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Kinsmen #1
Silent Blade
The World of Kinsmen
Family is everything. Talent is power. And revenge is sweet.
In a distant, future world Kinsmen—small powerful groups of genetically and technologically advanced families—control vast financial empires. They are their own country, their own rulers, and their only limits are other Kinsmen. The struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport: in business, on the battlefield...and sometimes in the bedroom.
Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder.
On the planet Rada, Meli Galdes’ family is of minor rank, and were relying on her marriage to Celino, the razor-smart, ruthless leader of the powerful Carvanna empire. When he abruptly breaks their engagement, he ruins her family and guarantees that Meli will never marry, as no suitor will oppose the rich and influential Carvannas.
But Meli has a rare, secret, lethal—and valuable—talent. As a melder of energy, she’s capable of severing anything in her path. So she ‘leaves’ her family and trains to become one of the best and most lethal of assassins, all the while covertly guarding her family’s interests. Now she’s ready to quit; but she has one more assignment.
To kill the man who ruined her life.
Family is everything. Talent is power. And revenge is sweet.
In a distant, future world Kinsmen—small powerful groups of genetically and technologically advanced families—control vast financial empires. They are their own country, their own rulers, and their only limits are other Kinsmen. The struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport: in business, on the battlefield...and sometimes in the bedroom.
Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder.
On the planet Rada, Meli Galdes’ family is of minor rank, and were relying on her marriage to Celino, the razor-smart, ruthless leader of the powerful Carvanna empire. When he abruptly breaks their engagement, he ruins her family and guarantees that Meli will never marry, as no suitor will oppose the rich and influential Carvannas.
But Meli has a rare, secret, lethal—and valuable—talent. As a melder of energy, she’s capable of severing anything in her path. So she ‘leaves’ her family and trains to become one of the best and most lethal of assassins, all the while covertly guarding her family’s interests. Now she’s ready to quit; but she has one more assignment.
To kill the man who ruined her life.
66 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2009
About the author
Ilona Andrews
151 books32.1k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,110 reviews
October 23, 2021
➽
And the moral of this rereread is
: Houses Kinsmen! Supernatural powers Enhanced humans! Excises Dark horses! This series really is Hidden Legacy, Sci-Fi Edition. Yay and stuff, I say!
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 2: Silver Shark ★★★★
· Book 3: A Mere Formality ★★★★★
· Book 4: Fated Blades - to be released Nov. 23, 2021
[November 2017]
● We're the IAA™ and We Need to Buddy Read IA Stuff While We're Waiting to Buddy Read More IA Stuff Buddy Read (WtIAAaWNtBRIASWWWtBRMIASBR™) ●
➽ And the moral of this reread is : some people will have you believe that this little story here is *shudders preemptively* Bloody Shrimping Romance (BSR™). Worse, some people I shall not name because I'm not like that and stuff *waves very discretely at Maria* will have you think this is a Damn it All to Fish Second Bloody Shrimping Chance Romance (DiAtFSBSCR™).
Seriously, my Little Barnacles, do you really think the Most Glorious Authorlords (MGA™) would debase their awesome little selves in such a vile way? And if they did—they obviously didn't, but let's pretend that maybe they might have. Perhaps—do you honestly think I'd willingly humiliate my nefarious little self by reading such repulsively romantic stuff?
Exactly. By the way, you're slightly hot, Headband Man. I think you almost qualify as Yummilicious Harem Material (YHM™). Almost.
So, let's recap here: the Andrews didn't write this story, I didn'tlurve read it and I certainly didn't rate it 4 bloody shrimping stars.
QED and stuff.
[Original review]
Buddy read with theeye candy IA addicts starting Feb 7, 2015.
It's official. I hereby declare that I have sold my soul to the Andrews.
♥ What I usually love in a book:
☛ Butt-kicking heroine & aggravating alpha male: hell yes.
☛ Badass action and gruesome fights: cut cut cut. Slice slice slice. Me likey.
☛ Bom chicka wah wah times: oh yummy.
💀 What I usually hate in a book:
☛ Romance: excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little bit.
☛ Cuteness: yuck.
☛ HEA: please kill me somebody.
★ What Silent Blade features:
☛ Butt-kicking heroine & aggravating alpha male: so far so good. Well the hunky ass in residence is a bit on the stalker side but he does DNF books. I'm in love.
☛ Bom chicka wah wah times: oh goody. Keep it up you guys!
☛ Romance: ouch.
☛ Cuteness: man that really hurt.
☛ HEA: you have got to be kidding me.
Now let's do the IA counting thing again shall we? See the little stars up there? Now count with me: one, two, three, four. Wait, that can't be right. Let's check again: ★★★★ Yep. That's right. My name is Sarah and I just gave 4 stars to a cute, romantic novella.
Before you ask, let me tell you that this is really me writing this review. No, I haven't yet been possessed by a malevolent spirit. Yes, I'm still a cold-hearted cynic. What is it then? Acute case of Andrewsitis. Whatever these two write, I'm doomed. I even like their cute YA short stories. Me + like + cute + YA = {insert face of dismay here}. For all I know, if Ilona & Gordon started writing cereal box blurb I'd rave about it from dusk till dawn.
Of course I would have liked more sci-fi and less romance here. More action and less cuteness. More revenge and less HEA. But you know what, this is all besides the point. Because this was fun, entertaining and because I LOVED IT.
So there. This day will be forever marked as the moment in history where I enjoyed a cute, romantic story. Now I expect to burn in hell. Or at least to disappear in a blast of spontaneous combustion. Poof!
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 2: Silver Shark ★★★★
· Book 3: A Mere Formality ★★★★★
· Book 4: Fated Blades - to be released Nov. 23, 2021
[November 2017]
● We're the IAA™ and We Need to Buddy Read IA Stuff While We're Waiting to Buddy Read More IA Stuff Buddy Read (WtIAAaWNtBRIASWWWtBRMIASBR™) ●
➽ And the moral of this reread is : some people will have you believe that this little story here is *shudders preemptively* Bloody Shrimping Romance (BSR™). Worse, some people I shall not name because I'm not like that and stuff *waves very discretely at Maria* will have you think this is a Damn it All to Fish Second Bloody Shrimping Chance Romance (DiAtFSBSCR™).
Seriously, my Little Barnacles, do you really think the Most Glorious Authorlords (MGA™) would debase their awesome little selves in such a vile way? And if they did—they obviously didn't, but let's pretend that maybe they might have. Perhaps—do you honestly think I'd willingly humiliate my nefarious little self by reading such repulsively romantic stuff?
Exactly. By the way, you're slightly hot, Headband Man. I think you almost qualify as Yummilicious Harem Material (YHM™). Almost.
So, let's recap here: the Andrews didn't write this story, I didn't
QED and stuff.
[Original review]
Buddy read with the
It's official. I hereby declare that I have sold my soul to the Andrews.
♥ What I usually love in a book:
☛ Butt-kicking heroine & aggravating alpha male: hell yes.
