RLbooks (in and out)'s Reviews > Silent Blade

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!