I did not like Hugh at first, but then something changed. I liked him even though he was evil. Aint that always the story.
Here he is messed up cos Roland dumped him. Until his people tell him to shape up and save them. So he tries.
I liked that we got a bit of his backstory and understood why he is all Roland is my god! And get to see that there is still light in there.

Elara was pretty cold as Hugh said. I get that she has a lot of responsibilities, protecting her people, living in their castle, hiding from baddies. So it took a while to warm up to her, if I ever did, but I get why she and Hugh fit together. I can not tell you, cos spoiler. But she has another side to her.

She hires him. He goes fighting. There are baddies. They argue. The end.

I do like Hugh ;)

Nice story, Even if not as good as Kate, but then neither of the sidestories has been to me

Another book set in the Kate Daniels world. What can I say, as usual its a great read. Love the characters with tie ins to the Kate Daniels series which makes its feel more familiar. Interesting story line and smooth writing. LOVED IT. Keep up the good work ilona :)

What a wonderful book!!!! A great start to a spin-off of a world I have grown to love. I can't wait until to see where this story takes us.

It was everything I hoped it would be. Now waiting for Magic Triumphs will be torture!

Thank you netgalley!

Iron and Magic is the first installment in authors' Ilona Andrews new series called The Iron Covenant. As this is a spin-off from the Kate Daniels series, and is in the same world as the Daniels series, you will definitely have to have some clue as to what I am referring to as I put together a review that makes sense, and but doesn't spoil anything for future readers. This series features former Roland acolate Hugh d'Ambray, and Elara Harper, a new character, with lots of power and secrets. More about her later.

Hugh is a character who we've all read or heard about before. He is the character who is perhaps Kate and Curran's biggest adversary outside of Roland. He's done some pretty horrific things to people that Kate and Curran call friends. He is the devil who was raised by a God to become the leader of a group called Iron Dogs, an elite private army built for Roland. Hugh jumped whenever Roland told him to go and destroy, and kill someone or something. But, then the unthinkable happened. After failing to do something that Roland asked him to take care of for him, he was cut off.

Even though I've always felt as though Hugh was undeniably the most awful character to come out of this series. Even though he has no redeemable qualities whatsoever. Even though he definitely has a whole lot of pain, suffering, and hurt coming his way. What happens to his people that he put together and made promises to, may be the biggest thing to wake him up from the nightmare he has been living for far too long. As the story opens, we find a very different Hugh. A Hugh who has hit rock bottom.

Hugh's Iron Dogs are being hunted down by another of Roland's accolades. With his men and women being viciously hunted down and killed. With supplies, weapons, and food to feed his people running low, Hugh and his men find a way to make an alliance with someone who is desperately searching for protection from outside forces who are willing to do whatever it takes to push them out from their home and take their land. A character who will push Hugh's buttons. A character who will open another avenue of thinking. And a character that may finally defrost the ice surrounding his heart.

Here's where I talk about Elara Harper. If you thought Hugh was a badass, you ain't seen nothing yet. Elara aka The White Warlock, and her people called The Remaining, have found a home in a castle called Baile. But, there are those who are just waiting to move in and take everything they've worked hard for. Elara will do anything to protect her people, including marrying one of the scariest villains you'll ever meet. But, hold onto your hat people, because Elara isn't a Mary Sue. She's not a pushover.

In fact, she's damn scary, and powerful, and could give Kate Daniels a run for her money in the badassery category of top 10 female heroines. She also has no intention of being submissive and taking orders from anyone. Let alone Hugh d'Ambray. Elara is a remarkable character who I am anxious to find out more about. There is a deeper, darker, more frightening part of Elara that the authors have kept close to their chests. That's probably a good thing since we really didn't understand Kate's full potential until the series really got going.

Elara is the perfect personality for Hugh. She gives as much as she takes, and has some of the most entertaining lines in the story. Elara and Hugh have to face a wide range of villains. There is plenty of action, suspense, and brief romantic scenes. In the end, you start asking yourself questions. Can Hugh finally find the one thing that has been missing from his life, love? Or will his relationship with Elara cause even more blood, and suffering, and death? Can Elara and her people survive knowing that they are allied with some of the most dangerous people in the country, let alone the world? Can the two survive a marriage of convenience, or will the marriage burn to the ground over held secrets?

