The Iron Covenant Book 1No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy… But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work. Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when … he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.
Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she’s trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself – and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.
Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?
As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”
Hugh and Elara may do both.
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This might be my favorite Ilona Andrews book yet!
Damn this duo can write. Amazing stuff. Never thought I’d grow to like Hugh.
I gobbled Iron and Magic up, as I do with all Ilona Andrews books. An expansion of the Kate Daniels universe that I didn’t know I needed (I totally did) and I loved every minute of. A sexy, brutal tale about loyalty and building an unlikely family (my fav relationship dynamic).
Ilona Andrews is my #1 Autobuy Author, and when I heard Hugh was getting his own book I couldn’t pre-order fast enough. Villain-turned-hero? Yes, please. An arranged marriage? OMG. Gimme. The icing on the cake is a hate-to-love relationship. This book couldn’t have ticked any more of my boxes if it tried. It goes without saying (this is Ilona Andrews) that the heroine would kick ass, the action would be non-stop and I’d laugh out loud on every second page.
I adore the Kate Daniels world, but there was a bit more romance in this book—more PNR than UF—which means it had extra catnip. Elara was more than a match for Hugh, and I loved every single one of their interactions. You could almost see his head explode during certain scenes.
Fave quotes:
“You want me to marry Conan the Barbarian?”
“An attractive barbarian,” Dugas pointed out.
“And just to be crystal clear, this marriage is in name only.”
“Sweetheart, you couldn’t pay me enough.”
“You went behind my back, wife.”
“That’s the second time you’ve used the ‘w’ word in the space of an hour without us being in public. You’re past your quota, Preceptor.”
Before you beginning. You need to read the Kate Daniels series first. The Iron Covenant is a spin-off with Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers from the Kate Daniels series. Once you do read Kate Daniels Iron and Magic is best read after Magic Binds and before the final installment in the series, Magic Triumphs.
Now onto Iron and Magic.
I had fun with this novel. Hugh is such an interesting character. Here we see him down in the dumps. His Iron Dogs being hunted like dogs. He’s at his lowest. If you’ve read Kate Daniels you know that Hugh was Roland’s Warlord, until Roland took away his power and position. I loved and hated Hugh, but here I got to see deeper into the man. Here we get to see him come to terms with what he did and find who he is. It’s self-discovery. Something he never had a chance to do when in Roland’s power.
Elara Harper the White Lady. She’s powerful in her own right, but it’s a power that can consume her if she is not carful. Many fear her and what she is. She needs a buffer between her people and those seeking to take the land, the home, they have claimed.
Elara and Hugh form an alliance with old traditions; a marriage, not of love, but of convince and necessity. These two have a way to go. I like the direction it is taking. The romance/love is not their yet, but you can see they are building and working towards that. I’m not totally sold, but I can see it coming. They have a lot to over come, work on, and it will take time. I feel it’s good for both of them.
What pulled me in was digging deeper into the Iron Dogs, Hugh, and Elara. I love the character building. See who these people are and what makes them tick. I also had a lot of fun with the banter between Elara and Hugh. As always their is not shortage of action, amazing battle scenes and battle strategies. We get conflict on so many different fronts and more then one enemy to battle.
The Andrews team does a famous job of pulling you in and making their scenes and world come alive.
Iron and Magic is a treat, especially for fans of the Kate Daniels series. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rated: 4 Stars
I didn’t realise this was a new book. I usually try to read books like this only when the series is complete. And now I’m STUCK in book purgatory because I NEED THE REST AND IT’S NOT HEEEERE.
This book has completely rocked my world. I should mention, I ‘read’ the audiobook, and the narration was wonderful. But, most importantly – this story is fantastic, compelling, so weird and wonderful yet so achingly human and completely relatable. There’s constant and slightly scary action (not SCARY scary, I’m just a wimp), but there’s also this thrillingly creepy psychological aspect that slowly comes to light over time.
The story is also super good fun, both as a fantasy story of battles, politics and strategy, and as an enemies-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience romance. I could listen to Hugh and Elara drag each other to filth for hours on end. In fact, I just did, and I already want to do it again. That should tell you something!
