Blood Heir

Aurelia Ryder #1

by Ilona Andrews

From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran's ward.

Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival.

Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit.

If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she’d ever loved could threaten everything.

One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Romance, Vampires, Shapeshifters

359 pages, ebook

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

Ilona 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.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was everything I wanted.



I never just one-click and buy a book. I always check it out from my library to see if it's one I want to read over and over.
BUT ILONA ANDREWS WROTE A BOOK ABOUT JULIE!



Years.
That's how long I have been praying to the urban fantasy gods that these two would give me a book with Julie. Remember Magic Stars?! Because I do! It came out as a novella in 2015 and I've wanted nothing but this ever since. In fact, this may actually be the most highly anticipated book of my life.
So.
There was a lot of room for disappointment, know what I mean?
And yet, it did not disappoint.



First off, let me say that while this is the first novel in the series, there no way you should try to read this unless you've already finished the Kate Daniels books. There are just too many references you won't get, too many characters you've never met, and too much world-building that you will have missed out on to understand and truly enjoy the vast majority of what happens here.



Ok, so without giving too much of the plot away, here's what we've got:
Julie is back in Atlanta after having left with her grandmother to learn the ways of the Force. And those of you who have been keeping up with all the teasers from IA's website will recognize that the events in The King of Fire had more of an impact than we expected.
Remember that stolen EYEBALL? <--pay attention to this shit because it becomes very important.



I'm going to admit that when Julie was introduced as Aurelia with an unrecognizable new face & scent, I was a bit suspicious as to the wisdom of this change.
What? Why? How?



And what do you mean Derek doesn't live in Atlanta anymore? I wanted a Derek & Julie book.
But Derek is gone and Julie isn't Julie!?
This isn't what I asked for. This isn't what I asked for at all!



But you know what? I didn't even throw a tantrum because I knew that whatever the hell Ilona Andrews did, it would be just fine.
AND IT WAS.
This was more than just the book about characters that I've been waiting years to read about. It's the book about characters that I've been waiting years to read about but told in a way that I didn't even know I wanted! Does that make sense?



I may be kind of rambling (definitely rambling), but I seriously don't want to give too much away.
There's a scary fucking prophecy that keeps Aurelia/Julie from contacting Kate, some new characters that I cannot wait to see more of, a lot of familiar faces that made me smile, big-ass magic, bigger big-ass magic battles, and a great plot with some fun twists.
If you're a long-time IA fan, you're going to love it.
And if you're new to Ilona Andrews then buckle up and welcome to the wild world of Kate Daniels - you've got some catching up to do!
Highly Recommended.

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➽ And the moral of this reread is: not sure what it is with bathtubs and post-shift Atlanta, but something super fishy is going on there, if you ask me. This obviously calls for a very in-depth, personal investigation.



That's not exactly the type of, um, investigation I had in mind but yeah, sure. Whatever floats your boat and stuff.

P.S. I still haven't figured out what the whole Shepherd of the Wolves Meets Mint Green Magic Meets Silver Fur Enigma (SotWMMGMMSFE™) is about but I will find out. Oh yes, I WILL find out. Even it means sacrificing a bunch of newborn babies in honor of Moloch the Ever Cheerful.



January 2021

Actual rating: 6.235985645458 stars.

And, just like that, IA magically managed to completely erase, wipe out, delete, eliminate and most thoroughly obliterate real life for a few blissful (if outrageously too short) hours. Which, in this pandemic day and age, is no small feat. And feels bloody shrimping amazing.



Yes, this is a decidedly deadly, most despicably cute gif, I am aware. Quite sorry about this I am, but avoided it could not be. (Blame IA for this you definitely should.)

And that is all the miserably pathetic review you will get from me. Because if you are not completely clueless and vaguely know what's good for your mental health, you will read this book without needing to be told how Slightly Very Scrumptious (SVS™) it is.

The end and stuff.

Oh, and by the way, Blood Heir kinda sorta made me feel a little like this:



Oh, and also:



Oh, and also also:



👋 To be continued and stuff.







➽ Oct. 5, 2020: we have a cover!!!!!!!!



➽ Sept. 4, 2020: chapter 13 is up and stuff.

➽ August 20, 2020: oh look, chapter 12 is here!

➽ August 18, 2020: deleted scene time!

➽ August 5, 2020: a Snippety Snippet is here.

➽ July 31, 2020: no more Ryder on the blog. I repeat: NO. MORE. RYDER. ON. THE. BLOG. (Read about it here.)





Oh, and also:



➽ July 29, 2020: Chapter 11 is up!

Immutable law of the universe IAverse: of bathtubs and hot tubs thou shalt beware. And stay the fish away from (then again maybe not). For they tend to attract furry pets with delicious mischievous intentions and stuff.



There's a very slight chance it possibly might. Maybe.

➽ July 23, 2020: Chapter 10, part 2 is up!

➽ July 17, 2020: Chapter 10, part 1 is up!

➽ July 17, 2020: we have a release date and the book is available for pre-order and stuff!!



➽ July 16, 2020: Chapter 9, part 3 is up!

➽ July 10, 2020: Chapter 9, part 2 is up!

The Biohazard Song, HAHAHAHAHAHA.

“Do you remember the song I taught you last time you interfered with one of my crime scenes?”

Stella looked like she swallowed spoiled milk. “Yes.”

“Splendid. Let’s sing it together. I’ll start. Biohazard is a law enforcement agency, yes, yes, yes. Your turn.”

Stella unlocked her teeth. “The Order is not a law enforcement agency, no, no, no.”

“All the crime scenes in Atlanta Metro are mine, mine, mine.”

“All the crime scenes in Atlanta Metro are yours, yours, yours,” Stella intoned.

“When are you allowed into one of my crime scenes?” Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler continued.

“When I’m personally invited, invited, invited.”

Oh, and also: you are SO busted, Ms Ryder. Muahahahahaha.

➽ July 8, 2020: Chapter 9, part 1 is up!

➽ July 1, 2020: Chapter 8, part 3 is up!

➽ June 30, 2020: Chapter 8 is up!



I think this might possibly be a metal rose. Maybe. And I'm not excited in the least. Nope nope nope. Not me. Absolutely not.



➽ June 24, 2020: Chapter 7, part 2 is up!

➽ June 19, 2020: Chapter 7, part 1 is up!

➽ June 16, 2020: Chapter 6, part 2 is up!

⚠️ The story was edited last week and the updated chapters can be found on the website, under the Ryder tag (see direct links below). The edits aren't major, but you might want to reread chapter 5 because extra stuff and stuff.

Updated chapters:
· King of Fire
· Chapter 1
· Chapter 2
· Chapter 3
· Chapter 4
· Chapter 5
· Chapter 6, part 1



➽ June 1, 2020: Part 12 is up!



➽ May 20, 2020: Part 11 is up!

➽ May 14, 2020: Part 10 is up! Aaaaannnnnddddd, Ilona just posted a Ryder Q&A on the blog and stuff!



➽ May 7, 2020: Part 9 is up!

➽ May 6, 2020: Part 8 is up!





[April 2020]

Did you know this was currently happening on IA’s blog right now as we speak and stuff? Well, YES, bloody shrimping hell of the stinking fish, it is INDEED currently happening on IA’s blog right now as we speak and stuff!









Oh yes, puny humans are slightly very excited about this, too.

So what the bloody squid are you waiting for?! Get reading and stuff!

