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Silent Blade (Kinsmen #1)

by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 2,633 ratings · 223 reviews

Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder.

On Meli Galdes' home planet, the struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport--in business and on the battlefield. For years her lethal skills have been a valuable asset in advancing her family's interests. She's more than earned her right to retire, but her kinsmen have one last favor to ask.

Kill the man who ruined her life...more

Kindle Edition, 50 pages

Published June 2nd 2009 by Samhain Publishing

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Apr 09, 2011 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: assassin, adult-paranormal-romance, adult-urban-fantasy

Meli is an assassin for her family but she now longs for retirement. Her family arranges for one last mission to kill the man who rejected her 18 years before. Celino decided not to go through the arranged marriage to Meli and would rather become a business tycoon and gain his freedom.

Meli believes this last job is perfect revenge, she would use him and make him love her before destroying him. The last hing she expected was for her heart to fall inlove yet again to this man and for him to repon...more

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May 01, 2013 oliviasbooks rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-version, self-published, caries-promotingly-sweet, love-story-romance, multiple-povs-letters, read-2013, scifi-dystopian-apocalyptic, paranormal-humans, outer-space, adult-fiction

It started so promising, so very promising, tickling my appetite for graceful, ruthless assassins, outer space, old dynasties, artificially enhanced bodies and a bit of dangeous romance on the side.

But soon, so very soon, the excellent premise got thoroughly drenched in stickily sweet romance of the manly-he-expertly-claims-what-is-his kind as he invested some expendable money and did circus tricks with his muscular tongue and other body extensions, whereas the new-planet-scenery simply served a...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-uf, reviewed, series-opener, quickreads

3.5 stars for this short, enjoyable, explicit romance. Tropes include revenge, abandonment, and insta-love. It's cloaked as science fiction, but it's ROMANCE. As such, it's just fine, but I much prefer Andrews' straight-up urban fantasies. It's not that I dislike romance -- sometimes that's exactly what I want (but not from Team Andrews).

This is book 1 of the Kinsmen series. Book 2 is out, too. My main problem with Silent Blade is the insta-love trope. It didn't work for me, so then the sex di...more

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Jun 17, 2009 new_user rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Cool characters, tone, world. I don't know why they don't write in this world. I would take this futuristic mafia/assassin/old flame/revenge story to magical "detectives" any day. The ene-ribbon fighting was very cool and unique. Couldn't help remembering some anime I've seen. :D

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Nov 29, 2011 Kmont rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very good, especially considering the short length. Great worldbuilding, wonderful character development. I was emotionally invested, even shed a tear of two. Eager to read more of this authorial pair's short stories now. This is how a short story should be done.

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Dec 08, 2009 Amy or "Ames" rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2009, horror, stand-alone, sci-fi, favourites, 1st-in-series

My first thought upon finishing was "Wow, that was damn good!".

Silent Blade may fall into the romance category but it is far from soppy. It's futuristic revenge against a man who devastated a young girl and her family in the name of his "freedom".

For a short story the characters were remarkably complex and well fleshed out. The power plays and the tippings of the balance of power between Celino and Meli were brilliantly done. In a futuristic world of mafia-style families and assassinations galo...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, kindle

Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews takes place in another world. The world is harsh, yet beautiful, and vividly described by Ilona Andrews. The world is dominated by Kinsmen, and clan/family are more important than individual. [return][return]Meli Galdes is betrothed at the age of 10 to Celino Carvanna, a man from another family, for the sole reason of consolidating power between the two families. While Meli accepts the engagement, Celino rebels and dumps Meli. Now considered untouchable, Meli Galdes...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Mara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, short-stories-and-novellas, sf-and-dystopia

Ilona Andrews can really write some bad-ass heroines. This was a nice short story with plenty of tension, but it would be superb if it was longer--if the characters were given a chance to breathe, so to speak. However, the way it is, it is still a good and entertaining story.

The whole thing is set in a futuristic society on a new planet, where physically enhanced humans, called the kin, are at the top of the chain when it comes to everything. Think The X-Men on another planet. They formed famil...more Ilona Andrews can really write some bad-ass heroines. This was a nice short story with plenty of tension, but it would be superb if it was longer--if the characters were given a chance to breathe, so to speak. However, the way it is, it is still a good and entertaining story.

