Audiobook narrated by Suzanne Elise Freeman

BLOOD HEIR is Ilona Andrews’ latest offering of the Kate Daniels world, and what an offering it was! This book starts years after MAGIC TRIUMPHS ends, and a lot has happened in Julie’s life. So much so that she is unrecognizable, and she’s changed her name to match her new appearance. And thus is born Aurelia Ryder. I’ll admit - in some ways, this book felt like Kate 2.0. The alpha shapeshifter breaking into her house, the outcast sidekick with best friend potential, the orphan kids to take in... I’ve seen this before. But here’s the thing: in all ways, I didn't mind. Ilona Andrews does this so well, that I just want more. That’s not to say the story feels recycled, because it absolutely does not. This is a story that could stand on its own in a pinch, but you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you skipped out on the Kate Daniels series before reading this. The world here is rich. In fact, I would go so far as to say that like MAGIC BITES, the first Kate Daniels book, BLOOD HEIR has a lot of info-dumping. But I’m willing to hang on because these authors have proved to me that the payoff will be phenomenal. And because I know they’re doing their best to lure in new readers. I can respect that.

There were plenty of appearances here from characters we already know and love: Derek, Barabus, Ascanio, Conlan. And my personal favorite; a Curran sighting that made my heart skip a beat. Though you won’t see all of them in ways you’d expect, you’ll see them in ways that make it clear some time has passed. And you'll feel nostalgic for their stories. The trademark sassiness and humor abounds here, and the description of the creatures in this world was, as always, stellar. There seems to be more, magically, to everyone than meets the eye, and I can’t wait to find out more. And chemistry - yeah. It’s here. And boy, is it intense! INTENSE. Best of all, I feel another Kate Daniels reread coming on.

If my gushing of BLOOD HEIR hasn’t convinced you to read it, I don’t know what to say at this point. As a fan of Urban Fantasy, this book, in my opinion, should not be missed! As far as I'm concerned, Ilona Andrews solidify themselves as writer royalty in this genre.

Audiobook Narration: I must admit that I miss the previous narrator of this series, Renee Raudman. It’s not that Suzanne Elise Freeman doesn’t do a fabulous job; she does. It’s just that Renee Raudman and Ilona Andrews go hand in hand for me, and I feel like she understands Ilona Andrews characters in a way no one else can. Also, I noticed the pronunciation of some words is off, and as Julie was raised by Kate, I feel like there should be more consistency. I will listen to this narrator again, and I know I’ll enjoy the work she does. She had great intonation, and I enjoyed her voice. I just miss the narrator I’ve had as part of this world for 10+ books.