[New post] RUBY FEVER by Ilona Andrews – double review!
atakefromtwocities posted: " #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor. An escaped spider, the unexpe" A Take from Two Cities
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.
An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina's boss... And it's only Monday.
Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who's responsible before all hell really breaks loose.
Title : Ruby Fever Author : Ilona Andrews Series : Hidden Legacy (book six) Format : eBook (overdrive) / eBook Edelweiss Page Count : 320 Genre : paranormal romance / urban fantasy Publisher : Avon/Harper 360 Release Date : August 23, 2022
As always, I never envy the task that is required by authors to wrap up a series. Especially one like this that is the continuation of the five books that came before.. and also sets up the (likely, eventually, p l e a s e n o w) books to come. That's a lot of loose ends and a lot of new, tantalizing, threads to keep track of. And I think overall, IA did a good job. But.. it's also a lot of stuff.
This book felt overwhelming in a lot of ways but mostly in terms of action sequences and throwbacks to the main trilogy (which, had I been smart, I would've reread all books not just Catalina's, my bad) and sometimes it was just overload. I didn't find that this had any emotional or feelsy moments, much less any swoons, and I'm really surprised by that.
In a lot of ways this is a very Catalina-centric story; she has the man she loves, they are committed, so there was less focus on them as a couple -- barring a few specific interactions -- instead it's Catalina learning more about her powers (so cool!) and also some familial connections and surprises. Which, hey, I will never complain about Baylor Fam page time but I definitely expected to get socked in the feels along the way and there was only one tiny close call and even that didn't cause a lump in the throat.
All that to say, as a romance? This was a little lacking. Alessandro ends up as a bit player, especially in light of a newcomer character who takes much of the spotlight because he is shiny and new and rather devious. This is much more plot and Big Bad confrontation plus wrap up than anything else. But with a secured love interest, I can see why; and at least they didn't have any manufactured drama to deal with. Just something to keep in mind.
Despite some of the dynamic shifts from some of the well-earned reveals, which I really enjoyed, I don't think this'll go down as my favourite of the series. I think it's book two, one, and three for me. But this is still solid, written by some of the GOATs, and featuring one of my absolutely favourite fictional families. I'm also so excited by the tease for Arabella's book(s) and in reading this transcript (huge spoilers, mind you, you've been warned) I'm excited about the possibility of it being an self-published release so as to break out of the more restrictive trad-published formula.
But let's be real I would be excited either way (also, not me losing my mind to see them reference book two of Iron and Magic because yesss, fiiiiiinally, 2018 was so many moons ago..) because even in a review sprinkled through with nitpicks, I have very little ability to remain unbiased in my love for these authors and their worlds. Having that said that, while I did initially round up on this, further thought (as in, I haven't thought about this since finishing) has me deciding that.. well, this really was the weakest of the lot. Thus the rating should reflect that.
This was an pleasant but perhaps weakish installment in this UF series. I think my investment in this fandom, the sisters and the current couple kept me in the enjoyment sector but this book definitely had a slow start. The second half was a stronger read for me with more action and plot.
I always think with this family that the current couple I'm reading is my favourite, I loved Nevada and Connor, then Catalina and Alessandro came along...but now I find myself looking rather intently at Arabella and the indications we got in this book. Talking of couples, I felt a bit left wanting with Catalina and Alessandro, especially towards the end. Although these two are firmly in coupledom, I think we needed a bit more.
This was a strong plot, the best element being the grandparent storyline. I enjoyed how this part of the story came together. I did want more from the spider however...okay, maybe not.
I don't know if this is the last Catalina story and Arabella is next but if so, I'm ready.
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