You spend a least part of your time during the wonderful Kate Daniel's series wondering why someone can't please kill the scary villain Hugh d' Ambray. Then the author makes him into a scary hero. When I saw this book was coming out i did a double take. How could this be good? It was not good, but great! Fast paced action, engrossing storyline, and even some romance. Part of the Kate Daniel's world, just another part of it. Trust me, if you like the Kate Daniel's series or just a great story you will love this book.

I wanted to like this after seeing the five star reviews and really tried to finish it - but the main characters are too annoying. They need eachother and don't know eachother personally but hate oneanother and behave like idiots. Bitchiness and petty meanness are included by the authors as an example of some kind of sexual frustration. A really immature approach to characterisation. Shame I wasted my money on this one.

As a huge fan of the Kate Daniels series which I have on paper and kindle I was very interested in this series which for the most part did not disappoint. However, the chemistry is somewhat askew between Hugh and Elara although the banter between the two is hilarious. Here's the crux of it...Vanessa shouldn't have happened. Hugh is supposed to be smart and manipulative so why would he "shit where he eats." He is cold, mean, and a bit evil but the authors made him the same ole stereotypical guy that can't keep it in his pants. Roland weaken Hugh but the authors diminished him. Elara could use some fleshing out...never send a guy three beautiful dream girls to test him. Hugh fails again...you would think he would be a bit leery of all his dreams-his father is an megalomaniac wizard. Dumb-a$$. Elara says that she values loyalty above all but allows the situation between Hugh and Vanessa (her loyal subject) to go on while she has her spies transcribe their conversations in bed. Yuck! Then Elara is sad when Vanessa disappears. What? Elara is powerful, terrifying, and beautiful. She should have cast a nasty spell on Vanessa and cast her out because she is queen of dragons. Oops wrong story but I guess I see her with that kind of potential. Hugh would be chasing her if he was smart, cold, and calculating.

Concurrently running with the Daniels series this follows Hugh, the ex-warlord, through his attempt to find meaning in his life after being rejected by the the god like Roland. Lots of action and some new characters. Fairly predictable, but the Andrews team delivers. Hugh remains a jerk and I have trouble liking him as a character. The new characters are much more interesting.

I adore the Kate Daniels series and spin offs. This is not of the same quality. Having read Gordon’s Curran book, I presume he wrote all or most of this. As a result the heart and soul goes into fights not character development or wit. It’s clunky and a bit dull. I’ve read each of the Kate Daniels books several times but struggle to finish this one. I hope Ilona has time to add her magic to the next volumes in the spin off.

Mostly I loved this book as KD fan. We get to see more of the world and catch up to where Hugh has been all this time. That part was well thought out and suited the story arch. I enjoyed meeting Elara and getting to know Hugh through a new lens, along with the supporting characters. It's great to get behind these two characters and their thought processes. I didn't mind that we still don't know that much about Elara's magic origin by the book's end, but there are some hints to keep us guessing at her status...

What killed 1.5 stars for me was the need for editing. This book seemed rushed out to fill in some backstory events and alliances forming prior to the release of the next KD, Magic Triumphs. That's my guess. Either way some of the actions by Elara in particular didn't make sense with her character. The banter between Hugh and Elara was great, and a good start, but the logistics of how they came together so quickly and the gravity of their feelings for each other just seemed so odd because it tied into a nice little bow. Neither of these characters are nice little bows. I wish they had had more time to revisit the second half of the book and make it on par with the KD series. Within the span of weeks they become each others better half? Huh? Slowing down the relationship between the two protagonist would have built a more genuine narrative that we have grown to love from Ilona Andrews. Seems like other readers picked up on this too. I might still read the sequel, but not sure yet...

ARGH! First thing I noticed was the spine is printed backwards. Stick the book on your shelf and you'll see what I mean. Then I noted the odd size and publisher. Self-published?? Might explain spine.
As an Ilona Andrews fan, I was so excited to see how Hugh could recover from being tossed away by Roland. So, okay, there's a void. Got it. Major part of story and of Hugh's head/heart, until time it opened up "behind" him??? Huh?
Other characterizations seemed flat or forced. Berserker looking for heads to wallop. Strategist...did he ever strategize?
Liked Elara's spunk and retort, "Use your words, Hugh." Almost a Kate Daniels moment, but I could see also Kate being on the receiving end of the comment.
Spoiler alert: when Andrea visits, where are her guns? Her personality nonexistent, which is sooo not fitting with what any Magic fan knows.
Great moment of "sibling" discussion--excellent psychology.
Not sure I will bother continuing the Iron Covenant series. Depends on Magic Triumphs and how that leaves Hugh and Elara. Or if I care.

I loved this book and am hooked on this new series. I have to admit as evil as Hugh has been in the past I have always found him charismatic. I really liked that Elara is a strong, intelligent woman who not only is extremely powerful magically but also can hold her own in a fight. I liked that she doesn’t need to be rescued, but needs Hugh’s help and is willing to work with him to protect her people. The story was not only action packed but had strong character development. It was also cool to see another side of the Iron Dogs and get to know them as individuals.

What I liked most about this series was it didn’t spend time justifying Hugh’s past actions, or positioning him as a victim. There is another series I am a fan of, and one of it’s hero’s long awaited book told of all the atrocities he suffered, much by his family. Then a few years later his brother got a book, and half of it was spent negating the previous book even though the first hero witnessed events first hand. It basically turned a beloved character into a delusional liar to try and make the reader sympathize with the “former villain”. I was afraid this book might do that to, but it does not. Only one event was explained as being misperceived, and the way it was told from Hugh’s perspective it makes perfect sense. I loved that his actions that day weren’t because he was secretly a good guy, it was because torturing someone in that instance did not benefit him. I loved that he stood in his truth and while there were times he apologized for the pain he caused others, he did not apologize for his actions. He was a general and he was at war, he views casualties as unfortunate but a part of fighting. That was driven home because when someone he cared about died he mourned, but he was never driven by vengeance. He is always about playing to win with the big picture in mind.

I can’t wait to find out what is up with that castle and what Elara really is. The next book can’t come soon enough.