Happy Book Birthday!
New Novella From Hidden Legacy
Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.
Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan’s extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.
To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her sister’s happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.
RSVP at the following retailers: Amazon | BN | Kobo | Apple Books
This is a thread for you to discuss Diamond Fire and speculate about the future. I’m sorry, guys, we are still feeling badly, so we will be around but it may take us longer to get to all of your comments.
I loved it, although I think I may need to draw up a chart for the family☺. Roll on September
I the Ramirez family is big! And kobo cut off half the tree unfortunately.
Agreed. I need to reread it to see where that Julian guy was in the lineup.
Yeah I drew up a quick one when I started getting confused with all the comings and going’s of the various family members.
Loved it by the way, looking forward to reading more about Catalina!
Yes, I told myself I was going to reread it with a piece of paper where I’m going to draw the family tree.
Loved it, I just wanted it to be a tad longer. Eh, why a tad…
;o)
Happy Book Birthday. Just got it, can’t wait tonight to read it.
Hope you all feeling better
Loved it!! ? Can’t wait to see/read the next book. Wonderful characters as always. And really hope you all feel better soon.
Well done! Great book, loved seeing how Catalina’s magic is developing, and really hope it helps boost you towards wellness (not sure how that would work, but hey, maybe!).
Love it. Need to read it again to comment tho. I read it at 3am… Yawn.
LOL, I finished it at 2:30 am myself.
Good book, thank you and I hope y’all get feeling well again soon.
Oh thank goodness for this thread! So, Catalina has another power similar to Leon or Nevada? Also, during the rapier fight with Xavier, did he get angrier during the fight because Catalina can manipulate emotions along the whole spectrum (rage to ecstasy) or something like that? I might have read too much into that scene. Maybe he’s just a tool.
Re: the power similar to Leon or Nevada – That was my understanding from reading how she was able to move that rapier and momma Rogan’s comment 🙂
Interesting thought on manipulating rage. I just read it as Xavier thinking he was all that and a bag of chips and then freaking out over getting his ego crushed.
Yeah, that was super interesting and opens up some interesting future developments! Love how she is starting to own her Talent – the poison scene ☠️?
The rapier fight was everything. I’m hoping Catalina becomes a fencer because I’m getting a very Renaissance prince vibe from Alessandro. Or Renaissance count?
She is clearly a dual. 🙂
Not saying it is, but it might be reading x and responding to what he is going to do.
A dual in a duel?
Lol!
I think he was just being a jerk! But I think you are right about Catalina having some ability similar to Nevada or Leon that is a response to a threat. Anyway, I can’t wait to read more about Catalina. And isn’t her relationship with Arabella and her cousins awesome!
Xavier is a spoiled teenage boy. He was
1. Being bested in public
2. Being beaten by a beginner
3. Being beaten by someone he perceives as lesser (poor, new House, etc)
4. Being beaten by a *GIRL* (probably the worst offense of all)
I don’t think we need Catalina to do anything to his emotions for him to rage and throw a hissy fit. It’s a perfectly normal response to a spoiled, emotionally stunted teenager.
+1
Excellent lead in to Catalina’s books to come! Thank you and hope you feel better soon. Really hoping that isn’t the last we see of Alessandro!
I bet it isn’t. She seems pretty gone on him. She just needs some maturity and confidence that she can control her magic.
I’m just hoping he plays a major role – so much potential for both comedy and romance there. Can you just imagine Catalina meeting his family?
I loved it, too. The Venom thing was so vivid in my head, and “looked” so cool! I cannot wait to read more about Catalina, she’s such an interesting character. Very distinct from Nevada as a heroine. Of course, I’m also looking forward to her actually calling cops on Alessandro Sagrado – or more likely, him figuring out WHY she didn’t want to see him… 😉 <3 Love it, love innkeeper, love EVERYTHING you write. Have a great day!
She is very attracted to him, so is her magic. She is scared that she wouldn’t be able to control her magic around him and would enslave him accidentally.
Same same same aaaaand…same! I absolutely lost it at the Magus Venenata, such an awesome power and character!
Thank you. It has been a hard month filled with insomnia and it was a joy to have this to read last night. Always fun to see the family and I loved seeing Catalina start growing into herself.
just downloaded the book. can’t wait to read it; hope you guys start to feel better soon!!
So sad you’re still feeling badly! My day was off to an amazing start thanks to you guys! I absolutely LOVED Diamond Fire! Can’t wait for Catalina’s series.. Hope you feel better soon and thanks for another amazing book!!
I inhaled this novella. I am looking forward to more Catalina next year.
I commented about Diamond Fire in the previous blog post before this because this wasn’t up yet at the time. Really loving when Catalina is acting badass in her quiteness!
“I’m Catalina Baylor, of House Baylor, Prime Siren.”
*squeeeeee*
Also, wanna see a certain count again getting fully exposed to Catalina’s power! You go girl xD
That was my favourite line too!!
I loved that Leon was still sensitive and asked that she not cry so he wouldn’t…
And Catalina’s comments about her wings and Alessandro…
I think Leon’s line was one of the best in the book. Someone who has pretty-much been a self-absorbed pain in the posterior actually showed some sensitivity (along with a bit of humor).
Ok, I needed the family tree. Seriously. Not kidding. I had a really hard time following the relationships in the family (even with the tree) and some of the names were too close and made it hard to follow. I’ve had to go back and re-read sections already to figure out who is who. When your focused so much on that nonsense it takes away from the book. Great story – hard to follow the family. Hope this doesn’t happen in next stories.
How about you don’t tell the authors what to do, is their book to write and if you don’t like it or can’t understand it then don’t read it.
There is a family tree at the beginning of the book, what are you talking about?
The family tree was excellent. If ii bothers you so much just skip it. I wish those I’m trying read based on Ancestry and 23 and me were that simple.
I didn’t see the tree in the Kindle edition, but it might have started passed it and it didn’t occur to me to force it to start from the cover.
I do see it in the paperback.
It turns out the family tree is in the Kindle edition. I didn’t see it at first because the Kindle edition opened up on the Prologue.
It is a fact of life that large families are hard to follow. It is another fact of life that the larger they are, the more interesting stuff happens. No doubt there are exceptions that prove this rule, but we need not consider them, because in this story, interesting stuff happens. If you can’t keep up, take notes.
So much fun! Loved the perspective of the younger Baylors. I found their sibling dynamic fascinating as they are all so much younger than Nevada. More like she’s in the adult group and they’re in the kids group.
Downloaded the book after midnight from Amazon and preceded to read through it. I loved it! Really enjoyed it!
I remember when you were writing it, you were at the end and you posted on the blog something along the lines of ‘ Die! Just die !’ You were tired and just wanted to be finished with the book…….
Well, even tired (and more recently sick) you people can really write!
Sorry y’all are so sick and it’s hanging on so long.
Good luck book sales for Diamond Fire!
I saw that the paperback had shipped which reminded me that the book was coming out yesterday so I told myself to start reading at midnight.
Midnight rolls around and I forgot (I was binge-watching Daredevil season 3). About to go to bed at 1:00am, saw the email about the digital book being out.
Was I a responsible girl and go to bed at 1am? No, no I was not and did not. I figured, it’s a novella, how long could it be? Read the whole thing and went to bed at about 2:30am.
Anyone know where I can buy some willpower? Maybe Amazon sells it.
Heh! I feel your pain…. I could (literally) write a book about the many, many occasions I have done something similar!
No, no, you don’t want to cut yourself off from reading their books. Sleep can be had later. 🙂
I always tell myself that I can be distracted by a lack of sleep or distracted by wondering what happens in the book…
I always choose lack of sleep
Oh, how is Daredevil Season 3? I keep forgetting that’s out.
LOVED IT! I was driving home from vacation last night (a seven hour drive) and I pulled into a rest stop to read it after it downloaded. So excited for the continuation of Catalina’s story!
A few queries:
1. How old is everyone? I think I have the order right, but I’m unsure on how many years separate everyone in the Baylor family.
2. Any chance we’ll get a Rogan POV as he watches Nevada walk down the isle?
3. There is no way Nevada and Rogan let Xavier off Scot-free after hitting Catalina in the face. What lovely torment did they come up with?
Hope you get better very soon! In the meantime, may you always have cozy blankets and a remote within reach.
I think Xavier finding out he won’t inherit and will have to (gasp!) work for a living is the worst thing that could happen to him 🙂
@Simone. Yes having to work for a living would be enough of a punishment for Xavier but this is Nevada and Rogan we’re talking about. Nevada discovers the active field of her magic because of her protective instincts, particularly of her family. Rogan is the man who will destroy anyone who threatens Nevada or makes her unhappy. Her little sister being hurt would make her very unhappy. Maybe Rogan will provide a work opportunity for Xavier that will either turn him into a decent human being or… it will kill him.
Having to work for a living is very far from the worst thing that can happen to anyone at all, no matter how spoiled. It might be bad enough, but it is definitely not the worst.
We’ve just discusses this in the fan group and came up with : Rogan is 30/31. Nevada is 25/26. Bern is 19/20. Catalina is 18. Leon 17. Arabella is 16.
Correct.
Thanks!
Which fan group are you discussing in? I thot this WAS the fan group :).
The Facebook one. This is the blog group ??. The BDH has many encampments.
What is the name of the Facebook group?
Ilona Andrews Fans ?
I loved this book. Downloaded at 0003 and I finished it at 0227, with a really big smile on my face.
The AuthorLords had clearly positioned this book as a bridge between Nevada and Catalina, but there was a lot less Nevada in the book than I was expecting. (Slightly more Rogan)
But for the avoidance of doubt I loved this book anyway.
Best of all is the AL amazing ability to write characters who seem real and well rounded and so likeable.
Catalina comes across as young, sensitive intelligent and strong, someone who stepped up to the occasion magnificently ably supported by the fiesty Arabella.
I am really looking forward to getting to know her better in future books. (also Leon, what a surprise he was) not going to say too much in case it ruins the surprise for others.
Have I said how much I loved this book, cos I really did. I really really did.
Thank you authorlords I feel like you guys have given me the most wonderful gift. I hope you feel better soon
Sorry got my own email wrong ?
Loved it. Read it starting at 2:30 this morning. Usually when I awake in the middle of the night I take a quick potty break and crawl back to sleep. Not this morning. Knew the book was there and HAD to read it!
Is anyone else looking forward to seeing little Mia develop? She’s going to be a pistol!
About Mia? Yes. Super cute. 🙂
+1
Thank you for continuing the addictive soap opera of your writing. Can’t find my kindle, so I had to wait until just now, when I have the physical copy in my hands. Yes, I do both. And then often the audio book, too. The Kate Daniels series taught me that it brings a whole ‘nother dimension to the story,
+1
I have e-book and dead tree of all their books.
I loved this book, it was great.
It’s actually kind of cool that there is a similarity in both Catalina’s nand Nevada’s magic … Compelling people to tell the truth, though one forces and the other coaxes.
I am hoping we see some interaction between Alessandro and Catalina in future books.
I inhaled this book like the others who read it already and posted. This whole story is wonderful. Rogan’s mom…now we find out where the “dragon” thought Nevada had about Conner comes from. Whoa! That is one woman you do not want to get ticked off at you. 😀
I loved at the reception Connor looked on like it was a Saturday cartoon. I laughed at that since I can see Connor with his chin propped up in one of his hands looking at the rest of the family like “what now?”
Xavier…what a putz. Going after Nevada like that? Not if the Baylor family has anything to say about it.
Can’t wait to read the next book…. Hopefully Alessandro will show up again, and this time Catalina will go with him on a drive. 😉 Of course this will be after Ilona and Gordon get extremely healthy to write.
Rehearsal dinner not reception.
Yes, I noticed the dragon thing as well ?
One thing I was wondering was I thought that Rogan’s mother’s family was supposed to have a strong empathic ability and his dad was considering her because that would help in business transactions, although those abilities did not manifest in quite the way his father envisioned. So I would have expected some empathic talent to show in the crowd. Although if that came from her mother’s side, the half sibs would not have it.
Augustine was best man!! ?
Who else? Well, maybe Cornelius, but Augustine and Rogan have more of a history.
Well, we already heard that Augustine was Rogan’s best friend in a previous book.
I can’t wait to read it this weekend!
Why did the 2 full brothers of Mrs. Rogan (Inigo and Mattlin) leave? I don’t remember any revelations about them. Maybe I missed some about their kids? But I didn’t think so. And these were the 2 uncles that Rogan specifically mentioned as wanting to invite.
Unless I missed something, I don’t think Inigo and Mattlin left. In the epilogue, the majority of the family who left were in the west wing of the house. Inigo and Mattlin, if I remember correctly, were in the east wing.
They didn’t leave. They were in the east wing and it was most of the members of the west wing that left.
**Spoilers**
It took me several readings but I think I have the family tree straight. The full siblings of Connor’s mother and their families were in the East Wing of the House. They were Connor’s: 1) Uncle Mattin Ramírez, and his family; 2) Uncle Inigo Ramírez, wife Emilia, and their three children; 3) Aunt Miren, her daughter 3a) Gracia, with her wife, and two daughters, including Adriana; and 4) Arrosa Ramírez Rogan (husband deceased, son 4a) Connor Ander Rogan). They and their families behaved themselves and did not leave. The West Wing housed the Arrosa’s younger half-siblings and their families: 5) Half-Uncle Markel Ramírez (the family tree lists him as Mirkel, but that is incorrect), his second wife Isabella, and his children: 5a) Mikel Ramírez, wife Maria, and their four children, including daughter Elba; and 5b) June Ramírez de Baldivia, husband Lucian de Baldiva, and their two daughters, including Samanta); 6) Zorian Ramírez, his wife Teresa, and two children, including daughter 6a) Mia Rosa; and 7) Aunt Ane (husband deceased, consort Paul Sarmiento, and the child of Ane and her deceased husband, 7a) Iker Ramírez, his wife Eva Sacada, and son Xavier Ramírez Sacada. These three half-siblings and their families were the ones Catalina destroyed. All but Zorian, Teresa and their children, Ane and Paul were disinvited and left before the wedding. June and her daughters were not disinvited, but they chose to leave, too.
Excellent 🙂
Read it, loved it, can’t wait for HL 4.
Even with the wedding theme this was very much Catalina’s book, character wise. One of the things I enjoy most in the Hidden Legacy series is the way magic shapes personalities.
Oh, and also +1for Catalina and that Venom Prime girl future friendship. I find her fascinating and if the two of them hit it off … I see a lot of potential. And how they are seen, one who poisons the body and one who poisons the mind – dare to shake my hand?
Indeed! A friendship between them would be lovely and awesome, built on understanding. 🙂
Oooh, I hadn’t considered that, and now I’m liking the thought of that friendship duo!
Ditto!
Now I really really want fencing club meets for Catalina patterned on By the sword or another similar fencing movie. I’d take episodic musketeer or zoro Hijinks I suppose, which might be more to taste, but just the idea of regularly scheduled sanctioned fencing in the world of primes is hilariously great.
