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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
4.5 stars rounded down. I think Ilona Andrews are at the top of my list these days when it comes to consistency of their output, and as usual, I really liked this. Although this is the start of an arc with new protagonists, I really think you still need to start at the beginning of the series. I like Catalina and Alessandro, but this is definitely a first "setting the stage" book in a 3-arc series, so don't expect huge emotional pay-off. I did have some quibbles about pacing -- the ending sort of zoomed up really quickly, and the conflict between the hero and the heroine felt somewhat forced. I will definitely be picking up the next one. But really, those are mostly quibbles.
I wrote this review in exchange for a free e-arc received from the publisher via NetGalley.
I wrote this review in exchange for a free e-arc received from the publisher via NetGalley.
I mean, it's okay? Begining was awesome, we learned loads about newer main characters, previously anticipated sexual tension was great, and then a shit storm hits and who cares about properly explaining large events? Ending was rushed, things made no sense, and WHY did the authors decide that the best way to continue the action was to just say, "I explained things to person A and this was his short reaction". UGH I had such higher expectations.
- This was my first Iliona Andrews book and I really enjoyed it
- I read this book without reading the original Hidden Legacy trilogy and while I agree that is not necessary to have read it, I think that I would have understood better who the characters in this family are, their relationships to each other and how the world and magic works if I had read the other books. I may go back and read them!
-I really liked the main character in this book, Catalina. She was smart and strong, she was compassionate but she was willing to do what was necessary to protect the people she cared about, and she didn't entirely know what she was doing, but she still tried to do her best.
- The world and magic system are fascinating and complex. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
- The plot revolved around a mystery that Catalina was investigating and it was really engaging. A lot of things happened in this book- confrontations, fights, interrogations- but still, it dragged a little bit at some points, at least for me.
- Now, my real issue with this book is that it felt like Alessandro was pretending or acting the entire time and even Catalina mentions it at some point. We only got to see very small glimpses of the real him and it wasn't enough for me, I need more to really get on board with him as a character but also with the romance in the book. Catalina had a crush on Alessandro even before the book began, but I don't really understand how it went from a crush to love, their interactions and the small glimpses of the real him that she got in the book weren't enough for that. Also, it seemed like he was in love with her from the beginning but according to everything they said they had only interacted once briefly during a test of her abilities, so as much as I liked Catalina, I didn't really believe in his feelings for her.
- Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed this even if I wasn't 100% on board with the romance. I will continue with the series.
3.5
This book was a lot of fun!! Also, I'm glad that we jumped right into the story and that Alessandro didn't take too long to show up.
I really liked Catalina's friendship with Runa. That's something I think lacked in Nevada's story, female friendship outside of the family.
The reason why I'm not rating this book five stars is because I think there was something missing from the story. I don't know if it was more Catalina and Alessandro moments or what, but oh well.
I'm not going to lie, I missed Nevada and Rogan. But not because I didn't like Catalina and Alessandro. It's just that I really liked Nevada and Rogan. I understand why they had to be away, but I just missed them.
If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting??
This book was a lot of fun!! Also, I'm glad that we jumped right into the story and that Alessandro didn't take too long to show up.
I really liked Catalina's friendship with Runa. That's something I think lacked in Nevada's story, female friendship outside of the family.
The reason why I'm not rating this book five stars is because I think there was something missing from the story. I don't know if it was more Catalina and Alessandro moments or what, but oh well.
I'm not going to lie, I missed Nevada and Rogan. But not because I didn't like Catalina and Alessandro. It's just that I really liked Nevada and Rogan. I understand why they had to be away, but I just missed them.
If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting??
This was a building block for the next books in the series but there was a bit too much action and not enough time with the actual characters developing their relationship. We definitely moved the story forward but I need a touch more character development.
Reading Ilona Andrews feels like coming home after a long trip.
I love Catalina (and of course the Baylors). I'm excited to see where the mystery surrounding Alessandro goes.
I love Catalina (and of course the Baylors). I'm excited to see where the mystery surrounding Alessandro goes.
Yesssssss. I was right to wait to continue this series until I could savor it.
Sapphire Flames was so good!!! I love the Hidden Legacy series. It has it all. I re-read it in 2023 with my friend Stefanie.
5 Fantastic Stars
5 Fantastic Stars
I was excited to see another book in the Hidden Legacy world, especially one from Catalina's perspective. However, I had two questions right off the bat. How long had it been since the events of the first trilogy and how did Catalina get to be head of the house? It made me feel like I had missed a book or short story that would have explained this and was a little irritating. Those questions weren't answered until almost half way through the book and, for those who also want to know the answers:
I think Catalina and Alessandro are well developed characters and I liked the interaction between them. Throughout the book you can see Catalina come out of her shell a little bit and gain confidence, both in her ability to run the house and also in her relationship with Alessandro. Until the end at least. One part of their relationship that hit a sour note for me was the almost sex scene at the gala. Here is a professional investigator and a expert hitman, in the middle of a mission to literally save the world and they call time out to make out in the bathroom? While I can see it was a excellent way to prove that Catalina's magic doesn't affect Alessandro, the place and time seems off to me. They both seem too professional for that.
It also worries me a little how willing Catalina is to give others power over her..
All this being said, I'm definitely going to be reading the next book, if only to see how it all goes wrong and they have to fix it.
Favorite Quote: "We're about to embark on a killing spree accompanied by massive property damage. Try to have fun."
Spoiler
It's been about three years since the first trilogy since their immunity is just ending. And Catalina became head of the house when Nevada went crazy and tried to work herself to death. Which seems a little out of character if you ask me but I guess they had to find some reason.I think Catalina and Alessandro are well developed characters and I liked the interaction between them. Throughout the book you can see Catalina come out of her shell a little bit and gain confidence, both in her ability to run the house and also in her relationship with Alessandro. Until the end at least. One part of their relationship that hit a sour note for me was the almost sex scene at the gala. Here is a professional investigator and a expert hitman, in the middle of a mission to literally save the world and they call time out to make out in the bathroom? While I can see it was a excellent way to prove that Catalina's magic doesn't affect Alessandro, the place and time seems off to me. They both seem too professional for that.
It also worries me a little how willing Catalina is to give others power over her.
Spoiler
Her pact with her grandmother doesn't necessarily worry me in and of itself. I'm pretty sure he'll end up leaving his family for her anyway since he doesn't seem to like them very much. It's more the idea that she's okay will putting herself under someone else's thumb for so little return. She could have asked Bug to dig something up or even ask if Rogan or Rogan's mom knew something, but she went straight to Victoria. Then she sealed herself into the pact with Linus Duncan without even knowing all the details. This seems like it is going to cause problems down the road.All this being said, I'm definitely going to be reading the next book, if only to see how it all goes wrong and they have to fix it.
Favorite Quote: "We're about to embark on a killing spree accompanied by massive property damage. Try to have fun."
4.5 stars!
Absolutely love this world of magic users with crime/mystery elements. The romance is slow going but I know it will be worth it.
Absolutely love this world of magic users with crime/mystery elements. The romance is slow going but I know it will be worth it.