☛ Badass action and gruesome fights: cut cut cut. Slice slice slice. Me likey.
☛ Bom chicka wah wah times: oh yummy.
💀 What I usually hate in a book:
☛ Romance: excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little bit.
☛ Cuteness: yuck.
☛ HEA: please kill me somebody.
★ What Silent Blade features:
☛ Butt-kicking heroine & aggravating alpha male: so far so good. Well the hunky ass in residence is a bit on the stalker side but he does DNF books. I'm in love.
☛ Bom chicka wah wah times: oh goody. Keep it up you guys!
☛ Romance: ouch.
☛ Cuteness: man that really hurt.
☛ HEA: you have got to be kidding me.
Now let's do the IA counting thing again shall we? See the little stars up there? Now count with me: one, two, three, four. Wait, that can't be right. Let's check again: ★★★★ Yep. That's right. My name is Sarah and I just gave 4 stars to a cute, romantic novella.
Before you ask, let me tell you that this is really me writing this review. No, I haven't yet been possessed by a malevolent spirit. Yes, I'm still a cold-hearted cynic. What is it then? Acute case of Andrewsitis. Whatever these two write, I'm doomed. I even like their cute YA short stories. Me + like + cute + YA = {insert face of dismay here}. For all I know, if Ilona & Gordon started writing cereal box blurb I'd rave about it from dusk till dawn.
Of course I would have liked more sci-fi and less romance here. More action and less cuteness. More revenge and less HEA. But you know what, this is all besides the point. Because this was fun, entertaining and because I LOVED IT.
So there. This day will be forever marked as the moment in history where I enjoyed a cute, romantic story. Now I expect to burn in hell. Or at least to disappear in a blast of spontaneous combustion. Poof!
October 2, 2015
3.5 stars
Let me help set some realistic expectations here because despite the cover and the title, this is really a cheesy but amazing love story between a kick-ass heroine (who doesn’t really kick ass), with a really super cool ability (but never uses it except to cut inanimate objects in half) and a ruthless, selfish macho hero (who turns into a mush when love-struck).
"I never claimed to be kind or virtuous. But for you, I will be."
"Wouldn’t a more fitting punishment be sentencing me to a lifetime of making you happy?"
(Aw. That romantic, annoying jerk. Punch him or kiss him? Tough call. Lol.)
As I was saying, this is a cheesy story in the guise of a sci-fi/ fantasy story set in a world of implants and biochemical modifications on elite families technically called kinsmen.
Meli ( Galdes kin) when she was ten was engaged to Celino ( Carvanna kin) when he was 16. Both are against the engagement but Meli being an obedient daughter that she is devoted her years studying everything about Celino to become a good wife in the future. She learned to accept Celino and eventually learned to love him too.
But Celino fought hard for his freedom by threatening his kin of excising himself from the family should he be forced to marry Meli. He got his freedom and told Meli he wouldn’t marry her.
Devastated and heartbroken, Meli excises herself from her family and becomes a professional assassin. Before she retires, she has one last assignment- to assassinate well, surprise, surprise! You know who already.
For Meli, this is going to be the perfect revenge.
How she shall execute the revenge is for you to find out. It involves a lot of skin, and seduction and things a young reader shouldn’t be reading yet so kids, stay away, okay?
The story ends with cheesy love confessions.
But to be honest,
P.S. The book is 42 pages short. A huge come on.
My first Ilona Andrews read but certainly not my last.
Let me help set some realistic expectations here because despite the cover and the title, this is really a cheesy but amazing love story between a kick-ass heroine (who doesn’t really kick ass), with a really super cool ability (but never uses it except to cut inanimate objects in half) and a ruthless, selfish macho hero (who turns into a mush when love-struck).
"I never claimed to be kind or virtuous. But for you, I will be."
"Wouldn’t a more fitting punishment be sentencing me to a lifetime of making you happy?"
(Aw. That romantic, annoying jerk. Punch him or kiss him? Tough call. Lol.)
As I was saying, this is a cheesy story in the guise of a sci-fi/ fantasy story set in a world of implants and biochemical modifications on elite families technically called kinsmen.
Meli ( Galdes kin) when she was ten was engaged to Celino ( Carvanna kin) when he was 16. Both are against the engagement but Meli being an obedient daughter that she is devoted her years studying everything about Celino to become a good wife in the future. She learned to accept Celino and eventually learned to love him too.
But Celino fought hard for his freedom by threatening his kin of excising himself from the family should he be forced to marry Meli. He got his freedom and told Meli he wouldn’t marry her.
Devastated and heartbroken, Meli excises herself from her family and becomes a professional assassin. Before she retires, she has one last assignment- to assassinate well, surprise, surprise! You know who already.
For Meli, this is going to be the perfect revenge.
How she shall execute the revenge is for you to find out. It involves a lot of skin, and seduction and things a young reader shouldn’t be reading yet so kids, stay away, okay?
The story ends with cheesy love confessions.
But to be honest,
P.S. The book is 42 pages short. A huge come on.
My first Ilona Andrews read but certainly not my last.
June 11, 2018
Only Ilona Andrews could make a futuristic story about a Dark Horse assassin and her ruthless businessman target so heartwarming.
This short story takes place in a universe where some families have biologically engineered enhancements embedded in their bloodlines, building an futuristic aristocracy ruling the planet. The main character, Meli, was born with an exceedingly rare ability (although it's somewhat unclear what this ability allows her to do, other than slice people's heads off) and uses it to kill those who stand in her family's way.
She is brought out of retirement for one last job - killing the man who tied her down then ruined her life with a botched engagement. Meli decides to take him down revenge-is-best-served-sexy style.
This was a lovely break from the string of reverse harem books I've been trudging through lately. I needed some variety without the commitment that a heavy scifi doorstopper often requires. Silent Blade really hit the spot.
This short story takes place in a universe where some families have biologically engineered enhancements embedded in their bloodlines, building an futuristic aristocracy ruling the planet. The main character, Meli, was born with an exceedingly rare ability (although it's somewhat unclear what this ability allows her to do, other than slice people's heads off) and uses it to kill those who stand in her family's way.
She is brought out of retirement for one last job - killing the man who tied her down then ruined her life with a botched engagement. Meli decides to take him down revenge-is-best-served-sexy style.
This was a lovely break from the string of reverse harem books I've been trudging through lately. I needed some variety without the commitment that a heavy scifi doorstopper often requires. Silent Blade really hit the spot.
November 18, 2021
This novelette isn’t one of Ilona Andrews’ best, but I still have found myself rereading it a couple of times when I needed a quick IA pick-me-up, and I like it a little better each time I read it. So. Maybe 3.5 stars?
This 42 page fantasy romance by Ilona Andrews is about an elaborate revenge plot: In a world where certain families have been bred with near-magical mental and physical powers, arranged marriages are made to keep the families and their powers strong (a concept that the Andrews developed more fully later on in their HIDDEN LEGACY series, beginning with Burn for Me, but that series is set on Earth while the KINSMEN stories are on other planets).