The whole thing is set in a futuristic society on a new planet, where physically enhanced humans, called the kin, are at the top of the chain when it comes to everything. Think The X-Men on another planet. They formed families, sort of like the mob and other similar organizations, which would take care of mutual interests--amassing wealth, protection, revenge, etc. It was the alliance of two of these lower-ranked families that set events of the story in motion.

Today, we have a stealthy and capable assassin doing one last job for the family, and if there is some revenge to be had in the mix, that's even better. In the other corner, there is a ruthless and dangerous tycoon (I love that word for some reason), who becomes fascinated with a woman after a long time of jadedness. These two people, who are more alike than it may seem at a glance, have a lot of obstacles to overcome on their roads to happiness. I mean, it IS a romance story, after all, so you already knew that part.

My most favoritest thing about this story is the heroine: she is awesome. Oftentimes, when romance authors decide to write dangerous heroines like assassins, soldiers, cops, and spies, they wimp out and cater to that stupid cliche which says that the hero MUST be everything more and better than the heroine. If she is supposed to be tough, he will be tougher and rescue her at least once during the story. If she is supposed to be smart, he will be a freaking genius mentally running circles around the poor girl. You know what I'm talking about. But Ilona Andrews actually wrote a heroine who really is what it says on the tin: she really is an assassin, she killed people, she is smart and capable, and she is neither rescued by the hero, nor does she give into him easily. Romance authors take note: writing a great hero is all fine and dandy, but writing a great heroine is the way to my heart/auto-buy list. Shelly Laurenston already knows this, Meljean Brook knows this, apparently Ilona Andrews also knows this, but I wish more people would get the memo. Now to get back to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series, I have high hopes *fingers crossed*.(less)

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May 14, 2012 Kathy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not sure what to categorize this book. It is more like a romantic novel with some scifi hints. It's definitely not what I was expecting. I would've liked if the authors gave a brief recount of why earth is now the "old earth" and what led up to the change. I was disappointed in the old time view on a women's worth and arranged marriages. The heroine was wishy-washy and a pathetic excuse of a women who let's a guy walk all over her, an undeserving and immature guy at that. For being so far in...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Jacey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, science-fiction, romance

Bought as an e-book, this turned out to be closer to a long short story or perhaps novella length (difficult to judge when reading it on Kindle), but it was just what I needed after taking almost a month to read the last two of Sherwood Smith's Inda novels, i.e. light and slight with just enough bite to keep me turning pages. It's basically a science fiction romance. The families who rule this world are 'kinsmen' originally biologically enhanced and now denying kinsman genes to outsiders by marr...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4 stars

A very, very, very short book(a short story really), but a good one nonetheless.

This is the first book set in a world where microchips give people special powers....

The World

"In the course of space colonization, there arose a need for humans with enhanced abilities. Men and women who could survive harsh conditions, who were superb warriors, gifted hunters, and brilliant scientists.

Some enhancements were technological in nature: an array of implants with various functions. Their effect e...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Brie C. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

I first heard of this series a couple of weeks ago when book 2, Silver Shark, was released. Since I’m a huge fan of the On the Edge series I decided to read these novellas because they looked promising and most importantly, short.

These are sci-fi stories set in a distant future were different planets have been colonized and where the most influential people have several enhancements that can be either mechanical or psychic, which gives them the upper...more Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner

I first heard of this series a couple of weeks ago when book 2, Silver Shark, was released. Since I’m a huge fan of the On the Edge series I decided to read these novellas because they looked promising and most importantly, short.

These are sci-fi stories set in a distant future were different planets have been colonized and where the most influential people have several enhancements that can be either mechanical or psychic, which gives them the upper hand when it comes to the world the live in thus making them the political and economic force. They are called Kinsmen and they are quite the tight group. Family is everything to them and they marry other Kinsmen in order to make them stronger in a political world where genes and family ties are everything.

In Silent Blade we meet Meli Galdes. She severed all ties to her powerful family and now lives as an outcast working for her family as an assassin using her special ability. She is now ready to retire but her brother asks her one last favor, she must kill Celino Carvanna. Meli and Celino share a history, years ago when they were just kids their families arranged an engagement between them. Meli couldn’t be happier about it and spent her adolescence preparing to be the perfect wife in order to gain Celino’s love. But Celino wanted to be free and saw the engagement as a huge roadblock, so he breaks the engagement (which in this world is a great offense) and brutally rejects Meli by calling her ugly and undeserving. Meli wants revenge, but murder isn’t enough, she wants to cause him the same heartache and pain he caused her, so she decides to seduce him and make him fall for her so she can then reject him.

