Beast Business (Hidden Legacy, #6.5) by Ilona Andrews

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime who owns a premier PI corporation and alters his appearance with magic. The people who have seen Augustine’s real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. The illusion isn’t just the brand of his magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine lives by this creed. He’s cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Then one day Diana Harrison walks into his office and asks for his help. Diana is a Prime, an animal mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs.

The two Houses are allied through a friendship pact. Assisting Diana is simply good business. And yet, there is something about her that disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world.

Neither of them is who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is more powerful than either had imagined, and saving the life that hangs in the balance will demand the ultimate price neither Augustine nor Diana ever anticipated to pay – complete honesty.

Okay, can we talk about how stunning this cover art is? I’m completely obsessed and need a copy for my shelves ASAP. I absolutely love how Augustine is depicted, and while that’s not how I initially pictured Diana in my head, it’s how I’ll always picture her going forward.

I’m always happy to dive back into the Hidden Legacy world, and Best Business did not disappoint! It was so much fun getting a peek inside Augustine’s head, and I loved seeing how his relationship with Diana began. Augustine has always been so mysterious in the previous books. He keeps his cards close to his chest and doesn’t always react the way I expect him to. I think the Ilona Andrews duo did an amazing job of tying his past appearances into who he is in this book. We even get answers to questions we didn’t know we needed to ask. 

I also enjoyed learning more about how the animal mage Primes function and seeing their magic in action. Diana is a beast—pun intended—and can be terrifying all on her own. We’ve seen Cornelius and Matilda in previous books, but Diana was usually on the periphery. I’m glad she got her own story and that we were able to see what she’s capable of, and the lengths she’ll go to protect what’s hers.

Honestly, if you haven't picked up a book by these two, you're seriously missing out! I live for their books and whatever their magnificent minds can come up with next. (★★★★★)

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Maggie the Undying, #1) by Ilona Andrews

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A page-turning, unforgettable fantasy set in a city peopled with ruffians, spies, malcontents and murderers. Experience out-of-this world adventure and dangerous politics as Maggie tries to survive waking up in her favourite fictional world.

A heart-pounding epic from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author duo Ilona Andrews.

When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy and naked in a gutter, it doesn’t take her long to recognize Kair Toren. It’s a city she knows intimately from the pages of a famously unfinished dark fantasy series – one she’s been obsessively reading and re-reading, while waiting years for the final novel.

Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic and mayhem? Her encyclopaedic knowledge of the plot, the setting and the characters’ ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she’s coming to love – a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to return home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes – and attentions – of duelling princes, dukes and villains. This all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the ending she’s seen on the a cataclysmic war.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is the beginning of the most epic adventure yet from genre powerhouse writing duo Ilona Andrews. For fans of Samantha Shannon, Sarah J. Maas, Danielle L. Jensen and isekai portal fantasy.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me showing up unexpectedly on my doorstep was easily one of the best things to happen to me this year. I absolutely love the Ilona Andrews author duo and couldn't wait to dive into a new story written by them. I'm happy to report that they're still amazing, and Maggie is another phenomenal character like Kate, Nevada, and Catalina. (I plan on reading the Innkeeper Chronicles next!)

Maggie wakes up in a fictional world she's read about dozens of times. Her comfort series from her childhood has had a huge influence on her life, and now her intimate knowledge of that world might be the only thing keeping her alive. Maggie uses what she knows to find refuge and then barters information to buy herself a modicum of safety. Unfortunately, her actions have direct consequences on the storyline and the characters she loves so much. Every small change she makes has a ripple effect in the overall story, so she tries to be cautious with what she shares and when. 

As the story progresses, the people around her feel less like characters and more like living, breathing human beings that she starts to form relationships with. They have histories that happened to them off the pages of her books, so she's sometimes caught off guard when things happen that she hasn't read about. It was nice to see her surprised by revelations and getting a deeper glimpse of who some of these characters were. 