P.S. The second entitled idiots people start bitching and making nasty comments about this very free serial, I’m gleefully unleashing my murderous kids on them. (This is obviously not a threat, simply a friendly reminder.)



. If you’re not happy with this story, then go buy another one and read it. You’re welcome and stuff.

[carol. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short version? Kate 2.0. WinKate98. There you go. Move along.

The long version? (Let's be honest--there's always a long version, right?). The long version is that I'm grateful to the Andrews for trying to pull it together during a pandemic and a national political disaster enough to give fans a book. As they wrote on their blog, "We meant for it to be a small bright spot in what is a dark time, and we hope it will do its job and lift your spirits, if only for a little while." So, kudos and thank you.

Once the plot starts taking off, it is absorbing. For me, that was roughly after we reached the end of the serial installments. At a certain point, there's just so much momentum that it ends up being a continuous action scene. It went quickly enough that it felt novella-length. Many of the characters we have seen before, although there are a couple of interesting new ones. I especially liked one who noted,

“He’s right to be paranoid. This is a city of fools, incompetents, and madmen. I haven’t felt this young in centuries.”

Speaking of the serial, there were some updates and reworks, which I appreciated. 

But (and still being honest--there's always a but), it has some short-comings. Most of my complaints with Andrews have to do with their romance-writer predilection. Everyone in the series is always beautiful, striking, or unbelievably hot, except the children, who are all elfin and adorable, once you wash the grime off. I'm not kidding. In this book, the rather 'plain' Julie Olsen, Kate's adopted daughter, returns to Atlanta with a new face, the result of a complicated fight and prophecy. Was it a battle-scarred face? No. Was she strangely otherworldly, in a way that gave people chills? No. Was she beautiful enough to literally stop people in their tracks, or mid-sentence? Why, yes; yes, she was. I do get a bit tired of reading about it, but it could be me. None of my other books seem to do that (reviews recent reads). Nope. 

More importantly, some of the writing seemed rough. That's right. I said it. I don't know what happened--has it always been there and I never noticed? A significant portion of the book is explanations. About the blood armor. About magic waves. About prior events. About why she looks the way she does. About her history. About her adversary. And, in a particularly weird digression, about representative government. So. Much. Explanation.

And the counting! Let me count the ways: "There was only one way for [redacted] to exist," "Two things could happen," "Selling [redacted] required three people," "I had a choice: I could burn to death, or I could be impaled," "I had one shot. One chance to get close," "I had many failings, and the overwhelming need to be in control of myself was one of them." Did they always do this? I feel like they might have. It's like they fleshed out an outline with reasons ("okay, what would happen next?") and decided to list all the options for the reader. 

One final note--I'm entirely conflicted about the Knight Rider joke. To then call it out? I don't even know--that's some crazy world-breaking. On the whole, though, I'd say I enjoyed it, despite never being a member of the Julie fan club. I don't know that I'm in the Aurelia fan club either, but as a version of Kate 2.0 (or WinKate98), I'm interested. Besides, I appreciate that anyone could get anything done in 2020. Here's to a better 2021, and sequel. 

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is part of the Blood Heir blog tour (#BloodHeirKD). Review first posted on FantasyLiterature.com:

Julie is returning home to Atlanta after a long eight-year absence. Kate Daniels’ adopted daughter is now twenty-six, and she’s been busy the past eight years: fighting with the Canaanite god Moloch, the Child Eater, stealing one of his eyes for herself after he ripped out one of hers, being remade inside and out by the magical eye, learning about ancient powers and civilizations from her adoptive relatives … and still pining for Derek, the shapeshifter wolf she’s had a crush on since she was thirteen. But now she’s moved on. For sure. Definitely.

But it’s not the hope of seeing Derek again that brings Julie (now going by Aurelia Ryder) back to Atlanta, or even of seeing Kate. In fact, Julie most definitely does NOT want to see Kate. The oracle Sienna has seen a vision of the future, and Moloch is going to kill Kate if they meet, or even if Kate sees Julie, and all of Atlanta will then fall to Moloch. Julie is the wild card, the only chance of changing that horrendous future. And it’s probably a very good thing that Julie’s name, face, voice and even her scent have completely changed.

The immediate crisis is precipitated by the killing of a holy man in Atlanta, Nathan Haywood. Moloch’s priests are now in the city, searching for something unknown but powerful that is connected to the pastor’s murder. Sienna tells Julie that she needs to find this item before Moloch does, or all is lost. So Julie uses her connections to take over the official investigation into Pastor Haywood’s murder, but she’s competing not just with Moloch but with certain shapeshifters to solve the murder and find this mystery item.

For any Ilona Andrews fan, it’s definitely a treat to return to the KATE DANIELS world! Kate has moved off center stage for a well-deserved retirement (or at least a long break) after a ten-book run. But her world and its beloved characters continue to live on in two (so far) spin-off series, Hugh d’Ambrey’s IRON COVENANT series (beginning with Iron and Magic) and now Julie’s new AURELIA RYDER series, beginning here with Blood Heir.

Julie has grown up and become a tougher person with impressive skills and the will to wield them. She still has the power to discern different types of magic, but can now also wield many of the magical powers of Kate and her adoptive family, like blood armor, courtesy of Moloch’s eye and Kate’s blood in Julie’s system. Some other familiar characters, it turns out, have also been doing some significant changing. Not to mention the whole Atlanta pack and their internal politics, which are in turmoil. Jim, the Beast Lord, wants to retire, but there’s no clear heir apparent. Conlan, Kate and Curran’s son, has tremendous powers for his age, but he’s only ten. Ascanio, the beta of Clan Bouda (the hyenas), is gunning for the spot, but not everyone in the Pack supports him.

Blood Heir glosses over some complicated back history about Julie’s interactions with Kate’s father Roland, her aunt Erra, and Erra’s new kingdom that she’s been busy building on the west coast of America, where Julie is her heir and a princess. I would love to get a few more of those stories in more detail at some point. The story of Julie and Moloch’s eye, though, has been told in “The King of Fire,” which is attached at the end of Blood Heir and also appears on the Andrews’ website.

As always in Ilona Andrews’ novels, there’s a magical mystery with an exotic element, a slow-burning romantic subplot, great character interactions and humorous dialogue:

“The Witch Oracle had a vision.”

“Oh goodie. They always have visions. It’s always vague and it’s always bad. Just once I’d like a prophecy proclaiming that, without a doubt, everything is going to be fine.”

Blood Heir has many familiar characters from the KATE DANIELS series, a few new ones, and one or two real surprises. A few intriguing open-ended mysteries are raised — How did a certain werewolf get an entirely new appearance? How does Christopher’s and Barabas’s daughter Sophia exist? And what’s up with the alpha wolf Desandra and her son Desimir? — that, hopefully, will be answered (soon, please!) in a later book.

Dedicated Ilona Andrews fans will have seen some chapters of Blood Heir on their website before (most are gone now), but the final book includes the previously unseen last half of the story, as well as several new scenes and a lot of additional details that add depth and color to the story. It’s an entertaining read and a solid start to a new spin-off series.

This review is part of the Blood Heir blog tour (#BloodHeirKD). Here are links to the previous reviews if you’ve missed them:

Lynn’s Book Blog
Fantasy Book Review
Carole’s Random Life
Way Too Fantasy

The next Blood Heir review will be posted on Novel Notions. Thanks to Mihir at Fantasy Book Critic for organizing the tour! And thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANNOUNCEMENT
We are getting TWO more books of Aurelia Ryder - 💕
I was hoping for it, but now it's fact!!! Woohoo!!!
___________________________________

UPDATE: Since I already read it a second time in just two month, It deserves 5 STARS,
___________________________________

The feeling of visiting a favorite world is hard to beat!!