Eighteen years ago, a marriage was arranged between Celino Carvanna and Meli Galdes, when he was 16 and she was 10 ... the intent being that they would get married when she turned 18. But Celino always resented being forced into marriage, and when Meli was 16 he rudely broke the engagement, unintentionally crushing Meli's general marital prospects in the process. She ended up officially excising herself from her family to avoid the shame, becoming a skilled assassin who helps her family out periodically where she feels like a revenge killing is justified.
Now Meli's brother comes to her with one last assassination request: take out Celino Carvanna, who's recently damaged their family's business. The prospect of bringing him down is too much for Meli to resist. As powerful as he is, she has some inside information that will help her get past his guards and protections. But what she doesn't plan on is the strong attraction that develops between them.
There are some cool concepts at play in this story and a few great scenes, but it's kind of a superficial romance, probably because of the short length of the story. I never completely engaged with the main characters, and there wasn't enough to really make me buy into their relationship or the motivations for their actions in the end. Because of this, the relationship (not to mention the sexytimes) left me pretty much unmoved. My biggest issue is a detail about the ending:
The Andrews team withdrew this story from the market for a few years and said that they were going to rework it, but it's on sale again now and I don't believe they made any changes. (If I'm wrong, I'd love to know that.) Read it if you're an Ilona Andrews completist or really enjoy SF romance; otherwise I'd point you to their novels or even just Silver Shark, a semi-sequel that works fine as a stand-alone read.
This 42 page fantasy romance by Ilona Andrews is about an elaborate revenge plot: In a world where certain families have been bred with near-magical mental and physical powers, arranged marriages are made to keep the families and their powers strong (a concept that the Andrews developed more fully later on in their HIDDEN LEGACY series, beginning with Burn for Me, but that series is set on Earth while the KINSMEN stories are on other planets).
Eighteen years ago, a marriage was arranged between Celino Carvanna and Meli Galdes, when he was 16 and she was 10 ... the intent being that they would get married when she turned 18. But Celino always resented being forced into marriage, and when Meli was 16 he rudely broke the engagement, unintentionally crushing Meli's general marital prospects in the process. She ended up officially excising herself from her family to avoid the shame, becoming a skilled assassin who helps her family out periodically where she feels like a revenge killing is justified.
Now Meli's brother comes to her with one last assassination request: take out Celino Carvanna, who's recently damaged their family's business. The prospect of bringing him down is too much for Meli to resist. As powerful as he is, she has some inside information that will help her get past his guards and protections. But what she doesn't plan on is the strong attraction that develops between them.
There are some cool concepts at play in this story and a few great scenes, but it's kind of a superficial romance, probably because of the short length of the story. I never completely engaged with the main characters, and there wasn't enough to really make me buy into their relationship or the motivations for their actions in the end. Because of this, the relationship (not to mention the sexytimes) left me pretty much unmoved. My biggest issue is a detail about the ending:
The Andrews team withdrew this story from the market for a few years and said that they were going to rework it, but it's on sale again now and I don't believe they made any changes. (If I'm wrong, I'd love to know that.) Read it if you're an Ilona Andrews completist or really enjoy SF romance; otherwise I'd point you to their novels or even just Silver Shark, a semi-sequel that works fine as a stand-alone read.
November 29, 2021
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
So after I finished reading BURN FOR ME, the first book in Ilona Andrews’ new and amazing HIDDEN LEGACY series, I got to talking with another Ilona fan who had been told that the world-building in BURN FOR ME was similar to the worlds in the KINSMEN series and the novella, OF SWINE AND ROSES.
And I was like, “Huh. I can see that.” But it’d been years since my early OMG-I-LOVE-Ilona binge, so I decided a reread was in order.
And here we are.
Some time in the indeterminate future, when space colonization was the new Big Thing, humans began to genetically enhance themselves. They needed to be stronger, faster, heartier, more versatile. Some of these enhancements were tech-based, effecting only the individual, and some were biological, being inherited by offspring.
And consolidated their power. They were called the Kinsmen, and to maintain both the potency and exclusivity of their enhanced blood, the families arranged marriages for their children based on bloodlines and business alliances.
This is why Meli Galdes was betrothed to Celino Carvanna when she was 10 years old and he was 16.
While neither of them was happy with the arrangement, Meli accepted it, but Celino did NOT. He worked the next 6 years to make himself indispensable to his family, and worth more as an individual than the alliance with the Galdes family.
And he succeeded.
But where did that leave Meli?
An excellent question. And one you will only get the answer to by . . . wait for it . . . yes, that’s right—READING the book. *winsome face*
Verdict: a quick, fun, and SEXY read. Yes, I know it’s Ilona Andrews, and yes, I know that fabulous as she is, she’s not particularly well known for sexy times, but there’s a first for everything, right? Highly recommended.
So after I finished reading BURN FOR ME, the first book in Ilona Andrews’ new and amazing HIDDEN LEGACY series, I got to talking with another Ilona fan who had been told that the world-building in BURN FOR ME was similar to the worlds in the KINSMEN series and the novella, OF SWINE AND ROSES.
And I was like, “Huh. I can see that.” But it’d been years since my early OMG-I-LOVE-Ilona binge, so I decided a reread was in order.
And here we are.
Some time in the indeterminate future, when space colonization was the new Big Thing, humans began to genetically enhance themselves. They needed to be stronger, faster, heartier, more versatile. Some of these enhancements were tech-based, effecting only the individual, and some were biological, being inherited by offspring.
It was quickly realized that the advantage of these biological enhancements lay in their exclusivity. Thus, the biologically enhanced united and shut down all further biological modification.
And consolidated their power. They were called the Kinsmen, and to maintain both the potency and exclusivity of their enhanced blood, the families arranged marriages for their children based on bloodlines and business alliances.
This is why Meli Galdes was betrothed to Celino Carvanna when she was 10 years old and he was 16.
While neither of them was happy with the arrangement, Meli accepted it, but Celino did NOT. He worked the next 6 years to make himself indispensable to his family, and worth more as an individual than the alliance with the Galdes family.
And he succeeded.
But where did that leave Meli?
An excellent question. And one you will only get the answer to by . . . wait for it . . . yes, that’s right—READING the book. *winsome face*
Verdict: a quick, fun, and SEXY read. Yes, I know it’s Ilona Andrews, and yes, I know that fabulous as she is, she’s not particularly well known for sexy times, but there’s a first for everything, right? Highly recommended.
February 5, 2018
It was a cute little story about a girl getting revenge on her ex. Yes, there are a bunch of special skills, futuristic toys, and new names for everything, but none of that really mattered to the story. It's a mushy love story, through and through.
I still love Ilona Andrews, and always will. I'm even willing to give them my first born child for the next Kate and Nevada books now. Sure, she's fully grown and lives her own life. But, hey, she can make cakes.
Ilona Andrews:
I can have her on the next bus.
I still love Ilona Andrews, and always will. I'm even willing to give them my first born child for the next Kate and Nevada books now. Sure, she's fully grown and lives her own life. But, hey, she can make cakes.
