Oh. What a ride. I love this book.

I just finished reading it, now I’m writing this review and then I’m going to read the book again.

Hugh is an amazing character. I enjoyed his transformation, cheered when he was confused about his wife and his feelings towards her :) I love his horse. I love Hugh’s Dogs. And his dog too :). I adore Elara. Basically I like all the characters, they are so well written, just like Ilona Andrews always do.

I wanted to stay with them a little bit longer, I wouldn’t mind if the book had 1000 pages. This book has it all: action, sexual tension, great chemistry between main characters, friendship, family, sweet and sad moments.

I love it and highly recommend it. That’s all I wanted to say. Now I am going to reread it.

I was really excited about this book – there's no way for me *not* to be excited when it comes to new books by the Andrews' – but I was also worried I wouldn't manage to care for Hugh. He was responsible for some of the most horrid and emotionally wrecking moments in the Kate Daniels series, was responsible for the death of one of my favorite characters – you'll forever be missed Aunt B – and directly responsible for the torture of my favorite side-character – where is your novella, Christopher?

That's a lot of hate as a reader, and not easy to come back from. Redemption arcs are hard to pull off in any case, and I rarely feel like the villains truly redeem themselves enough to deserve their happy endings.

So I was worried the Andrews, no matter how great their writing is, wouldn't manage to make me root for Hugh, who I genuinely despised, and therefore not care about the romance. I'm glad to tell you that for me, they (mostly) pulled it off.

A good redemption arc has a couple of key components: genuine remorse, deeds of atonement, and a complete change of ways to be a better person. And probably most important, a compelling character you want to see redeemed. And to be honest, it took me a while to warm up to Hugh, because he's such a calculated character, whose emotions have been suppressed for so long, it's really hard to feel for him, especially because there's a lot of reminders to all the atrocities he's committed. But Hugh's relationship with Roland is expanded on throughout the book, and it becomes clearer and clearer that he was groomed, brainwashed and magically influenced to do as he was told. It would have been fair of Hugh to say he wasn't responsible, because he wasn't in control, and I think the fact that he still owns up to all the terrible things he's done, is the reason why I started to like him and root for his redemption. After all, if I love Christopher, and forgive him the things he's done under Roland's influence, I should also forgive Hugh. Especially when we learn everything that Roland didn't let Hugh feel about his actions, how much he masked and magically blunted.

It helped a lot that almost from the first chapter, I started noticing similarities between Hugh and Kate that really got to me. They both have a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility towards the people in their care. They're both recovering alcoholics. They pick up strays wherever they go (In this book alone, Hugh picks up a dog, a horse, teenaged boy and a little girl). And they're both shaped by the love/hate they have for their father.

It's as Hugh finally realizes two thirds in this book. Kate and he are the siblings they never got to have, and in another, kinder universe, they might have been.

What I also loved, was seeing Hugh with his people, the Iron Dogs, and how his care for them was one of his big motivations to change. One of the most interesting aspects of the book was seeing the people of Hugh and Elara slowly grow closer together and start to intermingle, and I genuinely hope for at least 5 more books in this series, because I honestly want to see them become one people.

Which brings me to Elara and her people. She's powerful, has a strong sense of responsibility towards her people, and isn't afraid of the big bad wolf at her door, because she's been seen as the big bad wolf herself her whole life. I really liked her, because she didn't back down and was willing to do a lot for her people.

The Marriage of Convenience trope is one of my favorites, and the book really didn't disappoint there, it was delicious to see Elara and Hugh have to work together, work through their differences and compromise. They both hold back so much, I'm also really curious to see how their relationship will continue, because they really have to work still on an open line of communication. But they're getting there, and I like how not all their differences are solved in one book.

It's not a perfect book, mostly I think because it's both the first book in its own spinoff series, and still has to resolve a lot of issues from the Kate Daniels series. It's packed with a LOT of plot and action, and some of that could have done with a little more room to breathe. There's two Big Bads (Roland/Landon Nez and a mysterious magical conquering force), one old conflict from Hughs life (yay for cameo's from the Kate Daniels series), and one old conflict from Elara's life (probably the Big Bad of future books). There is so much action and violence, which I normally like a lot in the Andrews' work, but sometimes the balance felt a little off. I genuinely think this will improve in future books, when we've moved on after the final Kate Daniels (no matter how much I don't want that), and Hugh and Elara and their people get to find their place in this world.

I want to yell about a lot of other stuff that was awesome, but honestly, that would all involve a huge amount of spoilers, so I shall refrain for now.

All in all, for the excellent beginning of Hugh's redemption arc, the way his relationship and upbringing with Roland was expanded on, all the strays he picked up, the delicious way the Marriage of Convenience was played out (and will be in future books), the intriguing crumbs we got to see of Elara's magic, people and past, the awesome aspect of seeing a community develop, and emotional confrontations with each other, themselves and their past... I really loved this book, and am looking forward to more.

*I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
WOW! This amazing book left me THIRSTY more Hugh! He’s definitely redeemed himself in this book (not that he really needed to be redeemed, this anti-hero is YUMMY)
Elara is an amazing character for Hugh.

Now if only the next book in this series will be released like tomorrow.

I received and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was amazing. I have nothing negative to say at all. If you are reading this book you probably should read the other books in the Magic series by Ilona Andrews. This book could technically stand alone but you would miss out on a lot of world building and alot of background information about Hugh (the hero).

