REVIEW: Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews

In Fated Blades (Kinsmen #3) by Ilona Andrews, Matias Baena and Ramona Adler come from kinsmen families who have been enemies for generations. They might have kept the peace between them for a while now, but when both of them–now the heads of their families’ businesses–are betrayed in a shocking way, Ramona and Matias band together. Instead of going to war against each other, they focus on those who have wronged them. And those who are trying to steal incredibly important research both the Adler and Baena families have been conducting. But nothing is easy on their home planet of Rada. As their odds of winning decreases, the attraction between Matias and Ramona increases. Although getting their loved ones to understand their bond just might be even more difficult a fight than facing down the horde of warriors out to get them.

“An alliance?” He raised his eyebrows, pretending to be surprised.
“A temporary one. Not between our families or our companies. Only you and me.”

Futuristic sci-fi goodness that kept my heart pumping from the action sequences as well as from the romance, Fated Blades was filled with betrayal, loyalties lost, complex family history, and newly paved pathways forward between two strong leaders.

‘It was simple now. Live or die. Succeed and win everything, or fail and lose it all. Either way, it would be decided tonight.’

No matter what author duo Ilona Andrews writes, the level of detail, the intricate storylines, and the multidimensional characters always wows me. I jumped in here at book three in the Kinsmen series–which is a longish novella–and while there was a tiny bit of adjustment to get used to the world they created, this was a thrilling adventure with enough emotions to give it nice depth.

I’ll leave you to find out what happened to Ramona and Matias in their personal lives to set them on a completely different journey than they expected. It was very much unexpected. And it fueled their already driven personalities to not only find revenge but to also make sure their–and their families– futures were secured. Along the way, of course Matias and Ramona found passion together they never thought would happen with their supposed enemy. The ending wrapped up quite quickly. But I think given that they basically waged savage war against their foes–and came out the victors–Ramona and Matias deserved all the good they could find in their lives.

QOTD: Have you read any science fiction novels where romance played an important part in the storyline such as in Fated Blades?

Book Info:

Publication: November 23rd 2021 | Montlake | Kinsmen #3

An uneasy alliance between warring families gets heated in this otherworldly novella from bestselling author Ilona Andrews.

At first glance, the planet Rada seems like a lush paradise. But the ruling families, all boasting genetically enhanced abilities, are in constant competition for power―and none more so than the Adlers and the Baenas. For generations, the powerful families have pushed and pulled each other in a dance for dominance.

Until a catastrophic betrayal from within changes everything.

Now, deadly, disciplined, and solitary leaders Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must put aside their enmity and work together in secret to prevent sinister forces from exploiting universe-altering technology. Expecting to suffer through their uneasy alliance, Ramona and Matias instead discover that they understand each other as no one in their families can―and that their combined skills may eclipse the risks of their forbidden alliance.

As the two warriors risk their lives to save their families, they must decide whether to resist or embrace the passion simmering between them. For now, the dance between their families continues―but just one misstep could spell the end of them both.