Ilona Andrews:
I can have her on the next bus.
October 5, 2021
-5 stars-
🔪🔥 Revenge was sometimes best served hot. 🔥🔪
🛸 i'm shocked how quickly this story had me invested... it was so good for how short it was
🛸 ilona andrews heroines are so calm in their chaos it just does something to me 🥰
🛸 the problem i had w this tho is that i didn't like celino and wanted meli to get her revenge. like cmon girl dont fall for that arrogance... just keep it together for a few more days and kill this mf like we planned
November 6, 2018
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Is there anything by Ilona Andrews I won't read? Lol, JK. That was a trick question because obviously the answer is no. SILENT BLADE has been on my radar for a while now ever since someone on my friends list essentially said that it as Hidden Legacy 1.0 and trust me when I say that I would gladly pay money to revisit one of my favorite book series of all-time, even when written in a slightly inferior format. But until recently, both SILENT BLADE and SILVER SHARK were both out of print, and I could only read the reviews of my friends, who were smart enough to buy the books when they first came out, with envy. Luckily, both short stories are now back in print, and when I saw SILENT BLADE for 99-cents, I bought it immediately.
I can definitely see the comparison to Hidden Legacy, although there's elements of The Innkeeper Chronicles as well. SILENT BLADE is set on another planet, post-Earth, where humans have been genetically modified to have special abilities. The heroine of this story, Meli, has a rare gene that allows her to wield what I think is an electromagnetic whip on her wrist that can make heads literally roll, while the hero, Celino, is impossibly fast and deadly with a blade. The two of them had been arranged to be married by their families as children, but Celino broke off the engagement after he had become a one-man economic superpower, breaking Meli's teenage heart, as well.
Now impossibly strong and filled with the desire for vengeance, Meli has decided to kill Celino at her family's urging. It's easy to worm her way into his heart - when being prepped for marriage, she learned everything about him, from his favorite recipes, to his thoughts on literature, to what he prefers in a woman. With her abilities, she doesn't need a knife to kill him; and with her unassuming looks, it's all too easy to cause Celino to let down his guard.
If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope - especially when the hero and heroine hate each other so much, they actually want each other dead. I know it's messed up, but I think such loathing between H and h makes for some really smoldering UST. I felt like the world-building was very vague, which I guess is understandable in a short story, but the well-developed world of Hidden Legacy made me want more: I wanted to know why humans left Earth, why they decided to flip a giant middle finger to genetics Gattaca-style, and more about how these two things shaped the very obvious hierarchy of genetically superior families on New Earth (or whatever).
I did not get that.
I'm guessing that maybe that disappointment is what prompted the Andrews to remove SILENT BLADE from publication in the first place, especially if The Hidden Legacy and The Innkeeper series are both branched off from this story, as I suspect. I'm kind of surprised they didn't take the opportunity to flesh these books out into a full-length novel, because I think that this book has the potential to become a new fan favorite given enough love and care. As is, it's a good short story with an okay romance and an okay story, but is about as satisfying as a bite-size candy bar (need more).
If you're a fan of Ilona Andrews already, I think this would be a better read because it's fun to try and figure out how it influenced other stories (*cough*). As a standalone, it's only okay, and I probably wouldn't have been very happy with it if I'd paid more than $1. If you're new to Andrews, there are better books to start with, like BURN FOR ME or MAGIC BITES. This one is not recommended for the newbies.
3 stars
February 8, 2015
4 I Wanted More Stars
BR with the awesome IAA gang.
This book has everything I should hate...
1) A serious case of insta-love. The insta-love in this book was heavy. The couple practically fell in love in two days without knowing much about each other.
2) A very high-handed hero. Celino was full of arrogance and my-way-or-the-highway attitude. He was a jerk with zero nice in him to give him some kind of weird redemption.
3) It was a novella so the story never developed well. This is its most serious flaw in my opinion. I hate stories that seemed too rushed and short and this one had it. If the book was at least twice its size it would have been so much better.
4) There was a desappointing lack of action. I have come to expect more action from IA's books and the book promised to deliver that in the beginning but never quite did. I wanted a big show-down at the end but didn't get it.
But you know what?? I don't care. I loved it. I don't know if it was because I have a bit of a hero-worhip view of IA and my judgement of their work is prejudiced or if just something clicked about it, but in the end of the day the book just worked for me. I wanted it to be longer though so I could engage in the story more and become invested in the characters.
BR with the awesome IAA gang.
This book has everything I should hate...
1) A serious case of insta-love. The insta-love in this book was heavy. The couple practically fell in love in two days without knowing much about each other.
2) A very high-handed hero. Celino was full of arrogance and my-way-or-the-highway attitude. He was a jerk with zero nice in him to give him some kind of weird redemption.
3) It was a novella so the story never developed well. This is its most serious flaw in my opinion. I hate stories that seemed too rushed and short and this one had it. If the book was at least twice its size it would have been so much better.
4) There was a desappointing lack of action. I have come to expect more action from IA's books and the book promised to deliver that in the beginning but never quite did. I wanted a big show-down at the end but didn't get it.
But you know what?? I don't care. I loved it. I don't know if it was because I have a bit of a hero-worhip view of IA and my judgement of their work is prejudiced or if just something clicked about it, but in the end of the day the book just worked for me. I wanted it to be longer though so I could engage in the story more and become invested in the characters.
January 23, 2023
This is the iconic Enemies to Lovers trope
On steroids
They don't just hate each other, they are actively trying to kill each other
Meet Meli Galdes, this bitch is practically starving for revenge
“And when he belonged to her, she would finally repay a decade worth of pain in a single brutal dose of reality.
Meli smiled.”
She has a rare gene for abilities for an electromagnetic whip. She is just as bloodthirsty as the rest of the world and isn't afraid to claw her way to the front.
And then there's the love interest. Celino Carvanna Ruthless cruel assassin that destroyed the heroine's life.
And she never forgot...
“He felt oddly calm. Empty. Cold. He sat before the dark screen, patiently waiting to feel something. Anything at all.
Finally, a spark of emotion flared in him. He puzzled over it and recognized what it was. Hot, blinding rage.”
These two had some great chemistry. It was very much structured as a dark fantasy. It was hilarious as they were both extremely aware of their fucked-up nature and didn't even bother to hide their monsters
“He knelt by her. “I also kidnapped your father and your brothers. I would’ve tortured them if I thought they knew where you were.”
She laughed softly, but without humor. “That is an odd way to endear yourself to me.”
For any Ilona Andrews fan, I would describe this book as a merge between Innkeeper's Chronicles And Hidden Fire.
The world-building consists of a futuristic paranormal world vibe everything that's typically monster and magical is rewritten and explained as aliens, technology, and planets. In contrast to their other books where the world provides unique situations that build into the plot... this book sadly just explained the setting of the book.
The premise was really interesting but the lack of details kept it from being amazing.
