Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author, continues her spellbinding series set in the Hidden Legacy world where magic controls everything…except the hearts of those who wield it.
As Prime magic users, Catalina Baylor and her sisters have extraordinary powers—powers their ruthless grandmother would love to control. Catalina can earn her family some protection working as deputy to the … her family some protection working as deputy to the Warden of Texas, overseeing breaches of magic law in the state, but that has risks as well. When House Baylor is under attack and monsters haunt her every step, Catalina is forced to rely on handsome, dangerous Alessandro Sagredo, the Prime who crushed her heart.
The nightmare that Alessandro has fought since childhood has come roaring back to life, but now Catalina is under threat. Not even his lifelong quest for revenge will stop him from keeping her safe, even if every battle could be his last. Because Catalina won’t rest until she stops the use of the illicit, power-granting serum that’s tearing their world apart.
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** Note: I do feel you need to read the series in order. If you don’t start with book one, then you should start with the first book that features Catalina Baylor’s storyline (Diamond Fire). Each novel in the Hidden Legacy series continues an overall ARC besides having their own individual storyline.
Emerald Blaze is book five in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews and narrated by Emily Rankin. It’s full of action, adventure, fun banter and romance.
Now the first time I listened to Emerald Blaze I had some trouble and was conflicted. After my second listen I still have some issues, but I enjoyed Emerald Blaze more and picked up on things I missed.
As always the Andrews team deliver incredible characters and a unique world. The world building is amazing and in this novel we get lots more details and information. The Prime magic users are in abundance and even with their strengths there is some sort of trouble bubbling.
Catalina Baylor is the middle sister in the Baylor household and is the Head of the House. In the beginning of the series she is shy and scared of her powers, but once they registered to be a Prime household her world changed. We see her blooming out of that shyness and into a more confident women and Prime. I like her and I don’t. The author does a good job showing us her doubts, the issues she has to deal with, and her thought patterns. We also get to see that she’s a smart and intelligent women and that she is thinking more like a Prime. I think what gave me pause in this novel with Catalina is all the self internal monologues we got. There are a lot of woo is me moments. The first few times of the monologues where ok, but eventually it became too much for me and dragged the story along.
Alessandro Sagredo isn’t your typical sexy Prime. He’s got secrets and in this novel we learn about those secrets and about him and his family. I like Alessandro’s ways. He left, but is now back. He wants to protect Catalina at all coasts whether he gets the women he cares about or not. He also shows us a venerable side besides the protect/assassin persona.
As for the romance it’s instant and intense. I’m not in love with Catalina and Alessandro’s romance. I feel its a bit to quick and not as well developed as (Kate and Curran) or (Nevada and Rogan). I think I feel this way; because in this novel they don’t spend much time together. In the last book he left and then 6mo later he’s back. Now he spends maybe two days around her, but most of the book he’s not with her, so to me it’s not as developed as I’d like. I still enjoy them together.
Audio: I adore Emily Rankin’s narration. Her voice for Alessandro is to die for. It’s got that sexy Italian accent to it. Catalina’s voice is perfect for her too. Emily Rankin keeps the story flowing; especially during those internal monologues that made me feel like things dragged. I was invested in the characters, action, and the outcome of the investigation. I highly recommend listening to the Hidden Legacy series.
All and all Emerald Blaze delivered another intense listen keeping us captivated and on the edge of our seats. I look forward to the next installment.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
Once again, Ilona Andrews hits it out of the park with Emerald Blaze. This book has a little bit of everything, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys some wild magic with their romance, and who always wants a fantastic story.
And Emerald Blaze delivers in the story department in spades.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world. Breath status: bated.
I didn’t think I could love Catalina more but I was wrong. My favorite book in the series to date. If you haven’t started the Hidden Legacy books yet, go back to the beginning and start binging.
If you don’t want to go ALL the way back, at least read Sapphire Flames to start this second trilogy off right!
Sapphire Flames
Ilona Andrews can do no wrong.
Honestly, I love the Nevada Baylor series, and I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Catalina’s book’s as much as Nevada’s, but… I was wrong.
Oh, Alessandro. I was intrigued by the Instagram-playboy assassin in the first book, but he absolutely hooked me here with his backstory. He broke my heart a little, and I loved how Catalina saw that and opened herself up to him. No stringing along the drama for drama’s sake. She was hurt (by what happened in the previous book when he left), but she was mature and thoughtful when she let him back into her life, and then opened herself up. I loved the two of them together.
This book was amazing. It was hilarious (I adore the Baylor family), it had my heart in my throat at times, the plot was terrific, the world-building on point…. Argh. Don’t listen to me. Just go read it. Already in my Top Five for the year.
I can always count on Ilona Andrews to write great characters, entertaining fiction, unique stories…all around great read. Great follow up to book 4 (which is sort of book 1 for this set of characters). Looking forward to the next book!