Why can’t I preorder the sequel Apple? Bleh.
INORITE??!! But they insist on things like “solid release dates” and shit. Why can’t I just say “hey, Amazon, just send me everything by IA the second it comes out”? ?
We have GOT to see some crazy fencing (even if practice) around the premises of Rogan & Nevada’s place 🙂 what with her wild imaginings when she first sees his house 🙂
I was so happy to see it on my reading device this morning – I am sure I will get it read tonight!!!
Happy Book Birthday ?
It was sooo good, loved it! And I’m so glad this line of books are continuing. I’ll think I will reread it tonight ( I inhaled it upon the first read) so I don’t have to watch the election returns and get stressed.
Thank you and I hope you will feel better soon.
I loved it, I did figure out who the thief was immediately. Also, is there going to be more on Leon and his mother? It left us with hints, but not much solid information about what she did and how it affected the family.
I’ve always thought that Catalina would pursue Forensic Accounting as her investigative specialty, the way Bern uses his computer expertise for investigation. You know, follow the money to solve the case. Perhaps Catalina could take some online courses.
I find it interesting that Catalina is good with a sword instead of a gun. (Or maybe in addition to a gun?) At some point, the Authorlords said that she does have another talent from her mother’s side of the family.
It hadn’t occurred to me that Catalina’s power would be so emotionally isolating, but it makes perfect sense that it would.
Loved Arabella’s reaction to Xavier, totally in character. Still a loose thread or two from Nevada’s books, but that’s okay.
I would love to see Mia Rosa and Mathilda become friends some day.
Congratulations on the book birthday, Authorlords. Many happy returns (I mean more books, btw).
When the stone went missing I immediately thought it would end up bedazzled onto the unicorn. ?
Mia Rosa is too cute for words, and I had figured wed end up with one of the kids a prime tk when we got the break down on the family. I’m glad it was her, and not one of the cretinous relatives.
I was expecting Connor’s mother to be… more intimidating, and more of a problem. It makes me want to see the mothers-in-law in a snippet together now. Maybe with Grandma Frida too.
I’m glad for Nevada that it looks like she’ll get along with her MIL. And even her sister will benefit.
There’s a part of me a little disappointed the wedding scene wasn’t from Nevada’s (or even Connor’s) POV. Yes, I knew going into DF this was a point if transition between Nevada’s story, and the start of her sister’s. But I was hoping we’d see the N+C wedding scene be from them. #ImAHopelessRomantic
Connor got the best wedding present, rid of half the family he despised. Plus Kelly incarcerated.
And with the tiara, couldn’t they have introduced some subtle accents of blue to tie it to the bouquet and the rest of the decor together.
Now I’m wondering what the AL bouquet was like for their wedding.
Who’s Gracie and arianna? Feel better.
Happy book Birthday!
My mom had surgery today and it was fabulous to have this to read while I waited!
Enjoyed it so much!
Hope you all feel better soon!
Loved the Novella, was happy to add first 5 stars review on Amazon.ca 🙂
Addiction fed for a day!
I’m glad to have finally met Rogan’s mother. She’s amazing and I hope to see more of her.
Love the story, love seeing Catalina shine.
I am also down with the sickness, though not nearly as bad off as the Andrews family. I was so grateful that my eyes finally focussed this afternoon so I could read!
Novellas can feel short, but I thought this was perfect; every character got “screen time.” If Arabella ever gets her own book, I’ll be interested to see her grow from annoying sister with a fierce heart to badass adult.
I especially love that Catalina is finding ties to other Prime women, like the Poison mage and Mrs. Rogan. The whole fish-out-of-water trope is one of my favorites, and I hope we get to see some of Catalina’s transformation.
Awww, I thought Arabella showed great maturity and insight with some of what she said to Catalina in the car after Xavier first introduced himself. And I loved it when she accidentally clocked Catalina in her attempt to defend Catalina’s honor, and then followed her around with chocolate. I can understand how Catalina & Arabella might be closer than Nevada & either of them — I have much older siblings, and two younger ones who are way closer to me in age and in relationship.
OMG, OMG – I totally forgot today was THE DAY! I’m still traumatized by the epic cliffhanger of Archangel’s Prophecy – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Now I must go read – and I hope you feel better very soon!
@Darlene I had won an ARC of AP, so I’ll have to suffer even longer from that cliffhanger. I’m still so perplexed as to how it really ended.It was nice returning to new books with endings I could understand. ?
Loved it! Stayed up way to late last night to finish. So many wonderfull things and so many hints and possibilities for the future. Can’t wait for the continuation of the story. The quality of your writing is so amazing, you are my favorite authors!
Loved it and love this series.so much. I’m hoping Conte di Sagredo becomes to Catalina what Will was to Arrosa and what Connor is to Nevada. If he is already saying «For heaven’s sake!» it will make for a fun and interesting adventure. And there is probably already some love there so he might even already be immune! I look forward to the journey of proof… You are like Catalina to me with your amazing writing… I keeping wanting more and more of you.!
Yes more Connor and Nevada would be great but there are so many others who need their stories told so I will suffice with snippets here and there. Sending healing energy for you all to recover. Take good care and thank you so muck for enriching life for me with your wonderful stories. ??
Yes!! We are of one mind about the possibility Alessandro being immune to Catalina’s power because he already loves her! (Maybe later though?)
Inhaled the audiobook a few hours ago. Everyone is mentioning a family tree provided with ebook and printed version. Is it possible you could provide a download of the tree on this site? I’m sure I missed some stuff listening the first time, it would be nice to have the tree handy when I listen to it again. 🙂
If you click on “Look Inside” at this link, Lisa L,(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BK3M7V7/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title), then arrow left, you’ll see the Ramirez family tree everyone is talking about. Presumably it can be screen-printed from there, but that is far beyond my end-user skills.
Happy Book Birthday! Loved it! Can’t wait to read more about Catalina and family.
What a joy to wake up to Diamond Fire this morning. You made my day, my week – thank you! Your characters’ voices are clear as a bell; your writing is sharp, funny and hits the spot every time.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re still sick and I really hope you get well soon, because sickness is the pits.
I loved this book. I think one of my favorite parts was the description of Arabella as battle buddy, field artillery, and air support. Everything needed in one little package kinda like dynamite! My youngest daughter is the exact same way. And Leon’s support for Catalina. I don’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to beat on Xavier. I wanted to beat on Xavier. It was great to see more of the younger kids. And I am really looking forward to Catalina’s story. I think she is going to have some type of dual magic that is similar to Nevada’s and Leon. Some type of threat based response. Anyway, this was wonderful. I hope that everyone in your house feels better soon. And I agree that little Mia is going to be a handful. But really who can blame her. That stone had to look awesome on her unicorn.
Loved this story. I also really enjoyed the fencing scene and the connection between Nevada and Catalina’s magic.
+1!!!
Love too that the motivation wasn’t to ruin anything, just that a magical jewel unicorn needed an upgrade!
I woke up at 5:30a this morning and started reading it. Finished it by 7:30. And then reread it again. And will continue to reread until Catalina’s book comes out. I LOVED it. Cannot wait to see how Catalina grows into her magic and how she takes up a more “fighting” magic.
Since there will be a time jump between now and the next book – with Catalina in her early 20s, I think she’ll be even more confident in herself.
I CANNOT WAIT to see how the relationship plays out with Alessandro.
Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one.
Since this is the first time we get more background on Connor Rogan… I was wondering how did Connor’s dad, Will, die?
I read it this morning. It was great. I look forward to more of Catalina’s adventures next year.
Wheee!!! Awesome! Loved Rogan’s mom, love Catalina. Thank you. Great job.
Hope you feel better soon! You made my day with this novella, loved it and can’t wait for the next one!!!!’
I loved it… But I wish I hadn’t figured out who had the gem right away.
+1
+1
That didn’t really bother me. There was enough other stuff going on to keep me thinking.
+1 there was more than enough to digest. Had to send my thanks for the wonderful novella. Shall await the 2019 Catalina novel, joy joy!
+1
It was never about the gem for me. I just liked the glimpse of Arabella.
+1
Same here, I basically realized who had the tiara right away, and then I felt like I needed a notebook to keep track of all the names of rogan family. I did like all the characters and Catalina and look forward to hidden legacy 4
All the thanks for this. I inhaled it on my break from working my township voting place.
Thank you, Ilona Andrews. I enjoyed Diamond Fire.
Unfortunately, I could not read the Ramirez family tree, on my kindle, that you thoughtfully provided so I made my own using dead tree. No it would not magnify. Probably operator error. Anyway, I could not figure out where Cousin Gracia and daughter Adrianna went from reading story. Still i throughly enjoyed the story and look forward to next story.
Good job. Hope you are feeling better. Loved the rapier “fight”. I am not sure why people are surprised in comments that Catalina is a dual talent. Nevada is. I am sure Arabella is too. I was surprised Alessandro gave up so easily or maybe he was making a tactical retreat. Well, looking forward to your next book. Thanks again.
In “White Hot” there is this moment, when Nevada fight Rynda’s mother and see everybody’s magic colours. Nevada and Catalina have got two colours and Arabella only one. So I think that Arabella is not dual.
(I am sorry for mistakes. English isn’t my first language)
Which is perfectly okay since she can turn into a forty-foot tall version of Bluto from Labyrinth…
Sorry, that should be Ludo. From the movie Labyrinth.
Catalina is absolutely dual- Ilona confirmed directly, and the second power is from her motner’s side.
+1
Thank you, Authorlords, for the wonderful story. I appreciated watching Catalina grow. Growing pains…
Also, thank you for the heads up about author Forthright.
Yes, the Forthright recommendation was spot on.
I read both Forthright books that are now available and loved them.
Have to reread Diamond Fire sloowwly since I went through waayyyyy too fast.
Me three.
I had the same problem with the family tree.
There’s a family tree? How? Where?
I was just trying to figure out the family connections and ages, so that would be sooo helpful… ☺
It is one page before the Prologue, location 18.
It’s missing at least a few characters, though.
It’s only of one side of the family (the ones hanging out in the west side).
You can expand it on your Kindle app on your phone 🙂
In so glad you mentioned the family tree. I rushed to the prologue to get a couple pages in while at work and completely missed it til reading these comments! Adriana is Miren’s granddaughter. Rogan says she and her daughter Gracia are women of impecable moral character (? I’ve forgotten exactly his words) and he trusts Gracia’s wife and daughter completely. I wished for a full family tree too, it’s such fun to look at for big families! & I’d love to hear of more quality second cousins like Raul & Adriana :). I’m so curious if Catalina’s dual is related to Grandma Frida & Bern’s pattern magic, it doesn’t feel quite like Nevada’s, except for it showing up when she had to defend herself, & maybe Leon’s instinctive understanding of where his bullets needed to be? So so so looking forward to more HL!
I was also wondering if Leon, Catalina and Bern’s magic comes from Grandma Frida rather than Grandpa Leon. I mean, Frida sais Bern takes after her, but when Nevada had her secondary power being gun-related and probalby from her grandpa like her mum, I thought maybe Leon’s powers came from the same branch. Or from his unknown dad maybe.
But now that Catalina also seems to be able to predict her opponents whereabouts, that seems quite close to Leon’s powers, especiall if you imagine Leon’s magic being a cool combo of patterning (like his brother), and physical shooting prowress, like his grandad, aunt and cousin. Maybe Catslina has the patterning-physical reaction shortcut too, but expressed a little differently. That would mean Leon got all his powers from his mothers side of the family, if he and Catalina share those traits…
What I don’t really get is how Bern could get patterning magic from Frida… She talks to machines, and his computer prowress comes from the same branch, but is that why he can see patterns? Because if it is not from Grandma Frida, then where does the nearly psycic pre-cog Leon and Catalina seems to be able to use for fighting come from? Maybe their magic isn’t related? Maybe it’s from Grandpa Leon???
???
Deep thoughts…
I think about it like Engineers. There are bits and pieces of things that make people good Engineers. One of them might be that they understood machines (thus can talk to them like GF) another part might be that they understand the blueprints of how things work (pattern mages), at least that’s how I think of it.
Thanks MichelleD! ?
That was a REALLY good and logical explanation to how Patterning magic could be related to grandma Frida’s machine-magic! I love it ?
And untill the powers that be cannonises some other explanation for Bern, Leon and Catalina’s similar magical abilities I will favour this one ?
I really like this, and overall I agree.
I’m not sure this entirely maps to what many of us call systems-thinkers*. And it’s certainly not just an engineering discipline, nor, sadly, do all people who *train* in engineering possess it. (I used to keep an eye out from undergrads who were strong systems thinkers for a friend who was looking for training them to be hackers – in the entirely above the board security consulting sense – because she had trouble finding people with the mindset she wanted in industry, and knew I tended to like working with similar folks.)
I find the transition into the martial skills to be interesting. I mean, on the theoretical sense, the relationship is obvious – think about the math that goes into billiards, or firing artillery – this is just a scaled up, more extreme case. (Sword is both more complicated and yet has more constraints.) My experience with firearms is pretty limited, but for both sword (knife, stick) and open hands is that while you certainly don’t have to be good and analytical math for it, the whole spatial / mechanical awareness is pretty key. (Okay, at some level I’m seeing a bunch of potential space as vector / plane vector clouds? But that’s also just how much brain works. And it’s not like I notice it all the time.) In the general case, a lot of the stuff is handled by the cerebellum – it’s the part of your brain that handles fine tuning incredibly complicated mechanical operations like, say, throwing a rock to hit something that’s on the move. Which makes me wonder about cerebellar involvement in this whole family of magic, and how it would respond to cerebellar injury. (Okay, I’ll stop now. Actually, there’s a bunch of new cerebellar research out that I need to catch up on, which might settle some long standing bets I have with a couple of friends.)
* There are certainly ways of being a good engineer that is all about the minutiae and not thing of how the system works. I’ve even learned how to work with some of those folks.
Don’t forget that it’s likely Leon is Baranovski’s son (White Hot). If so, he has some foreseer tendencies too.
I am so sorry your family is sick, but I loved the Maud Chapter 17.1 and now this is remarkable. I like the development of characters, and I especially appreciate the little amusing touches: Maud starting to step aside when called Maven and remembering she *is* the Maven and takes charge. In Diamond Fire, I especially loved the canned whipped cream (We don’t judge.)
Oooh, “Archangel’s Prophecy” and “Diamond Fire” in the same week was such a treat! I’d gladly receive tips and suggestions to similar books and authors! I’m into mythology and mysteries, family dynamics and adventure; I’ve read Nalini Singh’s “Archangel” series, Anne Bishop’s “The Others” series, Charlaine Harris’s “Sookie Stackhouse” and “Aurora Teagarden” series, Beverly Connor’s “Diane Fallon” series and OF COURSE everythang Ilona Andrews <3 <3 <3 What to read next to feed the need for urban fantasy/mystery? Thanks in advance!
