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Kinsmen #3
Fated Blades
A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
An uneasy alliance between warring families gets heated in this otherworldly novella from bestselling author Ilona Andrews.
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.
An uneasy alliance between warring families gets heated in this otherworldly novella from bestselling author Ilona Andrews.
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.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
About the author
Ilona Andrews
145 books31.5k followersIlona 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 Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,078 reviews
December 9, 2021
It pains me to give a new Ilona Andrews book less than 4 stars. However, it has to be done because I had problems with this book. They are all spoilers, so you've been warned.
Despite the above, I did like this book. I just didn't love it as much as I hoped I would. Oh well. I'm still an Ilona Andrews fangirl.
Despite the above, I did like this book. I just didn't love it as much as I hoped I would. Oh well. I'm still an Ilona Andrews fangirl.
February 27, 2023
What a delight!!!!!
Fated Blades has everything I love about this author. Witty dialogues, great character building, strong females, charismatic heroes, imaginative world building – I could go on. And it has a favorite trope of mine – enemies to lovers.
The couple started out as enemies, actually mortal enemies, but necessity makes for a great bed partner. It was very entertaining to see them realise that there is more to each other than a hated last name.
Ramona was my kind of heroine. Strong, accomplished, ruthless, and smart. She had a hard shell, and a careful nature, but her opening up to Matias felt right. Matias was the silent type. A workaholic, always in control, and easily mistaken as cold and emotionless. But in the end he was just waiting for the right partner to bring his passion to the surface.
I’m a sucker for a strong couple. When a heroine and hero complement each other – everything makes so much more sense.
So, if you love to get swept away in a magical world. If you need a book for an afternoon, a short novel for between bigger books, you need to pick up FATED BLADES. The novella is a great introduction to all things Ilona Andrews.
Most of all the length of the novella was incredibly satisfying.
It was ,much longer than expected, with 222 pages it’s almost as long as a regular book, or at least 2/3 of a book. The world building and character development was well done for the page length. Of course it is still a novella, so some instances would have been even more detailed in a full length novel, but I’m not going to complain – lol.
Also, I wouldn’t say no to more of this world. It’s not as all consuming as Kate Daniels is, but it's exactly what I expect from IA and the authors delivered even in a short format like a novella.
I would also recommend reading Silver Shark and Silent Blade first. The three novellas make for a great afternoon read.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Fated Blades has everything I love about this author. Witty dialogues, great character building, strong females, charismatic heroes, imaginative world building – I could go on. And it has a favorite trope of mine – enemies to lovers.
The couple started out as enemies, actually mortal enemies, but necessity makes for a great bed partner. It was very entertaining to see them realise that there is more to each other than a hated last name.
Ramona was my kind of heroine. Strong, accomplished, ruthless, and smart. She had a hard shell, and a careful nature, but her opening up to Matias felt right. Matias was the silent type. A workaholic, always in control, and easily mistaken as cold and emotionless. But in the end he was just waiting for the right partner to bring his passion to the surface.
I’m a sucker for a strong couple. When a heroine and hero complement each other – everything makes so much more sense.
So, if you love to get swept away in a magical world. If you need a book for an afternoon, a short novel for between bigger books, you need to pick up FATED BLADES. The novella is a great introduction to all things Ilona Andrews.
Most of all the length of the novella was incredibly satisfying.
It was ,much longer than expected, with 222 pages it’s almost as long as a regular book, or at least 2/3 of a book. The world building and character development was well done for the page length. Of course it is still a novella, so some instances would have been even more detailed in a full length novel, but I’m not going to complain – lol.
Also, I wouldn’t say no to more of this world. It’s not as all consuming as Kate Daniels is, but it's exactly what I expect from IA and the authors delivered even in a short format like a novella.
I would also recommend reading Silver Shark and Silent Blade first. The three novellas make for a great afternoon read.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
June 29, 2024
Reread on June 29, 2024: I wish Ilona hadn't raised the possibility of a secret baby Kinsmen book... I've been haunted for three years with no end in the horizon. 😭 Read via audio (narrated by Aaron Shedlock).
***
Reread on November 23, 2021:
2021 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Reread
Not my favorite narrator but still enjoyed the ride! Read via audio (narrated by Aaron Shedlock).
***
First read on October 4, 2021: i’m losing my goddamn mind, review to come when i’m more coherent.
~the review, seven days later~
Sorry. Not going to be coherent. I love the previous Kinsman novellas so much (to the point where I own a special edition from Subterranean Press with gorgeous illustrations). My brain was a series of exclamation points after learning about the existence of FATED BLADES. A third Kinsman novella, releasing nearly a decade after SILVER SHARK?! The serotonin levels were dangerously high that day. Many thanks to the Montlake publicist for offering me an advanced reading copy and making my entire year.