This was more than I could have hoped for. A perfect start to a new beginning, because we definitely need more books in this series.

All I say: Julie/Aurelia and Derek are my newest couple crush!

Also, I was smiling so hard whenever an old favorite character popped up! This world is one of my favorites, and that we are getting a chance of more is priceless!

FULL REVIEW

This book is a dream come true.

After I read the last book of Kate Daniels, I was CRUSHED, DESTROYED and HEARTBROKEN. I couldn’t believe that my favorite UF series was coming to an end. I read this series more than any other, and I’ve fallen in love with the world and all of the characters.

Getting Blood Heir was something I didn’t dare to hope for.

And now, after reading it, I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that we’ll be getting a full series. Because I NEED MORE!!!!

All throughout the Kate Daniels series, I have been on team Julie and Derek. Although young Ascanio was hilarious and Julie and him had fun, I still hoped for a Julie and Derek romance. Now, after reading Blood Heir, I have high hopes that we are finally getting it.

Aurelia (former Julie) reminded me a lot of Kate, which makes sense after reading the book. But she also was very much her own person. Witty, smart, and quick on her feet. She had all the traits I love in a kick-ass heroine.

I also loved the many cameos of old favorite characters. It just confirmed how much I missed this world, and that we are getting a continuation, is the best thing that happened this year. My face actually had a permanent smile attached to it because the book gave me all the feels, and made me one happy reader.

In the end, anyone who loves this series, who is a fan of Julie (and Derek) will have fun and adore this book. My expectations were exceeded. I got everything I was hoping for out of this novel. I just need more.

My passion and love for this author couple knows no bounds, but I also must say, that they are the ONLY authors who never dissapoint. Their storytelling sucks me in every single time. Their books are on my re-read shelf every time I’m in a slump or need a pick me up.

What can I say, I’m on team Ilona Andrews and I can’t see it ever changing.

Read it, enjoy it, have fun and let’s all cross fingers and hope that there will be more to come.


___________________________________

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.

[Aisling Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was extremely happy to be back in the KD world and enjoyed reading about all the old favourites and making new favourites.Namtur is the dogs bollocks, as we say in the UK Julie has grown up and we get a bigger insight into her psyche. And we finally got to see Julie/Aurelia and Derek working together, in the same place, since Grey Wolf/Magic Stars! I need more! So much more!

I'm kinda short for words because, as always, IA delivered! The only complain I can make is that because the authors wrote this as more or less a standalone there were many worldbuilding explanations and introductions for characters. Which is awesome if you picked this up first. But for fans of IA and Kate Daniels and especially for fans that have re-read the series many, many times they weren't really necessary. Familiar and scene setting but unnecessary. Be aware if you pick this one up prior to reading the Kate Daniels series, it spoils the entirety of the series.

In conclusion, a fantastic spin-off and continuation of the KD legacy. And one that I was very much looking forward to prior to the hate mail(reprehensible by the way) and that we actually got it in the end made me so happy. And that it was in fact marvellous made me damn near ecstatic.


IT'S OUT! 12/01/2021




Update! 03/12/2020

Beautiful Julie art!!

Princess of Shinar

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/pr...



Update! 10/11/2020

Pre-order details and snippet!

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/print-...

Update! 4/11/2020

Edited and unproofed, First Chapter!

https://ilona-andrews.com/featured-re...




Update! 6/10/2020

Blood heir has a cover and what a beauty of a cover it is!! I wish their Hidden Legacy series had similar covers. Also release date for this is now January 12th 2021. Two days before my birthday! Happy birthday to me!

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/bl...

Update! 23/9/2020

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/cl...

Can whoever feels entitled to tell these authors how to do their jobs just stop. They took Ryder down for some serious editing. What we got so far was written for maximum fan service due to lockdown. Please stop harassing them. You feel the need to complain do it off their page. I can't believe this needs to be said but some of you are behaving like spoiled brats.

Update! 22/9/2020

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/wh...




Update! 19/9/2020

Likely preface for this book :

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/gr...



Update! 15/9/2020

Tiny Snippet:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/deadli...


Update! 28/8/2020

Chapter 13:

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/ch...

To Ascanio:



Update! 28/8/2020

Tiny Snippet:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/put-do...


Update! 20/8/2020

Chapter 12:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...



More Derek! Squee!




Update! 18/8/2020

Deleted Scene.

https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2020/ry...

13/8/2020

I'm changing the status of this back to Want to Read from Currently Reading. Will still post updates when IA do.

Update! 3/8/2020

Snippet!

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/happy-...


Update! 31/7/2020

Unfortunately IA wont be able to continue posting weekly chapters for this but they will, when they can, post snippets. Prior publishing commitments and the way the world works now post Covid-19 has made things difficult. I'll continue posting the snippets on here and will definitely pick this one up when it's published.

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/dragon...





Update! 29/7/2020

Chapter 11:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 24/7/2020

Chapter 10 Part 2:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 18/7/2020

Chapter 10 Part 1:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 16/7/2020

Chapter 9 Part 3:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 10/7/2020

Chapter 9 Part 2:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...

Crime scene song!






Update! 8/7/2020

Chapter 9 Part 1:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...



Also Derek going all minty green?! Someone ate something they shouldn't have.


Update! 2/7/2020

Chapter 8 Part 3:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...



And: Squeeeeeeeee!!

DEREK!!!! Oh my God!! IA are killing me!!!


Update! 30/6/2020

Chapter 8 Part 1 and 2:

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 24/6/2020

Chapter 7 Part 2 :

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 19/6/2020

Chapter 7 Part 1 :

https://ilona-andrews.com/2020/chapte...




Update! 16/6/2020

So IA have updated/restructured/changed their website so the chapters are different now. They have also edited chapters too. Below all links to the chapters in order along with the latest one.

https://ilona-andrews.com/2018/the-ki...
https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-1/
https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-2/
https://ilona-andrews.com/home-sweet-...
https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-4/
https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-5/
https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-6/
https://ilona-andrews.com/chapter-6-p...




Update! 1/6/2020

Ryder Part 12:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-12/




Update! 21/5/2020

Ryder Part 11:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-11/




Update! 13/5/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 10:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-10/




Update! 6/5/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 9:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-9/




Update! 5/5/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 8:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-8/



Update! 29/4/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 7:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-7/


25/4/2020

Moved from Iron Covenant 2. Yay, now I can add pics/gifs with each update!

Update! 25/4/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 6:

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-...


Update! 19/4/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 5 :

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-...

Update! 10/4/2020

Snippet! Ryder Part 4 :

https://ilona-andrews.com/ryder-part-...

Update! 7/4/2020

Another snippet with Julie!!!! Part 3 :

https://ilona-andrews.com/home-sweet-...

Update! 30/3/2020

Snippets with Julie!!!! Part 1&2 :

On here as this isn't part of a book where I can add it as updates. And as we have no fixed date for this one yet.

"Today we bring you a fan service snippet. Hopefully it will give you a break from current events for a few minutes. This isn’t part of any ongoing work. It’s just a fun scene, written because so many of you wanted to see the old favorites."

Part 1 :
https://ilona-andrews.com/the-bridge-...

Part 2:
https://ilona-andrews.com/the-bridge-...