P.S. Sorry for the seemingly random comment… it was meant as a reply to another comment about AP and DF coming out close to one another 🙂
Try P.C. Hodgell
I love Hodgell (I read God Stalk and Dark of the Moon in the late ‘80s and have been following her ever since, which has been challenging), but I don’t think she’s similar to the listed authors.
Thanks Vonnie!
THE family Urban Fantasy series with interesting and unique critters is Seanan McGuire’s InCryptid. The family are cryptozoologists who study and protect magical creatures from murderous Order of St George. The first book is called Discount Armageddon. Each of the 3 siblings has 2 books and each finds the love of their life (6 out so far + plenty of short stories). They also have super cute speaking mouses who worship the family members as gods. And there are lots of references to earlier generations and each chapter starts with a quote from a past family member.
Seanan McGuire also has an awesome October Daye series which features fairies, has really cool world and lots of plotting and action. October is a half-faerie PI who in the first book has been turned into a fish for 14 years and has lost her human family because of that. The first book is called Rosemary and Rue and there are 12 books out and the series continues. October gathers around her a lovely chosen family over the series.
A mythological series that come to mind is Kendare Blake’s Goddess War series, starting with Antigoddess. It features Greek gods and is fairly grim. There is a divine apocalypse/war going on.
Second the Seanan McGuire rec. Also Ben Aaronovitch, the Rivers of London series: supernatural police procedurals with modern and ancient mythology and family dynamics. *So much* family dynamics, mainly fun but occasionally scary.
Wow! Thanks for the detailed recommendations Reetta R and jewelwing! I can’t wait to check all of this out! <3
This probably has nothing to do with anything, but I had a question: How is Catalina’s primary care doctor immune from her magic?
She is one of those rare people who completely commit to Hippocratic oath. She loves all of her patients and genuinely wants to help and that had given her a natural defense. If Catalina really concentrated, she could break through that, but it is enough to hold of a passive field.
Thanks. I was wondering about that too.
Me too, thanks Ilona! I hope you and Gordon feel better soon!
Oh great! Thanks for the answer!
Thanks! I had the same question.
Very cool!
+1
+1 more
I’m loving the way people (particularly Rogan and Bug) clearly ship Catalina/Alessandro. That’s one boat with some troubled waters to navigate.
Connor “Mad” Rogan, Butcher of Merida, el Huracan, Matchmaker Extraordinaire ??
His hate for the window made me laugh like a loon!! Love that he tried to help him!!!
Mad Rogan, El Hurracan, and frustrated shipper
Just call him “Yente”.
Rogan could tell him that renting a firetruck with ladder extensions would be more useful than flashy sports car. At least then he could get in some face to face time before she shuts him down.
I’m wondering if someone had a talk with Alessandro, advising him to give Catalina space for a few months and then try again? I hope we will see more of him.
Ca-ssandro forever! (It’s how I call the ship)
Totally here for this! May the good ship Cassandro sail into the sunset via an awesome trilogy (shameless begging for a trilogy :P)
Ooo, great shipping-name! ?
Now I have Abba’s “Fernando” in my head only switch out “Fernando” to “Cassandro”, and there is Catalina’s and Alessandro’s song. 😉
Oh nooooo, now you’ve made ME hear “Fernando” as an ear-worm in my head, with Cassandro switched out for the name! Grrr ??
Ohhhh CASSANDRO sounds cute and cool! Alright, Cassandro it is.
I read this in the morning and loved it! I am looking forward to more from the Baylor girls.
On my third reading today. My only problem now is waiting for the next one.
I had to bail from work early today as I was too sick to stay. After a 3 hour ‘nap’ it was a fantastic distraction to be able to get lost in Catalina’s world for a little bit. Thank you!!
I loved it. It gave a great glimpse in to how Catalina feels and acts, and I love that she’s naturally shy but so strong. And showed once more the close and devoted family bonds between the whole Baylor family. And now, I hope, Rogan’s mum too!! I loved her. She was entertaining. I really hope the end scene means we get more of her in Catalina’s books.
I was a little surprised, when Nevada was worried about meeting her prospective MIL, that Arabella didn’t mention staying with her; IIRC she hid out with Rogan’s mom after her first public appearance.
She does. Nevada asks her “Can’t you just tell me about her, you stayed with her” and Arabella says “I like watching you squirm”. It’s in the Prologue- make sure your Kindle doesn’t take you straight to Chapter 1!
OK, missed that somehow. I guess I will just have to reread! 😀
+1. Also so curious now to hear how Aunt Giselda screwed them over the time Catalina began to hate her too. I hope it’s not when she left the boys with Aunt Pen! I want them to have had unconditional love from Grandma Frida & Penelope’s family all their lives!
Ilona answered this somewhere else. Bern’s mom and her newest boyfriend came back after she’d left them with the family and threatened to take them back. Penelope, still in the throes of her war experience, tried to kill him for it. She lost her P.I. License when he sued her and although the charges were dropped or dismissed she didn’t get it back.
Bern should have requests coming out the yang since his line could now be considered a Rising Star Vector (Considered Significant and from what I could glean, his father and mother didn’t rate Significant) of Magisteria Examplara. I think I got that right. House Madero should be sending at least some sort of overtures to Arabella. Maybe have them have a black sheep of the family who is a geek but with the same powers. Just for the sheer amusement of that situation… (“What was that thing flying through the air just now?”, “Oh, that was just Peter Madero, he insulted his grandson in front of Arabella…”). Finally, I will sit back and say I loved the novella. Can’t wait to see what Rogan’s mother does with Catalina….
Arabella’s record is sealed. Nobody is supposed to know.
Maybe go the other way. Arabella be the one person in the family that sticks with the bloodline thing…
I think she might opt not to have kids. I don’t know if the Authorlords plan to give Arabella a book but in all seriousness that might be something that happens.
Do we know anything to speak of about Bern’s father? (I remember the references from the first book, but they don’t really say much about bloodlines. I’d tend to assume non-significant, but…)
Not really, but I would say since his DNA is now with Scroll, they would be able to do at least some sort of trace on his family tree if he is a bastard of a major house or his father was unknown. I would say, unknown would mean non-significant because Significants aren’t Primes, I would assume they are watched because of being a possible rising star vector
That should read, ‘While significants are not primes…’ Also, it would be an interesting little trail derailment to keep the multiple balls in the air that the A.L. are using in this book series. I like that it is somewhat controlled chaos, while inkeeper is almost completely controlled chaos and Daniels was almost completely uncontrolled chaos.
I wouldn’t expect him to be a significant, no. One gets the impression that outside of the Houses there are a lot of far less regulated average and notable talents floating around, many not registered in any way. (Hm – one suspects that the Houses would fight against any kind of mandatory testing pretty hard…)
Looked at one way, Bern’s pattern skills are kind of a generalization of the Leon’s talents… but he’s still a bit of the family outlier.
Right, it’s so interesting to hear Grandma Frida catalogue Bern’s talent as similar to hers, but Leon’s to be almost exclusively from their grandfather (I’ve forgotten his name, I think it was mentioned in wildfire)
Pssst… Leon is named after his Grandfather. 🙂
I ended up not being able to sleep (woke up at midnight and that was all she wrote), but I opened my kindle and got a wonderful surprise!! Loved the book. Loved the interactions with the other kids (girls and cousins).
PLEASE take care of yourselves!
Lurved it! Thank you so much for another amazing book!
Question list (yes, I need a list, I haven’t slept in 40 hours, the plague has made it to the U.K.):
1. Why is the blue-green colour special to the Ramírez/Rogan family?
2. When Catalina says nobody ever sees her wings and then says “I let him have a peak of feathers” and “I want to mesmerise Alessandro with my wing pattern” does that mean people who are under her active power directed at them see the wings?
3. Is Catalina’s second power like Penelope’s (hand eye coordination) or pattern observation like Bern? She sees the moves before they happen but also has natural moves.
4. The weird thought Catalina has when she turns and introduces herself to Runa – is it that they could be friends?
5. When Lina says “I want to fly away from here, but that won’t be happening for a while”- is that a figure of speech or can/could she actually fly?
Good questions!
2. I don’t think others see the wings. It’s more of a description of how much magic she is letting out – a peek would be just a trickle of magic and opening her wings fully would be full force.
I interpreted the weird thought as here is someone who has seen me. How would they react?
+1!!!
I’ve seen this video on FB and Twitter of a little corgi tip-tip-tapping his little pawsies in anticipation of a walk or treat. I saw the new book show up on my Kindle and my brain did that little corgi dance, overwhelming the practical side of my brain saying “Do NOT start this book. You’ll be up all night.” Snotty practical side was right. Finished at 5:30. (sigh) Loved it. Was worth the tired feeling all day. Kudos, Ilona and Gordon. Hope you and the whole fam feel better soonest!
+1
?? I loved Diamond Fire ?? Rogan’s mom was a pleasure to read about. I’m sure I am going to like Catalina as a narrator as much as Nevada. The glimpses I’ve read so far had me wishing this was already a book rather than a novella ? And the interactions between the Baylor’s family members remain my favourite scenes to read about in every book, novella, whatever you wish to publish about them.
In conclusion: Thank you for such a great novella ????
P.S: The wedding was moving, in fact it was the only part I wished to read from Nevada or Rogan’s pov again. If you ever create a pool to choose a fan-service scene that will be my option.
+1!
Fabulous! Fabulous! What a great transition from Nevada centric stories to those featuring other members of the family. I’m so sorry that you’re still sick on what should otherwise be a happy, exciting day. I hope that you all feel better soon! I’m absolutely looking forward to the next story featuring the Baylor family!
I loved this book so much! Thank you Ilona and Gordon for your consistently amazing work. You are truly gifted writers and I’m always grateful to read your work.
I read this….at work……during quarter close week……on my phone. I LOVED it and can’t wait for more!
Something similar for me! Read it all on my phone hiding in my office.
??
Loved it, a nice treat from my favorite series. Read it under my desk at work. 🙂
I loved this so much and now I am counting down the days until 2019 to read Catalina’s series… though I’d love more Nevada and Rogan! It would be so cool to see how they manage being married with her PI business.
The only thing that made me sad was how easily the conspiracy seemed to be wrapped up 🙁 after the other books it seemed like it should have taken way more.
Cause it’s a novella. It required less complicated story to unravel. I think ?
Tbh I read the tiara/family subplot as an intentional farce. A parody of a telenovela/camp British murder mystery that would serve as a fun background for the POV change and the closure on Kelly (which makes a full circle with the prologue of Burn for Me). It’s not the time of the Catalina Era.
And you still had Linus Duncan dancing with Victoria Tremaine, so the vast Caesar led conspiracy might have been stopped in its tracks, but that’s only for now…
I would hope that in the future it takes on a different form. I woudn’t want to see the same villains newly released from prison pursuing the same goals.
The tiara/Ramirez plot is definitely a farce rather than an intense dramatic mystery. It’s like the stealing of the emerald from Sweep in Peace. Couki and Mia Rose are birds of a feather.
It’s kind of a MacGuffin.
Yes. It’s a wedding novella. It wasn’t meant to have serious drama. 🙂
*Now. It’s now the time of the Catalina era
Yes!! I absolutely love that this priceless jewel had to be on a pretty jewel princess pony 😉 with elmer’s Purple glue no less! Talk about our AL weeping from hysterical laughter as they wrote!
Really enjoyed Diamond Fire and cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out!
Quick question… saw your little interview on HEA, and you said you were working on the first of the 3 Catalina novellas. Was that supposed to be novels, or is Catalina’s series all novellas? I can’t remember what the original announcement said regarding the length of the books.
Sounds like full novels. This was just a ‘bridge’ story between the two trilogies: https://ilona-andrews.com/diamond-fire-clarification/
It’s novels. I did the interview while having a fever.
Figured that was it.
So the medicine doesn’t make you loopy? Bummer. I bet you’d be hilarious when doped up. 😉
Loved it. I finished it with a big smile on my face and a happy sigh.
Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I really love the idea that she is a duel and that she’s going to get to kick some butt (kind of reminds me a bit of Kate Daniels fighting style) This is a wonderful novella to transition between Nevada’s story and Catalina story. I cannot wait for the next installment!
A dual duelist…
I’m at work and haven’t had a chance to read all the comments. Loved it.
One question. Thought gavin was on army service instead of jail. Here he is on jail release. Did I miss something?
Gavin is serving 6 months until he turns 18 and then shipping out to the military.
Related to that, I thought in the prologue of BURN FOR ME, Kelly told Connor that Gavin’s brother and sister deserve to know that he isn’t a monster, but they are never mentioned again. Not when the father was sedated at the end of the book, and not in this novella as wedding guests. Are they off at school somewhere or something?
If you were their father, how involved would you want them to be with Rogan’s family?
Thank you for clearing that up, Ilona. Even though those kids are not real, you’ve made me emotionally invested in what happens to them.
This was an amazing story, a wonderful bridge between Nevada’s series and Catalina’s. Despite its length, it was so very satisfying and allows us to see inside Catalina’s head as she takes a couple of very major steps toward adulthood and the full realization of her potential.
Plus, it was great to see the interactions between the Baylors from another perspective besides Nevada’s. Thank you!!!
Thank you! I did miss that. Appreciate the clarification.
Found it.
I hadn’t interpreted boot camp facility as jail. But it makes sense in a juvenile detention facility way.
From White hot
“A year in a juvenile boot-camp facility, until he turns eighteen, followed by a ten-year commitment to the military in exchange for his testimony against Adam Pierce. If he fails, he’ll serve ten years in prison.”
I loved Diamond Fire!! Mrs. Rogan was a delight and pleasure to read about. I’m glad she will take Catalina under her wing (figuratively of course). Maybe Leon should have been allowed to do something to Xavier except there probably wouldn’t have been anything left of Xavier. *LOL* Now off to read it again and see what I missed. *L*
I liked that they didn’t leave Rogan’s mom as just some cripple who can’t do anything. That scene is where you see her turn into the inspiration of Mad Rogan.
That was not meant to be offensive. Some authors tend to write disabled people as broken completely. That is what I meant by cripple even though it may still be taken offensively.
Sorry.
Some people write disabled people as helpless and put emphasis on what they can’t do rather than what they can do. It happens.
I get the impression both Mrs Rogan & Catalina’s wings are pretty literal 🙂 Siren & Dragon. But also taking Catalina under her figurative wing is excellent :).
Inhaled today. Wonderful wonderful Catalina!!
Please rest and get better!!!
Bought it. Read it. LOVED IT! Thank you so much for writing such an awesome novella that really draws you in to the characters. Wishing you all a speedy recovery (I am on day 14 of being sick with super cold and finally think I am going to survive).