The Kinsmen world, in my opinion, is IA's most underrated series. I will now explain to you why they are my favorite novellas ever. Picture this: deliciously soapy Harlequin Presents-style adventures involving magical space warriors. This is a compliment, because I fucking love Harlequin Presents. The tropes are god-tier when executed well. A woman wants revenge against the man who broke their arranged childhood engagement, BUT WAIT, she's an assassin who seduces him for a hit job? SILENT BLADE is one click away on your preferred e-retailer. An admin assistant pines for her boss in a hopeless case of unrequited love, BUT WAIT, she's hiding her mind-reading abilities because she can kill people with her brain? Let me introduce to the marvel of SILVER SHARK.
FATED BLADES follows in the iconic footsteps of its predecessors. In the faraway planet of Rada, Ramona and Matias team up together despite a generation family feud, hunt down their cheating spouses, and reclaim stolen data that will ruin their fortunes if unrecovered.
Y'all. The angst in this is sublime. Forbidden love at its finest: "Oh no, we can't be together because our families would love to murder each other if given the chance... We're still married to other people. It would be unethical to hook up, even if our exes are cheating bastards that we're going to divorce ASAP." This is basically the whole book, plus intergalactic political conspiracy and badass action scenes involving magical weapons. The temple scene... angels wept.
Last but certainly not least: Ramona and Matias have this unsettling magical fighting connection that makes their terrifying blades work extra well when paired together. The book doesn't call it fated mates, but it's fated mates, LOL. Look at the title! They're soulmates, if being soulmates made you really good at killing terrible people for the sake for a bloody sci-fi narrative (I'm not joking, the body count is rather high). As I said: sublime.
Everyone read this book and report back to me!!! I don't make the rules! You are now bound by my covenant for reaching the end of this review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
***
Reread on November 23, 2021:
2021 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Reread
Not my favorite narrator but still enjoyed the ride! Read via audio (narrated by Aaron Shedlock).
***
First read on October 4, 2021: i’m losing my goddamn mind, review to come when i’m more coherent.
~the review, seven days later~
Sorry. Not going to be coherent. I love the previous Kinsman novellas so much (to the point where I own a special edition from Subterranean Press with gorgeous illustrations). My brain was a series of exclamation points after learning about the existence of FATED BLADES. A third Kinsman novella, releasing nearly a decade after SILVER SHARK?! The serotonin levels were dangerously high that day. Many thanks to the Montlake publicist for offering me an advanced reading copy and making my entire year.
The Kinsmen world, in my opinion, is IA's most underrated series. I will now explain to you why they are my favorite novellas ever. Picture this: deliciously soapy Harlequin Presents-style adventures involving magical space warriors. This is a compliment, because I fucking love Harlequin Presents. The tropes are god-tier when executed well. A woman wants revenge against the man who broke their arranged childhood engagement, BUT WAIT, she's an assassin who seduces him for a hit job? SILENT BLADE is one click away on your preferred e-retailer. An admin assistant pines for her boss in a hopeless case of unrequited love, BUT WAIT, she's hiding her mind-reading abilities because she can kill people with her brain? Let me introduce to the marvel of SILVER SHARK.
FATED BLADES follows in the iconic footsteps of its predecessors. In the faraway planet of Rada, Ramona and Matias team up together despite a generation family feud, hunt down their cheating spouses, and reclaim stolen data that will ruin their fortunes if unrecovered.
Y'all. The angst in this is sublime. Forbidden love at its finest: "Oh no, we can't be together because our families would love to murder each other if given the chance... We're still married to other people. It would be unethical to hook up, even if our exes are cheating bastards that we're going to divorce ASAP." This is basically the whole book, plus intergalactic political conspiracy and badass action scenes involving magical weapons. The temple scene... angels wept.
Last but certainly not least: Ramona and Matias have this unsettling magical fighting connection that makes their terrifying blades work extra well when paired together. The book doesn't call it fated mates, but it's fated mates, LOL. Look at the title! They're soulmates, if being soulmates made you really good at killing terrible people for the sake for a bloody sci-fi narrative (I'm not joking, the body count is rather high). As I said: sublime.
Everyone read this book and report back to me!!! I don't make the rules! You are now bound by my covenant for reaching the end of this review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
That was great fun, and so hard to put down! I downloaded it at midnight, read half and then finished it up this morning. Romeo and Juliet get a kickass Ilona Andrews upgrade in Fated Blades, a standalone short novel set in the Kinsman universe.
Ramona and Matias, the two heads of feuding kinsmen families, both of secare (elite warrior) clans, are forced to cooperate when their two spouses run off together, stealing both families' vital scientific research, with plans to sell it to the Big Bad of their galactic sector. They need to track down their spouses, get back the research data, get rid of the bad guys (and maybe their spouses), and keep everything secret to avoid losing face. Sparks fly, on every level.