Iron and Magic also has some curious cameos including Raphael and Andrea. I am particularly eager to understand where the author is going and whether or not other Pack members will be making a cameo in this series as well. With the Kate Daniels series ending this year, I am definitely eager to see what the authors do with this series. Would you call this an redemption series? Mayhaps. I will say that that was one helluva an ending. I am impressed but a bit curious why the authors held back what Elara really is and how come she is so powerful. I can say without spoilers, that she would definitely give Kate Daniels a run for her money in the power department. I would also add that I would LOVE to have Elara on the side of Kate and Curran when the final battle with Roland is fought. Can you imagine how impressive Elara, Hugh, Kate, & Curran as a team would be?

5 Hearts, RECOMMENDED READ!!!!!!!!!
SJ, Romance Junkies

Ilona Andrews returns to the authors' creative, enthralling world where magic and technology coexist, often with dangerous results. The husband and wife writing team of Andrews has done the impossible, taking a nasty villain from the KATE DANIELS series and making him not only likable, but a true hero! I swear, Ilona Andrews can do no wrong! This book was outstanding all on its own, but knowing the backstory of Hugh made his transition from villain to victim to hero a masterpiece of urban fantasy. 

In the first of the new IRON COVENANT series, IRON AND MAGIC, Hugh d'Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs and Warlord of the Builder of Towers, has been cast aside. He was once immortal, a general who served a godlike master. Now he's all too human, though still filled with magic. Upon learning his men (and women) are being hunted down by his old master, Hugh decides to be the leader his people need. To that end, he marries to gain them security, wedding the White Lady, a great sorceress—Elara Harper.

Elara is a fascinating creature, beautiful but deadly. She's known by some as the Abomination, and she has power. So much power... So it galls her to have to rely on someone like Hugh d'Ambray, a warlord with a terrible reputation for killing everything in reach.

She and Hugh hate each other at first sight. She provides Hugh and his people with food, shelter, and money. Hugh and the Iron Dogs provide security, and none too soon as a mysterious entity is devouring the people surrounding Elara's keep.

These two dark protagonists must learn to trust each other if they're to survive what's coming. But Hugh doesn't know the nature of the woman he's married. And after facing off against his old master, Hugh isn't sure exactly who he is either.

Holy cow! This book blew me away. It had humor, heartache, passion, danger, and action. So much action! I flew through the pages, learning about Hugh and wanting more of his secrets. Elara was the perfect foil for someone of Hugh's power. She's a might all her own, regal, strong, yet a woman with vulnerability all the same. I loved the way the authors treated her and can't wait to learn more.

Some shapeshifters from the KATE DANIELS series make a brief appearance, as does Roland, an old enemy. But even not reading that series, the book stands just fine on its own (though the richness and humor of the KATE DANIELS series should not be missed.) 

Passion, action, humor, IRON AND MAGIC has it all! Another AMAZING story by the indomitable Andrews. I'm going back to read it again and again. This is my top read so far of 2018. 

If I could give it 10 hearts, I would.

Recommended Read!!

Wow, I did not realize how much I missed this world until I started this book! When I first began reading the Kate Daniels series, it took awhile to get my footing with the series. It’s one of the things I love about Ilona Andrews… that they don’t just dump a lot of information into the opening chapters of a series. They start you off right in the middle of the action and trust in your intelligence to slowly grasp the world as you go. At the same time, however, it can mean that it takes time to learn the ropes and get to the point of loving a series. Since this book takes place in the Kate Daniels world, there was no lull while I tried to understand what the heck was going on. I was plopped right back into this world, and I immediately was lost in it (and honestly, I never wanted back out).

Hugh has always been one of those love to hate types of characters when he was battling against Kate and her friends. I hated him because he was the villain, but I also sort of liked him because it was clear there was more depth to him. Iron & Magic gives you that depth, and it feels like a huge part of his origin story. I loved it. Loved it. The moment I read the prologue, I knew I was going to fall in love with Hugh. It picks up right after where the last Kate Daniels took place, so you can’t read this one without reading that. But I loved getting Hugh’s side of things and understanding his void and his darkness.