What an absolutely great transition from Nevada to Catalina 🙂
While we go thru the changeover from, Nevada point of view to Catalina’s. We also transition from our beloved narrator Ms. Raudman to the welcomed new voice of Ms. Rankin. This story was a refreshing way to tie up the old story line and move forward with a new leading charater and a new narrator. While Catalina’s powers and back story will bring me back for the next book. I can only hope Ms. Rogan is there to help Catalina along the way. I already love Rogan’s mother, and the little bedazzler. Team: Alessandro
I must however comment that Ms.Raudman’s voice has a smoky, textured feel that sound like no other and it just brings a charater to life. So many of the new narrators voices have the same octaves and cadence. They start sounding like each other and other charaters they have narrated in other books.
Jacqueline, how well you have summed up the special quality that makes Renee Raudman such a great narrator!
I too appreciated the segue from Nevada’s POV stories to Catalina’s POV stories via the transition in narrators. I enjoyed the new narrator but I hope Renee Raudman continues to narrate other Ilona Andrews’ stories eg Innkeeper.
I am really looking forward to reading, and listening to, the completed version of Sweep of the Blade.
Loved it! Thank you for all your hard work.
Hope you feel better very soon.
Quick question – have I missed a specific description of what Arbella turns in to? Actual animal? “Monster”? Thanks, again
It’s a very big deal at the end of white hot. She turns into a monster, 50-ft tall with flat horns.
I still want to know if Arabella can vary the size of the monster she turns into. Otherwise, I don’t know how she fit into the testing room when Nevada, Bern, Catalina, and Arabella were testing to become House Baylor.
At one point, Ilona answered this question (or it might have been a similar question) with, “Not yet.”
In Whitehot, the dimensions of the testing arena are told…like 200 feet long etc… So I think room for transformation….
Thank-you(I do keep saying this to you), I love the Maud post and this story. Of course, I love all of your stories and please don’t ask me to choose a favorite. I hope that you and your family are feeling much better soon.
Thanks for a lovely story, it’s a great transition between Nevada and Catalina’s pov’s that really whets the appetite for the next HL book. I got such a chuckle out of Conner and Nevada celebrating closing the case by getting pizza from Domino’s! I’m so glad that Catalina will be mentored by Connor’s mom and has a possible new bff ?.
Strength, health and happiness, feel better soon!
Yay! I just finished Diamond Fire and can’t for the next installment!
For once my insomnia was useful. I had the whole thing read by 2:30 and now I’m ready for a re-read. I’m intrigued by Leon. He’s shaping up to be a great guy.
Loved it.
But I’m sorry to hear that your all still feeling lousy. Do take care.
I started working at 6 o clock in the morning so I could go home early and read this book, and it was soooo worth it!
But I have a few questions/musings I hope you the community can help with (or that I can share with you, making you ??? with me, muwhaaa?)
The first thing is, as I wrote out the family connections, I realized Zorion must be a “sladd-barn” (is there a term for that in english? A younger sibling who is more than 8 years younger than its older full sibling?)…
According to my calculations Markel and Ane, his closest siblings (also his full siblings) must be more than 14 years older than him…
And since Connor’s mum was 10 when her mum died, she is at least that much older than Markel and Anne (probably a bit more, counting in a mourning period before re-marriage and gestation of new sibling).
Which makes her at least 64 if you take into acount that Markel and Ane’s children Mikel, June and Iker must be at least 36 (since they have teenage children and I assume they were at least 18 when they had said children), which would make Markel and Ane at least 54 (again assuming parents must be 18 years older than their child)… So since Connor is 30, his mother would have been around 34 when she had Connor.
Maybe Arrosa was in her late twenties when she met Will (Connor’s dad). Or do you think it took them a while to get Connor? She didn’t mention fertility problems when talking grandchildren with Nevada, so fingers crossed that isn’t an issue on Connor’s side too. Victoria Tremaine’s jab about fertility to Nevada in book three made me a bit nervous for her. But Penelope has three daughters, and her mother has two, so maybe her kids won’t inherit the Tremaine problem…
Ok, now I need to go to bed, see you guys tomorrow ?
Enjoyed the book immensely, both times! 🙂
I have some past and future questions (and hopes):
1) Augustine’s siblings — would love to meet them
2) More Latimer — and what’s his power?
3) Linus Duncan: I have a bunch of (confirmed enough for me at this moment) theories around him. This would be a big clue around which I can develop more theories: Some times his eyes are hazel, sometimes dark. Do the AL’s consider hazel eyes to be dark?
4) why on earth ISN’T aunt Gisele coming around with her hand out? Her relatives just became a House. She sounds like EXACTLY the kind of relative who would show up now and be all “gimme”. Restraining orders do expire eventually.
I loved Leon here. Knowing his magic has obviously really helped him come into his own, confidence-wise, and yet still be so gentle with Catalina. And hilarious. “Your face is turning purple…”
I also loved Rogan’s guys genuinely caring for Catalina, with Bug and Rivera being all protective. And Mrs. Rogan is amazing. I hope Rogan at least ends up liking Catalina and Arabella for their own sakes, if he doesn’t already.
See, I got up at 6am here to read it, got in 3 reads, then bounced over to Gail Carriger’s new one that came out… yesterday? Last week? Amazon sucks at pre-order info — if I’m following an author, I should know the moment a book goes on pre-order for that author, not a week after it comes out. I have to sign up for Ms. Carriger’s newsletter.
But I digress. The point is that I will probably be back with more questions after her book, when I give DF a round 4.
Also, are you ever going to confirm that the Aframs’ have the uptick gene? As Bern & Leon’s magic is stronger than their grandparents’, Nevada is stronger than Victoria, and Arabella stronger than Misha Marcotte?
One of my favorite lines, btw, is when Catalina & Arabella show up at Rogan’s and Troy answers the door with “I am authorized to inform you that there is sushi in the kitchen.” I laughed out loud at that phrasing.
And lastly — get. better. Rest. Do as little as you can. We can wait.
It sounds to me like we are missing a chunk of the Gisele story. I’m making snacks, myself.
(I have a special fondness for messed up family stories, what can I say?)
If you look at the menu, under books —> Hidden Legacy —> Hidden Legacy Extras, and scroll down about halfway, there’s a bunch of stuff including how Gisele “ruined their lives”.
Excellent!!! Thanks for sharing. I missed it!
I can answer the hazel eye question ?
There are several types of hazel eyes, blue hazel and brown hazel. I have brown hazel eyes and depending on what I wear they can change colour from medium olive green to dark brown. Especially when you look at them from a distance.
Thanks for pointing out the way clothing changes eye color. I am very familiar with this, and it seems like most people have no idea.
My eyes change from very bright blue to almost-but-not-really green depending on what I’m wearing. I ALMOST got the blue-hazel my younger brother has, but not quite.
I’m following a theory that Linus Duncan that IS is not Linus Duncan that WAS. Nevada always describes him as Eastern Mediterranean ([not exact quote] “looks like someone’s uncle who owns a villa in Italy/Greece” (they do throw Spain in there once)). But Grandma Frida asks if he still has that [again not exact quote, I’m typing & walking] “hot dark eyed Scottish thing going on”. Also, there are variations even in brown hazel (my 5 brothers manage to encompass the blue-to-light-brown-to-dark-brown-hazel spectrum, while I got stuck with plain blue). So I asked whether the AL’s are considering hazel as light or dark, because it might matter. Especially since I’m 100% sure Duncan’s original name is “changed-from-Molpe” and he’s Victoria’s sperm donor. A lot of money and — well, I need to double check whether it was influence or blackmail in his case. I’m pretty sure it was influence for Grandpa, blackmail for Marcotte.
So. Please, AL’s, after you get better, say whether you consider Duncan’s hazel eyes dark?
OMG, will you guys stop obsessing over every single thing? 🙂 I mean honestly, reading the comments is like, “On page 345 you put an extra comma. On the basis of this I believe that the first novel of the new trilogy will explode.” O_o
He has hazel eyes. Sometimes they look brown. Sometimes they look lighter. No, Linus Duncan is not a doppelganger. Sometimes a horse is just a horse and not a zebra.
I’m sorry? I mean, I feel bad that I caused you such exasperation. I won’t post my extended theories again.
But it’s a mystery! With stuff to be revealed! And the cause isn’t dead. So we sorta are supposed to wonder about this kind of thing. Isn’t that half the fun?
So I’m genuinely sorry I posted it here. But I don’t think I can apologize for how I read.
:waves paws: I am not mad. I just find it hilarious. “He sneezed on page 5, what does that mean?!” Sometimes it’s just means his nose was itchy.
In that case, I’ll come back with: but you’re always the one telling us to read more carefully!!
Hahaha! Touche!
+1
Siobhan,
Just so you know, I love reading your, and the rest of the BDH’s theories. The Al’s books are so good it’s more fun to speculate and think about them than to read other things!
Thank you! I’m really terrible about clue-seeking. During Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series, in one book I had over 150 notes with different theories. Only half of them were totally wrong! That’s pretty good, I’d say.
Thanks for a little delicious canape of a book. I gobbled it down in one bite! Looking forward to the next installment as much as I used to look forward to a new Kate book.
Finished the novella in record time, lurved it☺️
Just wanted to let you know that I love the book!
Thank you for sharing writing!
I just finished the book, and I loved it! Unlike others, I didn’t figure out who took the gem until a little before the story ended. 🙁
Question: how did Aunt Giselle ruin or attempt to ruin their lives? I know she wasn’t there for her children, but it seemed like something specific happened (I must’ve missed something in the past books, or maybe it will be specified in future books?)
Also, what was Catalina’s ‘thought’ regarding Runa? Time for a re-read!
It hasn’t been updated in a long time (no need to), but the Hidden Legacy extras page answers a lot of these questions (scroll down about halfway, the good stuff is after the ads):?https://hiddenlegacy.ilona-andrews.com/
Thank you!
Thank you for another fabulous book! I hope you are feeling better.
Okay some things take longer to rise in my thoughts. Kia Rosa asked for the Bedazzler in the first chapter. She and her unicorn hangs around with Mrs Rogen including in the study. Mrs Rogen doesn’t report the missing tiara until after Mia Rosa has received the Bedazzler.
I think Mrs Rogen caught Mia Rosa taking the gem and probably sent her out with the idea of asking for the Bedazzler. Only when nobody asked Mia Rosa what gems she wanted to put on the unicorn did she report it missing. Mia Rosa wasn’t going to leave the premises and would scream if anyone took the unicorn so it wasn’t in danger.
Missed the first autocorrupt.
No. Your timeline is off. Mia takes the jewel, realizes she has no way to attach it and asks Catalina for the bedazzler. Catalina walks to speak with Nevada and directly after Arrosa asks her to find the jewel. The bedazzler isn’t delivered until the next day. 🙂
Back to more rereading for me. You must be feeling better to be replying to so many comments.
I think the “wings” are a metaphor for How Catalina feels about her magic. I am on the fence about Alessandro… (kind of a spoiler)… after I read the first chapter of the next book… I am kind of thinking TEAMAugustine??? Best man… Maid of Honor??
I love Mrs. Rogan. I loved the whole story. When I saw it was a novella, I thought it was going to be super short. It was a well developed story with a lot of great details.
Am I the only one who did’t figure out where the gem went? Totes adorbs!!! Bedazzled my eye! ??? ?. Thanks to both of you for continuing to tell us amazing stories! Feel better soon!
I am not saying Augustine can’t get his shit together or than that wouldn’t make an interesting story. But with Catalina?
?♀️??
Let us talk age gap, and life experience gap, and oh, ew, no.
As previously stated a number of times, Augustine is not a love interest for any of the Baylors.
Does the possibility of Augustine getting his own side-novella with love interest exist? Like Raphael & Andrea or Jim & Dali.
I don’t think the wings are a metaphor. I think they’re real, invisible wings.
OMG. I *SO* hope Alessandro can see them. Catalina loves her wings and hates the power that comes from spreading them. If he could SEE them, he would both be able to avoid them (anti-stasi Prime) and be able to also find them beautiful. Especially if he is the ONLY one who can see her beautiful wings.
Loved this! Thank you.
Hoping / suspecting that Alessandro will be back.
Love the mental image of Mrs. Rogan as a dragon.
Smiled at the little girl who wanted something nice for her toy.
Wishing you all the best and healthy very soon now
Loved it! Read it first thing this morning while standing in line at the polling place. The “We hated you before it was cool!” thing brought back sooooo many memories. I have sisters. Younger sisters. I love that Catalina’s secondary talent appears to be combat related. And her urge to unleash her full Siren talent on Alessandro so she could keep him… Bravo for refusing.
I loved Diamond fire! the bakery scene really stands out to me! You write powerful women so very well! Really enjoyed the story and insight into Catalina.
Feel better soon, ????
This was fabulous, and my day is so much improved thereby!
(I promised myself I wouldn’t go vote until I’d finished revisions on a particular paper. Then I accepted a neighbors offer of a ride – which was lovely, especially as I feel like something the cat coughed up! – and afterwards, finally!)
I’ve been sitting here mulling over the cast of characters who flew in and then out again, and who might show up again… only for it to occur to me that especially as the Baylors move into the wider world of Primes, there really is no telling. *blink*
I love this world so much. …and I’m looking forward to seeing more from Catalina’s PoV.
So I was working night shift in the operating room. Tired from lack of sleep and bored because we weren’t busy. It was such a lovely surprise to see it pop up in my Kindle App. Once I preorder, I totally forget when it’s due out.
I read it in 3 hours. And I loved it. I’m one of those readers who couldn’t tell if Catalina was truly shy or just a quiet brat. It was nice to know she’s shy and trying really hard to hide her magic for the best reasons.
I’m hoping that Alessandro gets a chance with Catalina. It would be amazing to see her come out of her shell.
Y’all truly make books fun and snarky (thank you for Arabella and Leon!)
For most of my pre-orders, I’m exactly like that — order and be surprised and happy when it comes. There are times when nothing has come out for a while, so I start checking. There are a few authors, though, that I anticipate so much that I stare at the calendar and curse the fact that I live in Europe*. Ilona Andrews is one of them (2 of them?).
________
*I realize that midnight EST, 6am CET, and 9pm PST are all “now”, but functionally, the person in Seattle gets their book way before me and I envy them.
This story was a lovely tease. I’m totally on board with Catalina’s POV. She’s lovely and badass. I’m very curious about Alessandro… Can’t wait to see more of their interactions. ?
I just really hope we catch glimpses of Nevada and Rogan’s HEA. ***cough*** short story when they find out they’re expecting/after baby is born ***cough, cough*** ?
+1 i would also like to see more into the relstionship between the baylors and mrs rogan also catalina mentions she hopes rogan likes them(nevadas family) i would like to see that develop see rogan show love/affection to/for them. I really enjoyed mrs rogans character though would love to see that develop with catalina and arabella
Thanks authors!!
I forgot this was being released today. Very nice surprise. I had a ball. It was a little shocking seeing Leon’s maturity. He was so young in the last book. That he knows he has magic and therefore power has had an enormous effect. I like the way Catalina is evolving. I’m watching all Nevada’s younger relatives grow up. Kate was a loner. Dina has a brother and a sister but until Sweep of the Blade everything revolves around Dina. I’ve decided families are fun. I’m ready for the next book. ?