This is another example of Ilona Andrews’ writing skills. In a short story that can barely be called a novella, Andrews manages to create a rich and complex word without overwhelming the reader with a huge amount of info-dumping. The planet where the story takes place is colorful and passionate, just like the people who inhabit it. The world-building is strong and tight, without many loose ends, which is very important when the story is this short. It’s full of possibilities and complex but the story is told in a very simple way as to not to confound the reader.

Meli and Celino were fantastic leads. He was the embodiment of the ruthless alpha-male who would stop at nothing to get what he wants both in business and in love. He falls fast for Meli even though he doesn’t remember her and when he realizes what happened and how she deceived him his reaction was just perfect.

Meli was the perfect match for Celino, in a way she was just as ruthless, but she only wanted to belong and the opportunity to love and be loved. Their story was sweet and hot and I was happy to see how things ended and how everything was resolved.(less)

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Sep 17, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, favorites

Assassin Meli, is given the chance to even the score when the man who cause her to be ostracized from Kinsmen society is presented to her as her final target.

I very rarely reread, since there's always something new and shiny calling my name, but after reading - the new and shiny - Silver Shark, which has a brief cameo with the leads here, I was inspired to do a reread. (Even though it meant repurchasing the story, since my old version is DRM'd to a computer I no longer own). Still it was well wo...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Amy A rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this short story (novella?) by Ilona Andrews. I love her Kate Daniels series and I'm always hesitant to read things outside of the series I love by authors because oftentimes I haven't liked them as much. This is not true of Ilona Andrews.

I really liked the world building. I really became emersed in the story even though it was not novel length. It was an interesting play on the world we live in. It didn't really seem too unheard of that some of the things in the story would so...more

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Aug 02, 2010 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: good-uns, scifi, romance, novella, ebook

I have been going through another bout of Kate & Curran withdrawals lately. Really, they're simply Ilona Andrews withdrawals because I just am ten different ways in love with the way they write a world. I know going in to expect to be amazed, delighted, and--above all and thank the high heavens--entertained. Whether its shapeshifters and magic waves, overlapping dimensions and backwoods feuds, or futuristic assassins and genetically enhanced mafiosi--it is guaranteed to get my bibliophilic h...more I have been going through another bout of Kate & Curran withdrawals lately. Really, they're simply Ilona Andrews withdrawals because I just am ten different ways in love with the way they write a world. I know going in to expect to be amazed, delighted, and--above all and thank the high heavens--entertained. Whether its shapeshifters and magic waves, overlapping dimensions and backwoods feuds, or futuristic assassins and genetically enhanced mafiosi--it is guaranteed to get my bibliophilic heart pumping and I can't tell you how much I look forward to each encounter. This is a good year because we get two full-length novels in two excellent worlds and, having already downed Magic Bleeds, I found myself looking ahead longingly to September and the release of Bayou Moon. And then it occurred to me that I'd never gotten around to reading SILENT BLADE, the novella published last year from Samhain. I'm not sure how it slipped past me, but I immediately purchased it, downloaded it to my nook, and dropped offline for the evening.

Meli Galdes is ready for retirement. Having served her family for more than a decade as a lone assassin, she's planning on hanging up her spurs and falling off the grid completely. Then her father calls in one more favor and it involves a man Meli thought she'd never see again. Celino Carvanna is responsible for the life of danger and isolation Meli leads. Years ago their lives were intertwined and then, in the space of a heartbeat, the connection was severed and Celino went on to monumental success and power, while Meli walked away from everything and everyone she ever knew, shaping herself into an elite (and secret) weapon. Now, on the cusp of retirement, she's asked to take on this one last job. For her family. One last hit to round out her career on a high and oh-so-satisfying note. Then she'll be able to put it all behind her and see about creating another kind of life for herself. But it's been a long time since she knew what made this ruthless businessman tick, an even longer time since she cared. Neither of them are who they once were. And so she sets about remembering every detail, pulling up every familiar quirk and distant memory, so that when she finally comes face to face with Celino once more, she will be ready. She won't hesitate. She'll know just what to do. And, as is the case with all her targets, he won't even know what hit him.