The reformation of the ultimate antihero (in fact, not even an antihero, just a straight-up villain) is masterfully done, while the heroine… Well, the thing I love most about the heroine is kind of a spoiler, so just insert my awed squealing here [note: it is very loud and incoherent]:
There. Squealing done.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, even if, like me, you haven’t read the Kate Daniels series; even if, like me, you don’t often read single-couple series; even if, like me, you try only to read complete series. This one’s worth the book hangover! Promise.
“Of all the people out there, you shine the brightest. They are firebugs, but you are a star. You have a gift.”
Iron and Magic is a phenomenal start to The Iron Covenant series, which is set in the Kate Daniels world/series. I had very high expectations for this book and was curious to see how the amazing writers would make me love and root for one of the previous main villains of the Kate Daniels series. In the prologue we get to see how Hugh ended up with Roland. This chapter really showed why Hugh was so loyal to him, it made me understand why he did the things he did. After being cast aside, he doesn’t feel like he has a purpose and spends his days drunk. However, after he learns that his Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh and his Iron Dogs needs food and shelter to regroup and be able to fight back against his enemies. Elara, needs soldiers to protect her people. They both have what the other need, and come to a conclusion that the best action is to get married to make sure they will both keep their end of the bargain.
“She had to teach d’Ambray who she was. The White Warlock. Unclean. Cursed. An abomination.”
I loved seeing Hugh and Elara meet for the first time, and the banter that was there from the start. Both are very strong leaders, and want what’s best for their people. In the beginning they had some disagreements and bickering but further into the story they learned to trust each other to make the right decisions. This book had all the elements that I love in my Urban Fantasy books: action, light-hearted banter, romance, suspense, mystery and so much more. There were multiple bad guys in this book, and the action was great. It was a very engaging story, and I was hooked until the end. There was only one sex scene, however it happened at the perfect time and left me satisfied. The writing was amazing like always, I can always depend on Ilona Andrews to come up with great characters and original stories. I think every fan of the Kate Daniels series will love this book/spin-off.
“For a few seconds, while she’d been in the room screaming at him, he’d felt alive. He lost it again and he could already feel the void drawing closer, but he’d tasted freedom in those fleeting moments and he wanted more.”
Kick off for the Iron Covenant books, this book chronicle’s Hugh’s backstory. And provides a great character arc for him. Without spoilers, I will say he demonstrates a huge amount of believable growth through the book. He begins mourning for something he believes he lost. At the end, when that something is offered to him, he’s wise enough to say, “Nah, I’ll pass.”
It isn’t often that an author can take a character who had been the villain in several books previously written and then successfully expand to make him into a viable lead character on the good guys’ side in his own book. The writing team known as Ilona Andrews has done so with style.
This book takes place in the same world setting as the Kate Daniels series (which I highly recommend – the first book in that series is Magic Bites), however not in Atlanta. The Kate Daniels series does NOT have to be read prior to reading this book, as the authors give enough background as the story goes along to make pick up the necessary history. It begins a few months after Hugh was banished by Roland, with Hugh as about low as he can get when he finds out his men are being hunted down.
You know – I started reading this book assuming I could never like Hugh. I still do not like him, however, I do understand him much more. The man was literally cast out by his savior, his maker, his father figure, his god. As Hugh starts to think new thoughts and look back upon his previous actions, he is a man torn in two. The very base of his motivation was pulled out from underneath him, and he has to build a new foundation.
Meanwhile, Elara and her people have settled into a location they have made home after being chased from place to place by a group who split off from Elara. Elara and her people lead a simple way of life, farming and trading and such. Problem is – Roland wants their land. So Elara needs to soldiers to protect her people and their way of life, because she can’t do it alone. Well, maybe she can, but she shouldn’t.
Elara is stubborn and no shrinking violet, Hugh is arrogant and overbearing, and when the two meet they don’t like each other. AT ALL. They both want to be in charge, and unwillingly agree to cooperate. Chaos ensues. External threats are introduced and dark things happen. Danger looms.
