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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
I love how distinct Nevada and Catalina are. I also love the fast pace, the action, and how romance is not the most important element - there’s a steady thread of it, but not so much that I’m constantly rolling my eyes as I read/thinking blah blah, lol. In short, this series and the Kate Daniels series are among my very faves - wish there more authors writing with this balance!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this story - Catalina is a great protagonist (I might like her more than Nevada, although tbh that could be because I’m a little ticked off of at Nevada right now for spoiler related reasons). The new audio narrator is excellent, too.
I just adore this fictional family so much. Seeing where they’re all at and their dynamic grow has been so heartwarming. The plot was fast paced as is usual for this series. The mystery side of things was probably not as complicated as pervious books, but they’ve set up some intriguing plots that I’m keen to see the results for.
Personally I really liked the Catalina and Alessandro dynamic and that it’s a little antagonistic but still different to Nevada and Rogan. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I just adore this fictional family so much. Seeing where they’re all at and their dynamic grow has been so heartwarming. The plot was fast paced as is usual for this series. The mystery side of things was probably not as complicated as pervious books, but they’ve set up some intriguing plots that I’m keen to see the results for.
Personally I really liked the Catalina and Alessandro dynamic and that it’s a little antagonistic but still different to Nevada and Rogan. Can’t wait to read the next one!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Violence
Sapphire Flames
4 Stars
Series note: The focus in the series has shifted from Nevada to Catalina and begins a new plot arc. Nevertheless, in order to understand the world-building and terminology, it is necessary to read the first trilogy prior to this book.
As is to be expected from Ilona Andrews, the world-building is excellent and the plot revolving around assassins and stolen serums is well-developed and action-packed. That said, the characterization and romance are weak, especially in comparison to the first trilogy.
Catalina has an unfortunate "woe-is-me" attitude that makes it difficult to view her as a strong and resilient heroine. Alessandro's characterization also suffers due to the inevitable comparison with the all-powerful and sexy as sin Rogan. Regardless of whatever strengths he has, Alessandro will always fall short.
In terms of their romance, Catalina and Alessandro have very little chemistry and their dialogue is missing the snark and wit that characterized Rogan and Nevada's relationship. Moreover, their attraction for one another lacks foundation. It has been 3 years since their initial encounter, and the reasons for their continued feelings are unclear. This is exacerbated by the fact that Catalina's affections are connected to Allesandro's apparent immunity to her magic rather than any real emotion.
Overall, the writing, world-building, and story make this a worthwhile read. Hopefully, the romance issues will be resolved in upcoming installments.
4 Stars
Series note: The focus in the series has shifted from Nevada to Catalina and begins a new plot arc. Nevertheless, in order to understand the world-building and terminology, it is necessary to read the first trilogy prior to this book.
As is to be expected from Ilona Andrews, the world-building is excellent and the plot revolving around assassins and stolen serums is well-developed and action-packed. That said, the characterization and romance are weak, especially in comparison to the first trilogy.
Catalina has an unfortunate "woe-is-me" attitude that makes it difficult to view her as a strong and resilient heroine. Alessandro's characterization also suffers due to the inevitable comparison with the all-powerful and sexy as sin Rogan. Regardless of whatever strengths he has, Alessandro will always fall short.
In terms of their romance, Catalina and Alessandro have very little chemistry and their dialogue is missing the snark and wit that characterized Rogan and Nevada's relationship. Moreover, their attraction for one another lacks foundation. It has been 3 years since their initial encounter, and the reasons for their continued feelings are unclear. This is exacerbated by the fact that Catalina's affections are connected to Allesandro's apparent immunity to her magic rather than any real emotion.
Overall, the writing, world-building, and story make this a worthwhile read. Hopefully, the romance issues will be resolved in upcoming installments.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought I was gonna love Catalina more than Nevada, which I kinda do but also not? Idk. I definitely don't like the relationship as much either. Tbf I wasn't a fan during book 1 for Nevada either so maybe that's just first book stuff. Everything else was excellent as per usual though.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No