Iron and Magic

Iron and Magic is a spin-off from the Kate Daniels series set between the ninth and tenth books in that series. Although this used to be a favorite, the most recent books have not been as good and I was leaning toward skipping this one. But I was somewhat curious about Hugh's story and I kept hearing that it should be read before the final Kate Daniels book, so I purchased a copy to read first.

I regret this.

Although it was nice to be in the loop when reading Magic Triumphs, it was not absolutely necessary to read this one first and I found it nowhere near as polished as even the later Kate Daniels books. The characters and story were uninteresting and rushed, the dialogue tried to be clever but failed miserably, and there were many typographical errors. There were a couple of minor things I liked (like the divine elephant!), but there was not enough I enjoyed to be worth reading this entire book.

Full Review on My Website

I liked the story of Hugh and Elara. I didn't like that they sniped at each other constantly. It's not my idea of how a couple should work. I understand why they act this way. But I think if they are to become a couple they need to open up to each other and become vulnerable. I don't know that I want to read the next one. I would love to know more of the story, but not if they keep at each other like this.

I'm a huge fan of the Kate Daniels series and the Innkeeper books, so I was really happy to see this.

Hugh d'Ambray has been shunned by his master. Obeying Roland is all he's ever known. As the Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Hugh has fought and killed at Roland's command. Since he was cast out, Hugh has nothing. Nothing but the desire to drink himself to death. He knows he needs to pull himself together. His Dogs need him. Now that he is no longer in Roland's good graces, he knows that Landon Nez will come for them.

Elara Harper (aka The White Lady) needs protection. She must protect her people from any threats. Someone wants her land and will stop at nothing to get it.

Hugh and his Dogs are starving badasses. Elara has plenty of food and needs protection. Sounds like a match made in heaven. Or hell.

I really liked this book. I love the characters and the magic is great. My only complaint is that I wish I would've finished all of the Kate books first. I will still read them, but now I know more than I should going into the rest of the series.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.