A review by onthesamepage
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

adventurous mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The first time Kate and Hugh sparred in the Kate Daniels series, I had a moment where I was sad that they were on opposite sides. There was something about Hugh that tickled a soft spot I have for antiheroes, because there were moments where he didn't act like the clear villain he's supposed to be. Of course, there were many more moments where he was an absolute bastard, so I gave up on the fanciful notion of him and Kate ever being on the same side.

Cue this book.

His voice was a low snarl. “Sometimes when I lay awake in the middle of the night, I think of you.” 
“Don’t…” 
“Sometimes there is nothing left and all that’s anchoring me here is knowing you’ll pick a fight with me in the morning.” 
“Hugh...” 
“What do you want more than anything? Tell me what it is, and I’ll rip the world apart to bring it to you.” 

Overall, while the pacing is a bit slow, I still really enjoyed this book. Hugh and Elara are well-matched as a couple, and their banter made me snicker more than once. But most of all, I appreciated the redemption arc that Hugh got, and how he faced up to his past and the things he has done. He isn't suddenly a good person, but you can see hints of it in how protective he is of his people, and how he's trying to make amends for past mistakes. 

I do recommend reading this before finishing off Kate Daniels with Magic Triumphs, because it will add context to some of the discussions and events there.
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