Maggie is a creative, likeable and loyal main character. She cares about people she's never met, and she has a very strong sense of justice. Her desire to do the right thing lands her in plenty of trouble, but her new friends and found family always have her back. There are a few touch her and die male characters, but only two have the potential to be love interests. However, Maggie doesn't let them push her around and is very capable of telling them where they can shove it (politely, of course). She doesn't want to anger the powerful players in this story, but she seems to have a knack for getting their attention and becoming involved in the machinations of Kair Toren. 

I'm already in love with all of the characters. Maggie's fierce determination to stay alive and save a world that's starting to feel like home, Everard's whole personality and never knowing what his true intentions are, Solentine's scary vibes and unwavering loyalty (so happy with how their relationship progressed!), Clover's friendship and Girl Boss energy, Kaiden's desire to be involved and help even though he's just a child, and the entire Magnar family. Even Arvel started to grow on me towards the end.

The only negative is having to wait an eternity for the next book to come out. I need to be back in this world with these characters to see what happens next. The authors wrapped up this book's main conflict, but there's still more on the horizon. We're left with a bit of a cliffhanger, and I know with absolute certainty that the menfolk in her life are about to burn down the world she just worked so hard to save. Definitely keep this one on you radar! (★★★★★)

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Past Due Reviews [7]

Have you ever read a book and then forgotten to review it? Yeah? Well, that happens to me all the time! That's how I got the idea for Past Due Reviews. They won't be long posts, they'll likely contain a lot of comics, and my memories of the books themselves probably won't be great (some of them were read months ago, and I didn't sit down and review them for this or that reason). Hopefully the content is still relevant and helpful! 

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8) by Ilona Andrews

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

"One doesn't let her fiancé fight a hoard of ghouls by himself. Some things were just not done."

I hardcore love this series! Ilona Andrews is an amazing author duo, and I really hope the two of them write books together forever. I still have to read the last two books in the series, but I've been taking my time because I don't want this incredible journey to end. I want there to always be another adventure for them to go on, although I know that's not realistic. However, if I don't read the final two books, there's still something for me to look forward to (my logic is sound). I read Magic Shifts back in November, so I'm sure I'll finish the series soon. I've been away too long already!

Definitely read these books in order! The characters and friendships get better and better each book, and I've loved seeing how Kate and Curran's relationship developed over time. They go from bickering frenemies (Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.) in the first few books, to a hilarious courtship (werelions and their mating rituals, haha), to two people that deeply love and respect each other. They both have strong personalities, so obviously they clash from time to time, but they know they can always count on the other to be there for them. I've really enjoyed them as a couple, and how realistic their relationship has been. It might be hard, but they admit when they're wrong and acknowledge how their actions affect each other. A+ for being authentic and relatable!

I really liked that the authors chose to take the story in a different direction with this book, but still kept all of my favorite secondary characters around. Kate and Curran have left the pack and are no longer in charge of what happens to it. They're glad they don't have to deal with Pack politics anymore, but you can tell Curran is struggling with what to do with himself. He no longer has a direction or a focus for his life, since he's the one that made the Pack what it is today. It's all he's ever known, really. Although I missed the chaos and demands of Pack life, it was okay since my favorite people were still actively involved in the story. 

Even without the Pack to keep them busy, Kate and Curran are thrown into danger almost as soon as the story starts. I love the pacing for these books, and think the authors are fantastic storytellers. At the beginning, Kate and Curran are living in a suburban neighborhood (so weird to see them living normal lives), and they have kid (whaaaat). A daughter Kate picked up in a previous book, and someone that acts an awful lot like Kate herself. There's a whole thing going on with those two that would take too long to explain and would be slightly spoilery. The dynamics in these books... so good. They're layered and complex, yet totally believable despite all of the magic and mayhem. 