It's a quick, fast read, not as complex and layered as their very best work, but Ilona Andrews fans will have a good time.
Content note: R-rated for violence, explicit sex and a few scattered F-bombs.
Ramona and Matias, the two heads of feuding kinsmen families, both of secare (elite warrior) clans, are forced to cooperate when their two spouses run off together, stealing both families' vital scientific research, with plans to sell it to the Big Bad of their galactic sector. They need to track down their spouses, get back the research data, get rid of the bad guys (and maybe their spouses), and keep everything secret to avoid losing face. Sparks fly, on every level.
It's a quick, fast read, not as complex and layered as their very best work, but Ilona Andrews fans will have a good time.
Content note: R-rated for violence, explicit sex and a few scattered F-bombs.
November 28, 2021
This is Pure Condensed and Unadulterated IA Scrumptiousness (PCaUIAS™), so I quite obviously didn't like it very much.
Why thank you, Spockie dear.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
· Book 1: Silent Blade ★★★★
· Book 2: Silver Shark ★★★★
· Book 3: A Mere Formality ★★★★★
Why thank you, Spockie dear.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
· Book 1: Silent Blade ★★★★
· Book 2: Silver Shark ★★★★
· Book 3: A Mere Formality ★★★★★
November 23, 2021
“You were supposed to die. Why aren’t you dead?”
He nodded at the plaza below painted red with blood. “Because I killed everyone.”
November 22, 2021
So, listen, this might not measure up to other books by these authors that I've given four stars to but it feels like it's been a hundred years since they published a book (time has no meaning anymore) and I started having a good time almost immediately after starting it, and said good times pretty much didn't stop, so. It gets a four.
He felt a sudden urge to do something dramatic and impressive. He needed to get ahold of himself.
I probably should've reread the preceding novellas to see if there was, in fact, any carry-over or easter eggs in this one because as far as I can remember the first two were completely unconnected, beyond being set in the same universe, and this one feels the same. I'll leave it to my blog buddy to confirm this, though, as she's read them more recently than me.
All you really need to know is this is Andrews but sci-fi. The world, the hierarchies, it's all pretty much explained in this novella so if you choose to start here, you aren't going in with a loss of context. Everything relevant you need is here.
"Am I seeing things? Clearly this is just a weirdly specific bad dream, one where two people who hate each other team up to bust into my office and destroy my prized furniture."
Oh, and also? It's an enemies-to-lovers romance but more in the sense that the enmity is inherited, not personal, and they have to come together in an extreme situation when they are both, similarly, betrayed. The journey takes them through a reluctant teaming up, to respect, to.. well, more. Obviously.
If you like action scenes, if you like family politics, if you like snark and banter, if you like my-enemy-is-my-enemy-but-I'm-making-them-my-friend dynamics, and also if you can't infer the other trope I won't list by the title..? Well, just give it a think.
This is a very biased review because there are so few books by this duo I don't enjoy and I would honestly read their grocery list and probably have a good time. And I make no apologies for it. If you haven't yet joined the Andrews bandwagon, what are you waiting for?
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
He felt a sudden urge to do something dramatic and impressive. He needed to get ahold of himself.
I probably should've reread the preceding novellas to see if there was, in fact, any carry-over or easter eggs in this one because as far as I can remember the first two were completely unconnected, beyond being set in the same universe, and this one feels the same. I'll leave it to my blog buddy to confirm this, though, as she's read them more recently than me.
All you really need to know is this is Andrews but sci-fi. The world, the hierarchies, it's all pretty much explained in this novella so if you choose to start here, you aren't going in with a loss of context. Everything relevant you need is here.
"Am I seeing things? Clearly this is just a weirdly specific bad dream, one where two people who hate each other team up to bust into my office and destroy my prized furniture."
Oh, and also? It's an enemies-to-lovers romance but more in the sense that the enmity is inherited, not personal, and they have to come together in an extreme situation when they are both, similarly, betrayed. The journey takes them through a reluctant teaming up, to respect, to.. well, more. Obviously.
If you like action scenes, if you like family politics, if you like snark and banter, if you like my-enemy-is-my-enemy-but-I'm-making-them-my-friend dynamics, and also if you can't infer the other trope I won't list by the title..? Well, just give it a think.
This is a very biased review because there are so few books by this duo I don't enjoy and I would honestly read their grocery list and probably have a good time. And I make no apologies for it. If you haven't yet joined the Andrews bandwagon, what are you waiting for?