Seriously this was so friggen short I'm having trouble remembering details. As soon as I figured out the world, fell in love with the characters ---
It was over.
Overall, it was short and sweet. In other words, enjoyable but underdeveloped.
On steroids
They don't just hate each other, they are actively trying to kill each other
Meet Meli Galdes, this bitch is practically starving for revenge
“And when he belonged to her, she would finally repay a decade worth of pain in a single brutal dose of reality.
Meli smiled.”
She has a rare gene for abilities for an electromagnetic whip. She is just as bloodthirsty as the rest of the world and isn't afraid to claw her way to the front.
And then there's the love interest. Celino Carvanna Ruthless cruel assassin that destroyed the heroine's life.
And she never forgot...
“He felt oddly calm. Empty. Cold. He sat before the dark screen, patiently waiting to feel something. Anything at all.
Finally, a spark of emotion flared in him. He puzzled over it and recognized what it was. Hot, blinding rage.”
These two had some great chemistry. It was very much structured as a dark fantasy. It was hilarious as they were both extremely aware of their fucked-up nature and didn't even bother to hide their monsters
“He knelt by her. “I also kidnapped your father and your brothers. I would’ve tortured them if I thought they knew where you were.”
She laughed softly, but without humor. “That is an odd way to endear yourself to me.”
For any Ilona Andrews fan, I would describe this book as a merge between Innkeeper's Chronicles And Hidden Fire.
The world-building consists of a futuristic paranormal world vibe everything that's typically monster and magical is rewritten and explained as aliens, technology, and planets. In contrast to their other books where the world provides unique situations that build into the plot... this book sadly just explained the setting of the book.
The premise was really interesting but the lack of details kept it from being amazing.
Seriously this was so friggen short I'm having trouble remembering details. As soon as I figured out the world, fell in love with the characters ---
It was over.
Overall, it was short and sweet. In other words, enjoyable but underdeveloped.
May 1, 2010
My friend was so right. This story definitely had shades of Harlequin Presents, with a little Romeo and Juliet thrown in--the feuding families, not the starcrossed lovers.
Celino is a butthead. A sexy one, but a butthead all the same. He could not be more of an arrogant, Harlequin Presents-type hero.
Meli, well she's definitely got more brass than the usual heroine in that line. And she's completely badass. I have to admit, I would have liked it better if she almost tried to kill him before they got together. Is that wrong of me?
This was short and sweet, and it made me feel things. I felt Meli's rejection and broken heart, her loneliness at being jilted and made unmarriageable as a result. I felt Celino's confusion at finding the perfect woman, and not knowing how to get and keep her. I felt the attraction and steam between this pair. I felt that their bond was stronger than anything that could keep them apart.
Ilona Andrews is a very talented writer. Her style is brisk, atmospheric and involving. She has a noir feel to her storytelling that I love. In this story, there is a vivid, naturalistic grace to the scenes and the setting. I could clearly see the bright colors and smell the dahlias that play such a large role, taste the pink wine, sweet coffee, and fruity dessert pastry that Celino would die for. In marked contrast, there are skillfully-executed science fiction elements, painting a vision of the future on another planet where fighting families have formed business empires that bring a new meaning to the word cutthroat, all delivered with a cinematic poise. The sci-fi setting was a deliberate mislead on the part of the author, in my opinion. Actually, this is a story of an arranged-marriage couple turned enemies turned lovers that feels so earthbound and familiar, although done in such a unique way.
Silent Blade is short and sweet. It's not action-packed, so don't look for that. Instead, it's a tender surprise of a love story that is delightfully old-fashioned, despite the futuristic setting. This was a real class act.
Celino is a butthead. A sexy one, but a butthead all the same. He could not be more of an arrogant, Harlequin Presents-type hero.
Meli, well she's definitely got more brass than the usual heroine in that line. And she's completely badass. I have to admit, I would have liked it better if she almost tried to kill him before they got together. Is that wrong of me?
This was short and sweet, and it made me feel things. I felt Meli's rejection and broken heart, her loneliness at being jilted and made unmarriageable as a result. I felt Celino's confusion at finding the perfect woman, and not knowing how to get and keep her. I felt the attraction and steam between this pair. I felt that their bond was stronger than anything that could keep them apart.
Ilona Andrews is a very talented writer. Her style is brisk, atmospheric and involving. She has a noir feel to her storytelling that I love. In this story, there is a vivid, naturalistic grace to the scenes and the setting. I could clearly see the bright colors and smell the dahlias that play such a large role, taste the pink wine, sweet coffee, and fruity dessert pastry that Celino would die for. In marked contrast, there are skillfully-executed science fiction elements, painting a vision of the future on another planet where fighting families have formed business empires that bring a new meaning to the word cutthroat, all delivered with a cinematic poise. The sci-fi setting was a deliberate mislead on the part of the author, in my opinion. Actually, this is a story of an arranged-marriage couple turned enemies turned lovers that feels so earthbound and familiar, although done in such a unique way.
Silent Blade is short and sweet. It's not action-packed, so don't look for that. Instead, it's a tender surprise of a love story that is delightfully old-fashioned, despite the futuristic setting. This was a real class act.
February 15, 2015
I love the chemistry and the story line and the amazing way that IA turns almost anything I read by them into a world and story I never want to leave. I finish their stories and I'm always ready to go back to page 1 and start all over again.
Super short but I enjoyed every minute spent reading it with my lovely ladies over at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA) you girls just get me.
IA IA IA I think I’m in love with all things IA.
This is just a novella so there isn’t a ton of time for set up and delivery but there is something about IA that takes something another writer might have attempted and I would have hated into something that is wonderful. Sure there was insta-love and an alpha male extreme in this but I loved it all.
Meli is the type of heroine I always love in and AI story. Strong confident and just a smidgen broken in some way. I loved the backstory to her prior relationship with Celino and how she finally gets her chance for revenge.
So any other book where the male lead walks into a woman’s house in a situation like this and I would have been mad at him since you know it is a bit stalkery.
But I’ve seen Meli in action and I know that while Celino fancies himself the predator in this situation he is really the prey. She could kill him at any second and that is why it never bothered me.
I was conflicted did I want kiss me or kill him kind of ending. But in a short time IA told a very good story and convinced me of the ending they picked.
Super short but I enjoyed every minute spent reading it with my lovely ladies over at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA) you girls just get me.
IA IA IA I think I’m in love with all things IA.
This is just a novella so there isn’t a ton of time for set up and delivery but there is something about IA that takes something another writer might have attempted and I would have hated into something that is wonderful. Sure there was insta-love and an alpha male extreme in this but I loved it all.
Meli is the type of heroine I always love in and AI story. Strong confident and just a smidgen broken in some way. I loved the backstory to her prior relationship with Celino and how she finally gets her chance for revenge.
So any other book where the male lead walks into a woman’s house in a situation like this and I would have been mad at him since you know it is a bit stalkery.
“You break into the house of a complete stranger, force yourself into her kitchen, and suggest that she should surrender her breasts to you so you can satisfy your honey dripping fetish. What woman could pass on that invitation?