I highly recommend this book. I love this series. Catalina and Alessandro are two fierce primes that are made for each other. This book gives you action, magic, intrigue, danger and romance. What more could you want.
I think by now everyone knows that Ilona Andrews crafts the most epic adventurous stories. After Nevada and Rogan in the first three books, I honestly didn’t think they could be topped by Alessandro and Catalina. Luckily, I was wrong. This book was an adventure in an expertly created world from start to finish. I read it in one sitting because I was so drawn in and excited to see what happened next. There is a drama, danger, intrigue and more in the Hidden Legacy world. Catalina even more than Nevada is my favorite type of heroine. She is smart and thoughtful and yet, not afraid to get her hand dirty. She is gifted with a tough power but has learned to use it to her advantage. I especially liked the team she forms with Alessandro in this book. There might be threats to their world but there’s still time for the romance to firm between her and Alessandro. As always, the end of the book left me wanting even more Hidden Legacy books!
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ilona Andrews rarely disappoints and Emerald Blaze is no different. The chemistry between the characters makes the romance both sweet and sexy, and the action never stops. The world and paranormal elements are unique and so entertaining. An engrossing read that I couldn’t put down.
I reread a lot of books, but usually there’s a gap between the first read and the second. I’ve long been a fan of Ilona Andrews, but when Burn for Me came out, I wanted to reread it as soon as I was done. When Sapphire Flames, the first Catalina book came out, I enjoyed that book, too. Emerald Blaze? I loved it even more than Sapphire Flames. This series really showcases some of the strengths of these two authors–wonderfully imaginative and well constructed magic worlds, action-packed scenes, and a family you wish you could join. If you haven’t read them, you should.
An imagination full tilt ride. Love, love, love this series; keep it coming, spin out every character!
This is the fifth book in the series about the Baylor sisters, and their cousins; the magic that runs in families, and just how good or bad those families can be.
There is always a twist; there is always action, magic, romance, and you can expect the unexpected. This is a thrill ride with great characters, well developed story/background and world.
Yet another master piece from Ilona Andrews. Excellently written, amazing universe that keeps expanding and being innovative. Fantastic characters, filled with difference, heart attaching likability and smarts. So enjoyable. Thank you.
Anything Ilona Andrews write is worth the read – they NEVER disappoint!
Outstanding, is one word I would use to describe this book. It has a dramatic start and kept me, on the edge of my sear throughout. Not only does it have a dramatic start but the finish didn’t disappoint when it came to a dramatic ending. I loved every minute of it.
Since I have read other books in the series, I can honestly say that once AGAIN it had great world building and depth of characters, powers, houses of power and creatures. It was also helpful that there was a reminder of Catalina and Alessandro’s history. Helpful to me since it’s been a while since I’ve read the previous books and helpful for anyone new to it.
The story about the Audrey’s made me smile. But there was also tragedy’s connected to each one of them as well, so the smile didn’t last too long.
Catalina notices that Alessandro seems to be different this time around. And I began to see that as well. He’s starting to be more open to Catalina’s questions than he’s ever been before. It’s some big secrets that he’s been hiding and it was quite the shock to me too. They are slowing being shared, almost like an onion being peeled back.
There is PLENTY of action in this story of course. Catalina’s family members are pretty involved too because they really do have her back. I liked them and their family interaction.
The dangers coming at Catalina is coming from more than one direction and the hits just keeping coming. One of those threats is from her evil grandmother; a very dangerous woman.
There is a monster in “The Pit” that is bigger than life and well drawn. There were a couple of times when the science of created beings (monsters) got a little bit heavy for me but it wasn’t often. Plus the story was so good, I couldn’t stop.
I liked how the story ended. Also something happens at the end of the book. hat also left the door open for further adventure if you dared!
By the way I thought this eBook cover was Amazing!
It’s no surprise that I love the Ilona Andrews books–strong heroines, hot heroes, fantastic world-building, action/adventure, and that touch of paranormal “talent” is my personal catnip! But as much as I love the Kate Daniels stories, I think I like the Hidden Legacy series more.
I wasn’t sure what made the difference at first, but I believe it’s the family dynamics in the HL series. The Baylor family are just the sort of people you want at your back, and I love how their family seems to extend with each story as they take in “strays”. As much as I admired Nevada and adored her relationship with Rogan, there’s something compelling (hah!) about Catalina and Alessandro, from the time he was her teenage crush to the time he proves one of the few people not affected by her abilities, to meeting as equals in Emerald Blaze. Along the way we’ve seen Catalina grow from being afraid to wield her power to learning how to successfully manage House Baylor while fending off bids to terminate her family. There’s a whole “star-crossed lovers” aspect as well, since both Catalina and Alessandro have strong/life-threatening reasons for not becoming involved with anyone.
But Catalina and Alessandro prove stronger together than apart, and they make an excellent team. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Another great book in the series. I loved the books before but I really loved this one.
