Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: August 27th, 2019
ARC from Edelweiss & Netgalley
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.
| Book Review |
Sapphire Flames is the fourth book in Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series. If you really wanted to, you could get by without reading the first three books, but you’d be doing yourself a great disservice; they were phenomenal reads. The series takes a turn here, as we transition from one Baylor sister to another. Nevada is no longer the focus of this series (nor is she even in this book very much,) and in my opinion, Catalina just doesn’t stack up to her sister. I’m a firm believer that an author sets the bar for themselves, but that doesn’t make this review any easier to write. I was left incredibly underwhelmed with this book. There was no point where I felt so gripped that I couldn’t put the book down, and I couldn’t even point to a favorite scene if you asked me to. There was nothing striking about the story. I thought the action scenes were lackluster, and very little was given away about Alessandro. And it wasn’t in a way that left me thirsting for more; it was more in a way that it was hard for me to care about him because I didn’t feel like his character offered anything to me as the reader. Which brings me to my next point, and my biggest issue. Where was the romance here? There is no build up, no tension. From the get-go, Alessandro and Catalina are just smitten with each other. But I feel like it took place before the book even began, so I wouldn’t even call it instalove. I honestly don’t know what I’d call it. I don’t feel like Ilona Andrews’ books have ever been just about the romance, but damn do they usually knock it out of the part with it anyway. As for Catalina…she was so lost in her head most of the time, and it got old for me quick.
The thing that I did love about this story was the Baylors. They really are the backbone of this series, and I always want to know more about them. Also, there may have been a bit of a flirtation for Bern in this one, and I really want more of that! And there was a new furry addition to the Baylor’s in this one, and I loved that, too.
Look – I know I sound like a frustrated reader, and yeah. I am. But now that I know what to expect and that Catalina and Alessandro are already in love, I’m hoping the next read will be better for me. I won’t give up on this series, and even with my issues, I’m still giving Sapphire Flames three stars. The Baylors deserve at least that.
| Rating |
Series: Hidden Legacy
Worst nightmare in a fav series is to get a let down like this. Sometimes no matter how popular a book or a series there is just that one book/character that a reader can’t connect with. Crossing my fingers that the next one will be better with you knowing what to expect. I’m hoping to read it soon. 🙂
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Thank you, Sophia. As far as I’m concerned, this is just a blip in the road for the series. I’m still excited for the next one!
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I tried to read the first book in this series and just couldn’t get into it. I’m sorry this one wasn’t as good as you were hoping.
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Oh, really? I loved the first one in the series. It was my first read from the pair, and it put me on a Kate Daniels binge. LOL
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Well, I think it’s because I tried listening to it and the narrators didn’t work for me.
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I get that. I tried listening to the Kate Daniels series a few times before I was finally able to. (Same narrator.) Now I love the narrator and can’t imagine anyone else narrating. But yes – a narrator you don’t enjoy is a huge turn off.
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I loved this and the romance, even if it didn’t take center stage and wow you. I hope the next book does it for you!
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I am, for certain, in the minority with my review. But I’ll still be looking forward to the next one.
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Sounds like the romance kinda missed the boat in this one, sadly. Glad you’re still able to enjoy and continue on with the series though.
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Thanks, Greg! I will still be anxiously awaiting the next installment!
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I’m sorry it wasn’t as much for you regarding this one. It hope the sequel will be better for you
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Thanks, Melliane! 🙂
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Sorry to hear this book was a little disappointing compared to the others in the series. Andrews is an author I’ve been wanting to try so I’m hoping I’ll have good luck with this series.
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The first three books are some of my favorite Urban Fantasies. You’re in for some good reads! 🙂
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I am sorry that this one didn’t work for you as well as you had hoped. I did like Catalina but I can understand how different my feelings would be if that hadn’t been the case.
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I’m hoping that now that the scene has been set, I’ll enjoy the next one more!
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I’m sorry to hear that this one didn’t live up to your expectations from the first books. I hope that the next book gets better for you! I’m hoping to read this one soon as I have a copy for review. I’ll need to check out the first books as well!
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Thank you, Crystal. I am still excited for the next book!
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I do like Nevada’s books more, but I did enjoy Catalina, so I liked this one more than you did. I do hope we get more romance in the next book seeing how things in this one. I thought there might be a hint of a romance coming for Bern, too! I hope so. And yes, the Baylors are so much fun! Grandma Frieda always makes me laugh! 🙂
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She is a real hoot! LOL Yes…I feel like I really missed out by not loving this one.
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