Elara was a brand-new character, but it took no time to connect with and love her and her people. The set up for her story with Hugh was one of my favorite tropes so that alone excited me. But then add in all of their banter, and I was a goner. The chemistry, it was insane. Insane. I am not even a little ashamed to admit, half the reason I couldn’t put this down was anticipating their first everything. I love when authors can build up the tension and anticipation.

This world is so complex. The characters so unique and varied. I hope there are many more spinoffs and side characters that keep us in the Kate Daniels world for a long, long time.

Such a great addition to the world of Kate Daniels. Ilona Andrews has achieved the difficult task of writing a book that is within the world of Kate Daniels but has its own distinct voice. It was truly enjoyable and exciting to read and makes one long for the next book. Longtime fans will be relieved to know that Hugh d’Ambray is still the bastard he always was. Instead of retconning or whitewashing his past behaviour the authors hadve more interestingly explored his history leading the reader to be if not sympathetic but more understanding. It makes for a very satisfying antihero hero and the chemistry with heroine is a lot of fun!

First I must start of by saying that two summers ago I read every Kate Daniels book except #9 & #10 all at once. And I read all of those books in a row and read two other long series too. At the time I kind of got tired of Kate and Curran and all that... but not because I didn’t like them it was just too much at once. So all that said it’s been awhile since I read anything in their world so though I remembered Hugh I only barely recall his whole banishment situation. Starting this book I was very familiar with the world but it took a bit to recall Hugh’s shenanigans. But I suppose you could go into this having not read anything of Kate and still follow along.

Now that I’m done with my own personal backstory on to the actual book...

I LOVED this book. Wasn’t sure I would What with Hugh being Hugh and you know kinda evil. But if you ever wanted the emotionally scarring backstory of Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers... here it is. Yeah he’s done a lot of bad things but he’s a guy with problems like everybody else. Granted his problems aren’t really like anybody else’s.

Word to the wise though the Roland Retirement Plan does not intact come with benefits... even if you escape with your life that isn’t even guaranteed to be yours for long.

So we start off with Hugh drowning himself in alcoholism... broke... homeless and oh right most of his soldiers are dead. Enter what’s left of his inner-circle: Stoyan, Felix, Bale and Lamar. All of whom want to continue living and breathing so they work their powers of persuasion to get Hugh going again... whether he wants to or not.

After gathering the remaining Iron Dogs Hugh and the gang still have the small (big) problem of being broke and homeless and his nemesis Landon Nez the head of the Golden Legion aka Roland’s army of Necromancers, is out to get him.

And then a solution arrives...

It is then we met Elara Harper... who is magical... (spoiler alert you NEVER find out what exactly she is though be afraid be VERY afraid) she has a castle and settlement of people in need of protecting... and who should be on her current list of top enemies but... Landon Nez...

The enemy of my enemy is my friend... so the saying goes... but instead of friends Hugh and Elara who hate each other on sight get married to protect both sets of their people...

I wouldn’t call any part of this book a romance unless you like your love stories violent, bloody and very demented with daily mutual death threats... which I suppose some people do. By the end Hugh and Elara learn to live together with each other and appreciate each other... sorta.

During the course of the story Hugh and Elara find that the necromancers aren’t their only problem. Mysterious murders and disappearances are happening in neighboring towns. Which of course they have to deal with in order to keep their own people safe.

And of course their shared enemy will stop at nothing to destroy them all...

Getting to know Hugh puts a lot of his past deeds into perspective and well you can’t really forgive or forget it but you understand... Elara’s past is a huge mystery and so is what’s so interesting about the land they call home.

In the begging you think it’s pretty straightforward Hugh and Elara with their love/hate relationship are going to work together and fight Landon Nez... seems pretty obvious. However though that is more of less what happens there are a good many side mysteries/situations that happen that quite frankly remain a huge mystery in the end.

I really loved this book it makes me want to go back to the beginning with Kate and maybe take a look at Hugh with a new perspective.

The ending though wasn’t a surprise to me I pretty much figured what Hugh would do in the end. And it didn’t surprise me what Elara did but really what the heck is she? Her backstory is very mysterious while Hugh’s is explained.