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLEASE DON’T EVEN THINK OF READING THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN’T READ ALL OF THE KATE DANIELS BOOKS. THANKS.


This review contains spoilers for the Kate Daniels series (HUGE SPOILERS, ENDING KIND OF SPOILERS) so please don’t read it if you haven’t finished reading the 10 books. If you haven’t yet started KD and enjoy Urban Fantasy with a smart kickass female lead, you NEED these books in your life. You don’t need to read Kate Daniels to read this one but you’ll be missing out a lot.


I haven’t followed this series for very long. I started reading Kate Daniels in 2017 but I was immediately captivated by the world and characters. It’s now one of my favorite series and Kate is my favorite female character of all time. Like most, I was very disappointed and angry at Julie after Magic Triumphs. I also tend to criticize authors who needlessly add more books to a beloved series of theirs. Although Magic Stars (novella about Julie) hinted at a strong possibility of a spin-off (which I wanted at the time), I hoped maybe we’re going to have a new series set in a new world (or maybe in the old but not about any of our characters). I mean we’re already having Hugh’s spin-off (which I enjoyed immensely).

Usually, extra books ruin the series (and uhm I didn’t particularly love the ending of Magic Triumphs). But still, I love this world. I love Kate, Curran, Julie, Derek, and everyone. I was very excited about this book (didn’t follow it on the blog) even if wary. I didn’t need to worry. The Andrews delivered a solid story with their usual wit and addicting writing. So this book was a lot better than I expected.

Also, to answer a question you might be wondering about: yes, this book will have a sequel. I don’t know if it’s official but the story (even if it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger) is definitely not wrapped up.
update: Ilona Andrews announced that there will be two more books in this series.

This book picks up 8 years after Magic Triumphs. Julie now has a completely new identity:
- Different name: Aurelia Ryder
- Different appearance: taller, more beautiful, and regal looking

She loves Kate and no, doesn’t hold grudges against what she did. But she needed to deal with what she discovered and to work on herself. Erra and Roland were her teachers, she’s now a princess of Shinar. But she can’t see Kate. Four years ago, Sienna (one of the oracles) had a vision. An ancient god, Molech who loves burning children sacrifices, awakened and established himself for years now. But he’s not stopping there. Sierra foresaw that he is going to kill Kate if they ever met. If Aurelia (or Julie? Seriously no idea what to call her, she’ll always be Julie for me) sees her, Kate dies. Julie is now back in Atlanta taking over the investigation of a pastor’s murder. Molech wants this holy man’s killer, so Julie needs to find them first. She’s unavoidably going to meet old acquaintances (yey) all while trying to keep her real identity hidden.

Taught by two of the most magic experts in the world, Aurelia is now stronger and more capable than ever. She was also busy with her grandmother establishing a new kingdom (in the US too). She’s surely grown as a character. She’s tougher now, sharper, and not to be underestimated. I would definitely like to see more of this in the next books!

While I still like her, she’s not Kate. But no one is like Kate so it’s alright. Due to the circumstances mentioned above, Kate was absent in this book. A very smart (if sad) decision. She would’ve stolen the spotlight. Aurelia now needs to establish herself in the eye of the reader and prove that she is an interesting character to read about too. And she is.

This book follows your usual IA formula first book in a series, a mystery to uncover, slow-burn romance, awesome characters, and of course, witty comebacks and sarcasm + the right amount of drama and action scenes. I desperately need more of their books in my life. I have read all of their novels now (except for one I’m not sure yet if I want to read).

I did have a few minor issues with this book. This is common in all of their books I guess, I didn’t mind it at first but now it’s kinda tiring. I don’t like the exaggerations or the characters being sometimes overdramatic. Making the situation sounds a lot worse than it actually is/the outcome will be. I’m not talking about the grand scheme of things but day to day interactions. I also found Marten’s character a bit unrealistic? I’m not sure how old she is (I thought I read 6 yo but now searching in the ebook, I couldn’t find her age.), Aurelia/Julie definitely made her look like she’s 6 or 7 but how was she able to escape and find her house? And Julie’s house was built to look inconspicuous yet everyone is easily finding it, even the little girl?

I have to say that Julie’s story kind of reminded me of Catalina’s, all that character development is mostly done off-screen and across several years. Which isn’t bad but just similar. I like Catalina better, however. Another thing Julie reminded me of (with her spending 4 years in a coma in a magic world but 9 months irl) is Dani O’Malley from the Fever series who also grew up if mentally and physically in a different world where time was different than in the real one.. But thankfully, those coma years weren’t counted as a difference in her age nor as time away (only the real world time was counted)

Other than that, the book was very entertaining and fun to read. I want more of those characters now, I didn’t get my fill of Derek. There are so many questions left unanswered and our new girl still has a lot of work to do. I’m looking forward now to read the next book of Hugh’s spin-off which hopefully will come out this year.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Read Time and the audio was just as much fun as my beta read if not a little more since there were some minor changes from the beta read.

Originally Posted at Books of My Heart

Blood Heir is the first book of Aurelia Ryder, the spin off series from the hit series, Kate Daniels. I’m a huge Ilona Andrews fan, they are my favorite UF/PNR writers so I may be slightly biased in my review, but I will attempt to keep fangirling to a minimum.

Julie left town at the end of Magic Triumphs to head off into parts unknown. It is now years later, she looks different, smells different and her magic is also a little bit different. She is back in Atlanta to fight against the a new big bad and save Kate and Curran. Oracles never call with good news and Julie got the worst, if Kate knows about the new enemy, she will try to fight it and lose. It is up to Julie, and a blast from her past, to team up in order to save her family.

First, do you need to have read the Kate Daniels series to read this book. While not totally necessary, I do think knowing all the players and some histories will make the book even more enjoyable. There are a lot of players from the main series that show up and we get to see what their lives look like later.

Conlan is a little terror, as you would expect from Kate and Curran’s child, but he is a great little brother to Julie. There are a few cameos by some of my other favorites from the original series including Barabas, Christopher, Ascanio, Hugh and many more.

I loved the growth Julie has had since she left Atlanta. She is smarter stronger and definitely an adult now. All the years of training with Erra have paid off and she really has come into her own skin. Derek, well he is a surprise and I have so many questions about him. But Ilona is adamant he is not a First so Derek will definitely have a very cool backstory going on what happened to him while he was away from Atlanta.

Blood Heir is a good first book in a series. It did everything a first book it is series should do, setting up an overall plot arc, introducing the characters, beginning a possible romance *wink, wink* and delivering a solid story. My rating is probably a little inflated due to my fangirl status but it felt like coming home to a world a fell in love with over years. I’m so excited for all the possibilities for the next two books of the series.

[Nilufer Ozmekik]

Just I was thinking to reread Kate Daniels series, this beauty finally came out! Am I excited?
Hell, yeah!

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀]

So I think we all knew this series was coming haha. But I gotta admit, I'm little disappointed the way that this series decided to break off ....



But I wanna read it because its Julia wait, Aurelia ?!!?

oh sure yup let's just cut the last of those ties with a new face... new name ... new magic wait what?!



Why not just make a whole new character within this world if you aren't going to keep all the things innate to Julie's character we all loved in the first place??

My Review Of Magic Triumphs touches upon how much I adore this series but in the final book I didn’t feel the same magic that I felt earlier in this series -- the characters lost their connections, sparks, and dynamics that first made me love them.

