Wildfire by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #3)
Released: July 25, 2017
Urban Fantasy
Avon
Reviewed by May
I had been hugged by a giant, super intelligent, pacifist bear. I could do this. I could do anything. I just had to walk in and call for a family meeting.
Connor “Mad” Rogan and Nevada Baylor are back in the third and final installment of their series. Book two left us with huge questions and open issues – and I am happy to say that in this third installment we do find a fairly satisfying conclusion. This book, like the two that came before it, is filled with action, great interactions between Connor and Nevada, and a whole lot of intrigue.
What this book does not do, is add to the series in a way that couldn’t have been done simply by lengthening and enriching the second book. As a writing team, Ilona Andrews is unmatched in writing romance that is full of action, magic, and unique characters. So to find a lot of issues with this series is disappointing to say the least, especially considering the length of time between book 1 and 2, and how quickly both 2 and 3 were released.
For me the root of the problem is that all throughout there is this massively powerful secret group working. There is going to be a catastrophic overthrow of Houston. Oh no! Oh wait – there’s never a really big awesome payoff. Its way more speculation and theory, and a lot less showing results. In addition to this the choice is made to throw in a “problem” in the form of an ex (Connor’s) trying to win him back. Both of these choices seem to add more conflict for the sake of it verses adding to the overall story and neither paid off.
I was also not a fan of the ending, which was in ways satisfying. *BUT* I couldn’t tell if it was done as it is because the authors wanted to leave it open for possible future books, or because they couldn’t think of a better way to wrap it up.
While I have complaints now that the series is complete – I still love it. How is this possible? It’s an Ilona Andrews series, and even when off their A-game or not quite up to normal standards we are still talking better than most anything else out there. Connor and Nevada are still at the center here and remain two of my all-time favorite characters. We get to see Nevada’s family in action more than ever and you can’t help but root for them.
When I was able to get this third book I began at the first and read them straight through. There is a lot to love with the characters- they are so wonderfully written they come to life and you’d swear you are right there in the adventure with them. It’s action and romance packed, it never stops, and it is a lot of fun. So despite my overall complaints, and without adding anything to spoil the fun – it’s worth your time to read this series.
It is one I will re-read, and I will add it to the Edge series as one I hope to see future spin-offs or books in some form from. Nobody writes quite like the Ilona Andrews team – and I will continue to pick up and enjoy their books.
Grade: B
Previous Ilona Andrews reviews
I’m looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the review.
The series is not complete which is why it doesn’t feel like a final book or doesn’t tie up loose ends about the conspiracy. The authors have said in their blog that if Avon doesn’t offer them a contract for more books in the series, they will definitely self publish one or two more books (to finish the Caesar subplot and see Nevada deal with the new House Baylor).
That’s good to know- last I had read this was a trilogy so I’m glad to hear more may be coming although when or how much who knows. Thanks for sharing the info that more could be on the way!
Yes, from what I read, they originally envisioned this as a trilogy and that’s why it was a three book contract. But when they started writing wildfire, they realized that it was impossible to fully tie up the whole conspiracy threads satisfactorily in 400 pages (too many plot threads) and decided to purposely not finish that subplot here so they would have more room in the next book to give it a more fleshed out ending. When I read this series, I figure that each book has its own self contained plot (like Adam Pierce or avenging Cornelius’ wife or finding Rynda’s husband) and each book slowly furthers the series’ main conflict/arc (Caesar and the conspiracy).
I think I didn’t see that as an issue because it felt like one giant fantasy book that just happened to have been published in installments. So you know how often long books are broken up with headers or Parts? For me this was one big book, comprised of Part 1) Nevada in Hiding 2) Nevada Emerging, and 3) Nevada takes the throne. So that story arc is finished but it was left open for more arcs and spin-offs. But while the Caesar thing was a big part, that didn’t strike me as the ultimate plot of the book, if you see what I mean.
As it is 3 separate novels this did bother me- but I totally see how it didn’t bother others at all. I bring it up in my review since I know for some it would be a deal breaker.
I read in their AMA on Reddit that Caesar wasn’t going to be revealed, so I was prepared for that. The reason they didn’t finish that story arc is that they felt they couldn’t do it justice in the page count they had to work with. At this point, I trust them to finish it off with further books, either with Avon, or self-pubbed. I’m actually glad that the story is still open, because I love this world so much, and this way, I know I’ll get at least a few more books set in it. I absolutely adored every installment.
Possible spoiler:
They might not have revealed Ceasars true identity, but they left a pretty big clue in the epilogue, I think. Unless it’s a red herring :)
May, you get me girl!!! Your review was spot on with my feelings. I expected this book to wrap up all the threads. I didn’t realize it was going to be left open ended. Am I mad? Heck no because I want more. But I wish I had realized that going in.
I freakin love this family though. I will happily read any and all stories about them. I especially need more Arabella and Catalina. Like STAT. And Leon too of course.
My fave part? The Common Core stuff during the trials. I laughed so hard I scared my husband
The book is awesome.There are so much things which just add up to the pleasure of reading.Teddy,the banter,the blue tiger and these are the funny bits.
Recently there are only two or three authors that I would auto buy .So this book was celebration for me.