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
December 3, 2021
4 ☆
Fated Blades is a galactic riff on the Romeo and Juliet theme. In New Delphi on the planet Rada, two warrior clans, known as secare, have been mortal enemies for hundreds of years. Kinsmen excel in the art of individual combat. The secare is a breed apart, however, as their specialty is mass murder. Like kinsmen, secare are humans but with the distinction of being bioengineered so that their arms can instantaneously project force fields either in the forms of shields or bladed weapons. To avert a bloody feud, the Baena and Addler secare clans pretend that neither exists.
Only betrayals that could destroy both families' businesses and futures could forge a temporary alliance. Matias and Ramona are heads of their respective clans and they'll give it their all to safeguard them.
Fated Blades is the third in the Kinsmen series, and this reads fine as a standalone. (The first two are fun short stories as well but there's no overlap with this one.) The first third of Fated Blades has emotional tension but the beginning still feels like a massive world-building info dump.
Ramona and Matias are appealing main protagonists. Because of their plight as victims of gross betrayal, they easily elicit empathy. However, they don't seem to have any faults, which make them a tad less than fully realized.
Ilona Andrews are among my favorite contemporary authors, so I expect quite a lot. IA can deliver exciting fight scenes. At about the 35 percent mark, Fated Blades becomes an absolute page-turner. This coincides with the first battle scenes and the secare skills are displayed in all their bloody glory.
Overall, this is a great fun romantic story, as can be expected from the IA duo. But I am also left a tiny bit unsatisfied by its brevity because all that world-building merits more. With only about 220 pages, this clocks in more as a novella than as a novel. If it weren't for my hopes of sequels in IA's other series, I'd clamor for more in the kinsmen series. But then again, as my favorite writers, I would read whatever their creative mojo provides.
Snippets for Fated Blades from IA's website
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/happy-...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/tiny-s...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/a-good...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/fated-...
Thank you to the authors, Montlake, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC. My review reflects my candid assessment and feelings. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 9781542037044) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is November 23, 2021.
#1 Silent Blade 3 ☆
#2 Silver Shark 3.5 ☆
Fated Blades is a galactic riff on the Romeo and Juliet theme. In New Delphi on the planet Rada, two warrior clans, known as secare, have been mortal enemies for hundreds of years. Kinsmen excel in the art of individual combat. The secare is a breed apart, however, as their specialty is mass murder. Like kinsmen, secare are humans but with the distinction of being bioengineered so that their arms can instantaneously project force fields either in the forms of shields or bladed weapons. To avert a bloody feud, the Baena and Addler secare clans pretend that neither exists.
Matias [Baena] fixed [Ramona Addler] with his stare. "To what do I owe the horror?"
"I came to ask two questions...
Do you know where your wife is?"
A wave of ice splashed Matias and evaporated into intense furious heat. His left hand clenched into a fist under the table.
Only betrayals that could destroy both families' businesses and futures could forge a temporary alliance. Matias and Ramona are heads of their respective clans and they'll give it their all to safeguard them.
[Ramona] had always thought [Matias] was cold, a closed-off distant man, with a stern glower. ... Who knew that there was fire underneath all that volcanic glass?
A stray thought flicked through her mind. It must be so nice having someone like him watching your back. Someone competent. Decisive. Someone who has his sh*t together. Too bad he's an enemy.
Fated Blades is the third in the Kinsmen series, and this reads fine as a standalone. (The first two are fun short stories as well but there's no overlap with this one.) The first third of Fated Blades has emotional tension but the beginning still feels like a massive world-building info dump.
Ramona and Matias are appealing main protagonists. Because of their plight as victims of gross betrayal, they easily elicit empathy. However, they don't seem to have any faults, which make them a tad less than fully realized.
Ilona Andrews are among my favorite contemporary authors, so I expect quite a lot. IA can deliver exciting fight scenes. At about the 35 percent mark, Fated Blades becomes an absolute page-turner. This coincides with the first battle scenes and the secare skills are displayed in all their bloody glory.
Overall, this is a great fun romantic story, as can be expected from the IA duo. But I am also left a tiny bit unsatisfied by its brevity because all that world-building merits more. With only about 220 pages, this clocks in more as a novella than as a novel. If it weren't for my hopes of sequels in IA's other series, I'd clamor for more in the kinsmen series. But then again, as my favorite writers, I would read whatever their creative mojo provides.
Snippets for Fated Blades from IA's website
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/happy-...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/tiny-s...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/a-good...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/fated-...
Thank you to the authors, Montlake, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC. My review reflects my candid assessment and feelings. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 9781542037044) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is November 23, 2021.
#1 Silent Blade 3 ☆
#2 Silver Shark 3.5 ☆
November 14, 2021
Bloody fantastic!! No, I'm not Brittish, but it was bloody and it was fantastic. I think this is my first book by Ilona Andrews and what a way to get introduced to an authors work. I really don't know how she got so much packed into this novella. And if you are wondering if you can read book 3 without reading book 1 & 2? I can easily answer yes to that.