And the interactions with Julie heavily influenced this feeling

I was *very* upset over the direction of Julie’s relationship with Kate in that last book

Julie *barely* showed up

When she does, she was constantly keeping secrets and hiding stuff from Kate



We see Kate verbalizing being supportive of Julie.... but we no longer see it in action.

They don't go out on monster hunts together
They no longer are each other confidants
Kate isn’t teaching Julie about her magic
Fuck, they aren’t even weapons training to talk and bond anymore *smh*



I understand it was all to break Julie being an adult and separating from Kate’s shadow. But it was done in such a castaway move, that Kate NEVER would’ve just dismissed Julie like that.



I wanted to have a scene of a sword to sword talk, (get it, cuz Kate 2 much of a baddie for a heart to heart? ) of them practice fighting each other -- Julie sharing her frustration and Kate gives some advice to go independent adventures THEN lead into this series

Instead we got... a *goddamn* note ?



At first I was excited for Julia to go off in her own series with the excitement of independent adventures and the support of Kate behind her.

But instead, our cute family of 2-- Auntie Kate-- the woman who adopted her after the witch plot, the mercenary who showed up at Julie's school to help with bullying, the VERY relationship we spent the last 8 books building was virtually snapped like a twig

And now its book about Julia Aurelia ?

It seems like the Andrews have continued taking a hatchet to Julie's character just to make another series. It's starting to feel like they are just using Julie's name for the fanbase but not keeping any of her true character. I mean let's be real, if we just met aUrElIa based on this description, it doesn't like we'd recognize her except for the vague hinting towards Derek

and I don't want my girl Julie to be defined by any guy... *gag*

but its Illona Andrews... so... ya gotta try it haha

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a very early-Kate-Daniels feel, only this time we already know all the secondary characters and world building. There’s a problem to be solved, there’s side story complications, and there’s a dash of romance. In other words, I loved it. If you adore all things Ilona Andrews and have read her entire Kate Daniels series, pick this one up, you’ll enjoy being back in this world. If you haven’t read Ilona Andrews yet, this isn’t a good starting point - you need to read the Kate Daniels series first.

[Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof. What a lackluster, joyless affair this book was for me. It read like someone took Kate Daniels and stripped that character of every little edge, imperfection, flaw and quirk that made her unique, vibrant and three dimensional. Julie is all grown-up, and the result is this uninspiring Kate-meets-Barbie Princess character whose voice and personality are as bland as her achievements are many.

There's no enemy Julie can't vanquish, no foe she can't outmaneuver, no brutish villain she can't punish, no arrogant dude she can't put in his place with a well-aimed sarcastic remark. There's no weapon she doesn't master, no argument she can't win, no magic is beyond her power to execute to perfection, no language is too difficult, no quote by long-dead thinkers too obscure; no hungry children or homeless man can cross her path without her bending over backward to save them - but mind you, don't commit Injustices where she can see you: her vengeance is terrible to behold! Oh, and... needless to say, she's beautiful: people literally stop mid-sentence caught off guard by just how beautiful she is (her unparalleled beauty is something that, of course, she doesn't weaponize, which is why folks don't immediately realize just how stunning she is, and when they do, words fail them, poor things) and rich to boot, what with being a literal princess and all.

What little plot there is in Blood Heir had to be found among a general rehearsal of pretty much everything that went down in the ten installments of the main series, Julie showing us what she learned these past eight years she's been away (which is, literally, everything: she knows it all), and a generous dose of Ilona Andrews' most beloved narrative device, Characters not Really Talking to Each Other - something that's been powering up their stories for years now. Having to read dialogues upon dialogues of folks not communicating (or lying, obfuscating, omitting... there are variations to the theme of course) has to be one of the most aggravating reading experiences of my life, I swear.

The dynamics between the main characters are essentially the same as those between Kate and Curran - except now everyone is Absolutely Stunning and Incredibly Powerful. And since Julie is Perfect in All Things one figures out pretty soon that she'll never meet any of the challenges Kate had to deal with, and that spiced things up for the readers: when Julie sets out to do something, she simply does it, so the book reads like a bullet journal of her achievements.

What a snooze.

Oh, also! Saiman is back, so he gets to be hated on and treated with contempt by everyone some more. Yay! Because apparently to these characters if you commit a little torture here, some little atrocities there; if you fall into temptation and, say, resort to some little slavery, or mass murder, or are plotting the subjugation of the world... well, so long as you do it in good humor! But perish the thought you ever look after your own interests first and aren't gregarious and also possibly *gasp!* promiscuous and not prone to sentimental attachments.

[Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s everything you’ve been hoping for.

[Navessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, I knew it would be amazing, but it still somehow exceeded expectations.

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the first time an Ilona Andrews book has a cover worthy of story that they tell. I am very glad.

Aurelia Ryder aka Julie Olson has some big shoes to fill. But I am sure with time and some good grooming she'll get out of Kate's shadow and hold her own. Here she reminded me so much of early Kate Daniel books. An enjoyable book to start the series with.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, i’ll admit it, when I heard there was going to be another Julie story, I was less than enthused. Who wants to see more of her? Where’s my new Hugh instalment, dammit?! Come on! PRIORITIES Ilona. (My priorities being the most important, obviously). I certainly didn’t think a new name and some time away was going to change my mind about Julie or impress me much… Long story short, I was wrong. The switch from Julie Lennart to Aurelia Ryder is the least of the transformations. Her years away, spent with a dearly beloved Aunt, have taught her a great deal, so much that she feels more than ready for the big leagues. Except this might be a situation too hot for her to handle. And being back in Atlanta means that she’s going to have to face some issues (and people) from her past that she thought she’d put well and truly behind her. Such delicious conflict. I blasted through the online chapters with increasing excitement and when they were pulled in preparation for the book, I counted the days till the release date. Now, if you read what was on the website, you might wonder what’s new. Well, the original chapters were sharpened rather than hugely changed, but more importantly, there are an extra 5 that bring everything to a stunning conclusion. An ending which answers some questions, but leaves you longing for more…

When it opens, it might feel a little weird. Not quite right maybe, like something is missing. That thing being Kate and all the others we have come to love. But honestly, that’s soon overcome. Because what this book offers is a perfect blend of old and new. While it does include old favourites, who make their own mark in the story, it also brings readers so much more: the joy of series youngsters all grown up. It is SO MUCH FUN. I can’t even tell you. It brought such a smile to my face. The book gives you an experience we’re all missing right now- the warm feeling of a family gathering, sharing stories, laughing at the exploits of young relatives finding their way in the world- and making a mess of it. But it’s not all fun and games, there’s heat too. The young’uns aren’t the only ones who have… grown. Some character upgrades had the power to put my jaw on the floor. Perhaps some reading this are unaware of just who shows up full of new flavour, so I won’t say the name. But, by all the Gods, it’s a MOMENT. Which leads to some serious revelations (note that I don’t say resolutions). Of course, on top of all that, there’s the usual kick-ass action, creepily imaginative monsters, and terrible magics that IA does so well. I don’t know what else I expected really, this writing team is the best there is. Which is why this book feels like home AND like a world of new possibilities.

I read the whole thing straight through and finished with a cry of disbelief. It couldn’t be the end… But it was. And so now begins the time of waiting. There is absolutely no way that Ilona Andrews can leave us here. It would be cruel torture. Since I have absolutely no doubt any fan reading this book will feel the same, I’m somewhat reassured that our collective pleas will bring us a positive result. We got Hugh, we can get more Julie/Aurelia. Right??!! So read and enjoy, then come join me in my torment.


