Audiobook review: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
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.
It’s been almost a year since I first read Sapphire Flames, and longer than that since I last listened to a Hidden Legacy audiobook. Overall, I immensely enjoyed the Sapphire Flames audiobook. The story holds up, and I found new tidbits and details that I missed the first time around. And because I had gotten to know Catalina and Alessandro through reading the book first, I felt a stronger connection to the pair and experiences this time around.
From my original review of Sapphire Flames:
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!
Narration: It’s been about 18 months since I last listened to a Hidden Legacy book narrated by Renée Raudman, and I didn’t recall what her voices/characters sound like, so I was able to approach Ms. Rankin’s performance with fresh ears. The story is shared from the first person POV of Catalina, and Ms. Rankin really does a great job capturing all that is Catalina. Her voice is youthful, not quite hardened, making it perfect for the twenty-one year old who is taking on the heavy weight of her House and the National Assembly. I love how the narrator changes the voice for when Catalina is using her magic – she makes it slightly robotic/sing-songy and a little creepy. Her voices for the older characters are strong and aged. She has a wide array of accents – sometimes they sound a little over the top, but each character is identifiable and unique. Males are lower, not overly masculine, but distinctive enough. I really enjoyed her work.
In the end, I continue to love the Hidden Legacy series and look forward to reading Catalina’s next full-length book, Emerald Blaze, later this month.
My Ratings
Story: A
Narration: B+
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.
Author: Ilona Andrews
Narrator: Emily Rankin
Series: Hidden Legacy #4
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Audiobook Release Date: August 27, 2019
Publisher: HarperAudio
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Source: Purchased
Audio Speed: 1.3x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
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
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #4)