The best way I can describe what I loved about this so much was..well, first the heroine. Ramona is a very powerful and deadly heroine. I love when a woman can be just as deadly if not more than a man. I cheered her on with glee. She also was compassionate. She didn't kill just to kill. She cared about people. She really was the best of both traits.
Matias is the second reason this was so good. For a hero, I like them just as powerful and deadly. He really seemed to be a cold, calculated character but he had some fluff deep down. To me, that's everything I like in a hero. Add in loyal and protective and that's it, I'm done.
Third reason is the how these two came together and what they did to right some wrongs. Both of them are enemies and to see them band together to eradicate a common evil made for a very exciting storyline.
I completely devoured this book and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't end on a cliffhanger. I'm not against series for a couple, but it's also nice to read a book and not have to wait to find out more. I loved it and I will re-read it... probably many times.
The best way I can describe what I loved about this so much was..well, first the heroine. Ramona is a very powerful and deadly heroine. I love when a woman can be just as deadly if not more than a man. I cheered her on with glee. She also was compassionate. She didn't kill just to kill. She cared about people. She really was the best of both traits.
Matias is the second reason this was so good. For a hero, I like them just as powerful and deadly. He really seemed to be a cold, calculated character but he had some fluff deep down. To me, that's everything I like in a hero. Add in loyal and protective and that's it, I'm done.
Third reason is the how these two came together and what they did to right some wrongs. Both of them are enemies and to see them band together to eradicate a common evil made for a very exciting storyline.
I completely devoured this book and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't end on a cliffhanger. I'm not against series for a couple, but it's also nice to read a book and not have to wait to find out more. I loved it and I will re-read it... probably many times.
December 5, 2021
4 1/2 to 5 stars
I'm putting this here because it was the inspiration for 'the dance'...
'Tis fierce and beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8W4t...
Those of you who have read this will completely understand.
Enjoy.
I'm putting this here because it was the inspiration for 'the dance'...
'Tis fierce and beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8W4t...
Those of you who have read this will completely understand.
Enjoy.
December 15, 2021
By far my favorite in the Kinsmen series, though my actual rating should be more like 3.75 stars. While it was exciting and hard to put down, I just enjoy the other Ilona Andrews series more.
I'm a HUGE long-time Ilona Andrews fan, from way back in The Edge books (please bring more of those back, I'm begging you), so I'll pretty much read anything these authors write. However, I wasn't thrilled with the first book in the Kinsmen series, and while book 2 was better, it just wasn't up to their usual standard. Fated Blades was by far the best, but I think I'm just not as intrigued and connected to this world of Kinsmen.
A little insta-lovey by the end, but overall an exciting and satisfying read. Well worth my time. Excited for the next in the series already.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
I'm a HUGE long-time Ilona Andrews fan, from way back in The Edge books (please bring more of those back, I'm begging you), so I'll pretty much read anything these authors write. However, I wasn't thrilled with the first book in the Kinsmen series, and while book 2 was better, it just wasn't up to their usual standard. Fated Blades was by far the best, but I think I'm just not as intrigued and connected to this world of Kinsmen.
A little insta-lovey by the end, but overall an exciting and satisfying read. Well worth my time. Excited for the next in the series already.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
November 24, 2021
This whole series is like category romance but set in space. There’s also lots of banter and blood <— an Ilona Andrews staple.
The previous two stories in the series had arranged marriage and boss-secretary tropes. Fated Blades has the soulmates trope.
I hope they’ll continue writing the series with other tropes like best friends to lovers, one-night stand unexpected pregnancy, etc.
That would be fun.
And we have a blurb and a preorder link!! —-> https://amzn.to/2VKME1t
We're getting a new kinsmen novella!!
And if you wanna see the cover, go to see it here --> https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/co...
The previous two stories in the series had arranged marriage and boss-secretary tropes. Fated Blades has the soulmates trope.
I hope they’ll continue writing the series with other tropes like best friends to lovers, one-night stand unexpected pregnancy, etc.
That would be fun.
And we have a blurb and a preorder link!! —-> https://amzn.to/2VKME1t
We're getting a new kinsmen novella!!
And if you wanna see the cover, go to see it here --> https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/co...
Want to read
October 27, 202127/10/21
It was available on NetGalley.. For like 0.5 seconds. I hate people.
17/9/21
Now available for preorder! And a snippet for you too :
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/fa...
Cover reveal! And it is gorgeous!
Please click on link to see it in all its gorgeousness!
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/cover-...
Snippets!
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/tiny-s...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/a-good...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/happy-...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/fated-...
It was available on NetGalley.. For like 0.5 seconds. I hate people.
