Iron and Magic, sold on Amazon here, is the newest book from one of my favorite authors, husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews. This is the first book in a new series, The Iron Covenant, set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series. I adore the Kate Daniels series so I was extremely excited to get the chance to read and review an advanced copy of Iron and Magic.
I was especially intrigued as the protagonist of this new series, Hugh d’Ambray was a villain in the Kate Daniels series. It takes a lot of skill to turn a character that readers have hated for so long into a character that we can root for. But Ilona Andrews make it seem easy. I was almost surprised at how quickly Hugh changed from villain to hero.
Iron and Magic is a fantastic new addition to the Kate Daniels world. While we see a few familiar characters, most of the story revolves around this new side of Hugh and a fresh new cast of characters. They have a range of interesting back stories and new magical skills.
The new main protagonist, Elara Harper is a the leader of a band of magic users. Their castle is under attack. They need an army. Hugh is still reeling from his break with Roland, and his people are dying. He needs a base, somewhere safe for him and his soldiers. And so a bargain is struck. To seal the deal Hugh and Elara must marry and learn to work together for their common goals.
Elara is a completely new character who is strong and amazing. She easily goes head to head with Hugh, and stands her ground. She is a powerful, strong, smart and caring woman who is fascinating and mysterious. I can’t wait to learn more about her.
As always Ilona Andrews presents a rich world filled with strong male and female characters. Their tremendous world building skills and fantastic characters transport the reader to an amazing world of fantastic characters, bloody fights, heady romance and intense interpersonal relationships.
I am so happy to have another fantastic series to read! Iron and Magic comes out on June 26, 2018. I highly recommend it!