The worst part about this book was basically finishing it. I wanted more. There NEEDS to be MORE.

One final note...

Bucky is a freaking awesome horse... though is he just a horse?

Oh and as for the supporting cast of characters... I liked them too... an interesting lot of people at Castle Baile.

So many questions... so many mysteries... so not enough book.

Iron and Magic was a truly awesome book that deserves all the star ratings in the world and I’ll probably reread it 2 or 12 more times because um yeah AHMAZING!

A few good quotes:

“Rock bottom wasn’t the worst place to start from, and the Dogs who’d managed to stay alive were probably the smartest or strongest. He had three hundred trained killers. A man could do worse.”

“Some people paced, Hugh juggled a razor-sharp knife with his right hand. Aw, the man she married.”

“HE IS MINE, WIZARD. GIVE HIM TO ME OR DIE.”


And a little something I found funny that I’m adding just because (NOT a spoiler)....

“Why are you reading him this boring shit?” Bale asked.
“Unlike your half-blood prince, this is a classic.”
“Half-Blood Prince is a great book.”
“Of course, it is. What could be better than stories of clueless teenagers sent off to… Bale, what is that?”
“What, this?”
Lamar’s voice took on a sharp edge. “Is that a wand?”
“It’s a stick.”
“Are you pointing a wand at me?”
“Who, me?”
“Bale, if any Latin comes out of your mouth, it better be a litany of the saints, because I will end you.”

4.5 STARS

"You're a killer and a villain."

While I've often contemplated how life would go on after the official ending of Kate Daniels Series, I never would have guessed the answer being...Hugh d’Ambray. It's no secret how much I worship this writing power couple, but I admit to being a little hesitant about a new series featuring a villain I've loved to hate. This is a spinoff, but you definitely need to read Kate Daniels prior to starting this one in order to grasp the complex world and character relationships.
There are small cameos and carrying overs from KD, but this is definitely Hugh and Elara's story.

"Because if I'm your punishment, you're mine."

From the prologue, I was immediately sucked back into this world and it was like no time had passed. There is plenty of action, and the forced relationship between Hugh and Elara had me devouring this book in no time. This is the slowest of burns, and the journey is filled with banter, insane chemistry, and a long road to trust. Elara is everything, and I loved seeing a new powerful heroine to balance out Hugh's complexity. I couldn't get enough of Hugh's background and finally learning what made him the person he became. While I'm always going to be partial to my beloved Curran/Kate, I appreciate Hugh so much more now.

"He is my monster, Commander."

I am thrilled there will be more books set in this world, and I don't have to live without this beloved cast of characters. If you are a Kate Daniels fan, this book is a must read. If you haven't started that series, I cannot recommend it enough! It's one of the best urban fantasies series, period.

A huge thank you to the authors and NetGalley for my advanced review copy.

Ilona Andrews writes Urban Fantasy like none other! I had no doubt when I opened the e-book that Hugh would be redeemed and he was. I knew that there would be action-packed fight scenes and swoony romance. What I didn't expect was how much I loved the enemies-to-lovers romantic arc. I loved the cross-over characters from KD.

Iron and Magic was everything that I wanted and things that I didn't even know I wanted until I read this book. I can't wait for the next in the series. If you're a fan of Ilona and Gordon's writing, then you'll love this, too.


ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Kate Daniels series is one of my favorites, and I was excited to see this book in the same universe, but following Hugh. I love magical worlds, and this universe is such a unique one that always keeps me engaged. The story picks up as the legendary Hugh d’Ambray is wallowing in pain and drunkenness after being thrown out of Roland's life. He doesn't know how to deal with the hole that Roland's magic used to occupy, but when some of his men track him down and tell him that his Iron Dogs are being murdered by Roland's vampire navigators, he finds a new purpose to lead them again to safety. Needing a home base, his men find a small settlement with a castle and a people who need protection from none other than the leader of the necromancers. He and their mysterious leader, Elara, strike a bargain and seal it with marriage. I appreciated the character development of all of the characters in this book, but especially Hugh as he learns to be his own person and how to do the right thing. I am very much looking forward to the next installation!!