I do think this book was a way for the characters to catch their breath before the final arc, but that doesn't mean the story was any less dangerous or action-packed. I love how the authors incorporate various mythologies into their books, and this one was no exception. A member of the Pack comes to Kate and Curran for help, and since they're no longer bound by Pack politics, they offer their assistance. It's never as easy as it sounds, and the multiple threads being woven are masterfully executed while still leaving a few loose ends for the next book.

Seriously, there is so much to love about this series, and I cannot recommend it enough. I laugh so much while reading these books, and I know the characters are people that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It's definitely a series I will read again and again. The characters, the story, the worldbuilding - phenomenal. (★★★★★)

Mistletoe in Paradise (Wildstone, #5.5) by Jill Shalvis 

Narrated by Erin Mallon 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Problem Number One – Getting There

Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…

Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.

When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…

Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)

As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

Mistletoe in Paradise was a very quick read (technically it was a quick listen) that I thoroughly enjoyed! It was short and sweet, and I immediately fell in love with Hannah and James. I've only read the first book in the Wildstone series, but the rest are on my list! Jill Shalvis knows how to write adorable romances, and this novella was no exception. I'm not sure which book Hannah and James belong to (are they repeat characters?), so I hope listening to this before reading the others doesn't spoil anything for me. I probably should have looked into that before, but oh well. 😅

I really loved that they were trapped on a yacht together, because there was literally no where for them to run. They had to interact with each other, which made them address their issues relatively early on. I liked that it wasn't something they waited until the very end to talk about, and enjoyed seeing them reminisce about their shared past. Not all of it was good, and Hannah has some bad news to deliver herself, but I thought Shalvis did a wonderful job of pacing the story and its revelations. (★★★★☆)

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy, #5) by Ilona Andrews

 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): As Prime magic users, Catalina Baylor and her sisters have extraordinary powers—powers their ruthless grandmother would love to control. Catalina can earn her family some protection working as deputy to the Warden of Texas, overseeing breaches of magic law in the state, but that has risks as well. When House Baylor is under attack and monsters haunt her every step, Catalina is forced to rely on handsome, dangerous Alessandro Sagredo, the Prime who crushed her heart.

The nightmare that Alessandro has fought since childhood has come roaring back to life, but now Catalina is under threat. Not even his lifelong quest for revenge will stop him from keeping her safe, even if every battle could be his last. Because Catalina won't rest until she stops the use of the illicit, power-granting serum that's tearing their world apart.

I am obsessed with this series! I wanted to start Emerald Blaze as soon as it arrived (preordered this as soon as I could) but knew I'd need an entire day to read it. Once I start something by Ilona Andrews I'm incapable of putting it down! Thankfully there was a day when my husband was home and I could disappear for a few hours. I'm not saying there weren't interruptions - - because there were - - but I still managed to get through this entire book within 24 hours. It may have been 2 AM, but it still counts! ;)

This author duo is phenomenal and I will forever read whatever they write! The characters, world-building, and storytelling are always amazing. I can pick up the next book in a series (after waiting roughly a year for a new one) and immediately fall back into the story like I'd never left. There's a larger, looming goal that the characters are steadily moving towards, but each book can stand alone and comes with its own set of problems to solve. I really love how they're able to tie everything together, yet still make each book something that's unique and captivating. 

Initially, I was worried I wouldn't like Catalina as much as Nevada (for those of you new to this series, the first three books were from Nevada's perspective and the next three will be from Catalina's (they're sisters)), but Catalina's character is just as compelling. She doesn't handle situations the same way her sister would and is instead forging her own path on her own terms. If that means keeping her enemies close and learning their secrets, then she'll do it despite how it makes her feel (and even if it puts her at odds with her family). Catalina had to develop an icy exterior when dealing with the other Houses and their Primes or they wouldn't take her seriously. It's amazing seeing how much she's transformed over the course of this series! 

The family dynamics are on point! I love everyone in they Baylor family (and their respective paramours) and how well they work together. They're not afraid to laugh or call each other out, and they've got each other's backs no matter what. They'll fight monsters together but then argue over who ate all of the leftovers from the fridge. 