I don't think I realized going in that this novella was science fiction. What a pleasant surprise that was! Set in a futuristic society, in which a cadre of powerful families--known as the Kinsmen--rule a world built upon the basis of their particular biological enhancements, SILENT BLADE pelts out of the starting gate with gusto. Meli is established right of the bat as a woman who has honed her skills and is the best at what she does. She flies solo and completely under the radar and I loved her from page one. As her history becomes clearer, I found myself utterly on her side and very much in favor of her meting out whatever punishment necessary on the heartless Celino. What can I say? I'm always up for a vengeance quest, especially when the person on the hunt is so justified and awesome and, well, adept when it comes to the actual punishing. Then the point of view switched, and I was forced to walk a few paces in Celino's shoes. And while I was still on Meli's side, I admit it--I was curious. Curious to see how he'd react when all was revealed. Curious to see if Meli's resolve went the distance. I loved the wild swirl of color and scent and taste running through this world. Meli loves each of these things and, while she's voluntarily put them aside in the service of her family, there are hints of them here and there, even in the ascetic existence she embodies. This is romantic science fiction a la Linnea Sinclair and Ann Aguirre and, though it is a shorter work and wraps up nicely, I would happily read much larger and longer doses were they available. Meli is very much her own woman and I really think there's plenty of fodder here for many more stories. Perhaps one day we'll get them. In the meantime, if you're an Andrews fan, I highly recommend SILENT BLADE. You won't be disappointed.(less)

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Nov 15, 2009 Lexie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-blog, genre-romance, genre-science-fiction, book-type-e-book

Its honestly not an exaggeration when I say that this story made me tear up. Look I have read a lot of romance novels (and I do mean a lot) in my life. Everything from early Harlequin romances to yaoi and I can name on my one hand the amount of books that have made me so happy that HEA's exist in romances. Silent Blade made the list.

Meli and Celino were both defined and restrained by who their families were. What it meant to be kin, the sacrifices you had to make to keep the family strong. I'm a...more

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Aug 24, 2009 Janice (Janicu) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://janicu.livejournal.com/80345.html

Despite the teetering TBR pile, I went ahead and bought Ilona Andrews' latest (a short story from Samhain) as soon as I thought I'd made a wee dent in my reading. The price is $2.50 at the Samhain website but a helpful commenter (_ocelott_ from genrereviews) let me know it was cheaper at Books on Board. As of this review, the price there is $1.74, and its $2.00 at Amazon.

This is a short story in a world that isn't the same as that of the Kate Daniels serie...more http://janicu.livejournal.com/80345.html

Despite the teetering TBR pile, I went ahead and bought Ilona Andrews' latest (a short story from Samhain) as soon as I thought I'd made a wee dent in my reading. The price is $2.50 at the Samhain website but a helpful commenter (_ocelott_ from genrereviews) let me know it was cheaper at Books on Board. As of this review, the price there is $1.74, and its $2.00 at Amazon.

This is a short story in a world that isn't the same as that of the Kate Daniels series or the upcoming On the Edge series. And.. its a science fiction romance!! *happy dance*.

The Premise: In a futuristic world in which powerful families control much of the world because of their biological and technological enhancements, Meli Galdes is an assassin who was excised from her family so that she could carry out killings without being connected to them. Meli has just gone into retirement when her kinsmen ask for one more kill: Celino Carvanna, the man responsible for ruining her life. It's been twelve years since the event, and Celino doesn't recognize her, but Meli hasn't forgotten the pain he caused and plans to exact her revenge.

My Thoughts: I like the way that the world building is related in this one. In the space of a few short pages I understood the concept of families with enhanced biological traits and financial power. A futuristic society is presented through DNA scanners, robot security, ereaders, plasti-paper, and other day-to-day objects. Meli and Celino are also conveyed in quick strokes. In 41 pages, their characters had more depth than I've seen in full length novels. Celino is a ruthless business genius who is impatient and powerful, and sometimes overlooks things because he moves too fast. Meli is just as smart, just as lethal, feminine, and much more observant. She's aware of his deficiencies and knows how to counteract them. Of course, she knows a lot about Celino, and the back story of why is fascinating.

You know, after pondering about it, I realized that this is like a Harlequin Presents novel (my favorite Harlequin line by the way). It's got a businessman mogul and rival companies and an engagement for the sake of business strategy. Of course, in this case the Billionaire businessman is a preternaturally fast knife expert. And the rival's daughter is an assassin who wants revenge on him. I'm not sure if I'm reading too much into the story by coming up with this, but if it was a deliberate spin on a popular trope, I'm delighted.

