Saturday, September 7, 2019

Review - - Sapphire Flames


Sapphire Flames
by Ilona Andrews
A Hidden Legacy Novel
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 




In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.


My thoughts:
What do I expect when I pick up a book in the Ilona Andrews Hidden Legacy series? Impeccable world building, complex characters who engage my mind and capture my heart, story lines that achieve a perfect balance of action, intrigue, and emotion, and a thrilling romance that plays out over the course of each trilogy. Sapphire Flames, the first book in Andrews' new Hidden Legacy trilogy provides all that and more. I couldn't put it down the first time I read it. Ditto for the second. The fact that I'll read it again before book two releases is a given.

I'm fascinated with both Catalina Baylor and her entire family. Andrews draws them with such clarity and creates a family dynamic so lifelike that I could easily convince myself they really exist. I admire Catalina's strength in stepping up to fill her sister's position within the family while also understanding her fear and misgivings along the way. It's a pleasure to watch her grow into her new role after watching her grow up in the first trilogy. 

Alessandro is a delicious man of mystery. He's a bit of a James Bond type character but glimpses into his thoughts and motivations during this book show readers that there is likely to be much more depth to this man that we realize. And much more depth to his feelings for Catalina as well. I'm eager to watch Andrews unravel his character - and build their relationship - as the series moves forward. 

If you were sad to see Rogan and Nevada's romance reach its conclusion, mourn no longer. It's time for Catalina and Alessandro to step into the spotlight and they are going to rock your world. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

While Sapphire Flames can be read as a standalone, for a more complete understanding of the Baylor family and the magical world in which they live I recommend starting at the beginning, or at the very least, reading Diamond Fire, the novella that transitions readers from the first trilogy (Nevada and Rogan) to the second (Catalina and Alessandro). The books, in order, are: Burn for Me, White Hot, Wildfire, Diamond Fire, and Sapphire Flames


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Are you a paranormal romance reader?

If you could have one magical ability, what would it be?

Are you reading the Ilona Andrews Hidden Legacy series?


PJ's Birthday Giveaway #2

One person who comments before 11:00 PM, September 9, will receive a Kindle copy of Diamond Fire, the novella that introduces Catalina and Alessandro's trilogy. 

6 comments:

  1. I love paranormal romance.
    If I had one ability, it would be teleportation
    I haven't read the series yet but I'm waiting to get this one in paperback.

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  2. Happy Birthday! I"m not a PRN romance reader, so don't count me for the giveaway.

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  3. I definitely enjoy PNR. As for ability... I think either teleportation or super speed? I feel like having more hours in the day (however you got them) might be a good thing ;)

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  4. I am really not a paranormal reader but I have been stepping outside my comfort zone lately. The ability to create potions that will defeat evil creatures.

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  5. I have tried some paranormal romances and enjoyed them. I have heard much about Ilona Andrews, all of it good, but have never read her books.
    If I had a magical ability, I think I would like the power to heal both body and spirit.

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  6. I am a paranormal romance reader and had just begun this series. Am impressed with the world-building. I think I would like the magical ability to grant contentment.

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