Even the characters that aren't related to the Baylor's are wonderfully written and fleshed out! The authors drop small hints to remind you of things that have happened in the past, and the nudges really helped wake my brain up after some time away. These are the characters you wish were real so you could all be BFFs. There are a ton of laugh-out-loud moments despite the seriousness of the story, and you can't help but want to be a part of it all.

I also love Catalina's magical ability and really like that she's discovered new aspects about how it works. It's interesting to see the various ways she can use it to her benefit while dealing with the craziness of their world and individual circumstances. She's not someone to be trifled with despite how young and innocent she looks. Catalina is deadly in her own right and I loved that Alessandro never questioned or doubted her abilities. Speaking of Alessandro, I was iffy about his return after the last book. His motives were unclear, but thankfully the author cleared a lot of things up in this one. His reasons were valid, and he wasn't trying to mislead or lie to Catalina in any way. I am SO GLAD things are out in the open now and I cannot wait to see how their relationship progresses moving forward. #RooftopScene *fans self*

Emerald Blaze was full of action and adventure, humor and family, magic and what people are willing do to obtain more of it. I love the complexities of this series and how I never feel overwhelmed by the various issues being addressed in a single book (that also span throughout several in the series). There is so much going on but it never feels like it's too much. The pacing is perfectly balanced with the information being shared. If you haven't read anything by this author duo, you don't know what you're missing!

Can't-Wait Wednesday [86]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, there's a link-up at the bottom. I would love to stop by and check it out!

My Weekly Pull has been postponed until further notice. "As you probably know by now, starting April 1, 2020, Diamond Distribution will temporarily discontinue shipping products to comics book retailers."𑁋ComicList.com

I'm really bummed we won't be getting new comics every week, but still trying to look on the bright side... now I finally have a chance to catch up! We've also been cleaning out our current collection, and decided to sell some on Mercari (if you're interested, ask for the Friend Discount). ;)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature that's hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings. It highlights the upcoming releases we're really excited about reading! CWW is a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), that was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy, #5) by Ilona Andrews
Expected publication: August 25th 2020

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author, continues her spellbinding series set in the Hidden Legacy world where magic controls everything…except the hearts of those who wield it.

As Prime magic users, Catalina Baylor and her sisters have extraordinary powers—powers their ruthless grandmother would love to control. Catalina can earn her family some protection working as deputy to the Warden of Texas, overseeing breaches of magic law in the state, but that has risks as well. When House Baylor is under attack and monsters haunt her every step, Catalina is forced to rely on handsome, dangerous Alessandro Sagredo, the Prime who crushed her heart.

The nightmare that Alessandro has fought since childhood has come roaring back to life, but now Catalina is under threat. Not even his lifelong quest for revenge will stop him from keeping her safe, even if every battle could be his last. Because Catalina won't rest until she stops the use of the illicit, power-granting serum that's tearing their world apart.

𑁋𑁋𑁋

I love this author duo! The Hidden Legacy series is amazing, and while I miss Nevada and Rogan, I've enjoyed seeing Catalina take charge and run the family business. It's so good being back in this world! Everything is familiar, just experienced through someone else's perspective.

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy, #4) by Ilona Andrews

Synopsis (via Goodreads): From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

"I couldn't fight a mental duel with flying scorpion ticks trying to rip us apart."

Whenever I start a book by Ilona Andrews, I struggle to put it down and resume my day-to-day activates. Knowing this about myself, I decided to start Sapphire Flames one night while I was putting the kids down for bed. This was both good and bad. The good: no interruptions. The bad: I stayed up all night reading. I never went to sleep that night, and was a barely-functioning zombie the next day. Was it worth it? And how!  Am I still tired? You betcha!

