From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society… Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.
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I love diving into an Andrews novel. I can always expect to feel a verity of emotions. To be sucked into the story and swept away.
When we start, Sapphire Flames, 3 years have passed since the Baylor family came out as a house. Their safety buffer is coming to an end.
We meet up with Runa who we’ve seen briefly in a another novel. Her mother and sister are found dead and Runa has deiced to hire the Baylor family to find the killer. This case becomes much more complex then expected and Catalina has to face many dangers and choices.
Catalina is now 21, a Prime, and head of the Baylor House since her sister’s nuptials. I enjoyed Catalina and her tack charge attitude. She has to manage a lot in Sapphire Flames. She’s strong, independent, selfless, determined and brave. She handled herself well and proved to be a worthy adversary. We see a significant growth with Catalina from when we first meet her as the shy quiet type to the head of a House.
Alessandro Sagredo swoops in when Catalina finds herself in danger. He appears to be one thing, but he’s something else. He plays the pretty boy, but there are so many layers to him that I cannot wait to peel each one away.
These two have a wonderful back-and-forth banter full of snark and sparks. Although there was a hint of romance, it was not an integral part of the plot. The focus was on solving a crime and putting an end to a network of assassins.
The story moves along quickly. The double-murder mysteries are intriguing and our ending leaves you wondering what will come next. The wording-building is extraordinary and the surprises will shock you. Their is much much more going on then we know.
I was hooked from the first word and couldn’t stop until the end. I can’t wait for the next novel. Sapphire Flames can be read as a standalone in that the Andrews Team provides sufficient background information, but I’d recommend reading the series in order.
Narration: Emily Rankin did a wonderful job. Her voices are comfortable and distinctive. I enjoyed her performance of Bug and Alessandro. I felt for Catalina; because Rankin vividly brings out her emotions and makes you feel for her. I’d recommend the audio.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Baylor House Prime, Catalina Baylor has been afraid to use her unique powers, but she will risk her reputation and safety to help her friend unravel the mystery when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered. Powerful forces are at work behind the scenes including Alessandro, her teenage crush and his motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to flame. She will have to test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her house and her heart.
The Hidden Legacies continue in House Baylor as Catalina steps up to the plate and becomes the Head of the House and in this astonishingly powerful book, she shows readers that she is more than capable of being as ruthless as she needs to be. Readers loved Nevada and her die hard protection of her family and everything they had and they can’t help but smile in eager anticipation to discover if Catalina has what it takes. Well, the story starts off with excitement and continues to be a non-stop buffet of action, suspense, gripping emotions and snarky wit. And to spice things up even more, Catalina and Alessandro have a push- pull relationship full of sizzling chemistry and readers just know that they would be great together but this relationship has quite a few obstacles standing in its path, not the least of is just where Alessandro stands on the whole good or bad issue.
This fast paced plots keeps readers hanging on to every word with lots of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping action and extraordinary magical battles that has readers’ eyes flaring wide open and gasps escaping in amazement as Catalina asks one question to many and finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of danger and deadly assassins. There’s no way to put this powerful, heart-pounding read full life altering twists down once they have begun.
I received this ARC yesterday afternoon. I meant to read a few chapters last night, but I ended up staying up WAY too late because I could not put it down. These authors never disappoint. I knew this continuation of the Hidden Legacy series was going to be excellent, because everything Andrews writes is, but they have truly outdone themselves.
A few years have passed since we last saw these characters, and now Catalina is the Head of her House, Nevada having married Rogan. In the time since we’ve seen her, she’s grown into the role, receiving mentorship from Rogan’s mother and Linus Duncan, two formidable Primes who are each in their way experts at dealing with the elites of their society. Catalina can now easily fit in with other powerful Primes, and she can handle the many dangerous and violent situations that she and her House will find themselves in. She’s definitely come into her own, although pieces of the unsure, socially shy young girl we first met are still in there.
She takes her responsibilities as head of her House extremely seriously, and she does things a little differently than Nevada did. Things get complicated when the only real “girlfriend” she has suffers a personal tragedy that looks more like murder than an accident, and Baylor Investigations agrees to take the case.