This review is part of a blog tour and I highly recommend you read what my fellow readers have had to say. Catch up with what Lynn had to say at https://lynns-books.com/ and tomorrow look out for Carole’s thoughts at https://carolesrandomlife.blogspot.com/

Happy reading!

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ilona Andrews, and I read nearly everything that they write, so I couldn't wait to read Blood Heir. I'm happy to report that the story was as intense, dynamic, engaging, and exciting as I was hoping it would be. However, there are a few key things that readers should know before going into the story.

First and foremost is that you MUST have read the majority of the Kate Daniels books prior to starting this one. Though Blood Heir is billed as the start of a new series, don't be fooled into thinking it's a stand-alone. It absolutely isn't. I've read seven of the Kate Daniels books, the last one being four years ago, and it was a struggle for me to remember what was going on. I had to pause and constantly search through my memories as to who the characters were and what their unique characteristics were because there is a huge amount of information presented to the readers at once. We are expected to jump into the story and take off running, and that was honestly hard for me.

There is no romance in this one... well, almost... I guess you could say that there were wisps of something *possibly* starting, but this is in no way, shape, or form a romance book. Just expect an exciting urban fantasy, and go from there. Personally, I enjoyed that about this book, but setting expectations are important.

The storyline will keep you on your toes, and you won't want to put it down. I finished the story in less than 24 hours! I didn't want to stop reading. Sure, I didn't know exactly what was happening all the time (damn, all of those people I couldn't quite remember), but I still wanted to know what would happen next.

The bottom line is that Ilona Andrews delivered another juicy story with a killer female MC and some great potential for more. I think with the next book I'll be more up on the world and better able to jump right in.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Ilona Andrews ever disappoint??? That would be a no. I LOVED Blood Heir! As bittersweet as the ending of the Kate Daniels series was, I'm sooo happy we're getting more of this UF world, this time with Julie/Aurelia's story. I'm praying to the gods that she and Derek are end goals – sadly there is barely any romance in this first book but I was giddy over every scene that had them together. Basically it was me projecting and obsessing over every little thing said and done between them. BH has IA's signature humor, excitement, and action, but I love that Julie has her own distinct voice, even though it is reflective of Kate (she is her daughter, after all). I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series will go!

That scene of Derek's future he saw better be of Julie!!!!!!!!

***

God bless Ilona Andrews for giving us Julie’s (and possibly Derek’s???) full book!! And it’s the first in a new series, so YAY!

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan]]

I feel really ambivalent about this book. On the one hand, I loved being back in this world: I loved the glances at Conlan and other familiar characters (Luther, Nick, Ascanio, Hugh) and, as I’m used to, I loved their interactions; the Andrews just have a way with writing immersive, entertaining dialogue. On the other hand, I had a few issues, mostly with our MCs and the premise.

In general, I prefer character-driven novels and for the MCs to have a meaningful character arc, where they either undergo growth in personality and/or competence. Both our MCs, Aurelia and Derek, are as competent as they come right from the start and there’s no personal growth I could see. The only mystery that kept me invested was finding out when Derek and Aurelia will finally meet and when/if he recognizes her as Julie. And that’s it. That’s their relationship arc. They only have one meaningful conversation. (That doesn’t mean they don’t have fun ones!)

As for the premise, I get that Julie had to go her own way in her very own series, which is why I was really trying to buy into this prophecy which precluded her from telling Kate about Kate’s imminent death lest it come true. I had a harder time buying that Julie had not seen Kate or her brother Conlan in eight years (!). But the hardest of them all was the off-hand explanation how Julie Aurelia’s appearance and scent has changed after a magic alteration and she’s now this incredible beauty. How does beauty and symmetry improve one’s chances of survival? That’s as flimsy a reason as I’ve ever heard. And of course now she looks like Kate’s daughter, a Princess of Shinar, for real. At least I can accept the reason for this – she wanted to belong.

Also, I found the time jump from young Julie to 26-year-old Aurelia extremely jarring because most of her upgrade in competence level happened off page. And how did she become so awesome? Because after the alteration the nine months spent in a magical coma were actually four years for her, in which she received a comprehensive education in magic, combat, politics, languages, and history. That was just way too convenient for me. This super competence combined with her new looks could very well have been an entirely new character.

Of course, she isn’t the only one who is now super special. Much like Curran was the biggest baddest shapeshifter before, now Derek is as well. The mystery as to what happened to him in the intervening years and why he became so special is what is intriguing but we’ll have to wait for the explanation. Romance novels often make their MCs the most beautiful and special and I mostly shrug it off, but here it somehow rubbed me the wrong way.

All in all, I think it was a disservice to write Kate and Curran out of this book entirely. I would have enjoyed it much more if any of our old characters – if not Kate and Currran, at least Hugh and Erra – had collaborated with Aurelia in her fight against Moloch.

So here we are. Did I enjoy this? Yes and no. I remain ambivalent about this book – I loved the interactions and cameos but some things didn’t hit my sweet spot. Will I continue with this series? ABSO-FUCKING-LUTEL! I will forever love Ilona Andrews.

[Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell]

OH HELLO YOU BEAUTIFUL THING YOU

[Teodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐

Okay so first off, I am SO glad that I managed to finish the Kate Daniels series just in time for this beauty 😍

Second, this was SO GOOD. Like so good, I loved it!
I made a little squealing sound every time a character from the main series made an apparition here! I was so happy to meet them again!
The plot, as Ilona Andrews got us used to, was fabulous. It was the right amount of crazy action and interesting, well-documented facts.

Third - Derek. Because I missed him and because he's a total babe.

[TJ ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread: april 2021

🧷random thoughts i missed the first time:🧷

→ hella plot holes i will never mention bc it feels like a betrayal to my #1 KD couple ✔️

→ why do i feel like derek and julies sex scene in book 2 is gonna be fade to black 😭

→ i don't really understand julies magic. she talks about how erra helped her unleash a reservoir of it, but im confused how much is from her own koorghan bloodline, how much is from the shinar bloodline via the binding, and how much is from moloch's eye. she says she has a harder time using tech than even kate does because of her high concentration of magic, so is she saying she has more power than Kate?

→ derek is so hot in this, i knew my boy had it in him 😭 he's always been hot in that understated, calm until he rips someones throat out, protective and willing to die for you way and man it just does everything for me



→ so much fan service in this book but hey, im a fan and i don't mind being serviced 🤷🏽‍♀️

→ ascanio kinda had to take an out of character L in this book in order for derek to shine which is maybe lazy writing but again, i do not care even a smidge

→ "Well, look at that. The illustrious Julie Olsen remembered my name."



.
.
.

Original Review: (spoilery)


They... didn't... even... kiss?



Hang on, hang on. *Taps microphone* *Clears throat* THEY DIDN'T EVEN GODDAMN KISS?!?!!



AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *RIPS ALL MY HAIR OUT*

I've been waiting for this ship to sail for ten books, Julie's loved him unrequitedly since she was 12 years old, and it ends with Derek saying he only ever thought of her as a little kid?? THE NERVE



I've been shouting into the void for so long that Derek, the OG boy wonder and loyalest wolf in the game, deserves all the happiness in the world. I was so excited for this and in some ways, it was everything I needed, and in others, I'm so unsatisfied and thirsting for more. PLS let there be a sequel. I mean the fact that he recognized her by THE WAY SHE RODE HER HORSE



I was dead he is so cute and that was too much. I loved Aurelia Ryder sm 😭😭 (I want to call her Aurelia bc it's straight up just a dope name but I have a hard time not calling her Julie. Hopefully I'll get there eventually.) I loved her name, her look, her spear/fighting style, her presence and the way she approached things. It was Kate, Hugh, Erra, Roland, all our favorite characters influences rolled into one unique, badass heroine and it was so fun to see. She's grown so much over the past eight years but even when she was 13 she was a lil spitfire, so I was ecstatic to learn that in this time she's refined pissing people off to an art form and has grown into the Queen of Sass.

