Sapphire Flames
Author: Ilona Andrews
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
Jumping forward three years from the conclusion of the previous books, Sapphire Flames opens with Catalina turning twenty-one and House Baylor less than a week away from the end of their grace period as a new house. Sapphire Flames is the first full-length title in the Hidden Legacy series that is shared from middle-sister Catalina’s point-of-view. As newly appointed head of House Baylor, Catalina steps out from Nevada and Rogan’s shadows, putting her own stamp on Baylor Investigations and House politics.
While there are similarities between Catalina and Nevada (and therefore their individual storylines), the authors do a good job putting distance between the pair and allowing Catalina to come into her own. Catalina is not Nevada, even though her moral compass is equally strong. Catalina’s love interest, Alessandro, is like Rogan, but motivated by very different things. Additionally, the story arc developing in Sapphire Flames is different from the first trilogy; however, there is mention of the original, which was key for me since there are unanswered questions lingering from Wildfire.
The bulk of the book is spent with Catalina and Baylor Investigations helping Runa Etterson (the Prime Venenata who removed all the poison from Nevada and Rogan’s wedding cake in Diamond Fire) discover who murdered her mother. This leads Catalina into the dark underbelly of House politics, placing her life in danger a number of times. We are reintroduced to Catalina’s crush, Alessandro, who is so much more than the playboy socialite he allows the world to see. The slow-burn romance between the pair is important to the overall story and character development, but doesn’t overshadow the primary storyline. They are destined for one another; it’s just a matter of time, and with the obstacles in their way, it will be interesting to see how they work it all out.
Sapphire Flames is a strong story, creative, and intelligent. The action is fast-paced. The amount of details poured into the story are fabulous, from the creation of and continued character development, to the comprehensive action scenes. Nothing is shared without a reason; everything always comes up important in the end. Hold on for another wonderful ride!
My Rating: A, Loved It
Jen
About the Book:
In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Publisher: Avon
Series: Hidden Legacy #4
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Format(s): paperback (400 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #1) – Audiobook Review
White Hot by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #2) – Audiobook Review
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #3) – Audiobook Review
Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #3.5) – Audiobook Review