Enter Alessandro, Catalina’s childhood crush, Italian billionaire Prime playboy…or is he? There is a lot of mystery surrounding Alessandro, but one thing is sure: he is every bit as dangerous as Rogan was, in his own way. He’s also on a mission of his own, one that for now, coincides with Catalina’s. The two of them have to work together and it’s clear from the moment they meet again that Catalina is NOT over him, and he is definitely still interested in her. I don’t want to say more about how this progresses because I don’t like spoiling people in my reviews, but suffice to say: the next book cannot come soon enough!
I have a book hangover this morning, and it’s not just from staying up most of the night to read. It’s also because this book was so amazing, and I can’t stop thinking about it, about these characters, and where the story will take them next.
As usual, all of the side characters were every bit as engaging and interesting as the main characters. Highlights: a tiny thread that will likely become more involving Catalina’s Mom, Leon’s ever evolving brand of….sociopathy? Returning favorites, even if only for small glimpses, and of course, Grandma Freda. There is also a very interesting development regarding Catalina’s relationship with one of her two mentors that has me wondering some things, but again, spoilers, so I won’t speculate here.
Just trust me: read this book! If you’re a fan of Ilona Andrews, it’s amazing, one of her stand out best. If you’ve never read one of hers before, start now! I recommend picking up Burn for Me and going from there. You won’t be disappointed.
There is nothing more satisfying AND frustrating when you finish a book and you want MORE. Especially if you love the characters like you love your own family!!!
Of course every good book leads you to want more, and Sapphire Flames is one of those excellant five star books that dangle theories and fandom thoughts in front of you. So what did I do immediately after I read the last page. I scrubbed the sleep out of my eyes and pulled the first 4 books in the series off my shelf. Yes… The book hangover was bad.
In this novel, we have an older Catalina who has taken over Baylor Investigations from Nevada. I love Nevada don’t get me wrong but this blooming flower named Catalina had my old heart a fluttering. She had grown up a strong mature young woman. If you remember back to the earlier books you remember a shy teenager wishing to hide in the corner of the room.
Three years later, mentored by Arrosa Conner and now head of House Baylor, Catalina is a formidable force. Keeping this in mind, do not despair as the authors didn’t skimp on futher character development.
A friend of the family flew home to a call from the police department that their mother, a prime, and her sister, also a prime, has died in a fire. Suspicious only to those who know the pair, Runa decides to hire an investigator. Trouble is heading to the House Baylor but Catalina was ready.
What she wasn’t ready for was Alessandro Sagredo! Sexxxxyyyy with a capital S, he waltzes into her life and leaves her with dreams of love and hazy confusion regarding his actions.
Sapphire Flames is a 5 star read and I tip my Nerd Girl hat to the writing duo yet again!! I can not wait until the next book.
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official book blog.
Oh, what can I say? Ilona Andrews is a New York Times bestselling author for a reason. I read the first three books in her Hidden Legacy series, following Nevada and Rogan until they tied the knot for HEA. And I loved them. But this is the first book in the second three-book series, featuring Nevada’s sister, Catalina, and Alessandro. Alessandro is HOT. And dashing. And I love Catalina, and if it’s possible, I love the second set of Hidden Legacy books more than the first. This one was just plain FUN! One of Alessandro’s magical talents is that he can think of a weapon if it’s close enough, and then he’s holding a copy of it in his hand. Which means, he can go through one weapon after another to fight the bad guys. Really entertaining. Catalina’s magic is more subtle. If she wraps her magic around someone, they love her enough to do whatever she asks, even if she says, “Please step off this 10-story building. It will make me happy.” She uses her magic in intriguing, surprising ways. Equally entertaining. And sparks fly constantly between the two of them. Part romance/part urban fantasy/and a whole lot of action and battles. I loved this book!
I love the Hidden Legacy series and was so excited to read Catalina’s story. This action-packed enemies-to-lovers romance is enthralling with an ending that will leave you desperate for Catalina and Alessandro to find their way back to each other in the next installment.
4.5
I saw mixed reviews about this book, so I was a bit worried but I’m happy to report that I ended up really loving this book.