There's just something about this author duo and their stories that completely captivates me as a reader. I have devoured every book of theirs that I've picked up, and look forward to reading the ones I haven't. I simply lose myself in the worlds they've created, and I know I'll happily revisit these books in the future. I was a little concerned about the character shift (the first three books were from Nevada's perspective), but Catalina is on par with her sister. They're completely different characters, but they both love their family and would do anything to keep them safe. Also, they seem to have similar tastes when it comes to men -- ruthless and unbelievably attractive.

I really love how the individual books have a mystery that's resolved by the end, but still contributes to a larger Unknown Problem that's slowly unraveled over the course of the entire series. Every book has a Bad Guy, but one that's usually connected to a Big Bad Guy that manages to stay just out of reach. I also enjoy connecting the dots, and usually don't discover clues and secrets until the characters do. It's like we're experiencing everything together, and every twist is a surprise. Additionally, all of the magical elements are fascinating and creative. It's amazing how effortless the world-building feels, like I could drive over there and insert myself into their lives.

Catalina's relationship with Alessandro is hot. The physical attraction alone -- phew! However, the underlying desire they share really sets the tone for their interactions. Alessandro is quick to tease and flirt, while Catalina fervently tries to keep from blushing, but they're both quick to protect the other. I enjoyed their banter and how well they worked together as a team. It's impossible not to smile when the two of them are sharing a space.

"There was life before this kiss and there would be one after, but they wouldn't be the same."

I really, really love the family dynamics, and it was so great to read about all of the Baylor's again. I wasn't particularly fond of where they left things with Nevada, but her current circumstances make sense. I just hope there's more resolution in the future, so their family can go back to being a cohesive unit. I'm not going to lie... I missed Mad Rogan and Nevada being major players in the story, but I can definitely get behind Catalina and Alessandro. I just hope there's more of them together in the next book.

If you haven't read a book by Ilona Andrews, you're missing out!

My Weekly Pull [83] & Can't-Wait Wednesday [53]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday (when the stars align in my favor) to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, there's a link-up at the bottom. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Loki #2 by Daniel Kibblesmith, Ozgur Yildirim 

Gwenpool Strikes Back #1 by Leah Williams, David Baldeon, Terry Dodson 

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #10 by Tom Taylor, Ken Lashley, Andrew C. Robinson

Miles Morales Spider-Man #9 by Saladin Ahmed, Javi Garron, Patrick OKeefe 

The White Trees #1 by Chip Zdarsky, Kris Anka 

Once and Future #1 by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora

Jacob's comics for the week!

Usagi Yojimbo #3 by Stan Sakai

Hit-Girl Season 2 #7 by Daniel Way, Goran Parlov, Andre Lima Araujo

Absolute Carnage Scream #1 by Cullen Bunn, Gerardo Sandoval

Absolute Carnage Separation Anxiety #1 by Clay Chapman, Brian Level, Philip Tan

Amazing Spider-Man #27 by Nick Spencer, Kev Walker, Ryan Ottley

Punisher Kill Krew #1 by Gerry Duggan, Juan Ferreyra, Tony Moore

Symbiote Spider-Man #5 by Peter David, Greg Land

We're getting sooo many comics this week! I wasn't going to continue reading Loki after the first issue, but it was still on Jacob's list. I keep forgetting to ask him if he actually liked it, or if he added the second issue because we read the first. Regardless, the second one is on its way, and maybe it'll be better.

Gwenpool is back! Gwenpool is back! One of my very first comics was The Unbelievable Gwenpool by Christopher Hastings. I was heartbroken when it ended over a year ago, so I'm thrilled to see that Gwen is getting another series. I also love that she chooses to unmask Spider-Man as her way in! Loving the cover! There were so many to choose from, but I like how angry Peter looks, haha.

I'm still behind on Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man... shh.

The last issue of Miles Morales Spider-Man made me shed a few tears. I have to remind myself that he's still a child, even though he's also a superhero. This is the first time I've seen him really and truly suffer at the hands of someone else, and it's heartbreaking. What he's going through...ugh. Saladin Ahmed is brutal.

