Review: Sapphire Flames

Author Ilona Andrews 

Format e-ARC 

Print Length 352 

Publisher Avon 

Published August 27, 2019 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

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. 

My Opinion 

I received a free copy of Sapphire Flames from Avon through Net Galley. This in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased. 

If I were you, and I had this one on pre-order- I would take tomorrow off from work. It is that good! A whole day spent with Catalina and Alessandro is well worth it. This is the fourth book in the Hidden Legacy fantasy series, although some are calling it a spin-off since Nevada is not the main character. There was a novella, Diamond Fire, that helped to bridge the way of switching the focus from Nevada. It is now Catalina’s turn and girl does she do it right. Gone is the meek teenager and in its place is a young lady who is well aware of her power. 

It has been three years since she has been under the tutelage Mrs. Rogan. Her mannerisms are sharper, with more intent. She is more calculated in all that she does as she should be. Now the head of House Baylor, she also runs the family business. The House of Baylor’s grace period is about to be up and the stakes are high. Will the established Houses leave them alone or come guns a blazing? 

Catalina’s growth from the beginning of the series as a secondary character to know has been entertaining to say the least. The innocent, naive teenager is no more. She goes head to head with more than one person of power. Handling them like a pro. She has always been careful but girl can make the tough decisions when she has to. One of those decisions was heartbreaking, and I wonder how it will manifest when the time comes. She has always protected the world from her magic, being a Siren cannot be easy. I just wonder who is going to protect her when the time comes. 

We kinda meet Alessandro when Catalina was tested as a Prime. I hope you didn’t blink because he was in and out so fast that you may have missed him. He was portrayed as a bit of playboy yet I am guessing that he is hiding a lot. I think he is going to get along great with Leon for obvious reasons. He has hidden talents, and a revenge arch that needs to be watched closely. Instead of a playboy I feel like we got a new James Bond. Mostly, his feelings as he keeps showing up to protect Catallina- even though they aren’t dating. Although their banter almost seems like they are a married couple. 

All the secondary characters are there what we know and love. Speaking of love what is up with Momma Baylor and a certain military man? Augustine is hanging around.  Arabella is as feisty as ever and Leon gots jokes for days. You will laugh with them and be astonished with them. It is almost like their family is our family. Linus is so secreative that it is a wonder that he even let's Alessandro near any of the the Baylor.  Evil granny makes an appearance.

Which I guess is why I felt so at home with this world, the new focus made the series exciting again. The different threads that were spun trapped me in my favorite reading chair until I was done. I am currently biting at the bit to see what happens next. What caused Alessandro to do what he did in the end? Does someone else come after House of Baylor? More importantly though, what is Linus up too?  I am a little worried about Bern staying in the Hut of Evil for so long but hey I get it, everyone wants to escape reality every once and a while.

This one is high stakes action from the start. That coupled with the tension between Alessandro and Catalina and you got the makings of a great story. This couple is so vastly different from Nevada and Rogan that I couldn't help but be amazed that I liked them just as much as I did the previous couple. I cannot get enough of this series and I am so looking forward to the next book. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote Failure is the best teacher, and fear is the best motivator. 

Other People 

Grandma Frida- Catalina’s granny 

Arabella- Catalina’s sister 

Linus Duncan- House of Baylor sponsor 

Bug- wizard at technology, works for Rogan 

Runa- Catalina’s friend