One Fell Sweep
Author: Ilona Andrews
Reviewers: Jen & Una
Rating: A-
What We’re Talking About:
Opening three days after the conclusion of the previous book and just days before Christmas, an unauthorized Ku alien makes a ruckus in Dina’s neighborhood, bringing word to Dina that her sister is in grave trouble and needs help. And that’s just the start of Dina’s troubles. Soon she finds herself in the middle of a holy war, with her guests the primary target.
One Fell Sweep is another exciting tale set in the wholly original world of the Innkeepers. The unique mythology, complex plotlines, and captivating characters draw us further into this world with each subsequent read and listen to these books. And by the conclusion of One Fell Sweep we were ready to jump into the next story immediately – do we really have to wait another year?
So much happens in this title, we won’t even begin to try and summarize the various plot and subplots. However, there is tremendous growth and forward movement for the characters by the end of One Fell Sweep. First, Dina is reunited with part of her family: sister Maud and niece Helen. Last Dina knew, her sister was happily married to a ranking officer from one of the Vampire families. However we quickly learn her husband is dead, and the pair returns to Earth with Dina. Having Maud and Helen reenter Dina’s life was one of the best parts about the story. Dina has been alone for too long, and allowing her to let her guard down and connect with those she trusts and understand what her life entails was rewarding. Additionally, Maud provides comic relief as only a sibling can.
Maud is also an excellent tool for putting an end to Lord Arland’s silly obsession with Dina, squelching any potential love triangle storylines (amen!). Though Una thinks that there wasn’t much of a triangle (but that could have been her optimism at work). Witnessing Arland’s fall as he gets to know Maud is perfect. She is everything he has been looking for in a woman, and it confuses and excites him. His interactions with Maud and Helen are fabulous.
We are also happy to report that Sean is solidly in the picture the entire story this time around. We both appreciate and admire how the authors have grown his character from the first book through the conclusion of One Fell Sweep. Sean had to explore the universe and test himself before he could figure out what he wants in life. We are thankful he did; it makes the romance between Sean and Dina all the more fulfilling. Additionally, we appreciate how the pair must come to terms with the strong will of the other.
Finally, main character, Dina, continues to amaze us. She has such a strong Innkeeper sense for right and wrong. The lengths to which she extends herself in order to protect her guests, her Inn, and her family makes her a true hero. We love that she’s not your typical kickass heroine. She’s quick and smart, and can beat the snot out of her enemies, but she isn’t a fighter. Rather she’s a nurturer, and a solid one at that.
The self-contained plots of One Fell Sweep were well written and brought forth a number of emotions. Additionally, there are a couple HUGE storylines that were left wide open, ready to be picked up next time. And there were other bits and pieces that we absolutely loved over the course of the book, but unless you want a 10-page review, we’ll stop with what we’ve mentioned thus far.
In the end, we thoroughly enjoyed reading One Fell Sweep. The writing team of Ilona Andrews is simply a creative genius, able to weave fantastic tales that not only seem plausible but make us wish we could be part of the world. As the third book in the series with significant ties to the preceding plotlines, we encourage newcomers to start with the first book, Clean Sweep.
Our Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
About the Book:
Gertrude Hunt, the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, is glad to have you. We cater to particular kind of guests, the ones most people don’t know about. The older lady sipping her Mello Yello is called Caldenia, although she prefers Your Grace. She has a sizable bounty on her head, so if you hear kinetic or laser fire, try not to stand close to the target. Our chef is a Quillonian. The claws are a little unsettling, but he is a consummate professional and truly is the best chef in the Galaxy. If you see a dark shadow in the orchard late at night, don’t worry. Someone is patrolling the grounds. Do beware of our dog.
Your safety and comfort is our first priority. The inn and your host, Dina Demille, will defend you at all costs. We ask only that you mind other guests and conduct yourself in a polite manner.
Release Date: December 20, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #3
Genre: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (Innkeeper Chronicles #1)
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews (Innkeeper Chronicles #2)