Doesn't White Trees just look amazing? I think the guy on the left looks like Nick Offerman, but that's neither here nor there. The important thing is that it's written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Kris Anka! Also, the premise is really interesting, and I'm curious to see what these guys will do with the story. Zdarsky's newsletter said something about elf dong, so there's really no telling what will happen.

Once and Future is already on its FOURTH printing! They were selling out long before the comic's actual release date, so they kept making more (which continued to sell out). Fortunately for me, I pre-ordered this one in advance, but I'm considering buying additional copies because some of the other covers are pretty badass...hmm.

I cannot wait to read these! Are you starting any new comics this week?

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, that highlights upcoming releases that we're anticipating and excited to read. It's a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy, #4)

by Ilona Andrews 

Expected publication: August 27th 2019

Synopsis (via Goodreads): From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

I pre-ordered this book months ago! I recently received and email that said my order was being processed for shipping, so yay! It's nearly here! I adore this series, and cannot wait to see what it looks like from a different sister's perspective. Ilona Andrews is a dream duo, and I hope they never stop writing books. (This was my CWW back in March, but it's worth repeating!)

*Share your My Weekly Pull post! Please leave the direct link to your My Weekly Pull post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

Mini Reviews [26]

Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7) by Ilona Andrews, Narrated by Renee Raudman

Synopsis (via Goodreads): No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear...

Warning: possible spoilers if you haven't read the other books in this series!

Have I mentioned how much I love this series? As for this book specifically, I was thrilled when Kate finally confronted her father. Although confronted might not be the right word, but he's no longer an enigma. We get to see him, some of his powers, and we also learn a little more about his history. He definitely knows more about Kate than she thought he did, and I'm curious if everything we've learned about him previously is the truth. There's a lot of mystery surrounding Kate's escape as a baby, and this is the first time she's really getting to ask questions. Roland is also super powerful. I thought Kate and Curran could take on anything, but Roland might be more than the two of them can handle. I think it'll take a collective effort from the world (or at least everyone in Atlanta) to stop him if he decides to do something dangerous.

I really liked the ending for this book! It gave us some closure, but we also know it's not the end. There is still more to Kate and Curran's story and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Diamond Fire (Hidden Legacy, #3.5) by Ilona Andrews, Narrated by Renee Raudman and Emily Rankin

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

It was so easy to fall back into this series! The characters were familiar, and I really enjoyed Catalina's perspective. Renee Raudman (narrator) starts the book off with Nevada, but we quickly switch to Emily Rankin (also a narrator) and Catalina. I thought the transition was done really well, and I think Emily Rankin is going to be an amazing narrator for the next three books in this series. I'm also anxious to see what adventures Catalina will go on! Nevada finally found love and happiness with Conner, and their journey has been one of my favorite stories! Ilona Andrews is a dynamite duo, and I hope they write books forever.

Diamond Fire was a quick read, but it told a big story. Catalina has always felt uncomfortable using her powers because it makes it hard for her to trust the intentions of others. It means her love life is nonexistent, even though we see a potential for something (cannot wait to see how that develops). Catalina starts using her powers more frequently in this book because she wants to keep people safe, and we see how beneficial her abilities are to investigations (which is the family business, so that's nice). I'm happy her confidence grew as the story progressed, and now she has someone willing to show her the ropes. I'm sure we'll see her develop more control over the course of the next few books, and I really loved her personality in this one.

Find the synopsis for Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (Underland Chronicles, #2) here.
Find the synopsis for Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (Underland Chronicles, #3) here.
Find the synopsis for Gregor and the Marks of Secret (Underland Chronicles, #4) here.

I've really enjoyed reading this series to my kiddos! We're on the last book now (Gregor and the Code of Claw) and had stop due to uncontrollable crying (mine). I don't think I'll be able to keep reading this one to them before bed because my tears make them think something is wrong with me. It's hard to explain that nothing is physically wrong, just Suzanne Collins shredding my heart. She has a knack for making you love characters and then destroying you with them later on.