"My patience is an infinite lake. Feel free to drown yourself."

"You look like a good breeder."
"You look like your parents met at a family reunion."

"Mouthy bitch."
My middle name.

His eyes were on fire. "What's the deal with the pole?"
"I like climbing poles in my spare time."

"Fuck you."
I stabbed the bolt into his eye. "You're one 'fuck you' away from being blind."

"I can be a good friend or a terrible enemy."
"So you're saying you're not very good at being an enemy?"

"I'm not leaving until I get some answers," Derek said.
"Then you'll die of old age in my house."

Queen shit, truly



Now that it's all said and done, I have QUESTIONS
- What did Derek see when he ate the sphinx heart?
- Why doesn’t Stella ever get sick?
- Is Julie a virgin? I doubt she is cause she’s 26 but now I need to know who she screwed and/or dated to get over Derek
- How does Sophia exist and what did Christopher and Barbaras do to get her?
- What is Derek’s magic? What happened to him that he’s huge and silver and can miraculously heal people? Basically: What in God's name has he been doing in Alaska all this time!

Highlights: (there are many, this book was gold)
- Luther and Stella’s biohazard song
- The fact that Hugh and Elara guarded Julie and Erra when Moloch’s eye was doing it’s thing 💛
- The kids hate for Ascanio "He created this situation and then chose to be dramatic about it."
- Sophia and Barbaras father-daughter relationship "Dear Gods, he'd made a small female version of himself."
- Julie fighting the hodag while Derek just watched and gave her a thumbs up "Tag me in."
- Stella and Aurelia's budding friendship "I punched a superior." "How superior?" "In terms of rank of morality?"
- Hugh's phone call "We both know how much I enjoy visiting Atlanta" when the last time he visited Atlanta, he literally killed everybody
- Julie, Derek, and that bath tub 😏
- Namtur being petty af literally all the time

This book was a breath of fresh air I hope to God they make it a trilogy. Also my parting note: FINALLY a cover worthy of gracing Ilona Andrews books. Pls stick w/ whatever artist did this and ditch the cosplay covers (cough cough Hugh's book) okay bye

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...I guess I promised a review and then never wrote one. What else is new though, right?

I can’t believe I finally got to read this book. I’ve waited for it for YEARS. And for the longest time there hadn’t even been much hope that this would ever be written at all.
Spin-offs can be tricky and the original series, Kate Daniels, is one of my favorite UF ones. I’ve gotta say, Ilona Andrews are simply killing it with the spin-offs. I loved Hugh’s book, a character I used to hate and this time, two favorites got their own story.
I fell in love with the side character Derek the very first time he made an appearance in the original series and have been deeply invested in his fate ever since. I’ve also always loved Julie and was ecstatic to finally hold her very own book in my hands. People who know me are aware that I basically worship the ground Ilona and Andrew walk on. They’re favorite authors of mine and as they often do, they’ve not only NOT disappointed me, they surpassed my expectations by far.
I loved being back in the familiar setting, with a world building and magic system I love, an interesting mystery to solve and kick-ass characters and fighting scenes...this had everything I love about IA’s writing. I was also happy to note that Julie did not read like a carbon copy of Kate. There’s so much potential here, I can’t wait to find out where the story will go, when I’ll get to see some of my other faves again and I’d also love some more flashbacks of Julie’s years with Erra. And Derek, of course. Gimme ALL the Derek scenes and background info. And more of the slow burn romance pleaseeee!!

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I loved this book! I have to admit that when I found out that the Kate Daniels series would end with the tenth book, I was heartbroken. These were characters that I loved and a world that I enjoyed visiting (even if it is dangerous most of the time) and I just did not want to see it end. This book brought me back to that world that I love so much. We get to see some familiar characters in this story but it is from a fresh, new perspective. This book was everything that I had hoped it would be and more.

Julie left Atlanta eight years ago but she's back and she is a whole new person. Julie is now known as Aurelia Ryder and is not recognizable to anyone who knew her as Kate and Curran's ward. She needs to keep her identity a secret and will go to great lengths to do so. Aurelia has acquired a lot of power and skill during the eight years she was gone while training with her grandmother. She is back in Atlanta to try to stop a prophecy that leaves her adopted mother dead. She will do whatever it takes to protect those she cares about.

There have been a string of murders that seems to be tied to the prophecy and Aurelia is in town to get to the bottom of things. Of course, things can never be easy and she runs into one challenge after another as she works to solve the case. It quickly becomes apparent that the culprit will present quite a challenge. As she works to make progress on the case, she is also trying to protect her identity while constantly running into a certain wolf from her past.

I loved the characters in this book. I thought that I knew Julie but she has grown so much over the years, she really was a new person. She is loyal to her family, highly competent, intelligent, and able to think several steps ahead at all times. She is not the only one who has changed over the years and some of the other character's transformations are just as dramatic. Some characters have grown up, literally. It was so much fun to see the younger characters, including Conlan, play a larger role and to hear about some of the trouble that they have caused over the years.

This book was very well written. It had all of the excitement and action that I have come to expect from this writing pair. I thought that the action scenes were perfectly balanced with the scenes that were more character-driven. The mystery was complex and kept me guessing and there were some pretty big surprises. Huge surprises! I loved how imaginative and unique some of the scenes were. The banter between the characters was entertaining and helped to keep the story from getting too serious.

I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a book that was next to impossible to put down once I picked it up and I found it enormously entertaining from beginning to end. I cannot wait to read more of Aurelia Ryder's adventures.

I received a digital review copy of this book from NYLA via NetGalley.

Be sure to follow the blog tour:
Monday, January 4 - Lynn's Book Blog - https://lynns-books.com/2021/01/04/bl...
Tuesday, January 5 - Fantasy Book Review - https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/I...
Wednesday, January 6 - Carole's Random Life in Books
Thursday, January 7 - Way Too Fantasy - https://waytoofantasy.com/
Friday, January 8 - Fantasy Literature - http://www.fantasyliterature.com/
Saturday, January 9 - Novel Notions - http://www.fantasyliterature.com/
Monday, January 11 - Fantasy Book Critic - http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/

Initial Thoughts
Ummm, yeah, this was awesome! So much awesome!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to put this story down! So many questions! I won't put them down here because of spoilers.

After that ending I can't wait for the next book, but I've just searched Ilona Andrews' blog and don't see any news about a release date or if they're even working on the second book.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2022 Re-Read

I'm so tired of all this covid stuff, it's making me much more anxious than usual. And that is making it more difficult to concentrate on the printed page. When this happens, I pick up a favourite book, one where I know what's going to happen, and I just rest myself in a world that I know I'll enjoy. Kate Daniels' Atlanta is one of those places.

When the Andrews finished up the KD series, I hoped they would follow up with a Julie spin off someday. This book is my wish come true. Julie returns to Atlanta as Aurelia Ryder in answer to the Witch Oracle and to keep Kate and the city safe. Of course Derek Gaunt (now Darren Argent) has come back too and these two have unfinished business.

