Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

So, here’s the thing. Writing a novella is no joke. Why? I’m glad you asked. You have to do everything you’d do in a novel with a shorter page restriction. You set up characters, their personalities, a history for them, their scars of the past and their struggles in the present; you create a plot that ends within 200 pages; you run through the world building for readers to grasp the rules of the story; you have to ensure the pace is set because even if it’s a small book people can get bored if it drags and of course a villain the readers hate; a romance arc that’s not too fast nor unbelievable without it overtaking the storytelling and then finally a climax that doesn’t let the book down.

Fated Blades (the name makes so much sense) is not exactly my first Ilona Andrews novella. But it is the first one in a completely new world. I hadn’t known the Kinsmen series existed and I hadn’t realized until sometime before I started reading the book that it was the third book in the series. Typically I do my research before requesting for a book, but Ilona Andrews is an automatic read for me so I forgive myself for the lack of awareness. So, new readers, Ilona Andrews have your back.

Fated Blades has everything you could want in a bite-sized read. Action, romance, fancy-tech, betrayal and revenge. Genre-wise , FB is a nice mixed bag that’s perfectly enjoyable. The balance between all the aspects of the novella was well achieved and frankly I was left wanting for nothing.

Ilona Andrews have always been the best in developing their characters and exploring their personalities as the plot unfolds, bringing dimensions to them that are both well written and realistic. FB was no different. Every character was perfectly knitted to their personalities and grew within that sphere and never lost themselves for the sake of the plot or effect.

When it comes to writing there’s no need to mention how well IA are. They bring forth something very unique to them, a style that’s particularly hard to describe but so easy to recognise as a reader. Their writing is always neat, trimmed of all fat and complex and with every book they only advance in their strength.

The plot is thick, and IA ensure emotional investment from the readers from the very beginning. The writing and plot go hand in hand, basically weaving a web around us until we’re caught and unwilling to leave. The story that FB tells can wrench your heart and make you feel even though you’ve known these characters for maybe a 100 pages? Kudos to arm wrestling a plot to fit into 200 pages and doing it justice.

The pace is quick, never lagging and it matches the story telling and plot ensuring the readers have time to digest the emotions and the information but never holding us too long in one place.

Five stars, because what else do I do with myself? Happy reading and stay safe ❤