This was a great read, and I really enjoyed the love/hate relationship between the two main characters. I also could not help wondering if each of the two character's dialogue was written by one of the two authors? The imaginative scenes in the final battle also shows why these authors are so amazing (just loved the outcome of the elephant scene). It was also really entertaining to see cameos of some of the characters from the Kate Daniels novels. This novel can stand on ts own, but would probably be an even better experience if read together with the rest of the Kate Daniels series.

One note of warning, there is a lot of violence and some sex in this book and more explicit than what I'm used to from these authors novels.

For me it was a solid 4 stars and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Elara is a very interesting and mysterious character, and I would love to know more about her secrets and past.

Oh Hugh... I've never really been into the "bad boy" tropes, and wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. But trust IA to give Hugh d'Ambray an arc and story that was authentic and that didn't feel contrived. Things I loved: like all IA series, there are oodles of strong women, who have strong friendships; that there are women Iron Dogs high up in the ranks and no one feels the need to comment on that. I love the hints about the nature of Hugh's new "prancing" steed... (and the allusions about the color vs. his previous war horses aligning with his new path in life). I dig that IA never gives away anything too quickly. Very VERY minor spoilers ahead here:

*************

It was fun to see a few characters pop in briefly from the Kate Daniels / pack books.

We still don't know the precise nature of Elara's power (i.e. what she is, how she got her powers, who her people are compared to her, etc...). I really like that... of course - that just makes me more likely to read the next one. Though, I do so love anything IA publishes, so it wasn't like I was in real danger of of not reading (other than not really loving Hugh before this book). Best of all - this book was a great blend of action, magic, humor, and smexy times. Thank you to Ilona Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC!

Iron and Magic is set in the world of Kate Daniels and follows the seemingly irredeemable Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, as he comes to terms with the evil things he has done for his surrogate father, Roland, as well as, the alliance forged through his marriage to Elara, the Protector of the Departed, who is much more than she seems. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did but I loved experiencing Huge and Elara’s developing relationship and was pleased to see that characters from other Ilona Andrews books crossed over to this one. #IronAndMagic #NetGalley

Another fantastic book by these great authors. Hugh was the villain in the Kate Daniels books, here he is turned into the hero (of sorts). You get a better understanding of what made Hugh the way he is, and what else is happening in this world. Can be read as a stand alone, but I'm sure you will be reading the entire series. Thanks again for the book -- HIGHLY recommended!!

It isn’t often that an author can take a character who had been the villain in several books previously written and then successfully expand to make him into a viable lead character on the good guys’ side in his own book. The writing team known as Ilona Andrews has done so with style.

This book takes place in the same world setting as the Kate Daniels series (which I highly recommend – the first book in that series is Magic Bites), however not in Atlanta. The Kate Daniels series does NOT have to be read prior to reading this book, as the authors give enough background as the story goes along to make pick up the necessary history. It begins a few months after Hugh was banished by Roland, with Hugh as about low as he can get when he finds out his men are being hunted down.

You know – I started reading this book assuming I could never like Hugh. I still do not like him, however, I do understand him much more. The man was literally cast out by his savior, his maker, his father figure, his god. As Hugh starts to think new thoughts and look back upon his previous actions, he is a man torn in two. The very base of his motivation was pulled out from underneath him, and he has to build a new foundation.

Meanwhile, Elara and her people have settled into a location they have made home after being chased from place to place by a group who split off from Elara. Elara and her people lead a simple way of life, farming and trading and such. Problem is – Roland wants their land. So Elara needs to soldiers to protect her people and their way of life, because she can’t do it alone. Well, maybe she can, but she shouldn’t.

Elara is stubborn and no shrinking violet, Hugh is arrogant and overbearing, and when the two meet they don’t like each other. AT ALL. They both want to be in charge, and unwillingly agree to cooperate. Chaos ensues. External threats are introduced and dark things happen. Danger looms.

The bottom line is I highly recommend reading this book. Even though I came in not liking one of the lead characters I want to read more about him and the female lead. Plus I want to see where the supporting characters end up as the series progresses, and where the story goes.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author in order to have the opportunity to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained are my own.

