Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews Series: Aurelia Ryder #1
Published by Self-Published on January 12, 2020
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 375
Format: eARC
Source: Publicity team
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Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival.
Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit.
If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she'd ever loved could threaten everything.
One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.
I pre-ordered Blood Heir on July 17, 2020. I was ecstatic to get an ARC to review it because Ilona Andrews is my favorite author. (Added – I did not read Robin’s review until I had written mine) The Aurelia Ryder series is a spin-off from the Kate Daniels series, almost a decade into the future. Julie has become Aurelia Ryder and is visiting Atlanta for the first time since she left.
I loved learning what happened to Julie after she left Atlanta. I didn’t really consider it before, but we find out what happened to her when Kate “died.” They shared a blood connection so she felt that loss. It seems appropriate for her to become close with “Uncle Hugh” since he lost his tie to Roland and felt something similar. She’s also spent a lot of time with Erra developing her skills. She has many abilities.
I enjoyed everything from learning about Julie’s growth and changes to seeing many beloved characters again. I was happy to see Conlan and Christopher. But of course, Derek is a real surprise. What has happened to him now? It’s no surprise Ascanio is still an ass. Nicholas Feldman has undergone some changes too. The mysterious dealer of artifacts was not exactly unespected.
The “case” revolves around an artifact. Everyone who encounters the artifact is brutally murdered. Aurelia, with her new talents, and old knowledge of Atlanta is well-equipped to figure out what is happening. She also knows about the elder god, Moloch, who has been building power, whose first target is Kate. She has been fighting him for four years already. Her information comes from a childhood friend, Sienna, who is a witch and Oracle.
I highly recommend this book, but I do think you will enjoy it more reading Kate Daniels series first. It may be 10+ books to read but Kate Daniels is an amazing read! Plus it’s all available and you can binge! I had to actually WAIT for some of the books. There is so much world and character development you would miss without it . The other key is the subtle jokes and humor based in knowing the characters so well.
About Ilona Andrews
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
It was so exciting and a little sad (because she’s been gone so long) all at once. I love that Julie has separated herself from Kate by embracing the family magic and heritage. I can’t wait for more!
It’s great Julie has created her own life with her own skills. I’m dying to know what’s going on with Derek too.
I am so glad you enjoyed Blood Heir. I can’t wait to read it.
It’s my favorite author and the spin off of my favorite series, so not surprising. It is excellent to have more first class reads.
I just bought and downloaded a copy and I’m so excited! I probably won’t be able to get to this until the weekend because of review books, though. I’ll come back to your review after I’ve finished, but I’m excited seeing your 5 stars! 🙂
Well I am biased but for good reason. They are just the best!
I read the Kate Daniels series only like 1 year ago and already I can’t remember how it ended… because I do not remember Kate dying?! Does this book remind me of things a bit or am I going to be lost after forgetting the details? Great review! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much.
I’d recommend a quick reread of Magic Triumphs to remember but it was such an amazing book. This is a new story 10 years later so it covers some info on what happened since then but not much as far as a recap of Magic Triumphs.
This was such a good read! It was great to be back in this world and find out what these characters have been up to. Derek is quite the mystery.
I loved it! I can’t wait for more of whatever we get next Ruby Fever, Iron Magic #2, more of this story. It’s all amazing.
I have LOVED the Innkeeper Chronicles and have the first Kate Daniels book on my TBR and I should dive into it sometimes soon. I’m feeling more up for it, now I’ve read your review of the spinoff series:)).
I love everything they write. Kate Daniels is one of my favorite series ever. That was my first Read-along that was a reread. I can’t recommend it any more highly.
I’m so excited this is finally here! I can’t wait to read it but, as usual, I’m savouring it being unread on my kindle as I don’t know when the next one will arrive! Given The Catalina’s final book is 2022, I’m nervous.
I know! With Ruby Fever in 2022 will they have any releases this year besides this one?