But I’ve seen Meli in action and I know that while Celino fancies himself the predator in this situation he is really the prey. She could kill him at any second and that is why it never bothered me.
Celino was a predator and every predator responded to prey who seemed to run. And when she finally let him catch her, their battle would drive him out of his mind.
I was conflicted did I want kiss me or kill him kind of ending. But in a short time IA told a very good story and convinced me of the ending they picked.
May 31, 2019
2.5-3 stars
One word came to my mind frequently while reading this book: underdeveloped
I enjoyed the concept and the overall story. I feel it would have been way more effective or enjoyable as a full length novel. The ingredients were all there, the author just didn't make a large enough batch.
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One word came to my mind frequently while reading this book: underdeveloped
I enjoyed the concept and the overall story. I feel it would have been way more effective or enjoyable as a full length novel. The ingredients were all there, the author just didn't make a large enough batch.
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November 18, 2021
I've owned this Ilona Andrews book for years waiting for the right time to read it, and now that book 3 in the series is about to come out, I decided to finally give it a go.
Though it was a decent novella read, frankly, I was disappointed.
Ilona Andrews has come SO far since this book. The recent IA books are dynamic, with amazing world-building. This story felt... flat. The romance was unbelievable and simplistic, and I just didn't buy it. The pieces of a better story were there, but it just never came together.
I'm jumping right into Silver Shark in the hopes that it will be better.
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Though it was a decent novella read, frankly, I was disappointed.
Ilona Andrews has come SO far since this book. The recent IA books are dynamic, with amazing world-building. This story felt... flat. The romance was unbelievable and simplistic, and I just didn't buy it. The pieces of a better story were there, but it just never came together.
I'm jumping right into Silver Shark in the hopes that it will be better.
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November 9, 2021
3.5 ☆
These are not the ideal words to attract and to court women. But Celino Carvanna hopes that they'll work on a woman who happens to be an assassin, in particular a melder named Meli.
It's centuries into the future. On the planet Rada, in the lush flora of the city New Delphi, the land's beauty belies the cutthroat social culture of the kinsmen. Space colonization has led to humans with enhanced abilities - the kinsmen - and these special skills have in turn elevated the bearers to wealth and power.
Silent Blade is a sci-fi tale of individual freedom bought at a high price and the revenge exacted by the one who bore the disproportionate share of the cost. It's a revenge fantasy wrapped up in a twisted love story.
With less than 40 pages, this short story packs in quite a punch. The authors have painted an alternate world in broad strokes. They've reserved their efforts to infuse their few pages with emotional angst and melodramatic behavior. Although the latter didn't come across as plausible, it is carried along by the immense potency of the former. If you're a fan of the "big gesture," then this will likely work better for you than for me.
Ilona Andrews are among my favorite contemporary writers. I've read all of their novels in the Kate Daniels universe and in the Hidden Legacy series, which just may be a fully developed iteration of the kinsmen world. The main female protagonist of Silent Blade has the same alluring quality as Catalina but without the need for this ability to be magically-enhanced. The male protagonist reminds me of Mad Rogan just without the PTSD. And this world-setting is a sci-fi warm-up to that magic-based house society. So as a fan of IA, Silent Blade is enjoyable, and the kinsmen trilogy is a quick treat. The emotional tenor of this story is unlike what I've read in their other series; and if you like this, then read the rest of this series.
#2 Silver Shark 3.5 ☆
#3 Fated Blades 4 ☆
I'm not a good man. I'm a cold-blooded, brutal, terrible bastard.
These are not the ideal words to attract and to court women. But Celino Carvanna hopes that they'll work on a woman who happens to be an assassin, in particular a melder named Meli.
Melders like her were an extremely rare commodity. ... In the world of combat implants and biochemical modifications, melders were the extraordinary natural-born freaks.
It's centuries into the future. On the planet Rada, in the lush flora of the city New Delphi, the land's beauty belies the cutthroat social culture of the kinsmen. Space colonization has led to humans with enhanced abilities - the kinsmen - and these special skills have in turn elevated the bearers to wealth and power.
Silent Blade is a sci-fi tale of individual freedom bought at a high price and the revenge exacted by the one who bore the disproportionate share of the cost. It's a revenge fantasy wrapped up in a twisted love story.
[Meli's] god rebelled against his worshiper and he had no mercy to spare.
She channeled her frustration into the lethal kiss of the ene-ribbon.
Meanwhile Celino outgrew godhood and became a titan. The Carvannas prospered and grew under his leadership, while [her family] stagnated.
Now they wanted her to assassinate the man who had doomed her.
With less than 40 pages, this short story packs in quite a punch. The authors have painted an alternate world in broad strokes. They've reserved their efforts to infuse their few pages with emotional angst and melodramatic behavior. Although the latter didn't come across as plausible, it is carried along by the immense potency of the former. If you're a fan of the "big gesture," then this will likely work better for you than for me.
Ilona Andrews are among my favorite contemporary writers. I've read all of their novels in the Kate Daniels universe and in the Hidden Legacy series, which just may be a fully developed iteration of the kinsmen world. The main female protagonist of Silent Blade has the same alluring quality as Catalina but without the need for this ability to be magically-enhanced. The male protagonist reminds me of Mad Rogan just without the PTSD. And this world-setting is a sci-fi warm-up to that magic-based house society. So as a fan of IA, Silent Blade is enjoyable, and the kinsmen trilogy is a quick treat. The emotional tenor of this story is unlike what I've read in their other series; and if you like this, then read the rest of this series.
#2 Silver Shark 3.5 ☆
#3 Fated Blades 4 ☆
November 27, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up because I was invested in what form the revenge was going to take, not because of the romance
My first Ilona Andrews book (I know I’m late on this train) and this is a great intro. Despite it being a short story, the world-building is clearly defined. The h is an assassin for her family in this futuristic world, but she’s retiring. Until her brother comes to her with a special request and an opportunity to take revenge on a powerful man who she has a complicated past with.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (the H more so and the h did have to see examples of women who were unlike her that he was seen with over the years, not a fun picture).
The h was amazing and I loved her character - the slyness, dedication, and her inner strength. The H is developed but I didn’t feel like he had nuance til the end and was more unlikable to me personally. The romance between them is light speed because it’s more obsession on meeting (well the second chance element anyway) from the H. He doesn’t even know her name initially, she’s such a mystery. It made for a lower engagement for me on the romance, even as they interacted. I could see how the romance could be but their love was doubtful for me. Steam-wise, there’s a small bit because short story and the plot is the focus.
The reveal was awesome. The ending is interesting too and the H does change, with no expectation that he’ll end up with the h as well, which I appreciated. The time jump wasn’t my favorite because I’m biased against them lol. While they exchange I love you’s and some would consider this HEA, there wasn’t enough to leave me feeling satisfied given the rest. I wanted more of them together, as a couple, with it all out in the open and no more agenda between them. Excited to read more by the author though!