Kate was where I first began my love affair with Gordon & Ilona's writing. I know their plots are rather repetitive and they reuse a number of favourite expressions and sayings. In my defense, I can only say that I love their patterns, they mix things up a little in each series, and I love their combination of love and swordplay.

Back to Blood Heir, I feel calmer now that I've had a shot of Julie & Derek and I think I'm ready to return to the real world, where it is still winter, where covid cases still abound, and where everyday politics are worrying. When my next anxiety attack happens, I'll rely on another Andrews volume.


Original Review

If you are a Kate Daniels fan (as I am) this book is just what you've been wishing and hoping for. It started as a serial publication on the Andrews' website, the same as they have done with their Innkeeper series, but at some point they determined that it needed a severe overhaul. They removed the installments from the site and assured the fans that they would receive a superior product when it was done.

I bought my copy online in mid-December as a Christmas present to myself and I have admired and crooned to it like Gollum with the One Ring until Christmas Day, when I allowed myself to crack the cover and READ. It was a tremendous treat and I know that I'll be adding it to my re-reading roster from now on. In fact, I've already enjoyed my favourite passages several times.

Interestingly, the authors were initially amused when fans assumed that this would be a series. They started writing it as a favour to exhausted medical staff who needed a pick-me-up due to the Covid-19 pandemic, presumably a one-and-done exercise. However, I can't help but feel that they aren't finished with this story line. Julie's mission isn't finished and I can't imagine them abandoning her at this juncture.

A lot of us needed a shot of positivity during Covid, me included. I read and reread the website chapters as they became available. Although I enjoyed them, I can tell you that the revisions tightened the story, made it flow better, and avoided some plot pitfalls. Hats off to the authors for performing the necessary surgery. Thank you, Ilona & Gordon, for yet another fabulous adventure in one of my favourite fantasy worlds featuring some of my favourite characters.

Cross posted at my blog:

https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...

[Rossana Sasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 3:15 am and I received the ARC from Ilona Andrews (a blessing upon their House) at midnight.

"I read it fast" doesn't really apply. I think the word we're looking at is ENGULF. Move right past inhale and commit osmosis upon the book. Did I mention it's my birthday tomorrow and this was the best present I have EVER received?

I hope you're into pain for pleasure because this book hurts so good. 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wish'd, as Hamlet puts it.

We're instantly sucked by the portal into Kate's Atlanta. That's all IA's magic, and they do it like no other. We find ourselves right there next to Julie (under her new persona of Aurelia Ryder) trying to save Kate, her family and everyone we love. And if you are like me, your reader soul bleeds and weeps and laughs right along with her and you're happy to add your emotional offering to her sacrifice. The book walks the tightrope boundary between fulfilling desires that readers held in their hearts for years and years* and the sweet kind of agony that makes us yearn for more.

There is the old cast of favourites and the new cast of stellar debuts and a lot of trauma breakdown. Things get *said* on all sides and I know there will still be people who won't get it because the hatred for Julie blinds them, but frankly we wasted enough energy on them. He who has ears, let him hear.

If you're BDH you know the immediate reaction to finishing an IA book is a loud, keening "MORE!". This is not the exception. Hopefully it will become a series- the main Moloch arc has not concluded, but Julie and Derek have solved the mysterious murders and have bought time for our beloveds. A feral future is sighted and a wolfish smile is the reaction it elicits.

In #KissyFace news, let's just saw the wholesome "As you wish" is now kinked up into "Careful what you wish for" (no, there's no BDSM scene...well, maybe emotional BDSM :D). The air is cleared but things are by no means resolved (unnngh MORE!)



I know you will ask how it compares to the chapters that were posted online. Firstly, it has the ending added- a further 5 chapters to the 13 we had online (and I died at least 3 times during the last 2 chapters, thank you for asking. I'm fine, I knew the local Thanatos, he is a sweetheart, he sorted me out.) The rest is somewhat changed too, but more in tone and sharpness adjustments than dramatic strokes.

Whether you've been #TeamMetalRose since the beginning, you miss getting lost in the one postapocalypse that you love or you are a new fan- step through the portal. It's escape like no other.

*and there are a few DOOZIES. You *will* poop yourself. Sorry. Just give into it.

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read another review that said "this is everything you've been hoping for". That's actually bloody perfect, because it was indeed everything I've been hoping for since the release of Magic Stars and the end of Magic Triumphs.

This is a story that none of Kate Daniels fans thought we would ever be getting, and that it is so exactly everything I could have wanted just makes it all the more perfect.

The best thing about this? The absolute best thing? Is that there's going to be MORE !!! 😍😍😍

[Arunimaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this two days after finishing the book and well, I still can't stop thinking about it.

How do I move on from this book? A good idea would be to distance myself from it, and not keep re reading my favourite bits or thinking about all the possibles, delicious things we could have in the sequels and then worrying about if at all we will get a sequel. (I really don't know what will I do if we don't.) Because eventually I will have to move on. But it's hard. It's really hard. I can't help but check IA blog everyday, hoping for some sort of confirmation for a sequel.

Yes, as you can see, I am hopelessly in love.

Just to be clear , this is not so much as a review as a whole lot of gushing. I am simply not able to write proper reviews for series that have been with me for a long time. They are a part of me now and after a point I am only capable of fangirling. And KD universe is one of the best things that has happened to me. It happened to me 4 years ago and since then the series has become my all-time comfort pick. When you say KD, the only acceptable reaction is fangirling.

Blood Heir was my THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BOOK of 2021. When I say that, what I mean is that this is the book I had kept fantisizing about the whole of last year. I knew it in my heart that it is going to rock my world. So imagine, when you put your every single expectation in a book and it surpasses it all.

It couldn't have been done any better. Yes maybe, if it was longer. I felt the book was too short. Way too short. Our rendevous was brief, ethereal. And now I am here, left behind with a gaping hole in my heart. Unable to move on.

P.S. Derek and Julie have all my heart. Because boy, I am invested. I am invested like I have never been before. It hurts me a little to admit this but I think I might be a little more invested in these guys than I was with Kate and Curran. Yep. There I said it.

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic and well earned return to the Kate Daniels universe. I say well earned because the reason why Julie is back in Atlanta is personal. Very personal.

Plus, fans need answers! Like “what has Julie been doing since she left Atlanta with her aunt years ago?” Or “what’s happened to Kate and Curran now that they’re retired from the pack and no longer “running Atlanta?” And the most important question of all: Will Derek and Julie shippers AKA #teammetalrose triumph against all the other shippers (team bouda who?)

Anyway, a lot of those things are answered in this book while others are still kept as a mystery. And new questions crop up as to what’s gonna happen in the future.

As a reader of this series, I’m excited to have a new series to sink myself into that’s familiar but is also new. Older Julie is a fascinating character and Derek...hoo, boy! I can’t wait to find out more about life after he left Atlanta as well.

There’s a new big baddie in town which honestly, scares the crap out of me coz he seems undefeatable! And there are some new players in town as well and some old ones. Basically, if this book is any indication, we’re gonna have a fantastic series to look forward to again. *fingers crossed

As for the romance? There isn’t one yet! But it’s definitely a great set up and I think if you’re Team Metal Rose, this book will make you happy but also frustrated coz you want to see the whole romance play out now! 🌹😭

That said, I’m happy with what I got and the promise of a future romance is giving me life right now. Hopefully, we get more books in this series.