Unlike the Kate Daniel's books out so far, this story does contain sex. It's done nicely and although I was surprised at first how quickly it happens, fits in with the revenge plot. The romance is more than just physical attraction, there's a mental connection as well (the discussion of books in particular, some titles I googled and now want to read, was a touch I loved). The couple also have a history, which means the romance really spanned a longer time period than what the short story focused on. I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull of this story with a satisfying HEA but they managed to do it!

Overall: I liked it a lot! I recommend it, but I will read anything and everything by this author so it's probably not a shock to those who regularly read my blog. I spent a nice hour or so reading this story in bed. Well worth the money and my time, and if this ever comes out in print, I'd buy it all over again. In an Ilona Andrews short story collection perhaps? I'd die of happiness!

If you want an idea of how well Ilona Andrew's short stories are written, I suggest reading her freebies on her website. I noticed that the idea of powerful, mafia like families is something the writer likes to play with; it also shows up in one of my other favorite short stories - Days of Swine and Roses. (less)

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Sep 18, 2011 Lauren rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, short-story, kindle-lendable

I love Ilona Andrews - both the Kate Daniels series and the Edge series. For that reason I always make it a point to read any anthology with their short stories. This series/short story was not at the usual high level I expect from their published work. There are a few editorial issues, but none so bad that it's unreadable and I realize the e-pub works don't get the same publishing and care as the others.

Some Spoilers here possibly:
The characters are okay. For an assassin Meli is pretty boring....more I love Ilona Andrews - both the Kate Daniels series and the Edge series. For that reason I always make it a point to read any anthology with their short stories. This series/short story was not at the usual high level I expect from their published work. There are a few editorial issues, but none so bad that it's unreadable and I realize the e-pub works don't get the same publishing and care as the others.

Some Spoilers here possibly:
The characters are okay. For an assassin Meli is pretty boring. The entire story is about her last assassination and I expected there to be moments of anguish and anxiety. Nope, instead she bakes and has sex. Mostly what I didn't enjoy about Meli was that she'd literally built herself around a man she didn't know. That's fine, but then I was left reading about someone who didn't come off as very individual, or entertaining. It was like reading about a housewife when I purchased this to read about an assassin. Then her grand final stand is to run away from this guy and "punish" him by not being around? This is after he kidnaps her family and threatens their lives? And because she has this crush and a few days of hanging out with this guy, she as a trained assassin walks away? Would have loved some more action or even a good fight full of some sexual tension before she blew him off. She's got this cool ability and it's barely used. I really didn't find Celino captivating enought to distract me from how boring I found Meli.

The plot is okay but sparse - to be expected from a 42 page story. The romance is okay, but didn't really inspire me. Sex was okay. (Oh come on! You bought it as a romance you knew there was gonna be sex and it's got to be commented on!)
Overall an easy read, but Meli was less cool assassin and more self-built house wife and Celino was less hot leading man and more, well I don't know what, but he won't be walking around in my fantasies. That said I will read the next story because there's nothing horrible or irredeemable about this, plus, I know what Ilona Andrews is capable of!(less)

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Aug 11, 2010 Chachic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, book-crack

Originally posted here.

I didn't even know that there was a novella by Ilona Andrews until I saw Angie of Angieville's review. Thanks for the heads up, Angie! Silent Blade is a romantic science fiction story which can be purchased in e-book format from Samhain. Strong female protagonist determined to get her revenge on the man who ruined her life? I knew I was in for a treat.

This is the first time that I've ever read romantic science fiction and it looks like it won't be the last. The husband an...more Originally posted here.

I didn't even know that there was a novella by Ilona Andrews until I saw Angie of Angieville's review. Thanks for the heads up, Angie! Silent Blade is a romantic science fiction story which can be purchased in e-book format from Samhain. Strong female protagonist determined to get her revenge on the man who ruined her life? I knew I was in for a treat.

This is the first time that I've ever read romantic science fiction and it looks like it won't be the last. The husband and wife duo Ilona Andrews created another intriguing world in Silent Blade - the story is set in a futuristic world where kinsmen (similar to the Mafia) rule the financial industry and biological enhancements are the norm. I don't get to read a lot of sci-fi because I tend to get lost in the technical terms but I had no difficulty with this one partly because the descriptions were very straightforward. You get a sci-fi feel of the world, without the techno confusion.