My first Ilona Andrews book (I know I’m late on this train) and this is a great intro. Despite it being a short story, the world-building is clearly defined. The h is an assassin for her family in this futuristic world, but she’s retiring. Until her brother comes to her with a special request and an opportunity to take revenge on a powerful man who she has a complicated past with.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (the H more so and the h did have to see examples of women who were unlike her that he was seen with over the years, not a fun picture).
The h was amazing and I loved her character - the slyness, dedication, and her inner strength. The H is developed but I didn’t feel like he had nuance til the end and was more unlikable to me personally. The romance between them is light speed because it’s more obsession on meeting (well the second chance element anyway) from the H. He doesn’t even know her name initially, she’s such a mystery. It made for a lower engagement for me on the romance, even as they interacted. I could see how the romance could be but their love was doubtful for me. Steam-wise, there’s a small bit because short story and the plot is the focus.
The reveal was awesome. The ending is interesting too and the H does change, with no expectation that he’ll end up with the h as well, which I appreciated. The time jump wasn’t my favorite because I’m biased against them lol. While they exchange I love you’s and some would consider this HEA, there wasn’t enough to leave me feeling satisfied given the rest. I wanted more of them together, as a couple, with it all out in the open and no more agenda between them. Excited to read more by the author though!
June 29, 2017
Very enjoyable short read. As others have stated it is like a sci-fi Harlequin Presents. Ruthless tycoon hero who caused the heroine to be cut off from her life and family. Of course, this being a Ilona Andrews' heroine, we get a sexy assassin in a sci-fi setting rather than a virtuously poor beauty scrubbing floors and living in a dingy bedsit. Fun any way you slice it. :)
August 1, 2017
4 to 4 1/2 stars
"You're not a woman yet, Meli. But one day you will be. You won't be beautiful, but you will be attractive and men will flock to you. Me, your Aunt Nez, your grandmother, we all have that something that makes men turn their heads and do silly things to entice us into their beds. Don't worry darling. He will notice you one day. You will hit him like a brick."
And does she ever.
So, let's see, where to begin...
Now they wanted her to assassinate the man who had doomed her. A man she knew intimately well. A man whose eyes made her heart skip a beat, despite his unintended cruelty, despite the years, despite the gulf between them and her deep, logical desire to feel nothing for him.
I found this an interesting romantic novella for a number of reasons.
First, the heroine, Meli, had good reasons for wanting vengeance against the hero, Celino, and she doesn't cave and immediately forgive just because
A small part of her had hoped Celino would recognize her. But he didn't. That was how little her existence meant. She was nothing but a forgotten speck in his past life.
That's something that often drives me a bit wild in these stories where the heroine has suffered for years because of the hero's actions and then with one quick explanation and next to no 'grovel', all that pain and sorrow is immediately forgotten with some lame excuses, an often pathetic apology, a few mind melting kisses and a fabulous roll in the hay that obliterates brain cells.
Not so here.
Second, the hero is fully aware that he's not a good person but willing to be so for her and we get glimpses of light within his darkness closer to the end of the tale. In other words, there has actually been some growth and self reflection on the part of the hero as a result of
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"You have my heart. Where would I go without it?"
"Home, Celino."
"Not without what is mine."
She paused and looked at him with her velvet eyes. "I was never yours."
Third, the hero is powerful and very much accustomed to getting his way and achieving his goals. He can be ruthless, selfish, cruel and dangerous. But he acknowledges that the heroine, a uniquely skilled assassin, is
I enjoyed the fact that though Meli fell in love with Celino, it wasn't enough for her to just suddenly fling herself into his arms and forget all that came before.
Nope. Not happening.
"Thank you for my freedom. I will strive to never think of you again. Farewell."
That was believable to me and made this quick tale a rather tasty and satisfying bite of goodness.
The kind of goodness I look forward to from these authors.
"You're not a woman yet, Meli. But one day you will be. You won't be beautiful, but you will be attractive and men will flock to you. Me, your Aunt Nez, your grandmother, we all have that something that makes men turn their heads and do silly things to entice us into their beds. Don't worry darling. He will notice you one day. You will hit him like a brick."
And does she ever.
So, let's see, where to begin...
Now they wanted her to assassinate the man who had doomed her. A man she knew intimately well. A man whose eyes made her heart skip a beat, despite his unintended cruelty, despite the years, despite the gulf between them and her deep, logical desire to feel nothing for him.
I found this an interesting romantic novella for a number of reasons.
First, the heroine, Meli, had good reasons for wanting vengeance against the hero, Celino, and she doesn't cave and immediately forgive just because
A small part of her had hoped Celino would recognize her. But he didn't. That was how little her existence meant. She was nothing but a forgotten speck in his past life.
That's something that often drives me a bit wild in these stories where the heroine has suffered for years because of the hero's actions and then with one quick explanation and next to no 'grovel', all that pain and sorrow is immediately forgotten with some lame excuses, an often pathetic apology, a few mind melting kisses and a fabulous roll in the hay that obliterates brain cells.
Not so here.
Second, the hero is fully aware that he's not a good person but willing to be so for her and we get glimpses of light within his darkness closer to the end of the tale. In other words, there has actually been some growth and self reflection on the part of the hero as a result of
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"You have my heart. Where would I go without it?"
"Home, Celino."
"Not without what is mine."
She paused and looked at him with her velvet eyes. "I was never yours."
Third, the hero is powerful and very much accustomed to getting his way and achieving his goals. He can be ruthless, selfish, cruel and dangerous. But he acknowledges that the heroine, a uniquely skilled assassin, is
I enjoyed the fact that though Meli fell in love with Celino, it wasn't enough for her to just suddenly fling herself into his arms and forget all that came before.
Nope. Not happening.
"Thank you for my freedom. I will strive to never think of you again. Farewell."
That was believable to me and made this quick tale a rather tasty and satisfying bite of goodness.
The kind of goodness I look forward to from these authors.
September 23, 2020
This kind of reads like an early draft of the world building that is in their latest series, Hidden Legacy (starts with Burn for Me - highly recommended). This one is too short in length to get all the nuance and emotional scenes that Ilona Andrews is known for, but it so makes for a fun, sexy read. Pick it up but don’t let this be your first book by this author.
February 16, 2016
I don't have many words for this. Short, cute, heart-warming :)
October 17, 2016
I was shocked to see this available through my library for check out. This was a nice short story that I was able to read while getting ready for work. It seems Ilona Andrews can do no wrong.
September 18, 2020
.
Meli and Celino. They were to be married, until he ended it and thereby ruined her.
Now she sees her opportunity for revenge. It helps that after he dumped her and told her to 'get a life', she found she had a natural talent for killing.
This is a super short story, too short really, but I loved it.
The love on his part was too insta feeling. IA explains this somewhat from the words of Meli's mother, but I still would have liked to hear from his side what he saw in Meli. I also wondered what happened to Meli's mother.
Meli holds the power in their relationship (even when he thinks she doesn't), and I loved it!
The world building is fabulous and pretty complex considering how short the story is.