We get down to the gritty stuff, the not everything is perfect but we manage somehow stuff.
I had to reread the last chapter from the previous book again to refresh my memory how the last book ended. Since it had been a while I couldn’t remember if it was mentioned why he left. It was
Alessandro changed a little since last book, but I like this one even better.
Catalina has grown so much, so much has happened and been thrown at her and she just absorbed it all. She also put her foot down his book and I loved it.
Of course, we get to see the rest of the gang and even Nevada and Connor make an appearance. There is one scene in this book that involves Alessandro, Catalina, Connor and someone else, I laughed so much and It was way too much fun.
Secrets, what is up with everyone having secrets…. of course, things get spilled and things get messy and people get hurt.
Overall, awesome fun book. Lots of action, lots of humor and we are getting smutty.
Of course, the ending was intense and had me asking for more…I can’t wait for the last and final book in the series.
I rate it a full 5 and you can’t never go wrong with the Andrews
I love how far Catalina’s character has blossomed since the start of this series. She is now officially the kickass head of her House who is both talented and a shrewd politician. I’ve always liked Alessandro as her love interest so I was pretty happy they got together. But mostly importantly everyone was finally communicating so YAY no more secrets…for now that is. Lots of fun and world-building as always.
I really enjoyed this book! I have been a big fan of this series from the start and really everything Ilona Andrews writes for a very long time so I went into this book expecting to love it so I was very pleased that it was just as good as I had hoped. I usually read any Ilona Andrews book in quick order just as soon as it makes its way to my hands but I was forced to take my time with this book due to things going on in the rest of my life and I think it was actually really nice to savor this story one piece at a time. I looked forward to the time that I did have to dedicate to this story and I found it to be a fantastic read.
The story starts off with a bang and the excitement held until the very end. I love how creative some of the enemies are in this series. As I read this book, I was reminded by just how well done the world-building in the series has been. It was really easy to slip into this story and focus on the mystery at hand and this mystery really kept me guessing. I had no idea how Catalina and Alessandro would pull it off but I knew that it would be fun to watch.
Catalina is a great character and I feel like she has grown a lot in this installment. She heads House Baylor efficiently and with authority and she is willing to make any sacrifices necessary to protect her family. She also plans to protect her heart, namely from Alessandro. Alessandro was more of a mystery to me. I liked him coming into this book and thought that his abilities were impressive but I feel like he opened up a bit in this book. I do think that he is the perfect match for Catalina and I hope to really see some sparks fly in the next installment.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was just a fun read. It was great to catch up with all of the key players from the series, including Nevada and Mad Rogan. The mystery in this book was very well done and the characters were easy to care about. I cannot wait to read more from this talented writing pair soon!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
I had a wonderful time with this installment of the Hidden Legacy series. I have been enjoying the series from the start and so I was ecstatic at the opportunity to read Emerald Blaze. Did I have high expectations, yes without a doubt and it didn’t fail me. I enjoyed every moment spent revisiting the characters and the magical world the authors created. What a blast.
The story began on an interesting note and intensified as it progressed. The previous book ended with Alessandro leaving to pursue his quest for revenge, which left Catalina heart broken. Now he has returned to protect her from whoever wants her dead. While he is protecting her from danger, she will be safe guarding her heart.
I loved these two together. I enjoyed their passionate interactions and the non-stop action they frequently faced.
Catalina has shown immense growth throughout the series. Her position as the new head of Baylor House allowed her to show her efficiency and capabilities as a leader. I loved her take charge attitude and the way she allowed no one to intimidate her. Regarding Alessandro, I had a wonderful time uncovering the mystery of who he was and learning what made him tick.
Although the characters shares a moment of passion the romance was not the focal point of the story. The authors made the main characters’ feelings for each other known, but they do not give readers a front seat view as it relates to the development of the romance. For me this was not an issue as I was too busy hanging on the edge of my seat as the characters faced danger at every turn. The magic, action and suspense were superbly woven together to create an intense and exciting read.
It was good to get answers as it relates to Nevada’s decision to abdicate her role as head of the Baylor House. The story ended on a happy note, leaving me smiling from ear to ear. The epilogue though hinted that there is more to come and I for one can’t wait to discover what next this brilliant duo has in-store for their readers.
Conclusion/Recommendation
If you are looking for an action packed, fast-paced and magical read then I highly recommend the Hidden Legacy series.
I love Catalina and Alessandro together. The foe, this time, seemed too big to beat, but I should have known better:) The tactics the two of them use to win are some of my favorites so far. As an extra bonus, Leon, Bern, and Runa get to make appearances, and this time, there’s more depth to their characters. Once in a while, I missed some of Alessandro’s usual swagger, but all of the charm was still there. The book started a little slow for me, but it’s because I’ve read the entire series so far and the author had to help new readers catch up. Once the set up was in place, though, it was go time. As always, lots of action and tension. Ilona Andrews knows how to deliver.