+1 Leon’s
I really enjoyed the book. I’m on the 2nd read through.
I’m looking forward to hearing more of Catalina’s story.
Okay, I’ve read the Hidden Legacy series, it was ok, (I know, I know, I’m an infidel but my heart belongs to Innkeeper). But today is a day that I am avoiding everything about the election, I spent most of it on Wedding Wire forums, prepping for my sons’s upcoming wedding. I took a break, checked my email, saw the Diamond Fire post and said to myself “what the heck” and bought the novella.
When I found out that Arabella and Catalina became the defacto wedding planners I was hooked.
Haven’t finished it yet, but I wanted to thank you guys for giving me such a boost.
But then again if tomorrow doesn’t go as hoped (don’t worry, I’m not going to name names) I’m moving to Spain. Again, another eerie coincidence from the book.
Looking forward to more of your works, and hoping that you both are feeling much better.
Oo, what part of Spain? Family connection?
Northern and Basque country, but many generations back through my husband’s family, via Cuba and the Canary Islands. How about you?
I’m the first generation of my mother’s family not to be a bilingual Spanish speaker (after settling in the San Diego area in the… 1830s I think? I’d have to double check.) That being said – there’s a bit of an uproar on that side of the family right now because a few of the aunts and uncles went in for genetic testing and it came back saying it was Jewish and African. (Grandma in particular – who died before I was born, for all that I spent much of my childhood being compared to her – apparently was quite proud of her Hispanic heritage and there are lots of antiques and stuff from that side of things, so apparently this is a thing for some of them?)
Possibly partly as a result of the different upbringing, I’m more “Hey, that’s cool!” Being Hispanic is more of a linguistic identity anyway, I figure, and hello, Spain. (Maybe we have different backgrounds in history? I mean, I know some of them want to think well of our ancestors which means ignoring a lot of history…) I mean, sure, great-great-etc grandpa was known for flaunting his refined self and his pure Castilian speech… but he was in the Americas doing that, which says something, mm? (But by my generation it’s a pretty crazy multicultural sprawling mess, and I grew up speaking more Japanese than Spanish.)
Does that make you a sephardic jew? Which would be cool. My husband was hoping that would show up in his dna testing because Spain is now allowing sephardic Jews to live there full time. Unfortunately, nada.
Of course we are not so sure how my inlaws would have handled that being they are Cubans who can trace their lineage back to Spain in the 1600’s. But that is mostly on his mom’s side. His dad side goes back to Ireland via Costa Rica.
So my husband is half Irish and half Cuban with a Spanish Irish name to boot. I threatened to name our son Jesus O’Leary. Hah!
My side is wasp (pre Revolutionary War) on one side and middle Eastern Jewish via San Francisco during the gold rush on the other, with a lot of adoptions thrown in to keep us all guessing. I love it.
😀 This is very cool.
because Spain is now allowing sephardic Jews to live there full time.“
According to The Times of Israel, Spain is offering citizenship to those who can prove their ancestors were disenfranchised in 1492. https://www.timesofisrael.com/spain-extends-citizenship-law-for-sephardic-jews/
Key bit: So far 6,432 Jews with Spanish ancestry, who are known as Sephardic Jews, have obtained Spanish citizenship without having to give up their other nationality, he told a news conference following a weekly cabinet meeting.
The Spanish government had estimated when the law was passed that roughly 90,000 people would apply for citizenship, although officials said there was no precise way of knowing how many descendants meet the criteria.
Applicants do not have to be practicing Jews but they must have their Jewish heritage vetted by the Spanish Federation of Jewish Communities, a private umbrella organization for Jewish groups, or by rabbis where they live.
It sounds like DNA is not enough. To be honest, according to complaints I’ve seen from Israeli Jews who looked into it, the level of documentation the Spanish government requires to prove ancestry suggests a certain lack of enthusiasm on the part of those who wrote the law… or a lack of insight into the likelihood that key documents will be preserved by the descendants of refugees for half a millennium.
But the current explosion of those discovering through DNA or genealogy sites like ancestry.com that they are lost Jews is really exciting, if one is into that kidn of thing.
Yeah, see trailing wife’s comment above – and I hadn’t even looked into the laws there, I was just coming at this from having some background in genetics, which contributes to my general skepticism about popular genetic testing… but a lot more to the problems of figuring out what any of this amounts to. (I’m also curious, but I don’t have identity invested in it the way a lot of my relatives seem to? And my baseline stance is to find my family hilarious. This is pro-sanity.)
I’m impressed with your husband’s family for tracing things back so far!
I’m super piecemeal – I’m not a genealogist, really, just a lot of branches are pretty well traced, and I’d gotten interested in one because my mother had kept mum about a big part of her heritage, and then I was heading down to San Diego anyway, so I figured I’d look into it. I also remembered a bunch of stories I heard when I was a kid, which I assumed were probably bullshit (spoiler: they weren’t bullshit). And then it turned out there are historical societies, one focused solely on one branch of the family, one on the society they were part of, and a. some of the uncles are involved (including one of the ones I like*) and b. they were misrepresenting history and glorifying some pretty awful behavior.
Hm. The branch I know best left Spain no earlier than the late 1700s (great^5 grandpa), spent a while in Peru (where g^4 g-pa was born) and then to California. So, significantly post-expulsion. I only know of them being proudly (if sometimes carnally**) Catholic, though once you go back a few generations, who knows? But considering the mixed ethnic make up of al-Andalus, say, well, it’s not an unusual story? Genes, they move around.
* Look, it’s bad enough that the worst of the lot has a family museum on his property. And I’m sympathetic to everyone getting into fights with my mother because yeah, she’s awful. But do you really want to glorify a guy who showed up in SD and basically said “Gosh, this place is really great. But do you know what would make it better? Slavery!” …and that’s just the simplest example.
** …and that’s the flip side. As has been amply demonstrated by much more reliable genetic testing in my mother’s generation, documents also have their problems, and aren’t always the best way to track parentage.
I loved this book. I finished it too fast.
Now to wait for the next Catalina book. 🙂
Thank you for another great story. As usual, it was a joy to read.
It never felt rushed, as some novellas do. Although I guessed the thief pretty early, there were plenty of other plot lines going on.
I do hope all of you are beginning to feel better. (Sending healthy thoughts and virtual chicken soup your way…)
Lovely and quick read. Very fun.
I knew I would like Catalina’s voice from the snippets and I wasn’t disappointed with her intro in Diamond Fire. I love how she is the perfect mix of vulnerable but still strong and willing to grow and face challenges. Her anger and tirade about Xavier (and Primes) was awesome. Then to see her physically best him- yay!
I can’t wait to see more of Alessandro- I think his interaction with Catalina will be so fascinating. How is he going to show/prove to her that he likes her for her? Will she ever be strong/brave enough to let him?
The little snippets of interactions with the other young Baylors just made me want more. Will each Baylor get their own story? We can only hope.
I know the Authorlords are tired of us questioning the possibility of an Augustine/Catalina ship happening (and while I think they could pull it off if they wanted too, I am still eagerly waiting for Alessandro/Catalina to happen), I would suggest they could prevent the notion from coming up so much if they gave Augustine a clear romantic interest. 😉
Ilona has flat out said Augustine would not be romantically involved with the Baylors. That seems really clear to me.
I’ve never understood the appeal of the Augustine/Catalina thing. Augustine/Leonora, now, that I could get behind!
Yes! Lenora
I agree. Catalonia is 18 and August one seems so much older in both years and outlook.
how about Augustine and Cornelius’ sister (her name temporarily escapes me)? You get the impression she is very unaware of human relationships so it would be fun to watch her grown. Not sure what you get when you cross an animal mage with an illusion mage though.
Augustine and Diana Harrison. If he thought he was in a Disney movie before, wait until he works/ spends time with a full-on Disney princess who talks to animals 😉
It would have the potential to be hilarious don’t you think? He’s so serious and image is everything!
Maybe it’s just me, but I always figured he was gay. Rogan makes a comment somewhere about Augistine never being/settling with a lady and how he found it odd because Augistine was so slavish about serving his house…
Or…unrequited deep feelings for Lenora? Maybe because, like Rogan, his magic isn’t a good match with his love interest? His slavish approach to his house might be keeping him from following his feelings, but he can’t bring himself to move on.
Or he could be ace/aro. Just saying.
+1
Image mage he may not trust anyone to see what he really looks like
+1
Huh… What is going on with that?
My thought process here: When Rogan first runs into Augustine in person in Nevada’s office in Burn For Me, Rogan gives him shit about the amount of illusion he’s using – but it’s not apparently obvious to him what he’s using all this illusion for. Now, maybe he does in fact have a receding hairline. Maybe it’s some mixture of vanity or insecurity.
But it comes out that he and Rogan are friends – or as close to friends as Rogan has. They knew each other from school. It’s not unlikely that they haven’t seen each other for a while – Rogan having gone into the military and then having been in semi-seclusion. Rogan knows what he at least used to look like. So it’s not like “Oh, hey, I see you are covering up those acne scars and bulbous nose,” – okay, he probably did that during school anyway. But he’s using a lot more magic now, and yet it’s not immediately obvious to Rogan to what purpose.
So… Did something happen to Augustine during the time between when Rogan headed off to the military and when we meet him again? (Likely before he gets involved with buying out the Baylors, though I suppose that’s not a given.) Possibly something that left marks, and contributed to future assholery? Because that could open all kinds of interesting questions about his background.
…and that is my wild ass theory of the evening, and I do hope someone else wants to play with it, because I had a lot of fun putting it together.
maybe the reason he has to use so much illusion is because he’s not the real Augustine.
“Did something happen to Augustine during the time between when Rogan headed off to the military and when we meet him again?”
Oh yes. Something did happen.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK. Thanks for the tip!!!!
+1 Squeal
? Well, that was the shortest game of let’s spin a theory I’ve ever played.
Also, the most decisive! ?
And, I cheated – I was trying to remember if we knew anything else about changes between when Rogan last Augustine and the current time. I knew there was a bit in there where Rogan was talking about how Augustine caved to his family (which sounds like it was always a possibility but he was fighting it), but I didn’t quite have all of it.* So I broke the rules of my personal game and looked it up.
The line of import, from Rogan: “I’ve seen him without his magic.” (This, however, was presumably back in their school days…)
I’ll just leave this there.
* Migraine yesterday, have the hangover today. Ugh.
And someday, if we are lucky, we will find out what.
As much as I’m pushing for Augustine to get his own novella*, I’m not 100% convinced he’s on the good guy side. There was something in the way he asked Rogan if he was certain he was on the “right” side in this conflict. I am still allowing for him to be a Caesar follower.
_____
*as much because then the Augustine/Baylor shipping would finally stop, as for my own interest. Which, IF Augustine is a good guy, is very very high.
From the deleted HL #4 scene: “Augustine’s face jerked. The perfect mask faded slightly and beneath it I glimpsed a hint of a different face… The illusion snapped back in place. Augustine had reasserted control.”
I hope we get more clues!
I was also struck by Rogan talking about how he’s not Augustine’s favorite person in HL1, and Augustine identifying Rogan as his best friend in HL2.
…I don’t see this as a contradiction. Throughout HL1 they had a pretty fractious relationship, and obviously it had been a while since they’d seen each other, so it wasn’t surprising that they had different interpretations of where things stood (and that it changed, perhaps, as they reconnected.) But it says a lot of a man he hadn’t seen since his college days, who he has a more than a little ambiguous relationship with, is his best friend. He is not a guy with a lot of people around him. (I mean, in a meaningful sense.)
…and if he becomes to the Baylors the big brother no one wanted, they might be the family he really needed, whether he realized it or not. (To put the best possible light on it. I want to like Augustine, but he’s more than a little of a cypher, and he’s been a rat.)
That doesn’t prevent him being hooked to someone else. Non-Baylor.
EXACTLY! Marry Augustine off to someone else! Ideally in his own side-novella.
+1 – you see what I’m getting at, lol- more Hidden Legacy!
Loved it! My favorite part was Kelly being quietly arrested without even a big scene. That loose end needed snipping but she didn’t deserve any more of Rogan or Nevada’s time! Nicely handled. I also really liked the diversity in this novella.
The anticlimactic ending to Kelly’s monstrous rampage was one of my favorite things about the novella. After enormous effort and limitless resources expended by Mad Rogan himself, to see her captured so effortlessly and unobtrusively as a byproduct of an investigation by the 18 year old Catalina was such a nice surprise. Kelly is going to go mad pacing her hopefully tiny cell comparing her quiet oblivion to the dramatic destruction of Rogan and most of the house elite at what was at least the wedding of the year. Catalina’s mini arc from possible romance to annihilation was epic. Just a note, the Authorlords seem to have weddings on the brain between this and Sweep of the Blade. Can you see the ad – can handle anything from armed warfare to the best brisket and queso. Multiple universe references. Alien menu planning a speciality.
I love it! And I love queso! You should be able to have anything you want at your wedding. I love how Nevada stuck to her choices and her queso and flowers. Gotta start as you mean to go on. Great role model for her family.
A fabulous new story an my annual work evaluation on the same day! ? I’m a very happy person. The book was awesome!
Delightful transition to the next trilogy!! I hope it sells millions of copies & makes your publisher very happy. ? I loved it.
Please rest, see your doctor & get well.
Thank you so much for this! As yet another been-sick-with-the-plague fan of the AL’s, I was so happy to read this today, and so bummed out on their behalf. Get well soon!
Totally enjoyable, thank you. A nice wrap up for Nevada and Connor and opens up lots of nice possibilities for House Baylor.
My only real criticism is that I had a devil of a time keeping all the Ramirez’ relationships straight. I had to keep flipping back to the family tree and I wish the tree included both halves of the family.
And am I the only one who saw the Erra-Julie echo in the last scene with Mrs. Rogan and Catalina?!
I loved it that it was confusing to keep track because in real life, with Hispanic families, it happens. Its cliché, but so true. You have a lot of relative’s you don’t know and never know how you’re related hahahahah
It happens a lot in German families to. A third of the people that show up at our family reunion are not really related to each other without a COMPLEX family tree. (like great grand mothers are sisters).
No, you’re not.
But on further reflection, while the mentorship offer is the same, the mentee has completely different needs. Julie isn’t ever going to be a big rule follower, whereas Catalina is so unfortunately unsocialized because her powers are so isolating, that she said it herself, she NEEDS rules to follow. And Mrs. Rogan plans to mentor her socially and a bit magically, whereas in the Julie-Erra dynamic, if anyone is going to be socialized, it’s Erra.
LOL It could happen!
Each time I read a new book you’ve both created I think I’ve found my favorite character, then I read the next book and discover a new favorite. Thank you for creating such amazing stories with complex people. Loved this story.
What I want to know is, who is this mysterious family doctor that knew Arabella could transform and agreed to say nothing and now we have learned is also immune to Catalina’s powers……..
THIS OMG. I’m curious too because it was stated that the doctor is kind of immune too to Catalina’s magic.. maybe from one of Grandma Frida’s acquitances?
