Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn’t in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari … Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she’s sworn off all things vampire.
Except… In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can’t just walk away from Arland. It doesn’t help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.
To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who’s turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won’t get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there’s a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.
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I love this series and I’m not much for intergalactic books. Though not all in this series are intergalactic.
I enjoyed this one. Sometimes when an author switches main characters it doesn’t always come off; by that I mean both characters read like the same person. This wasn’t the case here. Maud is very different from Dina. It was interesting re-reading the battle at the way station on Karhari from a different viewpoint. The subplot concerning their missing parents moved forward nicely at the end as well. Looking forward to book five where (hopefully) we find out what brother Klaus has been up to and just maybe a little more of the parents backstory.
Really like Maud, almost as much as Dina. I liked that Maud was a warrior and adventurer and traveler, unlike Dina who is a homebody, which I also like. Looking forward to reading about their brother, Klaus, now.
Innkeeper Chronicles Book Four. First Book with Maud as the lead character.
Maud Demille has only one love in life – her daughter, Helen. When she meets the vampire Arland of House Krahr, Maud is determined to keep him as far from her as she can. She is done with the vampires after their treatment of Helen after Maud’s husband was exiled. However, Arland is persistent and proposes to her at Dina’s inn after barely surviving his attempt to save them all. Maud agrees to accompany him back to his home world, where Helen will have a normal life, but she will not marry him. Proving that she is worth more than a pawn is the first step to Maud feeling truly safe in the vampire world.
If you’ve been waiting for more Arland and were interested in Dina’s sister, Maud, jump into this book immediately.
Audio Review:
Natalie Naudus voices Maud beautifully. Because of the change in lead character, it makes perfect sense to change narrators. Maud and Arland couldn’t have had a better champion.
AudiobookObsession
I absolutely love this series. The authors are brilliant with comedy, action and thinking outside the box. I appreciated the quick review at the beginning. It was just right. I loved the main characters in the previous books but listening to them in their new setting and trying to figure out their relationship was so fun. I just can’t get enough. Even though the narrator was new I think it worked great because Maude is a primary character and deserves her own voice. I enjoyed the way the narrator told the story.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
I’ve really enjoyed this series and this book was the best yet! It centers on Maud, the sister of Dina Demille, the innkeeper. Maud was widowed and left with a small daughter. Her dead husband was a vampire. Her husband’s family exiled them and struck their names from the family history due to an act of treason by Maud’s dead husband. She has sworn off vampires since they heartlessly sent her daughter away with them to a primitive planet. Then . . . along comes another vampire who makes her want to try the vampire way of life again. No more spoilers, but this book gives a fascinating look into the world created by Ilona Andrews, of the vampire families and how Maud navigates their customs, rules, and court trying to win their acceptance and approval. Good, exciting story that left me with one gripe – the next book isn’t out yet! I’m looking forward to it but I wasn’t pleased with the cliff hanger, that’s why I rated it 4 stars even though I loved the story.
Exciting – Wonderful – loved it.
Good read. I enjoyed it.
Another home rim for the dynamic duo. I love everything they write!
Maud is one amazing woman. Wonder Woman wishes she was as tough. Maud, the Innkeeper’s sister, was dumped on a planet that is used as a home for the unwanted, unwashed and vicious of the universe. She’s not alone, they dumped her her 5 year old daughter and her excommunicated vampire husband. The husband pulled an idiot move, it didn’t work, then he tried another, and we’ll he’s dead. The girls are alone surviving,. Tell her sister the Innkeeper goes to rescue her with a high ranking vampire and a werewolf, this is the begging of a wild adventure. Maud becomes the center attraction of the vampire, and she swears never again will she go down that path. Well, she finds herself in a situation again where she must prove her worth, but this time she does it for her daughter. Don’t mess with a momma bear ! Oh and watch out for the baby bear she has some teeth on her too.
I loved this ! The authors created amazing worlds, creatures, cultures and conflicts that keep the heart pumping. The women in their books are always such survivors, smart women who think before they do things that may change their lives. The men respect the women for it. Bravo !!!! Wait, cliffhanger ending, superseded that means there is another story coming.
I loved it. It is great to see Maud as the main female character.
This is the most action-packed book of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a wonderful continuation of the Innkeeper Chronicles and I do hope that the next book won’t take too long to be published.
I love this series and this book was as good as the previous ones. It focused on Dina’s sister and takes place off earth but the plot was strong and the characters are well developed. I read the book in one day and my only complaint is that it was not longer. The author is expanding the scope of the worlds because the characters are supposed to be able to travel across the universe and this gives the story more dimension. I love that the brother is mentioned in the last line and can hardly wait until the next book to see what happens next. I recommend this book if you are a fan of pranormal/sci fi with a romantic element, you will be entertained.
I have all the Ilona Andrews books and preorder as soon as I see one pop on my alerts. The books are always an insta-purchase.
I love political intrigue, a strong woman, and an equally strong man who values his strong woman and is willing to wait because she’s worth it. I love Maude for her intelligence, bravery and conviction and Arland for not being afraid to let her shine.
I love plots within plots, plans within plans, world-building I can lose myself in, interesting side characters, and for once, a child who doesn’t annoy the crap out of me.
Ilona Andrews delivers this and much more. Though a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, I know that the Innkeeper story is far from over. There are ends to tie up. As always, I’ll be waiting for the next.
I’ve loved all of the books in this series, and Sweep of the Blade is no exception. Maud is a kick-butt heroine to admire, and Arland is the hero of my heart. Lots of action with a fascinating take on the vampire world. I can’t wait for the next book. Write faster, Ilona.
There is not a book written by Ilona Andrews that I have not loved. More than 5 stars for this free-standing novel from the Innkeeper’s world.
Loved this story. I couldn’t put it down.
Great characters & world-building.
2019-the finished version is polished beauty I think I like Arland and Maud more so now then the first go around! And Helen-she’s the cutest mini-warrior-in-the-making! It’s hard for me to not crack up when she opens a can of whoop ass on someone hurting her momma!