Meli has special skills that enabled her to work as an assassin for her family. She's retired but she couldn't resist taking on this one last mission - to come face to face with Celino Carvanna and make him pay for ending their engagement years before. I found it amusing that Meli's real name is Imelda because it's such a familiar name around here. The Hispanic/Italian characters in this one is something new and another aspect of the story that I liked. I found this description from Ilona Andrews' blog and I thought I'd post it here:

The world is very lush, a place of bright flowers, pink wine, and too many pastries. The people are tan and dark-haired, this odd mix of Spanish, Italian, and Mexican cultures. Socially, it’s a mafia in SF setting: biologically enhanced families battling for influence. The plot is HP (Harlequin Presents). There is an alpha male, who is an ass, and a wronged woman who will make him grovel in the end.

I really enjoyed reading this one and I hope there are more stories set in this world. It was very easy to get into and even though this one is just a novella, the world was fully described and the characters had enough back story to flesh them out. I love the scene when Meli and Celino first met as adults because it was set in the kitchen of a pastry shop with Meli baking one of Celino's favorites. Pastries nom nom nom. I love how Ilona Andrews' female characters are excellent in cooking (remember Kate's pies? :P) I recommend this one to fans of Ilona Andrews, this could tide you over until Bayou Moon comes out and to fans of romance stories in general.
(less)

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Sep 05, 2010 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While Silent Blade is novella-length, it's written with a surprising depth and emotion that I found appealing. I'm rather amazed that Ilona Andrews managed to combine such interesting world building and character development in such a short vehicle...though maybe I shouldn't be, as I'm a tremendous fan of her writing style. I am also surprised at how much I enjoyed this, as science fiction is by no means a preferred genre of mine. This was a pleasant little read that I enjoyed very much, and whi...more

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Sep 15, 2010 Lmb rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Any fan of the authors.

Shelves: romance-or-erotica

This is a short which is under Romance/Sci-Fi category.

What can I say - these 2 can write a really well done story. I was completely engaged from the start & although a mere 50 pages - the pacing was believable & well done.

Smart & sexy with likable characters, so far (I have read the Kate Daniels series - The Edge is next) these two can do no wrong in my book. They seem to really write with such assurance, that it translates to only to their plots but to their characters whose char...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you are a fan of Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels or The Edge series, you'll get a kick out of this one. It was a little shocking to read how bright & lush this world is. You'll know what I mean if you've read the other series by Andrews. Dark, gloomy and apocalyptic are the norm. Although there are flowers and yummy pastries, have no fear, you still get the authors trademark gritty writing style. I was stunned at how much emotion and world building was packed into this tiny book. There was als...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, free-reads, novella, sci-fi

Silent Blade is the first in the Kinsmen series. I am a huge fan of sci-fi movies and TV but never really got into the genre as far as books go. I've just always preferred books that are fantasy or paranormal. That being said, I really liked this novella and look forward to reading Silver Shark. Ilona Andrews has created an interesting world with great characters and honestly the only negative thing I can say is I wanted more; if that can even be considered negative. The story was short and I wa...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, ebook, novella

In the midst of the technologically and biologically advanced kinsmen of her home planet, Meli Galdes is a melder. Melders are the rare result of a mutation that in Meli’s case permits her to operate an energy ribbon through a bracelet on her wrist, severing anything in its path. For years, Meli’s covertly filled the role of family assassin, killing whoever threatens the Galdes’ survival. But Meli’s tired of killing, and following her latest target, Meli’s promised retirement will begin. That is...more In the midst of the technologically and biologically advanced kinsmen of her home planet, Meli Galdes is a melder. Melders are the rare result of a mutation that in Meli’s case permits her to operate an energy ribbon through a bracelet on her wrist, severing anything in its path. For years, Meli’s covertly filled the role of family assassin, killing whoever threatens the Galdes’ survival. But Meli’s tired of killing, and following her latest target, Meli’s promised retirement will begin. That is until Celino Cervanna, the ruthless leader of the Cervanna family, ensured their financial ruin. Celino, a man Meli once knew intimately, and who is responsible for her voluntary excise from the rest of the Galdes. Knowing what she knows, infiltrating his life will be easy, but will she be able to strike when the moment arrives?