In a world where magic and technology come and go in waves, Hugh was tossed out of Roland's sphere of influence and now must find his way without support from Roland and fend off those who would see him burn for his past deeds. Elara is a woman who needs to protect her people. To protect them, she agrees to marry Hugh and provide him with a base in exchange for protecting her people.

After a slower than usual beginning for an Ilona Andrews book, the pace picked up rather rapidly and I found myself staying up late to finish the book. I loved the interplay between Hugh and Elara. Hugh is trying to find himself without Roland to shield him from his actions and has a difficult time with coming to terms with his past. I have not figured out what Elara is and truthfully it's driving me crazy. I hope we learn more about her and her past in the next installment of this series. I used to really dislike Hugh but now find myself a little more empathetic towards him although I still don't trust him. If you read closely, there are hints in this book pointing towards the last Kate Daniels installment which make you wonder how the events will turn out. Will be waiting anxiously for the next Hugh and Elara book!

This book was pretty much magic. It was amazing and fantastic and a blood thrill ride. And I do mean bloody.

So once upon a time there was an April's fools joke for a book called the Warlord's Price. It was about Hugh. I loved the idea when it was joke. I became even more excited when it became a reality. And then I got a galley... BOOM.

Hugh D'Ambry has been dropped by Roland, stripped of his immortality and banished from the elite army he trained. Drowning in the void of all he has lost, Hugh is at the bottom and content to stay there soaked in alcohol. Found by his seconds and confronted with the news that his elite troops have left their master and are being decimated, Hugh hauls him up. He will do anything for his people, including get married. Elara Harper has finally found a home for her people but the surrounding communities want them gone and Landon Nez, Master of the Dead wants her land. She needs an army. Hugh needs a base. It just might work if they don't kill each other first.

This was such an awesome book. Hugh was a villain in the Kate Daniel's series. He did awful things and the hate was strong. He was also a complicated fascinating character. Raised as Roland's Warlord, Hugh has been his right hand for decades, doing the dirty work and believing in him entirely. Then Hugh is introduced to Kate, does everything Roland asks of him to win her over and fails rather spectacularly. And Roland tosses him away like trash. This book is Hugh discovering himself, what he is and how to be himself without Roland. I loved it.

Elara is just as fascinating. Hugh is a steam roller, she is rock. There are fireworks. They can't have a conversation with it blowing up. And Elara won't be cowed. She has power, which is so interesting and I can't wait to find out more about. I love that she is scary and protective and so kick butt in a skirt.

I am super stoked that there are two more books. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered and I must have more arguments between Hugh and Elara. And another moat. That was awesome. I cannot wait for what Ilona Andrews gives us next.

Hugh d'Arcy.
Huh.
Nice to meet you.
You're an A-hole.

Yet you are compelling complex, A-hole.
Your backstory is heartbreaking.
You really don't give a shit.
About my feelings. Your feelings. Any feelings.
Just a void.
So. No. Not the classic redeemable anti-hero at all. More like a across between a whiney man-child and a most (delicious) viscious A-hole.
You are your worst enemy, Preceptor.
Redemption not even on the table.
"Life kicked him, then blew him a kiss."

I really, really like you, d'Ahole.

Elara. White witch and more.
More than your match.
I'd go so far as to say you don't deserve her.
Good thing you are a smart A-hole.
Good thing you finally "get" she can kick all your asses.

I really, really like whatever the Hell she is ;)

That which lies in your present, Hugh?
Choices, revelations, purpose, a future without that void....shall I say getting in touch with your feelings (and your real magic)...
that, now THAT, was riveting stuff to read.

Mix in the all the villains, magical beasts, relentless battles and counter battles waged, plot twists, Dogs, The Departed's secrets, loyalties tested and forged...your story was a helluva ride!

REC: While I am a fan of IA's other series, I have not read much of Kate Daniels world other than in the shorts A Questionable Client and Magic Stars. Just now meeting Hugh d'Arcy in I&M, you won't need to start that series to enjoy Huge.
I mean Hugh.

Thank you, dear authors.
Please never stop writing characters like Hugh and Elara. Bring on book two!

*ARC received through Netgalley for an honest review*