17/9/21
Now available for preorder! And a snippet for you too :
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2021/fa...
Cover reveal! And it is gorgeous!
Please click on link to see it in all its gorgeousness!
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/cover-...
Snippets!
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/tiny-s...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/a-good...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/happy-...
https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/fated-...
November 26, 2021
Oh, how I missed IA writing and stories!!!
They're so very good with their writing style!
I loved both Ramona and Matias! I loved the politics and I loved the action!
I loved every single page of this book!
And I'm sorry it was not longer. And I hope IA will write more books in this Kinsman universe! I know that I will read them all!
They're so very good with their writing style!
I loved both Ramona and Matias! I loved the politics and I loved the action!
I loved every single page of this book!
And I'm sorry it was not longer. And I hope IA will write more books in this Kinsman universe! I know that I will read them all!
November 30, 2021
3.5 stars
March 8, 2024
2024 Reads #4, #13, #46, #138/250
5🌟 revised rating
4.75 - Ramona and Matias are the smarter SF version of Romeo & Juliet, with plenty of violence and death.
I admit I love Ilona Andrews and have read nearly everything they have written (even the unfinished works) at least once. That said, I really enjoyed this installment in the Kinsmen Universe. At 222 page for the ebook or 4 hrs and 53 minutes for the audiobook (I have both and switched between them so I could be mobile), this was a fun and quick read and I obviously wanted more, I always do with them. I enjoyed the narrator, Aaron Shedlock, too.
5🌟 revised rating
4.75 - Ramona and Matias are the smarter SF version of Romeo & Juliet, with plenty of violence and death.
I admit I love Ilona Andrews and have read nearly everything they have written (even the unfinished works) at least once. That said, I really enjoyed this installment in the Kinsmen Universe. At 222 page for the ebook or 4 hrs and 53 minutes for the audiobook (I have both and switched between them so I could be mobile), this was a fun and quick read and I obviously wanted more, I always do with them. I enjoyed the narrator, Aaron Shedlock, too.
November 23, 2021
The Adlers and Baenas are supernaturally powerful families on the planet Rada. Their families have been rivals for years, but Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must work together after their unfaithful spouses steal groundbreaking technology to sell to a deadly enemy.
At first, they don’t trust each other, but since they must work together, they put aside they old family differences. Mutual admiration, respect along with an irresistible attraction starts to form and they find that they work perfectly together. Perfectly deadly to any that get in their way!
I recently read the prior two novellas in the Kinsman series and loved them! Passionate and hot, set in a vivid and unique world! The previous stories are super short, both less than 100 pages, but Fated Blades is longer at 222 pages, but still a quick read. Each features a different couple, standalone story/romance.
Fated Blades would technically be considered an enemy-to-lovers romance, but they were never at each other’s throats. I enjoyed the fun, sensual push and pull between them, but more than that I loved seeing these two open-up, get close and form an intense bond. Ilona Andrews is one of my all-time favorite authors and I’m continually amazed by their ability to suck me into a story whether it be a 50-page novella or a full-length story!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
At first, they don’t trust each other, but since they must work together, they put aside they old family differences. Mutual admiration, respect along with an irresistible attraction starts to form and they find that they work perfectly together. Perfectly deadly to any that get in their way!
I recently read the prior two novellas in the Kinsman series and loved them! Passionate and hot, set in a vivid and unique world! The previous stories are super short, both less than 100 pages, but Fated Blades is longer at 222 pages, but still a quick read. Each features a different couple, standalone story/romance.
Fated Blades would technically be considered an enemy-to-lovers romance, but they were never at each other’s throats. I enjoyed the fun, sensual push and pull between them, but more than that I loved seeing these two open-up, get close and form an intense bond. Ilona Andrews is one of my all-time favorite authors and I’m continually amazed by their ability to suck me into a story whether it be a 50-page novella or a full-length story!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
4.75 stars.
Bloody delicious!
That’s including that cover too! 😍😍
I wish the story longer than this, but still a satisfactory reading! 😍
I can’t wait to see what’s next in this universe ☺️😘.
❤️❤️❤️
Bloody delicious!
That’s including that cover too! 😍😍
I wish the story longer than this, but still a satisfactory reading! 😍
I can’t wait to see what’s next in this universe ☺️😘.
❤️❤️❤️
July 17, 2023
3.5 Stars for Fated Blades: kinsmen, Book 3 (audiobook) by Ilona Andrews read by Aaron Shedlock.
I didn’t realize that this was a series until I started my review. Maybe I should go back and start at the beginning.
I didn’t realize that this was a series until I started my review. Maybe I should go back and start at the beginning.