I always liked Catalina, but there was always just so much we knew about her. Now that we know her better and learn more about I love her even more. Sometimes I feel bad for her though. It always seems like someone has to carry all the baggage and responsibilities for the house, and this time it is Catalina. Even though most is divided to some other members of the family a majority is falling on her. I love how she grows throughout just this book and can’t wait to see what else she can do.
I have to be honest I was not a fan of Alessandro and first, but I just fell in love with him over the course of the book. Like Catalina we discover there are more sites to him and each comes on when needed. But my favorite was the Alessandro when he was with her. There are still some secrets about him and while I have a feeling I know what we will have to wait for at least one more book to find out what they are.
Of course we have the rest of Family Baylor that we know and love. All except Nevada, she and Rogan are out of the country but we do hear from them. We meet some new(ish) people and also see some of our other favorites again.
One of my personal favorites also comes back and I’m a little sad that we didn’t get all that much from him and really hope we see more of him in future books. Augustine M. Yes. I know he is not really a good guy, but I really liked him and wish some day we will get a book about him.
There were some new things to the series or some not so talked about yet stuff. There were a few things I was not so sure about or that were a bit weird if not even a bit over so top but overall I loved it.
We get the action, suspense and plenty of humor we are used to with the Andrews team, there were a few times I laughed way to hard. The romance was there but not as much as I thought for a book marked romance, but I’m personally okay with that. But if you’re looking with a book with lots and lots of sexy times, this book is not that….. At least not yet 😉
Overall great book, can’t wait for the next one. I rate it 4.5
You know what you’re getting when you buy an Ilona Andrews book–fast paced action with great characters and solid plot. This one delivers. It is a trilogy like the other Hidden Legacy books that come before this one–so you don’t get everything in the one book. The second is already out, but I’ll wait for all three to be out before I continue the journey. Enjoyed it a lot.
There is nothing these two can write that I don’t love
I absolutely adore this series. The Baylor family is wonderful–and although I was worried I might not enjoy Catalina’s story as much as I loved Nevada’s, I was wrong. When Catalina steps up to take over the family’s House, it’s every bit as nail-bitingly action-packed as the earlier books. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Ilona Andrews is always a satisfying read. The characters have depth and consistency, and the monsters are scary. It took me a while to warm to Nevada, Catalina’s sister, but I didn’t have that problem with Catalina. She is untried, but has pluck and courage. Alessandro is more of a stereotype, at least at the moment. I suspect there are a whole lot of things I don’t know about him. Yet.
If I had a nitpick, it would be that the end seemed rushed. Lots of unanswered questions, and my guess is it will be better than a year before the next installment in this series materializes.
That being said, there are only a handful of authors I can count on to provide a consistent quality reading experience. The husband-wife team that makes up the Ilona Andrews’ pen name is one of them.
OMG this book is totally amazing!!!! I was a little leary since I fell for Nevada and Rogan during the first trilogy and this one focuses on Catalina but it blew me away. We get the same fantastic family as before only now they are at the end of their House Grace period meaning things are about to get dangerous. Add in a doozy of a case and it is non-stop action as Catalina starts coming into her own as the head of the house while Nevada deals with her own issues elsewhere. A fast paced magical adventure you will not be able to put down. A total must read for fans of urban/paranormal fantasy. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I loved this book. I liked the characters and the non-stop action. You’ll never be bored reading this book
I’ve loved and worried about Catalina from the very beginning of this series so I was all-in when her story became available.
Catalina has a magic talent that tends to keep her from developing relationships outside of her family. Since Nevada married Rogan and is no longer running the family business, she finds herself picking up the reins as lead investigator and head of House Baylor. She never wanted either position, but when a midnight visit results in her helping out a boy intent on suicide she is thrust into a case that has far reaching issues for not only those in her circle, but the world.
This is as action packed as things can get in an Ilona Andrews novel and I loved every moment. With new magic, new creatures and amazing new characters, I was invested one hundred percent. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Add in the deliciousness that is Alessandro and the battle Catalina wages to keep him at a distance and my romantic fantasy loving heart was full to bursting.
