Reads like the first draft of a teenager’s poorly written crime/fantasy novel…don’t recommend wasting your time on this one.

I have never left a review for any book I’ve read (maybe a thousand books). This is by far the BEST SERIES I have ever read. I have read the entire series through 5 times. I can’t wait for the last book in the series to come out. Illona Andrew’s is unreal. 20/10

The world of magic users is so perfectly described and the tale of Nevada Baylor pulls you in at once. It’s exciting, well read, beautifully plotted and the most intriguing story I’ve read in a long time!

Great story and characters non stop action leaves you panting for more.

My friend recommended this book when I asked if she had read any stories with strong female protagonists. I was tired of reading romance novels where men are overly aggressive, disregard consent, and treat women terribly then get away with it because they have a “secret” soft side, are dripping with “irresistible” masculinity, and/or are rich causing supposedly strong women to suddenly turn a blind eye to terrible behavior. I was disappointed to find that this book is no different. Mad Rogan constantly disregards Nevada’s wishes, pressures her into sexual situations despite her adamantly saying that she does not want their relationship to go that way, and belittles her opinions, capabilities, and choices. Meanwhile, Nevada, who is supposedly capable, confident, and intelligent allows Rogan to walk all over her, making excuses for him and succumbing to his “overpowering sexiness” despite the fact that he does not treat her like a human once throughout the whole story. Really not my cup of tea.

We have a society where magic has a place and their own houses/system and then you have normal people. Meet Nevada Baylor who is a private investigator. Now you have a possible client and with a mystery whom she can help or walk away. Add in Connor Rogan mix well and let the fun begin. You have lots of action, twists/ subplots, humor and the beginnings of a possible romance. Meet Bern, Cantina, Arbella, Leon, mom and grandma Frida, Montgomery and a few more and you will find the book hard to put down! I highly recommend this book!

3.5 rating. I have mixed feelings about this book. I divided Nevada into three parts. Investigator, family, woman. I loved the investigator and family aspect of her. Very smart and loving. The woman, not so much. She was quite judgmental. Especially of Primes. Seemed a bit prejudice where they were concerned, without cause. It did not appear that anything had directly happened to her or her family to justify this attitude. She always focused on her short comings, and from what I could gather from the story, were all in her own mind. She was educated and came from a loving family. She did not have any bad relationships in her past. Just a boring love interest of her choosing. Her father died and she felt obligated to take care of her family. Both fine qualities. In walks Connor Rogan. She judged him so harshly. I did not understand it. I assumed it was because she was so attracted to him and this bothered her. He was a killer, but he was a solder. Came with the territory. Yes he kidnaped her, but it was because he thought she was working with Adam. He was trying to help his cousin find and protect her son. Being a Prime required him to put the House first. Although, I suspect he would take care of the House, but in the end, would not sacrifice his heart for it. Nevada spewed all that negativity about him to pull her back from her own lust. She didn't want to see the man that he was because she assumed she could not have him. So she constantly tried to tear him down. Luckily Connor was a strong, confident man who had no qualms about going toe to toe with Ms. Negative. As far as the writing style, too much world building for me. Nevada was constantly describing every minute thing. Drove me crazy. I did like the story and loved Adam. I actually wanted more of him in the story. Found him fascinating. The ending was disappointing. However, it turns out that Nevada really knew nothing about Mad Rogan. Seems even if he had spent time with the his family it would not have matter. His cousin hated him because of his magic and sacrificed her own son to revenge something that was not Rogan's fault. He was born with his powers. So basically this story is about jealousy and hate. Good story, however, I will not follow series. Too, too descriptive for me. I found myself rushing towards the end at times.

As soon as the next books were available in the bookstore I pre-ordered. Ilona Andrews' books are phenomenal, and this book is no different! Also check out their other books, you won't regret it.

The dynamic duo that is Ilona Andrews has really done it again. I love this new alternative reality they have created. The characters are interesting (and magical) and the story grabs you from the get go and holds you to the end. I can't wait for the next installments in this series to be released...already pre-ordered!

If Jane Austen wrote paranormal romance, her pen name would have been Andrews. You'll connect with the characters, enjoy the world they live in, and want to read the story again. Prepare to fall in love.