June 14, 2022
3.5 stars
You know I had to read this--it's Ilona Andrews. I am a member of the BDH (Book Devouring Horde). Therefore, I placed my hold at the library and rejoiced when it arrived. I hate to admit that I wasn't sure how much I would like it, so didn't run right out to buy a copy. I'm still not sure whether I need to own it (so I suspect the answer is ‘no').
This is very similar to many Andrews novels. It's a Romeo and Juliette tale, where two powerful people from rival families are forced to team up to track down their errant spouses, who have scarpered with important family business research. Ramona and Matias have never met in person before, but they have studied each other via spies. Meeting in person is a shock, as they find that they are very, very attracted to one another.
Of course the mission is not easy. There are evil fathers-in-law and psycho military aliens to be dealt with. Thank goodness Ramona and Matias have trained since they could walk with their implanted weapons. This is very much an ‘enemies-to-lovers' romance, which is my preferred trope. If I have a complaint, it's that the plot and the romance play out much too quickly. At only 200 pages, the authors must blast through events at warp speed. I really like their trilogies, where the tension gets spun out for a greater length of time.
So, my verdict? Nice, but not quite as satisfying as either their Kate Daniels or Hidden Legacy series. If they publish more Kinsman books, I will read them, because that's what I do. And you do not need to have read the first two novellas to enjoy this book. It can stand firmly on its own.
You know I had to read this--it's Ilona Andrews. I am a member of the BDH (Book Devouring Horde). Therefore, I placed my hold at the library and rejoiced when it arrived. I hate to admit that I wasn't sure how much I would like it, so didn't run right out to buy a copy. I'm still not sure whether I need to own it (so I suspect the answer is ‘no').
This is very similar to many Andrews novels. It's a Romeo and Juliette tale, where two powerful people from rival families are forced to team up to track down their errant spouses, who have scarpered with important family business research. Ramona and Matias have never met in person before, but they have studied each other via spies. Meeting in person is a shock, as they find that they are very, very attracted to one another.
Of course the mission is not easy. There are evil fathers-in-law and psycho military aliens to be dealt with. Thank goodness Ramona and Matias have trained since they could walk with their implanted weapons. This is very much an ‘enemies-to-lovers' romance, which is my preferred trope. If I have a complaint, it's that the plot and the romance play out much too quickly. At only 200 pages, the authors must blast through events at warp speed. I really like their trilogies, where the tension gets spun out for a greater length of time.
So, my verdict? Nice, but not quite as satisfying as either their Kate Daniels or Hidden Legacy series. If they publish more Kinsman books, I will read them, because that's what I do. And you do not need to have read the first two novellas to enjoy this book. It can stand firmly on its own.
November 24, 2021
Wish I Hadn't Purchased.
I was really looking forward to this, the blurb made it sounds ace so I pre-ordered, but have found myself more than a little disappointed.
Had to force myself to carry on reading. The world building didn't weave a intricate web that absorbed me.
The main characters didn't ensnare by attention nor did I feel chemistry between them sizzle off the page.
The writing felt a bit stiff.
Not going I my re-read pile. A small amount of skim reading took place.
I was really looking forward to this, the blurb made it sounds ace so I pre-ordered, but have found myself more than a little disappointed.
Had to force myself to carry on reading. The world building didn't weave a intricate web that absorbed me.
The main characters didn't ensnare by attention nor did I feel chemistry between them sizzle off the page.
The writing felt a bit stiff.
Not going I my re-read pile. A small amount of skim reading took place.
November 25, 2021
I really like the Kinsmen series and this was another great story. Being a novella, there were moments when it felt like there was too much story trying to be crammed into too short of a book. Then there were moments where it seemed like major elements were skimmed over to rush things along. These are typical complaints in a novella and didn't hamper my enjoyment of the book.
Great fantasy storytelling and great romance.
Safety
Great fantasy storytelling and great romance.
Safety
November 23, 2021
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! When I saw that the writing pair of Ilona Andrews had a novella coming out, I knew that I was going to have to read it. I went into the story with incredibly high expectations because I have come to expect great things from this writing pair. I am happy to report that those expectations were met. This book was everything that I had hoped that it would be and I was entertained from the first page until the very end.
Ramona and Matias were fantastic characters and I loved the fact that they were able to work together despite the fact that their families have been enemies for generations. Ramona and Matias are both secare which gives them the ability to use blades and shields from their arms with just a thought. The fighting scenes were rather intense and very exciting in this story. The pair has a lot of chemistry but they don’t act on it since they are both married, at least until they can find their cheating spouses. This story had it all: great characters, action and excitement, and wonderful sci-fi elements.
I would highly recommend this novella to others. It is a longer novella at just over 200 pages but it was still a very fast read. It is the newest installment in the Kinsmen series but would work perfectly fine as a stand-alone story. I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful writing pair!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Montlake via NetGalley.