There is definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to Alessandro and we are given just enough to tease us. Thank goodness Catalina is intuitive enough to see the same. Their relationship is slow moving, taking a back burner to the mystery they are working on. However, there is never a doubt this couple has some serious chemistry. As in serious!
’”Does your brain ever take a break” he asked.
It did every time he said my name, or he touched me. Or propositioned me in my bedroom while I was wearing a towel, but he didn’t need to know that.’
The mystery is multi-layered keeping me intrigued throughout the entirety of the story. So many surprises, twists and new revelations. The Baylor family is just as fun and endearing as ever, and the addition of their client amped my enjoyment even more. I hope we get to see Runa and her brother again in future books. It is her presence that brings Benedict out of the Hut of Evil a bit more than usual.
While this is a series and usually I’d recommend it be read in order, this book would be a great place to jump in. There is plenty of information regarding these characters’ backstory making it possible to begin here if you’d rather not begin with book one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was so good! I got sucked into this book and couldn’t put it down. I want to reread it already.
Catalina is now head of House Baylor. She is working a case for Runa, the poison mage from Diamond Fire. Along the way she teams up with Alessandro, her teen crush. They uncover new dangers and secrets, and kick a lot of butt.
Catalina has grown so much since Diamond Fire. She is no longer the scared and shy girl trying to find her place. She has accepted her abilities and uses them to keep her house safe. Alessandro is complicated and surprisingly deadly. He has so many layers that it’s hard to know which is the true person. I can’t wait to see where their relationship will go after this.
Overall, this was everything I expected from an Andrews book and I can’t wait to see what Catalina will do next.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Catalina has really grown into her power, even though her comfort level is still a work in progress. And that’s a good thing, because it helps keep her grounded in why she’s doing what she does. She’s analytical, has a huge heart, and is fiercely protective of those she loves. She’s a serious person, but her sarcastic sense of humor was contagious.
Alessandro…he’s a sexy devil, with a liquid tongue and irresistible allure, but his magic kept me on my toes in surprise! His ability had me shaking my head in wonder… He’s a total package and I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeves! I also loved his silly antics with Catalina, especially when paired with her crazy, but loving family. Talk about comic relief!
The romance takes a backseat to House dynamics, but believe me, it’s stewing to a steaming boil! Catalina and Alessandro’s romance is a very slow burn (the attraction established during Catalina’s trials), but I really wasn’t expecting the sheer force of their chemistry in action! These two may seriously give Nevada and Rogan competition in the combustible department 😉
The first book in a spin-off series from Hidden Legacies, I believe it could be read as a stand alone, but you’ll miss out on family dynamics and house politics, which give the story richer perspectives. Catalina’s book was a fast-paced, humorous, sarcastically-quipped, action packed with House warfare, and thought-provoking read… I loved it and happily skipped the lull of sleep just to finish!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book I received from Netgalley and Avon/HarperCollins. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
FANTASTIC! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the first in this new arc of the Hidden Legacy world. With Nevada safely married to Mad Rogan we get Catalina’s story. Catalina is a siren and can make people love her till they want to love her to pieces so she has to use her powers carefully. Catalina is now the head of House Baylor and their grace period is coming to an end. Thus starts a high energy romp that will keep you enthralled. The excitement is non-stop. Action, adventure and love. Can’t wait for the next installment.
*I received a free copy of Sapphire Flames from Avon via Edelweiss. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*
The action was totally off the charts in Sapphire Flames, and Catalina continues to prove she can be a strong leader! Of course, a certain someone showing up made me happy – even if not everything went the way I wanted it to.
There was a lot of intrigue, and real detective work was needed to figure everything out. Catalina’s analytical mind was an important part of the plot – and made me love her even more than before!
There is a slight romance, but the main plot and story point is finding someone and finding out who is behind something – and it was so very well done!
The Andrews’ keep writing extraordinary books about extraordinary characters!
This book was so much fun to read. This was my first book in the series, but I wasn’t confused at all. It’s clear that there is a back story that I’m missing, but I don’t think it affected my feelings about this book as I still really enjoyed it. I couldn’t get enough of the back and forth between Catalina and Alessandro. It was witty and fun every time. I definitely want to check out the rest of the series now!
I read it 3 times. Cant wait for the final book.