[WPF] Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews - 4 stars

[Theresa]

Catalina, head of House Baylor and its PI firm, finds herself investigating the murder of one of the investors and board members of the House joint venture to clean up The Pit (an envronmental disaster area near downtown Houston - we first visited it in Burn for Me) only to discover that the murder and the work being done in The Pit are tied to her Deputy Warden of Texas job to protect the realm from unlawful use of magic and crimes against humanity. Someone has used the missing vials of the original magic serum to create animated constructs that can think and reason. Back to help her is the delicious and mysteries Alessandro. That relationship is so not over! What's also absolutely awesome is how Catalina herself is maturing as a woman, Head of House and in her incredibly powerful and unique form of magic.

Lots of interesting side plots to balance the big apocalyptic final scene, many revelations (Alessandro is less mysterious at the end), but also the opening of new avenues to be explored in future stories in this series. I have so enjoyed this world, the high action and even all the different magics and how they are incorporated into the story. Best of all: the people of House Baylor - whether aligned with, working for, or born to it -- expecially the very tiny new addition! Oh, and let me not forget the pets -- Zeus, Shadow, and added here - Cinder.

[annapi]

I'm so glad you're enjoying this - it's one of my favorite series!

[Theresa]

I am so in love with it! I am dying to discuss a few teasers....I find the author is just excellent at dropping subtle but not too hidden clues, often as part of conversations, that have you pretty sure about something that is either revealed at end of the current book or which will be revealed in the next. Behind spoilers:
(view spoiler)[I have long believed Linus has some blood relation to the Baylors - and now think he is 'Grandpa' in this Epilogue - that whole 'uncle' relationship and comments he made when made Catalena a Deputy Warden.
Xavier was my guess for the Prime male telekinetic - he has a score to settle - at heart he is a bully/coward as evidenced by his running away when he first engages with Catalina at The Pit. The minute Rogan says those spikes were unique to House Rogan, I knew. I did not guess that he had used the stolen serum though.
Evil Grandma - I keep thinking back to the Epilogue in White Hot I think where Victoria is meeting with an older man and they talk about not succeeding but they will eventually. I originally thought it was about the attempt to overthrow the government but now believe it is a longterm plan for House Baylor and their 3 granddaughters. (hide spoiler)]