This was great! When I saw that the writing pair of Ilona Andrews had a novella coming out, I knew that I was going to have to read it. I went into the story with incredibly high expectations because I have come to expect great things from this writing pair. I am happy to report that those expectations were met. This book was everything that I had hoped that it would be and I was entertained from the first page until the very end.
Ramona and Matias were fantastic characters and I loved the fact that they were able to work together despite the fact that their families have been enemies for generations. Ramona and Matias are both secare which gives them the ability to use blades and shields from their arms with just a thought. The fighting scenes were rather intense and very exciting in this story. The pair has a lot of chemistry but they don’t act on it since they are both married, at least until they can find their cheating spouses. This story had it all: great characters, action and excitement, and wonderful sci-fi elements.
I would highly recommend this novella to others. It is a longer novella at just over 200 pages but it was still a very fast read. It is the newest installment in the Kinsmen series but would work perfectly fine as a stand-alone story. I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful writing pair!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Montlake via NetGalley.
February 9, 2024
I never thought Ilona Andrews will write another book in kinsmen series so imagine my surprise when I saw about this book.
This was what I was expecting (eagerly) and more. A strong alpha pair, powerful feuding families, unparalleled action sequences, hilarious but scary relatives and a mesmerising otherworld.
The protagonists had strong chemistry and their final showdown was worth a second reading which I did. As was the epilogue, maahn that was hilarious!
Safe and recommended.
This was what I was expecting (eagerly) and more. A strong alpha pair, powerful feuding families, unparalleled action sequences, hilarious but scary relatives and a mesmerising otherworld.
The protagonists had strong chemistry and their final showdown was worth a second reading which I did. As was the epilogue, maahn that was hilarious!
Safe and recommended.
November 29, 2021
2.5 stars.
It's IA so I thought this was a no-brainer but I didn't much care for this one. I thought the plot was great but I hated how it ended. I hate insta love in all shapes and forms and this was one of the forms.
It's IA so I thought this was a no-brainer but I didn't much care for this one. I thought the plot was great but I hated how it ended. I hate insta love in all shapes and forms and this was one of the forms.
December 4, 2021
Star crossed lovers and innovative tech bladed weapons. Sign me the hell up.
Historic enemies, Ramona and Matias, must work together to save their families in this bloody tale. It's a quick read, with an easy plot made more compelling by the complex, lived-in world. I just wish we could have had more.
ARC via Netgalley
Historic enemies, Ramona and Matias, must work together to save their families in this bloody tale. It's a quick read, with an easy plot made more compelling by the complex, lived-in world. I just wish we could have had more.
ARC via Netgalley
May 25, 2022
Sci-fi Romeo and Juliet with the extra side of stabby-slashy and a happy ending.
April 19, 2022
All kinds of fun. I enjoyed this so so very much.
February 14, 2022
It's short and exciting.
Matias the serious and Ramona his sworn enemy meet face to face under less than ideal circumstances... MUCH less...
Their adulterous spouses have decided to run off with their life's work. A life's work that could make or break their families and will also give the winner extraordinary powers of violence.
The world building is top notch, but the short format doesn't allow for a lot of depth in the characters. Still, they are admirable characters and had me wrapped around their fingers. I like that there's enough science to make it science fiction and not fantasy.
I listened to the audiobook and the reader was fabulous.
And I gotta say, nobody does retribution like Ilona Andrews!
Safety is good.
Matias the serious and Ramona his sworn enemy meet face to face under less than ideal circumstances... MUCH less...
Their adulterous spouses have decided to run off with their life's work. A life's work that could make or break their families and will also give the winner extraordinary powers of violence.
The world building is top notch, but the short format doesn't allow for a lot of depth in the characters. Still, they are admirable characters and had me wrapped around their fingers. I like that there's enough science to make it science fiction and not fantasy.
I listened to the audiobook and the reader was fabulous.
And I gotta say, nobody does retribution like Ilona Andrews!
Safety is good.
December 21, 2021
It's so good to read something new from these authors. This was fast paced and fun.
“The problem with spearheading a family business is that most of the corporate officers are also your relatives, who view you as the ultimate arbiter of their disputes.”
“Yes. And in my case, they make no distinction between an argument over the precise calibration of the Kelly-particle agitator or the choice of a faucet for a new heated bubble tub.”
“Same.”
They shared a look. They were still enemies, but even enemies were allowed latitude when it came to complaining about family.
“The problem with spearheading a family business is that most of the corporate officers are also your relatives, who view you as the ultimate arbiter of their disputes.”
“Yes. And in my case, they make no distinction between an argument over the precise calibration of the Kelly-particle agitator or the choice of a faucet for a new heated bubble tub.”
“Same.”
They shared a look. They were still enemies, but even enemies were allowed latitude when it came to complaining about family.
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