This science fiction novella by Ilona Andrews – first published in 2009 – is the first book this year that I’ve wanted to kick myself for not reading sooner. I had the best intentions of doing so, but I used its shorter format as a justification for the delay. (“It’s just a short story.”) Which, no, it’s actually a novella, an important difference. Not smart guys, not smart. Have I not read every Kate Daniels and Edge novel by Ilona Andrews and been entertained by their uncanny knack for incredible worldbuilding Every. Single. Time? And they did it again, and it was even a meaner feat because Silent Blade is not a full-length novel. After wasting away for months on my Kindle, I finally opened it standing in line for Bitterblue at BEA this year, and the wait time flew by.

Did I mention that I couldn’t put Silent Blade down? Later at the MoMA, I cut into my visit in order to finish it. Meli and Celino’s turbulent past and unknown future are just that impossible to ignore. Fans of antagonism to attraction romances will feel at home here. Best of all, Meli’s myriad reasons for wanting Celino to die by the fire of a thousand suns are completely warranted. There is no easy resolution for reconciliation, let alone for these two to become a couple. Nevertheless, there are some seriously hot moments for Meli and Celino, and for those who are familiar with Ilona Andrews, Silent Blade is more along the lines of The Edge novels than the Kate Daniels series romance-wise, which is at times more spelled out than I’d like. As always, the space colonized world is both effortless to grasp and rich in every detail. I loved the vivid, touchable, and atmospheric setting of New Delphi. I have not forgotten the conjured images of colorful flowers, heady scents, and earthy architecture. I understand why the leap in time at the resolution was necessary to the plot but in a shorter format, it felt abrupt. (Perhaps I just wanted more?) I appreciated the hard-earned ending for Meli and Celino though, and look forward to reading more Kinsmen novellas. If you’re an Ilona Andrews fan and you haven’t read Silent Blade yet, what are you waiting for? It is a must-read.(less)

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Sep 29, 2011 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved Silent Blade and wish I had read it much sooner, though reading it with Silver Shark (the second in the series) was cool because I loved the world the authors created so it was a double dose of Dahlia goodness. I loved the characters, and the descriptions of their fighting abilities were pretty cool as well. Meli, the heroine, uses a weapon that is rare, as is her talent to wield it. The story is a romance but it's also a tale of finding our true selves, despite being expected to do what...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Chantal Halpin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Some Ilona Andrews fan I am - I didn't even know this book existed. And to be honest even if I did I'm not sure I would have read it before. However after reading some works by new sci-fi writer, Pippa Jay, and finding they weren't too scary, I decided to bite the bullet. Ilona Andrews are my fave writers after all.

All I can say is thank goodness I did. This short was brilliant - not too techy for my virginal sci-fi senses and the heroine was up there with Ilona Andrews' usually sassy kick-ass g...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Jackie (Literary Escapism) added it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, read-2011

As I said, Silent Blade and Silver Shark are really quick reads, so I don't want to give too much away. So let me just say this, if you're looking for a new world to explore with a lot of hidden possibilities and characters that are not only intriguing in what they can do, but who they are, then you definitely want to pick up from Silent Blade and Silver Shark Ilona Andrews. Considering Silent Blade is only $2.5o and Silver Shark is $2.99, there's really no reason not to get them. They are worth...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Brandi rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I paraphrase the whole thing so don't read it if you don't want to be a little spoiled. I can't even wrap my mind around the glowing reviews this got. The magic I expect from them is not present at all. This was just horrible.

What a let down! I expect a whole lot better from these two, and this book was not only a let down from a known-to-be-good "author", but it was a let down in the world of books as well. If that made any sense.

This is a very short read, and I think I had it finished in abo...more

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Jul 28, 2010 Lov'em rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, sci-fi

This is by far one of my favorite romantic short stories. I am not sure that I can put my finger on exactly why other than to say that it made me feel so much in such a short time. I felt like I knew the main characters personally and I was totally intrigued by the world I discovered in this book. When I finished the story I immediately clicked on the first page and went back to re-read it. The main female lead, Meli, is amazing. She's a walking contradiction. She's strong but broken; vibrant bu...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, fun, uf, romance

This was a fun short book. The world was definitely interesting, and the characters were fun. It definitely was more romance than magic or adventure. We don't hear a lot about their abilities or the actual action, so it was really just the romance between the two characters. It'd have been nice for them to expand a bit on the world and action scenes, see Melia actually be a badass (minus the first scene), I'd also have been interested in Melia's point of falling in love, and how she struggled wi...more

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About Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2sm“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 be...more

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Silent Blade (Kinsmen #1)

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