In Ruby Fever (Hidden Legacy #6) by Ilona Andrews, Catalina Baylor, Prime of House Baylor, is 
finally (sort of) on an even keel and just starting to become accustomed to leading her family when all hell breaks loose. From the queen of spiders residing somewhere in their new home to an enemy ramping up attacks again to an annoying prince playing in her personal life, Catalina is in over her head. Again. Thankfully she has not only her own magic powers to draw on, but that of her family and her boyfriend Alessandro Sagredo as well. And she knows they pose a formidable threat to those out to do them harm.
‘Somewhere along the line in the last three or four years, House Baylor had become a combat House. If Arkan thought his blitz would break us, he was in for a lot of disappointment.’
There is no doubt that the war against the Baylors is heating up as they put out one fire after another. The final straw is when Catalina’s boss, Linus, is attacked. No one harms her mentor/friend and comes out of it alive. But as she and the rest of her family and friends get their defensive and offensive plans in motion, a revelation changes their view of two people tied to their lives. One might prove to be an even closer ally than first thought. The other, well, he might just choose to go along with Arkan’s plans to kill them all. Catalina thankfully has a few tricks up her sleeve as her powers continue to evolve and she sets out to protect those she loves.
His eyes were like molten amber. “Every time I wake up next to you, I feel like the luckiest man ever born. I can’t believe you chose me. You have all of me forever… In this whole world, there is no one like you.”
A high octane novel filled with twists, turns, battles, and shocking secrets revealed, Ruby Fever was the end of this particular trilogy–but with a bit of an opening left for Ilona Andrews to possibly (hopefully!) revisit the Baylors in the future.
‘A geyser of pure magic burst through me, surging through my veins, purging pain, uncertainty, and fear. Only power remained, streaming through me like the current of a great river.’
Wow. Epic doesn’t even come close to describing Ruby Fever. Catalina, Alessandro, and the rest of the Baylor clan had so much getting thrown at them–literally *and* figuratively–in this installment that the pages just flew past. While I’m sad that this is the end of Catalina’s trilogy, things were left in a way that makes me hope readers will get Arabella’s story at some point. And I certainly hope that happens because I hate to have to leave this phenomenal world behind.
The brutal war against Arkan continued in this sixth installment, with new allies and new enemies being brought in, little by little. Author duo Ilona Andrews did a fantastic job with the battle scenes, as you would expect. Thrilling, imaginative, harrowing and unexpected, it showed the impressive powers House Baylor consisted of as well as that of their friends. Through it all, I was enthralled with how Catalina and Alessandro’s personal relationship was woven into the storyline and how their bond only grew every time they overcame a great obstacle. The same could be said for the Baylor family itself. This story showed just how in tune they all were with each other. And it didn’t hurt that Ilona Andrews gave us glimpses of the humor and love that’s held the clan together for so many years.
Reminder: It’s best to read this series in order as each book builds on the storyline and the relationships and betrayals between the large cast of characters is very intricate.
QOTD: Do you have a favorite Ilona Andrews book or series? If you’ve never read them before, are there any other Urban Fantasy authors you can recommend?
Book Info:
Publication: August 23rd 2022 | Avon Books | Hidden Legacy #6
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.
An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss… And it’s only Monday.
Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.
