Audiobook Review: Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) by Ilona Andrews (Narrator: Natalie Naudus)

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Sweep of the Blade Book Cover Sweep of the Blade
Innkeeper Chronicles #4
Ilona Andrews (Narrator: Natalie Naudus)
Urban Fantasy - Science Fiction - Romance
NYLA
September 18th 2019
Audiobook
8 hours and 53 minutes
Bought

 

Listening Length: 8 hours and 53 minutes

Maud Demille was a daughter of Innkeepers. She knew that a simple life wasn't in the cards, but she never anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her daughter, Helen, had been exiled for the sins of her husband to the desolate planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud had spent a year and a half avenging his debts. But now all the debts are paid. Rescued by her sister Dina, Maud had swore off all things vampire. Except she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined.

Try as she might, she can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is a powerful vampire House, and Maud knows that a woman who turned down the proposal from its most beloved son wouldn't get a warm reception. But Maud Demille never shied from a fight and House Krahr may soon discover that there is more to this human woman than they ever thought possible.

Published as an online free serial before the book is compiled and self-published shortly after completion.

 

Sweep of the Blade is book four in the Innkeeper Chronicles series by Ilona Andrews. We are treated to Vampire politics, a wedding, a double cross, and battles that are very bloody.

OMG I loved the audio. I actually had the book and eBook on release day, but I was waiting for the audio to come out. I LOVE the audios for the previous books and felt this book would be so much better to listen too. I wasn’t disappointed.

In Sweep of the Blade we focus on Maud and her daughter. If you haven’t read the series I suggest starting at the beginning or at least read/listen to One Fell Sweep before picking up Sweep of the Blade. That is where we meet Dina’s sister Maud.

When the book starts it starts with Maud’s exile on a lawless Vampire plant where all the criminals are sent and then moves onto present day.

Maud was married to a Vampire and had a daughter. It was perfect at first, but then things went wrong. She doesn’t want to open her heart up, nor does she want her daughter to get emotionally hurt, again. It’s a tough road to let someone in and hope they won’t hurt you like her previous husband and his family. Maud doesn’t give up easily. She ends up coming to terms with her past, who she is, and what she wants in life. It felt like a rebirth and self discover story.

I loved that we get to visit the Vampires, learning more about them, and traveling to one of their home worlds.

As for the romance; well I didn’t feel any romance between Maud and Arland. Like is their, but the romance was lacking for me. They are just so formal with each other; even in private. Their guard comes down some of the time, but not enough. Mainly we are focusing on Maud and her issues; instead of the romance.

Narration: We switch narrators from Renee Raudman to Natalie Naudus. This is my first time with this narrator. She was amazing and wonderful. Her voices are smooth and easy to listen too. The battles are vivid and Maud’s inner issues are brought out. I really enjoyed the audiobook and recommend listening.

Rated: 4 Stars

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I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.

10 comments on “Audiobook Review: Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) by Ilona Andrews (Narrator: Natalie Naudus)

  1. I LOVE these characters. I’ve always been a fan of Arland. Helen is precious! Maud is fierce and smart. Also, I love everything by Ilona Andrews. I’m glad you thought the narration was great.
    Anne – Books of My Heart recently posted…Valley of the Shadow by Elizabeth HunterMy Profile

    • I like Arland, Helen is adorable, and yes Maud is fierce. I liked this one and the narration was great. Thank’s for visiting!

  2. This was so much fun! I totally enjoyed this story. You’re right about the romance, but I still felt like Maud and Arland totally fit together.
    Tanya @Rantings of a Reading Addict recently posted…Review ~ A Tale of Two Dragons by G.A. AikenMy Profile

    • I agree they fit. I just felt like something was missing in the romance. It is a fun story and I can’t wait for more in the Innkeeper Chronicles series.

  3. I really liked this one as well. I had read the ebook on release day but also had to listen. I was worried about a new narrator, but she was awesome. Unlike you, I did love the romance. Yes, they were guarded, but it was the tearing down of walls that got me. Great review… I can’t wait for more! Right?!
    Jen T recently posted…Listen Up! #Audiobook Review: The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa ColeMy Profile

    • Thank you! I can’t wait for more either. The ending was a surprise. ^_^

  4. i say yes to vampires! 🙂
    sherry fundin recently posted…The Enforcer by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks #DragonsMy Profile

    • It was interesting to learn more about the vampires in this world/series. Hope you enjoy!

  5. Another fabulous review Angela!! Shared on my socials!!????

    • Thank you Kathy! I really love this series and this author team. They know how to write and each time I read or listen it’s always like the first time.