Right! 1) with Arabella there has to be some sort of incentive to keep her BIG secret. Can’t be money cause the family doesn’t have money like that and on top of that seeing how Mama Baylor has been in the previous books I feel like she is too paranoid to leave a liability like that alive. 2) in Catalina’s case in all the books so far only her family is truly immune to her powers because they already love her. I think the next books might expand this immunity to include anyone who truly loves her, just a theory, but still doesn’t explain this doctor! Can’t be a Good Samaritan because, what’s the fun in that, so I’m guessing hidden family member?
This. FERA and YLEE it’s insights, questions and theories like this that make trawling comment sections such a buzz! I loved the book (all the books) but the comments are just the cherry on top!
Upstream in the comments Ilona said that the Doctor is immune to Catalina as she truly believes in the Hippocratic oath and loves all her patients. That said Catalina could still break through the passive field if she concentrates, but she has no need to do so.
+1
Also, Grandma Tremaine must have gotten to the Doctor once she got to Houston. The only people who knew about Catalina and Arabella’s powers were the family and the Doctor. And yet Tremaine knew exactly what those powers were and which child had which. She could speculate from genes but not the specifics that she had during that discussion at the Japanese place.
Yes, what a brilliant question!
Love the Hidden Legacy series, and thoroughly enjoyed Diamond Fire can’t wait for the next instalments ? in the series. Looking forward to exploring this world as you develop it and the characters. Hope you all are starting to feel more human.
This story was an amazing introduction to Catalina and her decisions at such an important time in her life. Thank you for another wonderful adventure.
I have been tasked to inform you (by my loving husband who gets all of the books I’ve read second hand as I recount my favorite parts). That the way to poison Texans is not through confections or cake. You must poison the meat to truly be effective.
But how would the poisoner explain not eating meat in Texas? (I have visions of vegetarian getting a chicken dinner from My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
It had to be the cake because the plan was to kill off the entire family – including the children.
Also, it seemed like a deliberate echo of the attempt to kill the Ramirez family via a tower of poisoned cream puffs when Arrosa Rogan was six years old. Rogan had shared that story with Nevada in White Hot. That little bit of history also explains why House Rogan had a Magus Venenata on retainer for the wedding.
Have a question for Ilona Andrews.
Are we getting 3 novels or novellas for Catalina?
Look at the top menu. Click on Books. Click on Hidden Legacy. Read what the page says. 🙂
Oh. Great!
Was a bit confused when I read your HEA interview because it said novellas.
That was the fever talking. 🙂
Happy book birthday…..
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It made me smile and laugh. It was a fun read, and like many of the BDH I look forward to the next one!
I hope the whole family is beginning to feel better, the illness sounds absolutely awful.
Thank you so much for this novella. I had a great time reading it and it is really interesting to see Catalina starting to spread her metaphorical and esotherical wings! Love the way she sees her power. Also love the teasing of her being a dual wielder just like Nevada. I just wonder how the fencing is going to translate in the next book! After a few years under Mrs Rogan’s tutelage, she is going to be quite something. I think even more impressive than Nevada. Somehow, Catalina reminds me of Sophie/Lark from the Edge series.
Both are talented with the sword, both will get this special, albeit late, elite education, both have issues with feelings and their abilities and both hide/deny them even if for different reasons. Of course, Catalina never had to go through the horrible trauma that Sophie did, but I do think they have similarities in their character.
I can’t wait to see Catalina come into her own, the premices teased here make me giddy with excitment!
Loved Leon in this novella as well and Arabella’s sisterly relationship with Catalina.
I hope we get to see more about Quiet Bear Bern. I wonder what passion he hides under his hibernating exterior. I’m sure he has plenty going on too!
Again, dear AL’s, please take care of your health and many thanks for this wonderful “preview” of things to come next year!
Was thinking the same thing about Catalina being “dual”. Could there be an offshoot of the power that runs in her family that normally reflects in marksmanship but instead relates to blades?!?!? And although she did not have the same traumatic event in her life like Lark did she HAS had the incredible burden of having to repress most of her social interactions until later in life (outside of her family of course). Wow, so many complex issues to wade though, I LOVE IT! Stay tuned folks!!! This ride only gets better….
I think I fell a little more in love with Rogan watching him be the supportive big brother… Also, Leon! Please make Leon a huge part of the upcoming books, please o please!
I read Diamond Fire Then saw there was audio, bought and listened to that. Then I read:/listened to the whisper sync pair. Now I feel I have extracted enough of the connections to enjoy for now and am enjoying thinking it all over. What a nice treat!
Happy birthday book!!! And many thanks to you two. You’re awsome as always.
I’m still at the beginning due to limited free time combined with having two small daughters but I’m really enjoy it.
I have to say this…it’s fun to understand Alessandro’s remarks in italian, it’s my language too!!!
I re-read Alessandro’s remark when he was under Catalina’s window (the one Rogan hates). I had to look up “cielo” on Google. From what I literally translated it to be is “For the love of the sky!” I also thought it could be “For heaven’s sake!” Am I correct?
Google translated the whole statement for me as
“For the love of heaven” IIRC
Hope that helps.
Things like this are great but without a copy paste to google to translate it can be frustrating. Fortunately they are used sparingly
The other one that comes to mind is
“The little death” from the Magic/Kate arc when the frenchman recognizes her pit fighting style from when Voron had her fight on the sands.
Yes, it is literally “for the love of heaven/sky” but as a phrase it’s equivalent to “oh, for God’s sake” frustration in English.
One advantage of the Kindle (I have no idea about other e-readers/service providers) — it has a highlight & translate function. Which is absolutely terrible compared to Google translate, but way better than Bing. It gives an approximate translation, at least, with no typing required. And you can use some common sense when it translates word for word (i.e. “sky” for “heaven”).
For heaven’s sake is more accurate (I am spanish) ?♀️
Thanks everyone!
Hope you all feel better soon,
This was…nice, thank you.
The world building you have done in Hidden Legacy is exceptional. I would have liked to see Nevada and Rogan finish the story, but understand if it cannot be.
No matter which of your worlds I enter, I am always captivated by what you have built. I can’t imagine what it takes to do this, especially on a consistent basis. Glad to be a fan.
Thank you thank you thank you so much for continuing this series. I loved it. Just finished it, and it made up for not being home this Diwali. I never thought of all the problems that Catalina had to face. Her story is going to be amazing! Can’t wait.
I hope you guys get well soon. Sleep and rest now, because really nothing else works.
I remembered to check my kindle late yesterday morning and found Diamond Fire downloaded. I was just going to LOOK at it for a minute or two; two hours later, I finished the story. Now I’m rereading it. Thank you. I think I will like Catalina even more than Nevada and look forward to the second book.
Take care of yourselves and get better quickly. But not fast that you have a relapse.
Thank you. But what happened to Simon Nightingale!!!???
It was resolved…. what was? Kidnapping? Love nest? Short break, he forgot to call home about? Accident amnesia? Working late?WHAT!!??
So many questions. Not enough answers ?
Great bridging novel. Get well soon.
It says in Chapter 8 “Nevada had finally closed the Nightingale case. House Nightingale was satisfied and Rogan and my sister were going to celebrate”.
Dear Authorload publishers:
Please do not release books shortly after daylight savings time. The extra hour is torture.
Do not release on election day. Getting lost in the book and being late to vote is not cool.
If you must release on election day please release at noon (so we can vote first) and implore Authorlords to make it a very large book. Watching election returns is stressful & will probably result in lower life expectancies of your clients. So much healthier to chill over threats of poisoning, thefts and blue lilacs and be distracted from that nasty election analysis.
Thank you.
Early voting. When it’s done it’s done.
I don’t think the AL’s have any control at all over release date or time for contract work. In this case, it would be Avon that controls all that.
And almost all, if not all US publishers release on midnight EST/EDT on Tuesdays. I.e., you can tell the new Jack Reacher was released by a Brit Publishing House because it came out on Monday.
Thank you! I loved seeing Catalina learning to use her powers and can’t wait to get more of the Baylor family stories (love all the family members).
I needed a family tree picture of the Ms Rogan family! I think I’m still a bit confused about Xavier’s parentage.
Curious – when I was reading the fencing fight between Catalina and Xavier, I wondered if her hatred of him melded with her magic to make him react more. But the more I think of it, I’m guessing he’s just an A1 jerk.
I thought he was adopted.
Luciano (Is that how it’s spelled?) and Eva had apparently had an affair years ago. Catalina zeroed in on L’s jawline and confirmed it with the scroll report. Apparently both L and Eva are telekinetics, but neither is directly related to Rogan.
Ahhhh! Thank you! (I was missing who was blood related and who was marriage related.)
Thank you for a wonderful look into the future of House Baylor.
Maybe Catalina gets her skill with an epee the same genes that make Nevada & Leon so deadly with guns.
Looking forward to seeing if Alessandro can win Catalina.
Also curious as to how the Nightingale investigation finished up.
Rest up. Again thank you for all your efforts
Susan, I had the same thought regarding Catalina’s unexpected prowess, especially with the way the bout was described. Catalina knew where Xavier’s blade was *going to be* and she countered it. She didn’t suddenly know how to fence, with correct footwork and appropriate responses learned by drills. It was innate; intuitive. Or in this universe – magic.
Loved it! Thanks for all your hard work!
I loved it. Got me through my election day and dentist appointment. I would LOVE to see the blurb when Rogan asks Pancakes to be the Best Man.
Augustine: “Connor, you couldn’t think of anyone else?” or “I knew this was coming. I was the only real contender”
Augustine could also ask “Why me?” 😀
I love it! And I love queso! You should be able to have anything you want at your wedding. I love how Nevada stuck to her choices and her queso and flowers. Gotta start as you mean to go on. Great role model for her family.
I think this is my first pre-order ever. I was in the middle of work and got a text from my prepaid company that they charged me for the book! I wanted to go home. Thank you. It made my day bearable.
Very much enjoyed this. Loved to see Catalina coming out of her shell and looking forward to the results of what looks to be a mentoring by Rogan’s Mom of Catalina. And Xavier… eat dirt! Lol
Also just have to say, the gem references and clear interest in them shown by the fact that someone has taken the time to look up rare colors, treatments etc, makes me happy. Most people have no idea about those details. Paraiba tourmaline and Gem Silica would fit right into the House Rogan color “attachment” as well.
Especially the rarity of true (not lab created) paraiba tourmaline!
I’m so glad I preordered this, it was wonderful and left me wanting more! I didn’t know if I was going to like the change in narrators however it worked out well. It’s giving Catalina her own ‘voice’ in the series.
Thank you! I hope you all feel better soon.
The novella was great! I love the world, the characters, the story, and especially the humor!
I would just like to say that I had no clue who took the tiara. I see that several people say that they knew it was Mia immediately. I bow to all of your superior investigative skills. I had no idea. But I love the fact that she added it to her unicorn. What a cute and fun twist rather than have it stolen by the annoying family members.
I haven’t figured out how Catalina figured out it was the adorable Mia. Great twist at the end, but did I miss a big clue?
Towards the end, when Catalina is watching the video tapes, she mentions seeing Mia on the tape with Arrosa carrying her unicorn and realizing it. It’s a quick line, but indicates Catalina must have seen the jewel glued to Mia’s unicorn at that point. 🙂
Her hysterical laughter brought in a worried mom who made her go to bed.
I’m too lazy to sort through 300+ comments to find out if this has been asked already, so I’ll ask now. In Burn For Me, didn’t Rogan say something about his mother being a prime empath with a little bit of telekinesis? Because his dad wanted to breed children who would know if some one was trying to kill them? I, of course, enjoyed Diamond Fire very much but this is bothering me a bit.
Without going back and looking, I’m almost positive it was Prime telekinetic with a little bit of empath. I recall this being the way it was because he wanted his children to be able to tell if they were going to be in danger and it was also explained that telekinesis and mental powers (like Nevada’s truth seeking abilities) don’t necessarily gel very well. Rogan’s father wanted his offspring to keep on being powerful telekinetics and if he had chosen a Prime empath, the results might not have ended up the way he wanted. So he chose a telekinetic with a bit of empath talents, but we all know it didn’t *quite* work out the way he wanted it to 😉
Rynda is the Prime Empath + telekinetic.
“he found my mother. She had a minor telekinetic talent and she was also a very powerful empath. ”
Excerpt From: Ilona Andrews. “Burn for Me.” iBooks.
Yeah, that was bothering me as well. The book clearly states that she only has a minor telekinetic talent. Oh wells
As I said already, we decided it would be more fun if she was a powerful mage. Look at it this way, maybe Rogan was being secretive and minimized his mother’s talents.
There was also a point when with the poisoning story Rogan said that his mother brought down a balcony on the people that poisoned her cousin
Can I note a typo. Adriana is spelt “Adriana” and also “Adrianna” (in chapter 7).
Being an Adriana myself, I must note that the name is spelled both ways and no- one, even cousins, can ever remember how many n’s are in my name. Maybe the character couldn’t remember how it was spelled either!
I also remember that Rogans mother was supposed to be a Prime empath to help the son (Rogan) be more effective at sensing danger. I felt confused as well. But stories evolve and if the Ilona Andrews team felt that they needed a visually and physically stronger character as Mother in Law, well, I can adapt! I was just questioning the difference. Will Mrs Rogan retain a strong empath tendency as well? Maybe it just totally couldn’t work for the storyline. She seems like she will be a great mentor for Catalina. Great novella!
I think she does — somewhere here, Ilona says she’s a Significant Empath, but I’m pretty sure the **spoiler** scene where Mrs. Rogan is at full dragon and Catalina can’t speak for terror? I just assumed Arrosa was using her empathy as well as her telekinesis.
She “spoke” and it forced everyone to focus on her. I think that was the Empath part of it. I was very confused for a while until I remembered shes an Empath and a kenetic.
Wow. So much going on in this story. It did not feel like a novella at all – it was a full read! The Authorlords really have a gift for weaving stories together. I love their ability to incorporate family dynamics into the story, too. They also deftly hide clues so I love to read comments to see what I missed. I’m thrilled that we will have a Catalina book in 2019. Thanks Ilona Andrews, best wishes for a full recovery from the fall germs!
I also wanted to say that I loved Catalina’s discovery of her power’s ability to elicit information. I didn’t see how she could ever utilize that. She will be a great asset to Baylor Investigaive Agency! And I look forward to Alessandro wooing her. She is obviously beautiful and enticing on several levels.
That fencing scene though?. I love, love, loved seeing Catalina’s bada**ness emerge. Also picturing Ilona and Gordon plotting out this fight scene made my day?.
That fencing scene though?. I love, love, loved seeing Catalina’s bada**ness emerge. Also picturing Ilona and Gordon plotting out this fight scene made my day?. You all are amazing!
I didn’t realize just how spoiled I’ve become by the Maud novella until I was devouring this and then thought, “wait, where’s the rest of it?” So, so spoiled.