However, the bottom line is I highly recommend reading this book. Even though I came in not liking one of the lead characters I want to read more about him and the female lead. Plus I want to see where the supporting characters end up as the series progresses, and where the story goes.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author in order to have the opportunity to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained are my own.
I consider this one of the best I. Edwards books. This book takes the character Huge from the Kate Daniels series and gives him his own well written story. He marries. Dog gone it and does he marry. A woman of extreme magical power who needs protection or so we think….I won’t spoil it for you other than to say the use of magic is great, the world building is good and the conclusion is satisfying.
Iron and Magic, filled with some of my favorite things. Snark, sparks, witty comebacks, testy relationships, challenging characters, magic, fantastic beasties and romance.
Finally Hugh got his own book. Yes the dude who was treated so badly by his father figure and his semi sibling while being one super nasty dark dastardly villain. You know in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews ? Yes that Hugh. Hugh is so cold he’s hot. Yup ladies he’s one of those boys you hate to love and can’t stop yourself from drooling too. Please if you haven’t read the Daniels series do before you start this, you need to know this man before.
Hugh has been through so serious battles, hard core childhood, and lived a one dimensional focused unemotional life. War, war war, fight, fight ,fight, blood, blood, blood, it was his thing till he was booted out of the dread kids club. He took his most loyal warriors The black Dogs and they hit the road trying to…. well staying alive would be nice. You see more than one person wanted them dead or worse. On this path they stumble upon a castle filled with people who are in danger of __________ . This castle has a harpy and she loathes this man. Let the fun begin !
Elara, the harpy. she is something. Snarktastic ! Her lines are some of the funniest I think I might have gotten the Guinness record for highlighting. Strong, yes she is and she struggles not to to fall for the bad guy. I loved her while she felt unwanted feelings she never wavered who she was to fit a mold.
Bucky, he won my heart more than any character. He’s a stud, a big hot blooded stud with such and attitude ! When he pranced after a nasty bit I burst out laughing.
I’m not going to tell you anymore, no spoilers. This is going to be another fantastic series from these wonderfully creative authors. Thank you NetGalley and NYLA Publishers for the chance to review it.
I love the Ilona Andrews team and I love the Kate Daniels series but to be honest when I heard about this book first and Hugh being a “good” guy I was not convinced. That being said…… I should admit that I was wrong and I really, really loved it. I don’t know how they do it (and maybe it is magic), but they just a have a way to suck you into their world and make you love it.
This book is a sort of add on to the Kate Daniels series/ world but even if you have not read the Kate Daniels books, you can read it. But of course it helps to know the world and some characters from that world, plus they super fun to read.
When we first meet Hugh in this book he is pretty much broken and has given up on life. The only thing that keeps him going are his men, if even that. He is just a shell of a man we know and hated so much. He makes a deal to marry Elara for the alliance they offer each other in hope of defeating a common enemy.
I never thought I would like him or could easily relate to him but damn it he is one charming bastard with a wicked and pretty sad past. Things to get to him but he just never really showed it. The more we learn about him and his way the more I liked him. Didn’t help that he is pretty sexy and he knew it , but most if all I liked his snark. Best coupled up with Elara .
Speaking of Elara, I really loved her form the beginning, she didn’t legt Hugh get the better of her and stood her ground…. For the most part. She matched him in a lot of things. We learn pretty early on that there is more to her and she also is kind of haunted by something in her past and she feels cursed.
Her true powers are sort of a big mystery… all the way to the end when we get what I think a pretty good glimpse of her and her coven.
I really enjoyed the snark between Hugh and Elara and I laughed out loud many times. Of course they have some wicked chemistry together that will drive you crazy.
This book is crazy fun and full of action, humor and surprises. Of course we get some smexy times like in most of their books.
Some things were not a huge surprise to me since I stupidly read Magic Triumphs first but I still loved it and it still had some pretty big twists.
Overal super fun book and I can’t wait for the next one.
