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Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Published by NYLA on Innkeeper Chronicles #4
Genres: Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours and 53 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Source: Bought
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo
Goodreads
Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers - a special group who provide "lodging" to other-planetary visitors - so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.
Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud - completely abandoned by his family - has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.
Except...in helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word "no"; and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.
To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman - a human, with a very questionable past - who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.
Sweep of the Blade is book four in the Innkeeper Chronicles series by Ilona Andrews. We are treated to Vampire politics, a wedding, a double cross, and battles that are very bloody.
OMG I loved the audio. I actually had the book and eBook on release day, but I was waiting for the audio to come out. I LOVE the audios for the previous books and felt this book would be so much better to listen too. I wasn’t disappointed.
In Sweep of the Blade we focus on Maud and her daughter. If you haven’t read the series I suggest starting at the beginning or at least read/listen to One Fell Sweep before picking up Sweep of the Blade. That is where we meet Dina’s sister Maud.
When the book starts it starts with Maud’s exile on a lawless Vampire plant where all the criminals are sent and then moves onto present day.
Maud was married to a Vampire and had a daughter. It was perfect at first, but then things went wrong. She doesn’t want to open her heart up, nor does she want her daughter to get emotionally hurt, again. It’s a tough road to let someone in and hope they won’t hurt you like her previous husband and his family. Maud doesn’t give up easily. She ends up coming to terms with her past, who she is, and what she wants in life. It felt like a rebirth and self discover story.
I loved that we get to visit the Vampires, learning more about them, and traveling to one of their home worlds.
As for the romance; well I didn’t feel any romance between Maud and Arland. Like is their, but the romance was lacking for me. They are just so formal with each other; even in private. Their guard comes down some of the time, but not enough. Mainly we are focusing on Maud and her issues; instead of the romance.
Narration: We switch narrators from Renee Raudman to Natalie Naudus. This is my first time with this narrator. She was amazing and wonderful. Her voices are smooth and easy to listen too. The battles are vivid and Maud’s inner issues are brought out. I really enjoyed the audiobook and recommend listening.
Rated: 4 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
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About Ilona Andrews
“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 Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial. For complete list of their books, fun extras, and Innkeeper installments, please visit their website at Ilona-andrews.com.
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I like Arland, Helen is adorable, and yes Maud is fierce. I liked this one and the narration was great. Thank’s for visiting!
I LOVE these characters. I’ve always been a fan of Arland. Helen is precious! Maud is fierce and smart. Also, I love everything by Ilona Andrews. I’m glad you thought the narration was great.
I agree they fit. I just felt like something was missing in the romance. It is a fun story and I can’t wait for more in the Innkeeper Chronicles series.
This was so much fun! I totally enjoyed this story. You’re right about the romance, but I still felt like Maud and Arland totally fit together.
I really liked this one as well. I had read the ebook on release day but also had to listen. I was worried about a new narrator, but she was awesome. Unlike you, I did love the romance. Yes, they were guarded, but it was the tearing down of walls that got me. Great review… I can’t wait for more! Right?!
Thank you! I can’t wait for more either. The ending was a surprise. ^_^
i say yes to vampires! 🙂
It was interesting to learn more about the vampires in this world/series. Hope you enjoy!
Another fabulous review Angela!! Shared on my socials!!????
Thank you Kathy! I really love this series and this author team. They know how to write and each time I read or listen it’s always like the first time.