In the first book, Arrosa Rogan is described as a powerful empath with minor telekinetic abilities.
So her telekinesis is not minor?
Is she still an empath then?
We decided it would be more fun to have her as a Prime telekinetic and a significant empath. Perhaps Rogan was just careful in describing her talent and simply minimized because he and Nevada weren’t yet that close.
Lovely.
Thank you for a response and have a good day !
I also meant to add : thank you for the story, loved the family dynamics .
Hope you are very much better now healthwise
There’s also that line about the family tradition of hiding your true strength…
Was pleasantly surprised to wake up yesterday morning with this book in my Kindle. Like someone else in the comments I often preorder and then forget when the due date is. Read the book in one sitting while I ate breakfast going back to re read later this week. Love all your books and am hoping for a speedy recovery for your family. I know it feels like forever.
Is anyone else wondering what happened with Leon and Bern’s mother (Gisele I think) that angered Catalina? She mentions in the novella that it wrecked their lives. Or did I just miss something?
It’s here: https://hiddenlegacy.ilona-andrews.com/
The page hasn’t been updated in a while, but there’s really no need, with the publication stuff on the main Hidden Legacy page. If you go halfway down or so, there’s a whole bunch of extras.
thank you so much for taking the time. I’ve been seriously unwell and haven’t had the chance to check for updates etc regularly.
It seems to me the AL’s have the kindest fans!
+1
There’s a Frequently Asked Questions page at https://hiddenlegacy.ilona-andrews.com/faq/ that provides some additional backstory.
Thank you for this!!!
Really enjoyed this book, just love this family. Hope there are many more books featuring this family.
This is my favorite series, I love this family
Congrats on an outstanding story. I am anxiously awaiting the first full-length novel on Catalina’s journey
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Fantasy
#1 in Books > Romance > Fantasy
#1 in Books > Romance > Paranormal
Woo-hoo! Go BDH! 😀
Seconded!
? ? ? Well-deserved indeed!
I loved it. If I understand Catalina’s magic correctly, then as Alessandro falls more in love with her genuinely, he becomes increasingly immune to her magic and a stronger ally for her causes. That’s going to be the sweetest love story.
I really hope it’s Alessandro. The fact that the first book in Catalina’s trilogy is entitled Sapphire Flames and Alessandro’s car is a Sapphire-blue Maserati GranCabrio made me go Hmm…
By the way, am I the only one who doesn’t quite understand yet what the title “Diamond Fire” refers to?
I assumed diamond fire bc it’s about a wedding…. lol and Nevada must have gotten a diamond ring from Rogan…I could be wrong!
I think it is because the tiara had diamonds in it?
I assumed it was Saphire Flames because her wings are blue and they are continuing with the Burn/Hot/Fire/Flames theme…
Wait – her wings are blue? I thought no one could see her wings . . . which I interpreted to mean they’re colorless . . . ?
She can see them. They are beautiful and have mesmerising patterns. The image used by the Authorlords for the deleted snippet from the next book was a sapphire blue wing.
Catalina also says at some point “I let them have a glimpse of my feathers” so probably the people who are the victims of her direct magic can see the wings (unsure on this).
I bet that Alessandro will be able to see them. He may be able to see what others can’t because of the nature of his power.
Sealight is surrounded by diamonds?
Ramirez/Rogan has a connection to the aquamarine colour, which might metaphorically refer to the flame of their power?
And well, Catalina books will have a jewel theme while Nevada’s had a heat theme?
That’s all I got.
Put a piece of coal under pressure and it becomes a diamond (after alot of years) but still
Catalina has always hidden, herself and her power, but she was put under pressure and she has come out of it better
that’s my take
Also Catalina’s books are ‘fire,’ instead of burn.
When did we find out Catalina’s book name? I can’t believe missed this!
The title of the first book for Catalina’s trilogy is mentioned in the Hidden Legacy page under “Books”
See https://ilona-andrews.com/hidden-legacy-2/ which has this line:
Even with my preoder canceled by amazon because the price was raised by 100% and that appearently meant they couldnt sell it to me, they couldnt deter me from it very long. It was very entertaining and i am really looking forward to a Catalina book. Great job guys. thank you for more good reading times.
also i wish you well. hoping you all feel better soon.
Same thing happened to me, please write an Email directly to Ilona, she’s checking with her publisher why this happened. Which Amazon were you using? It happened with Amazon.de for me.
Yes i had the same problem with Amazon.de. I had to go and purchcase it a second time, it didnt come down automatically. Anyway it was soo good :))
+1
+1
Amazon.de cancelled the order due to legal reasons ( Buchpreisbindung für eBooks /book price fixing ). And – in my case – nearly tripled the price. First time I had this happen, and I do preorder quite often. So I’m not really sure if these legal reasons are legal after all; the change they refer to has been in effect since May 2016.
Thea Harrison is not selling her books directly from her website so she gets all the profits.
I had trouble getting my audio book so just bought it. Some hours later they tried to send again.
Here too. It was also amazon.de
I dont remember what the old price was, but the reason given for the cancellation was the now higher price coupled with the fixed price for books.
oh wow i ordered the evening before release so will go back and check the price now – also amazon.de – nope paid 3,59€ i think that is fair.
Gah, one thing I forgot! I laughed out loud the second time I read it and saw the echo in the first line of the first line of Anna Karenina — “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” “All families have odd moments. Our family just has them more often…”
Kudos to literature jokes!
+1
+ 1
I smiled too 🙂
So excited to read this. I love these characters ! My speculation is with Victoria and Linus. Could he be Ceasar…..
Yeah, reading that small part where Victoria and Linus are seen talking together has me apprehensive.
I thought the al had obliquely admitted it was Linus? He never says anything that Nevada would catch as a lie
“We both do so hate to be bored.”
Also both Caesar and Linus are refered to as “beyond reproach”.
Coincidentally, there is another character who hates to be bored and is beyond reproach- Sergeant Teddy for Caesar!?
Does Kate Waller know the identity of Cesar?
This is such an impressive story on so many levels.
It introduced us to ‘the real’ Catalina as she steps into adulthood. Her competence as an investigator, working with and directing a team of investigators and experienced security staff, shone. Her interactions with her clients and hard learned discretion was a wonderful lesson in business ethics. Her interaction with the caterers was both professional and compassionate, without histrionics. And she was masterful at her grand unveiling of the schemes although public presentations were antithetical to all her upbringing.
I am so glad she was able to trust Mrs Rogan, and thereby earned a mentor.
I look forward to learning whether her wings will eventually allow her to fly.
I thought it introduced us to the “real” Leon, too. He wasn’t just gun backup, he actively contributed in the investigation. I love how he’s sooooooo much happier and more comfortable in his skin now that he knows his magic. And that he’s still an incredibly loving brother, despite his mind being “such a dark place.” LOL.
Also, if she can truly fly? So awesome.
It seems like its metaphorical representation of her power but holy hell I want it to happen.
Can real sirens fly?
I’m reading the Nook version in a web browser and notice that it drops words every so often. Is anyone else having this issue?
Love Catalina’s POV and can’t wait to finish the story 😀
Iron and Magic made the semi finals, everyone go and vote!
https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2018?ref_=pe_2701710_370546120&rto=x_gr_e_nf_gca_2018&utm_campaign=round2&utm_content=choice-header&utm_medium=email&utm_source=choice_awards
Done!
Also done!
Done!
Me too!
Which to vote for? IaM or MT? Decisions…
Listened to Diamond Fire on Audible yesterday and LOVED it!!
I was almost right about where *spoiler* was hidden. For the wrong reason, but I’ll give myself a partial credit anyhow.
Also that little kid is going to one impressive mage in another 15 or 20 years. “Hidden Legacy: the Next Generation”? *grin*
I hope so, I kinda hope some of the non horrible members of his family ask Rogan to work for him to get away from the craziness. Maybe some of the girls that were defending Catalina. They are not primes so I imagine they wont have their own books but would make good additions to Rogan family.
Thank you for “monachopsis”. My daughter will love that word.
Great story. Looking forward to more in this line. How you folks are all on the mend, and I wish you many hours of uninterrupted sleep.
I loved this book! It gave a chance for the other Baylor family members to shine and we see how the rest of the family interacts. I did notice a small inconsistency on my 2nd or 3rd read of the book, but didn’t Gavin break a deal to join the military instead of prison? Anyway, looking forward to your next work!
6 months of detention followed by 10 years in the military. We are still in the detention period.
I wonder if there could be a Magister Arcobaleno with all abilities of the magical spectrum like the colours of a rainbow? In my mind this person would be like a mystical beast, rare and forgotten in the histories of time.
At the time they would have been hunted to extinction (or were they?) because some ancestor, corrupted by all that power, had nearly destroyed the world and all other ancient magic users came together in an epic war to restore the balance of power.
But there had been a girl with undeclared magic ability who had kept her head down. Like Catalina she was afraid of what she would become once she really started to use her powers.
So I know the plan is for Catalina’s story next, but if Avon wants more in the Hidden Legacy world after that, I would be ALL IN for Runa Etterson’s story. Seriously. I would read that to freaking pieces. A Poison Mage? Freaking Awesome. I hope like Roman’s story, it becomes a possibility!
She was a cool character
I loved her sense of humor
I about died laughing when she riffed off Mulan. Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow…
I about died laughing when she started riffing off Mulan. Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!
Maybe Runa & Augustine can get their own novella(s). Give Augustine someone so people will stop Baylor-shipping them (I haven’t heard Augustine/Bern yet. Shame).
Agewise it’s terrible. But dispositionally it would have to be Augustine/Leon, don’t you think?
Augustine would hire both Bern & Leon in half a second. But given that Leon plans to be a dark horse, and Augustine has had terrible experiences with dark horses, it would be funny, if totally gross (because of the age thing).
I see both Augustine and Bern as too constrained. Leon would drive him crazy – for good or for ill. I mean, shipping aside, any situation where they were force to work together in close confines would be bound to be hilarious.
sounded like she and Catalina had a bonding moment, so i hope she is part of the new set.
Yes! I hope we see her again, if nothing else. The authorlords have the uniquely awesome ability to make even their minor characters so intriguing you want to know more about them.
I loved the book and the new narrator for the audio edition was very excellent. But, why Xavier?! (I know the BDH learned its lesson with Hugh.) But, Xavier is the worst for pronunciations. Because EVERYONE, everywhere says it differently. Where I live along the Arizona/Mexican border, this name gets pronounced like Javier…with an h for the x sound. I have friends that are from Europe and they pronounce it more like z sound. Plus, depending on where you are from you may (or may not) stress the end sound (zah-vee-air vs. zah-vee-yay) . Then there are a bunch of Americans who put the X sound in there, like EX-ZAY-vee-yer. Crazy!
Ximena. Just saying.
You did it again. I’m only a third of the way through but I was sucked in right away. I love when a book can distract me from everything and all I want to do is keep reading.
What I’m trying to figure out is why Nevada is so attune to Rogan that she can see his dream (projections) but they think that their powers aren’t genetically compatible was it mentioned and I over looked it or they still don’t know
It’s down to him being partial empath/telepath from his mother. When he is out of it, he projects. Not just to Nevada, I think, his people knew what to look out for (the elements of his nightmare) when him and Neva were trapped in the cisterns.
I know I was thinking about the nightmare he had in white hot when he was in the jungle and eating rats , so their powers are compatible hmmm
He said that she was sensitive to projections.
The whole family didnt get the projection. I remember him saying that Nevada was sensitive to his projections.
He was right underneath her bedroom and had fallen into deep sleep from exhaustion. Again, projecting. I do think their magics will be compatible though, or Nevada might have that Wild Card gene that produces magic mutations.
oh that is a good theory I wish the overlord writers would have given more hints on this
I still think Grandma Victoria did more to her son than just pick a prime to father him and put him in another prime to gestate him. I think she turned him into a living serum and whatever she did affected his children and Bern and Leon.
All three daughters are Prime’s and each seems to have a distinct and different kind of magic where the genetic compatibility is not present. Arabella at least has a really, really, different kind of magic. Bern and Leon are quite magically powerful and have apparently stronger magic than their lineage should account for.
So I think the overall result would be that Nevada’s children were also magically powerful, and whatever grandma Victoria did would negate the problems of genetic compatibility.
I don’t think Bern and Leon would be affected by this since they are related on their mother’s side.
Exactly. Bern & Leon have no James Baylor blood in them. Personally, I think the Aframs have an uptick gene, since Bern & Leon are more powerful than Grandma Frida & Grandpa Leon (we don’t know enough about Aunt Gisele to judge). And Nevada is more powerful than Victoria and Arabella more powerful than Misha Marcotte.
I think that GV did something to him that would allow James to affect anyone in his vicinity, not just genetics (brainwaves, magical energy, something)
Oh catastrophe! Could you see them having a child shaped like the Beast of Cologne with Rogan’s telekenetic level?
I hope Gordon is ok.
I REALLY enjoyed the book, and can’t wait to continue Catalina’s story !!
I am always amazed at all the fantastic characters (and worlds) you are able to create – not only Kate, Dina, Maude and Nevada, but with such great supporting characters like Catalina (or Julie, or ….) that we hunger for THEIR story, too !!!
Thank you !!!!
Oops … “Maud”.
Also forgot to add that I hope you are on the mend !
I read it twice and am still trying to figure out who is Lance. He was mentioned in the epilogue “Of the west wing, only Zorion and Teresa and Ane and Lance remained.”
He is Ane’s paid escort – everyone else knows him as “Paul”, but he told Catalina his real name.
Thanks
I think it’s hilarious that Paul is his escort name and Lance is his real name. Just seems like itv should be the other way round.
Where is autocorrect when you need it?
So mine is probably silly, in the excerpt they posted (that was tossed out), Catalina had just turned 21. Does her first story really take place so long after Diamond Fire or was it a typo?
Yes, several years have passed.
Yes, several years have passed.
She will spend a few years with Rogan’s mother, who trains her.
I’ve been looking forward to the release for ages. I had a rough week and this was exactly what I needed to help me get to Friday
I need a family tree. I bought the audiobook and I can’t keep up with who is who?
I do miss Ms. Raudman’s voice but Emily does a great job. The pacing is slow but then again Catalina is a cautious and careful person so it matches her personality
I’m still halfway through the audiobook, trying to find pockets of time throughout the day to listen
I just had to go back and draw my own so I could keep up. But yes a beautifully done family tree posted to this website would be a real treat
There’s a partial family tree in the front of the ebook. I needed it!
Loved this book, and its quickly becoming my new favorite series.
I keep seeing comments about another Catalina book, but the series page says the series is complete?
Is there a link for more info on Catalina’s book?
If you go to the HL page here (Menu —> Books —> Hidden Legacy), you will see the announcement for Sapphire Flames, book one of the NEXT trilogy, which at least starts with Catalina. I don’t believe the AL’s have said whether the next trilogy is all Catalina or more like The Edge, with a different romance per book.
Cool, thanks
DF says Kelly and Gavin are his only relatives on his dad’s side but I could swear Gavin had two younger siblings?