The ending was too quick a wrap up for me but...
If you want an epilogue, the second book has a nice cameo of them years later with at least one kid.
safety is pretty good
I listened to this on audio and it comes with the second book, "Silver Shark" and another short story, "A Mere Formality". Wonderful listening!
Meli and Celino. They were to be married, until he ended it and thereby ruined her.
Now she sees her opportunity for revenge. It helps that after he dumped her and told her to 'get a life', she found she had a natural talent for killing.
This is a super short story, too short really, but I loved it.
The love on his part was too insta feeling. IA explains this somewhat from the words of Meli's mother, but I still would have liked to hear from his side what he saw in Meli. I also wondered what happened to Meli's mother.
Meli holds the power in their relationship (even when he thinks she doesn't), and I loved it!
The world building is fabulous and pretty complex considering how short the story is.
The ending was too quick a wrap up for me but...
If you want an epilogue, the second book has a nice cameo of them years later with at least one kid.
safety is pretty good
I listened to this on audio and it comes with the second book, "Silver Shark" and another short story, "A Mere Formality". Wonderful listening!
May 11, 2017
This could have been good, it really could. But right now, specially in the damn reading slump I'm in, Silent Blade just didn't work out for me, at all :(
Rate: 1.5/2 stars.
Rate: 1.5/2 stars.
December 5, 2021
Re-read. This novelette feels very much like a precursor to Hidden Legacy. It feels as if here the ideas are developed and put to paper for the first time, that will fully manifest into a fleshed out novel with Burn for Me five years later. Not quite as fun yet and due to length with a fairly simple plot. A devious little revenge story with a strong dose of romance.
+*+*+
Review from 2015:
A little long for a short story, let's call it a novella. Romance with a licking of sci-fi. Nice characters, one very good fight scene, some nice sex. Harlequinesce, silly, tacky, kitschy, feel-good ending with very high awww-factor. Satisfying. To be read on a rainy day on the sofa with a hot cup of cocoa.
+*+*+
Review from 2015:
A little long for a short story, let's call it a novella. Romance with a licking of sci-fi. Nice characters, one very good fight scene, some nice sex. Harlequinesce, silly, tacky, kitschy, feel-good ending with very high awww-factor. Satisfying. To be read on a rainy day on the sofa with a hot cup of cocoa.
May 13, 2024
Brilliant! Mesmerizing! Adorable!
I've said many times in my reviews that as much as I admire authors for the great, full length novels they write, I feel utter respect when they write great short stories. I admire Leigh Bardugo for that and now, Ilona Andrews as well.
This short story, set in the kinsmen world, features an accomplished assassin, Meli and her heartbroken tale. How she seeks revenge from the man who refused her many years ago, and the clever way she managed to bring him to his knees.
I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it to everyone who likes a good revenge tale...
I've said many times in my reviews that as much as I admire authors for the great, full length novels they write, I feel utter respect when they write great short stories. I admire Leigh Bardugo for that and now, Ilona Andrews as well.
This short story, set in the kinsmen world, features an accomplished assassin, Meli and her heartbroken tale. How she seeks revenge from the man who refused her many years ago, and the clever way she managed to bring him to his knees.
I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it to everyone who likes a good revenge tale...
February 9, 2015
Buddy read with the awesome girls at Ilona Andrews Addicts!
☑Insta-love.
☑Super rich uber smart perfect douche guy.
☑Coincidences.
I can keep going, but even with the tropes it kind of works. Or I'm too much of a fangirl to hate something Ilona wrote.
Also, it's a really short read; perfect to read before sleeping and still get SOME sleep. (Don't tell me you don't read "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's 6AM and there are birds chirping outside!)
☑Insta-love.
☑Super rich uber smart perfect douche guy.
☑Coincidences.
I can keep going, but even with the tropes it kind of works. Or I'm too much of a fangirl to hate something Ilona wrote.
Also, it's a really short read; perfect to read before sleeping and still get SOME sleep. (Don't tell me you don't read "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's 6AM and there are birds chirping outside!)
February 8, 2015
This was my second read of this book - this time with the lovely IAA girls.
Silent Blade is the first (short) book in the Kinsmen series set in the far future where humans have colonised distant planets and created genetically enhanced human beings. Its an extremely cutthroat civilisation, where a family's strength is everything.
Meli has cut herself off from her family to save them further embarrassment after she was rejected by the jerk, Celino, she had been betrothed to since she was 10. Instead, she has chosen to further her family's interests as their assassin. She is just about to retire when her brother calls and asks her to make one more kill - and it is the man who had rejected her.
I only took a star off this one because I had trouble with Celino. He really deserved for Meli to kill him, such an ass. He was 1000 times better by the end, but I found it hard to forgive his beginning. Meli, on the other hand was a snarky badass.
IA shorts are quite remarkable. They have enough going on to give the impression of full length novels, though I always want more. But, that can be said for any of the wonderful IA books I've read.
Silent Blade is the first (short) book in the Kinsmen series set in the far future where humans have colonised distant planets and created genetically enhanced human beings. Its an extremely cutthroat civilisation, where a family's strength is everything.
Meli has cut herself off from her family to save them further embarrassment after she was rejected by the jerk, Celino, she had been betrothed to since she was 10. Instead, she has chosen to further her family's interests as their assassin. She is just about to retire when her brother calls and asks her to make one more kill - and it is the man who had rejected her.
I only took a star off this one because I had trouble with Celino. He really deserved for Meli to kill him, such an ass. He was 1000 times better by the end, but I found it hard to forgive his beginning. Meli, on the other hand was a snarky badass.
IA shorts are quite remarkable. They have enough going on to give the impression of full length novels, though I always want more. But, that can be said for any of the wonderful IA books I've read.
July 6, 2015
This book was reccommended to me by my ever awesome sister Aj,the ravenous reader,and this really is a cheesy love story and I loved it!
Hey sis,can I just copy your review and post it here so I won't be repeating the things you've written there,as I agree to everything you've said? Can I,can I?hehe..
Well, all I can say is..This is a must read beautifully written short novel! Highly reccommended to those who need a light,enjoyable read.^^
Hey sis,can I just copy your review and post it here so I won't be repeating the things you've written there,as I agree to everything you've said? Can I,can I?hehe..
Well, all I can say is..This is a must read beautifully written short novel! Highly reccommended to those who need a light,enjoyable read.^^
June 15, 2024
I don't think the "You are MINE whether you like it or not" trope is ever going to be romantic for me
November 16, 2021
Meli was hurt when rejected by her betrothed after years of preparing to marry him. Revenge is sweet, but also dangerous when your heart is involved.
The setup really got my heart involved and I loved how it turned out. Vivid and hot, an excellent short story! I'm in awe of Ilona Andrews' writing talent, so much in a short amount of pages! Loved!
The setup really got my heart involved and I loved how it turned out. Vivid and hot, an excellent short story! I'm in awe of Ilona Andrews' writing talent, so much in a short amount of pages! Loved!
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