This series does have some darker aspects, so I've had to be selective about what I read out loud. They're still a little young to hear about mass murder and excessive violence. It's meant for middle grade readers, and I think it's perfect for that age, but there is a lot of death and sadness (feelings a five-year-old might not be ready to address). 

I love everything about this series. The characters, the world, the individual prophesies -- all amazing, detailed, and expertly executed. I try to figure the prophesies out as I read, but nothing is clear until the very end (not for me or the characters). The giant bats, rats, and cockroaches are all very unique and interesting. Boots, Gregor, Luxa, Henry, Ares, Temp, Ripred, Twitchtip -- I really do love them all! Everyone brings something to the story, and this series wouldn't be the same without every single one of them. Collins has created a story that I will remember for the rest of my life, and one that I look forward to revisiting in the future.

My Weekly Pull [61] & Can't Wait Wednesday [31]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, there's a link-up at the bottom. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Runaways #19 by Rainbow Rowell, Andres Genolet, Kris Anka
Star Wars Age of Republic General Grievous #1 by Jody Houser, Luke Ross, Mike McKone

Jacob's comics for the week!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shredder In Hell #2 by Mateus Santolouco, Kevin Eastman
Transformers #1 by Brian Ruckley, Angel Hernandez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Ron Joseph
Hit-Girl Season Two #2 by Kevin Smith, Pernille Orum, Francesco Francavilla

Little Bird #1 (of 5) by Darcy Van Poelgeest, Ian Bertram
Amazing Spider-Man #17 by Nick Spencer, Humberto Ramos, Leinil Francis Yu

Punisher #9 by Matthew Rosenberg, Syzmon Kudranski, Greg Smallwood
Spider-Man Deadpool #47 by Robbie Thompson, Matt Horak, Will Robson

I don't even want to talk about how behind I am on comics, ugh. My stack just keeps getting bigger and bigger, but there's not enough time in a day. I have to sleep eventually, haha. They're right next to the computer, so they're always staring at me when I find a moment to sit down and blog. I blame Daylight Savings!

After getting my first ever Star Wars comic last week, I decided to keep it going with Star Wars Age of the Republic General Grievous. Jacob has a ton this week, and I know he's really looking forward to the new Transformers. The last one had one hell of an ending, and apparently they're starting over from the very beginning! I might have to give it a shot.

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, that highlights upcoming releases that we're anticipating and excited to read. It's a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy, #4)

by Ilona Andrews

Expected publication: August 27th 2019

Synopsis (via Goodreads): From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

I love this author duo, and I've really enjoyed this series! I didn't realize the books were going to switch perspectives (from Nevada to Catalina), but thought Diamond Fire was really great! The beginning was told from Nevada's POV, but it quickly shifted over to her sister. I liked Catalina, and I'm excited to see where the story goes with her, but it'll be hard to top Nevada and Conner! Although, I guess those two deserve a HEA.

*Share your My Weekly Pull post! Please leave the direct link to your My Weekly Pull post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

Mini Reviews [25]

The Artic Incident (Artemis Fowl, #2) by Eoin Colfer

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Artemis Fowl wants to find his father, held hostage in Russia; Holly Short wants to find who’s supplying the goblins with human technology; Foaly wants to find out who’s disabled all the LEP Technology and pointed the finger at him. Artemis has received a ransom demand for his father but is captured by the LEP who suspect him of supplying the goblins with dangerous Human technology (batteries). He convinces them he’s innocent and agrees to help them if they help him free his father.

Meanwhile, down in the underground world, chaos has arisen. An unknown traitor has stolen forbidden weapons and armed a horde of trolls, setting them loose to wreak havoc on the citizens. Clues lead Captain Holly Short straight to Artemis, and she exacts a small bit of revenge by kidnapping him, just as he once kidnapped her. But soon she learns that Artemis isn’t behind the chaos, and if she’s to have any hope of stopping it, she will need his help. As a result, these onetime adversaries must now join forces—a mix that proves to be both charming and volatile.