I rate it 5
The start of a new series, I’ve already re-read this twice. Much as I love Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, I love this more. There’s something about Hugh…and he’s perfectly matched with Elara. The best thing, the Kate Daniels series and this one dovetail so the fixes come regularly.
Previously, Hugh has been a villain so the question was, what would he be like in this book? It is very interesting because Hugh had been greatly influenced in how he was by Roland but Roland had literally cut Hugh off from him magically. We get to see how Hugh copes, how this changes how and who he is as well as how dealing with Elara changes him even more. I won’t say more and spoil the story but I guarantee if you enjoyed the Kate Daniels series you will love this book. And if you have never read other Ilona Andrews books, you’ll still find this one a great read.
I love Ilona Andrews. They do amazing work. Hugh was such a jerk, yet, they managed to start his road to redemption. Looking forward to the next one!
Excellent, as is everything I’ve read by this couple! Seriously crushing on the Andrews simply due to their incredible imaginations and impeccable writing skills! They’re #1 on my Celebrity Pass List, LOL, right up there with Neil deGrasse Tyson (I’ve got a thing for brainiacs)!
Ilona Andrews never misses! If you’ve read her Kate Daniels series you’ll definitely want to read this. And if you haven’t….what are you waiting for?!?
Ilona Andrew does it again! This time in a spin off of the Kate Daniels series. Long time readers will recognize Hugh d’Ambray, Kate’s nemesis and currently down on his luck. They did such a great job breaking this character away from the main series. I can’t wait to see where it leads.
Every single time I read a book by this duo, I am blown away by the great writing, great characters, and great plot. I have read their Kate Daniels series, and I admit to some serious misgivings about making Hugh a main character in this latest by them. But, as I should have known, they pulled this off with great skill. Did they alter his character to fit? No, not really. However, we get a huge glimpse of what makes him tick and why he is the way he is. And, wow, his love interest Elara was a perfect match for him. She is a very strong character in her own right, someone who was very fitting to show Hugh another way and how love is just as important. He is still the same person, but just so much better. I loved the slow build up, the world, and just how well everything came together. I wish I could say more, but I think this book is just something you have to experience for yourself. I am really looking forward to reading more in Hugh and Elara’s world and I can’t more highly recommend this book! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers has been cast aside and his immortality stripped. When he learns that his soldiers, the Iron Dogs, are being hunted down and murdered he decides to make a new place for himself and his people. Unfortunately, they have no money, food, or shelter and the vampires are hunting them. Elara Harper, the White Lady, needs help protecting her people. They create a marriage of convenience that will help both of their people.
FYI, I recommend reading the Kate Daniels series before reading this book because this book is a spin-off series. To truly understand Hugh and his actions, you need to have read that series first. This book takes place after Magic Binds (book 9) and before the final book, Magic Triumphs.
When I saw this was Hugh’s book I was a little apprehensive about starting it because I don’t really like Hugh. He is a great villain but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know what happened to him after Roland banished him. I am glad I read it though. Hugh has changed. Yes, he is still a dangerous man who will kill but he has his own code. Surprisingly, I actually like Hugh now. I didn’t expect to change my mind about him but I have.
“This new life, it was just his. Hugh didn’t owe it to anyone. He was building it himself, brick by brick, one shovel of cement at a time, the same way he had built that damn moat. He was building his own castle, and for better or worse, the harpy wormed her way into his world and became its tower.”
Elara was fascinating. Her abilities were quite dangerous and I do wish we had learned more about who she really is. I also really loved her people. She had some great friends with fascinating abilities themselves. I do hope we get a second book just so we can see more of them.
Hugh and Elara’s relationship does evolve slowly throughout the book. They don’t have love by the end of the book though, just respect really. I think if they do continue to stay together it could become a loving marriage. I do like the progress they have made, even when they are bickering at each other, you can still feel the change in it.
I think my only issue with this book is that we never did say who was controlling the mrogs and why they were attacking the towns. This was really disappointing for me because they were such a main part of the story that I felt it left the book incomplete. Maybe they will reappear later in the second book (if there is one).