The book takes place in a post apocalypse world in which magic and technology come in waves. The author's of the book explain it so much better then I ever could so take a look at those website or read those books to find out more.

The main hero as you heard before is Hugh d'Ambray. He's an anti-hero if there ever was one. Readers love to hate him and hate to love him but we all do. He is hard and intense and make no mistake he is a villian. But he is a villian with his own honor system.

The heroine is the White Warlock, Elara. She's a monster in disguise but at least she has a set of ethics that revolve entirely upon keeping her peoe safe. When paired up with Hugh you can imagine what happens and it isn't love at first sight.

The course of the book revolves around the H and h and how they take thier two separate peoples and make them cooperate (is iron out thier contract). Through this they battle monsters, save children and animals and somehow develop a respect for each other.

I loved the book. It made me love Hugh and see redeeming qualities in him that I never thought were there. He found his perfect match in Elara and I can't wait to read more in their series.

I received an ARC from Netgalley.

what can I say about this book? Only that it is amazing! I am a long time follower of Ilona Andrews and while I haven't loved all of "her" books, this is one book that will fall into my favorites "pile".

For those of you who are Kate Daniels fans you are familiar with Hugh. He was Roland's evil warlord, doing the dirty work of his supreme master. Who can grow to like a man so evil? The man responsible for Aunt Bea's death? Well, fellow readers, you shall not be disappointed with this story!

Hugh doesn't apologize for his past deeds. He owns them. And then he strives to do better. And he does.

I want to write so much more but I worry about giving too much away...

Elara, our new female character is strong, engaging, and interesting. Her witty banter with Hugh is funny and natural. (as in the dialogue is never forced).

I can't wait for the next book!

It's hard to love Hugh, he was the bad guy, and he is hasn't changed, that much. But he has his loyalty to his Iron Dogs, and he will do what he has to to survive. Elara will do what she has to keep her people safe. Two people who can barely be in the same room together, with enemies coming for them both, will their magic save them or kill them. Engrossing read, wonderful characters.

Loved this!! A bit slow to start for me, but that was probably because I didn't remember Hugh from the Kate Daniels series and had to do a bit of research to refresh my memory. Loved the chemistry between Hugh and Elara...their "witty banter" made me giggle. Loved seeing a more human side of Hugh. Can't wait for the next installment!

Wow. Yes! I love dark heroes. Hugh is such an ass. But who wouldn't be after being raised by Roland? Roland dumped him though, and after months of self-pity, Hugh needs to find a place to keep his Iron Dogs safe. Elara Harper needs men to keep her people and castle safe. A perfect union. Except Hugh and Elara hate each other at first sight. But also the sexual tension crackles between them and some respect starts to seep in. Really, the chemistry between Hugh and Elara is amazing.

I was able to hate the things Hugh did to Kate and characters I love, but also accept his redemption. I started to admire him.

I really think you need to read the Kate Daniels series before reading this one. Andrews doesn't spend much time explaining the world and familiar characters. And I think you need to be introduced to Hugh as Roland's man first.

What can I say about Hugh and this book ? Ok fans already know that previously Hugh failed to secure the victory over Rolands daughter Kate that he demanded. Now Hugh is no longer the golden boy and is sinking into oblivion as he is left bereft without the perceived love of Roland that he basked in. Being cast aside has left Hugh empty and yet somehow the Dogs who previously followed him have to instill fire back into him as they are all slowly but surely being eradicated.
Elara needs a buffer between her people and those who seek to take the land they have claimed. So an alliance with an army looking for a secure base would surely be the answer . In accordance with old traditions a marriage could help cement good relations but be prepared for thunder and lightning because neither Elara or Hugh are exactly cosy slippers by the fire types! Elara knows what is at stake but does Hugh really know exactly who or what he has married ?
The big question here is how do the authors redeem someone who has brought so much pain to others ? My answer is love . Hugh loved Roland with all that he had and yet that still was never going to be enough. If he is capable of that depth of devotion then yes redemption is possible. Hugh might feel there’s no hope for himself but he pulls himself up by his bootstraps and seeks salvation for those loyal Dogs who have always followed him. That right there is what the authors focus on and even as the last page unfolded there’s still no doubt in this readers mind that Hugh feels strongly that he should protect those who are his.
I won’t ruin the plot but yes there are obviously vampires and their somewhat unpleasant pilots in this story. Plus a new foe to vanquish but you just know that Hugh will have something up his sleeve . The action is frequent with character development that brings those supporting Elara and Hugh to life. Perhaps best of all though is Elara whose icy demeanour constantly challenges Hugh but my lips are sealed. Whilst admittedly this isn’t exactly an emotionally driven romance it is one that pulsates with heat . Honestly I loved it and hated that life intruded on my reading time. With this book the authors have definitely hit the ground running and I can’t wait to read what they have in store for us next. Hugh is back with a bang and whilst not totally exonerated his character and previous actions make a lot more sense. So if this book brought Hugh to life I’m guessing the next will reveal more secrets about Elara . This trilogy is fast, furious and jaw dropping, don’t miss it !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I wasn't sure what to expect from Iron and Magic. Ilona Andrews takes the bad guy from the Kate Daniels series gives him his own book AND makes him the hero. It completely works, not sure how but it does. It also fits seamlessly into the K.D. world. It would be interesting to start the series here...but I wouldn't due to major major spoilers for the K.D. series.