I enjoyed The Artic Incident more than Artemis Fowl because Artemis and Holly actually work together in this one (and I think for the duration of the series). It's more fun watching these two as a team as opposed to villain and victim. Artemis and his bodyguard (Butler) had a tenuous relationship with the Folk going into this one, but now they are forever bonded. Also, Mulch has to be one of my all-time favorite characters. He's a kleptomaniac dwarf with a butt flap, which is enough on its own to make him interesting.

There were a lot more goblins in The Artic Incident, and my son would giggle whenever it mentioned one of them licking their eyeballs (so gross, I know). Foaly is clever, sarcastic and funny. I think this book did amazing things for his oversized ego, and Root is simply amazing. I love his fungus cigars and quick temper, and his heart is always in the right place. If you're looking for a series to read with your kiddos - or even to recommend to them - this one is fun and enjoyable!

The Magic Order #6 (of 6) by Mark Millar, Illustrated by Olivier Copel

Synopsis (via Goodreads): This explosive miniseries climax is a high-octane magical battle of good versus evil, as the remaining Magic Order wizards make a last stand against Madame Albany and the forces of darkness. Family bonds are tested, blood is spilled, and black magic threatens life as we know it.

This was the final issue in the The Magic Order series and it did not disappoint! I'm starting to really appreciate Mark Millar's writing and the way he tells a story. 

I thought the overall series wrapped up nicely, although there's definitely room for more. It's one of the darker comics I've read (gory and violent), so beware if that's not your thing. Typically, it's not mine either, but the story was really engaging and interesting. I have no regrets! 

The Magic Order primarily focuses on family and shows how complicated and messy those relationships can be. 

Magic Slays, Gunmetal Magic, and Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #5, 5.5, 6) by Ilona Andrews, Narrated by Renee Raudman

Find the synopsis for Magic Slays here.
Find the synopsis for Gunmetal Magic here.
Find the synopsis for Magic Rises here.

I'm reviewing these three simultaneously because I'm flying through this series! Additionally, I don't like to say very much about the books that fall in the middle. I'm too worried I'll spoil something that happened previously! However, I feel like something needs to be said, because I am really loving all of the Kate Daniels books. Even Gunmetal Magic, a book from Andrea's perspective, was amazing. I'm so happy they decided to write a book from her point of view!

It's hard to choose a favorite character, because I honestly love them all! Kate's fierce determination, Curran's unwavering presence, Andrea's sweet southern accent (only when she wants something), Roman's hilarious "dark" side, everything about Aunt B, Jim's need to be puurrrfect, Doolittle's endless sweet tea and kind heart, Ascanio's antics and enthusiasm, Derek's loyalty and stoicism -- I could go on and on! They are all so uniquely different, and I love learning new things about them as the story progresses (there are other characters I didn't name, but that are equally awesome).

Ilona Andrews is an amazing author duo, and I have loved every single thing I've read by them. I recently ordered all of the books in this series because I wanted physical copies for my shelves. Kate Daniels is that good. Pinky swear! The details are ridiculous and insanely convincing, the fight scenes make me feel anxious (even though the rational part of my brain knows there are more books so most of the characters have to be okay). I really like everything about the Pack, including the mating frenzy (some of the tricks they played were hilarious). Simply put: it's a fantastic series! Read it!

Oliver #1 by Gary Whitta, Illustrated by Darick Robertson

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this totally new take on a literary classic, Charles Dickens’ most famous orphan is reimagined as a post-apocalyptic superhero fighting to liberate a war-ravaged England while searching for the truth about his own mysterious origins.

I really liked the premise for this one, but I'm unsure how I feel about it after just one issue. I know new stories like this require a lot of setup and world-building, which is why I'm willing to give Oliver another chance to win me over. I'm interested, but not entirely convinced it's going to work for me.