Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews Narrator: Aaron Shedlock
Series: Kinsmen #3
Published by Brilliance Audio on November 23, 2021
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction
Length: 5 hours, 18 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
At first glance, the planet Rada seems like a lush paradise. But the ruling families, all boasting genetically enhanced abilities, are in constant competition for power—and none more so than the Adlers and the Baenas. For generations, the powerful families have pushed and pulled each other in a dance for dominance.
Until a catastrophic betrayal from within changes everything.
Now, deadly, disciplined, and solitary leaders Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must put aside their enmity and work together in secret to prevent sinister forces from exploiting universe-altering technology. Expecting to suffer through their uneasy alliance, Ramona and Matias instead discover that they understand each other as no one in their families can—and that their combined skills may eclipse the risks of their forbidden alliance.
As the two warriors risk their lives to save their families, they must decide whether to resist or embrace the passion simmering between them. For now, the dance between their families continues—but just one misstep could spell the end of them both.
Ilona Andrews is my favorite author so I am biased. I reread the first two in the series since it has been quite awhile since I read them. They were a delight and it is a pleasure to be back in the Kinsmen world. You could read each as a standalone but the series gives more depth to the world building.
Matias and Ramona are each head of their families. Their families have a long term grudge and complete lack of trust between them. But when the families are betrayed, the best action is for them to work together to protect all their reputations. They are both smart, skilled and compassionate. Each is pleasantly surprised by the person they come to know during their mission.
They start with no trust but gradually find they fit well in values and in fighting together. Their family businesses are also compatible as they have been competing. The betrayal is a hard one and they each bring necessary information and strategy to resolve the problem. It is a very dangerous and precarious situation.
The mystery, world-building, character development and perilous action is exciting and absorbing. I loved getting to know these characters and their world. I highly recommend Fated Blades and this entire series.
Narration:
I wasn’t sure I had listened to this narrator before. I have on a Kelly Siskind series I enjoyed. The male voices were deep; the primary female voice a bit husky. I thought they sounded natural. I listened comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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.
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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:
- C21-Fall
I’m going to have to read more from this author because the books always sound good.
They are my favorite. The sit in the urban fantasy, scifi, fantasy romance genres mostly.
I thought this was a fab, too. They don’t write a bad one and I enjoyed the narration work.
Yes the whole series is a short, lovely scifi world with action and romance.
Love this whole series! They’re such talented writers and do so much even in a short amount of pages! Even though I read, I’m sure I’ll be buying the audio too so my husband can enjoy the story.
They are my always favorites. They don’t need many pages to infuse their talent.
I”m so glad you enjoyed this book and series! Love that cover too!
Thank you Wendy! They are awesome stories.
They never miss, do they? Excellent review, Anne💜 I’ve not heard of this series, either.
They absolutely never miss. This is an old series. The first two books were published a long time ago. The Book Devouring Horde (their fans) have asked for more stories in the world. I think this new one is the first in 10 years to be added to the series.