Ilona answers that in the comments here somewhere, something about how much contact their father wants/doesn’t want them to have with Rogan.
Thanks!
Happy book birthday!! Loved how it all resolved – especially the bedazzler ?
I love how Catalina is coming into her own. Isn’t it scrumptious how the offshoots of her gifts are developing in ways not known or recognised by the Prime world. They (and we) are going to be dazzled by her!
This is a great reflection of the authorlords’ minds and creativity – to dream up all these different worlds & people them with characters that draw us into their lives and loves.
Thank you, Ilona and Gordon.
And may you have good healthy sleep to recover fully.
I think the sword fighting is from the maternal line. Nevada got the ability for headshots in life and death situations. Catalina got sword fighting? Or perhaps the ability to be super good at upclose battles?
i was thinking it sounds like Leon’s gift, of knowing where to hit the next second.Cooler with a sword so..
I thought it might be this too
Really enjoyed this one. Loved the narrator-her voice brought Catalina out for me.
Probably going to be picked apart for this ? but…
a few times I thought the personality was more Nevada than Catalina, which threw me. I hope the identity of Catalina really comes out in the upcoming books. I also wished that Mrs Rohan’s magic wasn’t identified as being like a dragon. Dragon to me is so Connor – so much a part of who he is. His mum’s magic being likened to a dragon diminished both for me.
Enough of that though, looking forward to the rest.
Nevada and Catalina are sisters and there will be a definite similarity in their worldview and voice. And Rogan is Mrs. Rogan’s child. This entire series is all about families: how they shape us, how they saddle us with issues and responsibilities, and how they make us happy. In other words, it’s not a bug, it’s a feature. 😀
But if that sort of thing bothers you, it might be a good idea to skip the sequel trilogies, because you will definitely hear the same notes in the voice. 🙂
“This entire series is all about families: how they shape us, how they saddle us with issues and responsibilities, and how they make us happy.”
Which is why it hits so hard.
Maybe I should try to get my sister to read these. (Literary tastes and exchanging books is a delicate matter, especially since she grew up reading so much from my collection…)
Family is a huge influence on our thinking processes.
Years ago, my sister, her friends, and I attended Evita on Broadway. Scene one had cast enter stage hung with many flags with their torches lit with real flames. I immediately looked for exits. At intermission I told this quirky tale to the group. My younger sister gave me ‘the look’ and said didn’t you check that out when you came in? Everyone else’s jaws dropped.
Parents were nurse and mechanic – safety first.
I couldn’t stop laughing when the dragon put her wings away and rolled her wheel chair out of the room. That was AWESOME!
That is what I loved, especially about White Hot. Everyone who was telling Nevada “it’s all about family” was telling her to sacrifice herself. Her actual FAMILY was telling her over again “do what you need to be happy. DON’T sacrifice for us.” Love vs. Manipulation. Don’t get me wrong, my own blood family is really good at both. But in fiction you can draw nice lines.
By the way, does anyone remember where and when was the first mention of Catalina’s wings? I dont remember…
In the deleted scene posted here
but the deleted scene must be from the next book because she is just turned 21 that night in the scene. But i also don’t think we had heard in the books about them before. We just learning how her magic works now.
In both White Hot and Wildfire when Catalina used her magic to overcome the enemy soldiers, the soldiers afterwords were talking about an “ angel” who disappeared so they definitely saw her wings. At the time I assumed their reference to an “ angel” was metaphorical and they just thought of her as a beautiful young lady who appeared, bewitched them then disappeared. Now, thanks to Diamond Fire, I realise her wings ‘appear’ to whoever she is using her magic on.
I love the way the AL reveal more facets of the Baylor family magic as the stories unfold. I look forward to finding more about Catalina’s uncanny sword fighting ability in the next book.
Augustus and Cornelius were under her spell and didn’t talk about angels wings. I do like your theory though.
So is Catalina ?.
I really loved the book and a great addition to the series. I would love to read what Augustine best man speech was.
Oh my god yes please. I don’t think I can even imagine his best man speech!!
+1000
Yes!
Also, I am absolutely dying to know what Grandmas Frida & Victoria talked about at the reception.
I loved it, just hands down. I could go into analysis, etc, but I won’t. I simply loved it, was up til midnight (thanks for that, but so worth it), and now feel the need to reread the entire series again 🙂 I hope you guys feel better soon, take it nice and easy.
I have never posted before, but I had to express my love for the AL. I have read everything they have written/posted/published. I read alot, many series, but the Andrews books are my favorites. Their characters are fun, real and just a little nutty. The dialog sparkles and makes me laugh like a loon.”Taste the undead rainbow…” as I personally was eating skittles, and spit some across the room. Love the Hidden Legacy series, love the characters, surprises, love stories and emotional angst driven maturation. Can’t wait for the next one!
P.S. Ilona, have you seen sad cat diary? I know y’all seem like dog people but watch it if you haven’t already!
There is a Sad Dog Diary as well 🙂
I tnought the cat one was funnier, plus I am a cat person. Something in MT made me wonder if she had seen it, too. Pets always keep me entertained no matter what species. I’m trying for a laugh for them while they are recovering from the plague.
Ze Frank, who is the voice for the sad cat and dog diaries, also does a series of YouTube Purina ads all starting with Dear Kitten (that’s the best way to search). Then you can move on to his own stuff, “True Facts about [X]”. Spoiler: facts are not true.
I loved this!
I have a question which is not meant to pressure you in any way. I’m just trying to get book release schedules on my calendar because I like to keep the dates as free as possible. Could you remind us of the release dates you know?
Thank you.
I have this page bookmarked until they give us an update: https://ilona-andrews.com/whats-next/
My takeaway after this illness is that very likely promised release dates will be missed for a while. Honestly, given how many wonderful books the author lords have gifted us in the past few years, I’d be more comfortable if they built in a slower pace so that they could enjoy their current suffering without feeling. And then if they beat their promised deadlines, there could be even more rejoicing… 😉
+1000. Crazy with anticipation, still, but they give us 2-3 books + X novellas/per year. To the point of Ilona injuring herself. The more they take care of themselves, the longer they can keep putting out, say, 1-2 books per year + X-1-2 novellas.
Those release dates all come with a huge disclaimer at the top that they are in no way “promised”. I imagine the Gordons’ illness will affect their self-published stuff, but probably not their contractual stuff (including Catalina’s next/first book, Sapphire Flames).
NO 1 in English books on Amazon.de 🙂
This was a tasty little hors d’oeuvre before the main course of Catalina’s trilogy.
Hope your feeling better.
Just read this love it and I think Catalina has her own voice . Loved Rogan’s Mom,she is fierce and smart and savvy. And the themes of poisons, family dynamics , and choices you make in going your own way, Catalina may not choose college . I remember how Nevada missed college so much.
And Catalina should be friends with Runa( poison detector.) She is confident and funny even though her talent is literally deadly serious. And whenever Thallium is mentioned I remember the great Agatha Christi who used poisons in many of her books .
So many great things, in such a small book .Also, thanks for letting us learn more of Leon’s story .
But I did get kind of confused with all of Rogan’s relatives . Who is related to who?
And I voted for you in goodreads !!
P.S. can’t wait for another wedding on a certain battle station.
PPS hope everyone is feeling better. Please take care of your family first. Family always comes first.
Hmmm… I wonder of Ceasar is a Siren too. It would help to build up followers and ensure their loyalty. What a twist of he would be the unknown grandfather.
Oh yes, I keep thinking it is Linus Duncan who is the grandfather, the siren and Caesar too given the widespread adoration for him. Esp since he is also able to comfort Nevada into complacency.
However this would mean the formerly evil grand mother is able to shield atleast a few lies from Nevada.
+1. But I’ve reread, and Victoria never says anything related to “Caesar is your grandfather.” Just that she found someone who had been excised from the siren house to supply sperm. She never lies, because she never makes that connection.
The grandfather is a Molpe, not Linus. That is not even a reasonable twisty guess.
Tina, not even the Molpes are Molpes anymore, they’ve changed the family name since it was too on the nose. The sperm donor was excised from the family, so he could have any name he wanted. And if he was indeed a Siren Prime who just received a ton of money from Victoria, there would be nothing to stop him from charming the daughter of the powerful Duncan family and take their name, eventually the position of Head of House and Speaker in the Assembly. I’m not saying that I believe the theory, but getting people to look up to him and accept him would literally be his power.
Didn’t she also say he was terrified to use his power?
At the time she got him to donate, he was. That’s a good 40-50 years before Nevada meets Linus Duncan.
We’ve seen Nevada use her magic on other strong primes without them knowing what happened (ex baronvsky )
Theoretically it may be possible that the much stronger Victoria was able to excise any thought of a Caesar = Linus connection from Nevada’s brain. Also, it’s possible Linus may be casting his “siren” magic each time he meets Nevada.
I get my Andrew’s fixes from BN. Of course there were no reader comments at the release. Going through the BN reader comments last night, one complained the November 7 comments were too early and that constituted a fraud. They wanted BN to delete Diamond Fire because of that.
There were only 108 numbered pages in the e-book. Reading very slow it would take me two to two and a half hours to finish the book. I liked the book so well, I commented on the Andrew’s Blog early AM. This Diamond Fire comment site wouldn’t be open for a few more hours. I haven’t looked at the BN ratings yet, but they generally match the other rating sites.
Haters gonna hate. 🙂
So Catalina’s ability with fencing I’m guessing something she got from Grandma Frida. It looks like it might be the pattern recognition since she sort of predicts where the next hit will be. So is a) Is Magister Examplaria an additional magic that Grandma Frida has or part of her Mech Mage talent? and b) Where does Grandma Frida rate for magic. I’m thinking significant since so many of her grand childrern rate pretty high with her talent.
My thoughts (almost) exactly… I’m gleefully trying to figure out how magister exemplaria can come from tech-magic too… ?
I think Mech-magic means Grandma Frieda is in tune with the inner workings of the engines and their interconnections as a whole system. Bern sees similar patterns in computer stuff. Rynda’s little boy has them with paintings. I believe it’s all about integrated systems.
Hi Rosssanna ☺
That’s an interesting thought ?
Higher up in the thread it was suggested Bern’s magister exemplaria magic could be an aspect of the skills an engineer would need, which I think sounds really logical, and close to your idea about interconnectivity with mechanical systems ☺
I can really see how certain traits needed by engineers, like spatial intelligence, could translate into Berns patterning.?
Ah yes, the different types of engineer comparison makes a lot of sense and exactly how I meant it too. More of a special ability of the brain to process things in a certain way than the exact same talent.
“Exemplaria” literally means “patterns” in Latin. Magister Exemplaria is “master of patterns”.
Hi,
nice story and nice entry into Catalina’s stories.
But was a bit surprised about Rogans mom being a prime telekinetic. Wasn’t she described as primarily empath and only weak telekinetic in the first book?
And if she is an empath, shouldn’t she have known a bit more about her relatives and that there wasn’t really a thief?
And is it really realistic even in this fictional reality that only 1 in the bakery works with the fondant and nobody even accidentally eats from it?
Sorry, really like your stories but don’t like the gaps (as I perceive them; maybe I’m wrong and then sorry again)
As a baker, I can say that I’ve never known anyone tempted to snack on straight fondant. It makes lovely, smooth decorations – which is why it’s all but obligatory for wedding cakes – but it tastes like sugared clay.
I deliberately skipped a super-decorated cake at my first wedding, because I’d so much rather have ANY other frosting — including whipped cream from a can or sprinkled powdered sugar — than fondant. Blech.
Upstream in comments here, Ilona addresses that.
I feel somewhat robbed, I was expecting another novel centered on Nevada and Rogan but was instead introduced to the new Head of House B. I did like the teen angst pov, it was very well done. I look forward to seeing this universe of yours mature with your multiple human heroes.
It’s been mentioned in a previous post by the Authorlords that this was an intro to Catalina and Nevada+Rogan were in it but not the focus. Maybe you missed the post.
I understand about missing Nevada and Rogan. I would have liked to have their perspective at the wedding. However, I think they are smart to change the focus. So many authors hang on to tried and true characters to the point of ruining it. I thought the way they did it was smart. They did it in a novella. I thought the book was very smart. I am looking forward to Catalina’s adventures. I am sad that Nevada and Connor are done as the focus. They did announce this so I was prepared. If I had missed the announcement, it I would have been very sad.
On the one hand, I love those characters. On the other hand, I have seen way too many authors stick with characters long after they run out of interesting things to do with them. I love the way the ALs can go off in any direction with any of these supporting characters (even *Hugh*) and make us care about them as main characters. It reminds me of something I told my kids when they were teenagers – that everyone is the star of their own life, but your friends and relatives are not just supporting characters in your life. They’re the stars of their own lives. All the characters in these books are worthy of starring roles. How lucky are we?
Who taught Mia Rosa to float the shelves without the books falling? Coz definitely the child couldn’t do it alone without the guidance of an adult Prime?
She followed Arrosa EVERYWHERE and I’m assuming Arrosa showed her the sparkly. If Mia has the power, than imitating Mrs. Rogan would be exactly something a 5-yo would be able to do. Especially since this bookcase wasn’t SO heavy. Certainly not for a Prime.
The girl can immitate but needs alot of practice to move the cabinet full of books.
I was assuming it was something much simpler. The children played it the office during the day. She wouldn’t have to float the bookcases.
She was described as precision guiding the tiara back to her aunt at the rehearsal dinner, so it seems she already has some finesse along with a prime’s strength.
My brain may have hit a glitch, but I do not remember Catalina using her powers. I’ll just have to read it again.
She used her power twice, outside of the House trials, in the Hidden Legacy Books. The first was in White Hot, at the end, when Catalina occupied all the soldier’s attention at the complex that was hiding Olivia Charles. The second time was in WIldfire when they were seizing Alexander Strum’s compound.
During todays re-read it struck me as odd that ALL those Ramirez could fit into Connor’s mum’s house… ?
Here’s my thought process: Connor sais his mum has 10 bedrooms and 12 baths (and two swimmingpools…). But there are LOTS of snooty Ramirez family members around! Even if you count just the West Wing, that is at least six rooms, and that is if you stuff all nuclear families (parents with not grown children) together in one room each, and all married adults together (and Ana with her boytoy). And that means familes like Mia Rosa would be two adults and two children in one bedroom. My extended family often slept like that when we were all at my grandma’s big country house, but that usually means extra beds on floors and stuff (and super fun all-cousins-together-sleep overs, that were great training for sleeping over at other families, because your own parents were in an other room somewere, so if you got scared it was close to go “home”. Those were the days! And probably why I LOVED the description of the mobs of kids running around! Misty eyed childhood memories ?? )
Anyway, I have a hard enough time seeing snooty Xavier sleeping on his parents floor, so I don’t think any of those rich entitled adults would do it, which is why I count six rooms needed just for the West Wing side of the family. And by the sounds of it the East Wing has at least as many nuclear families. We know three of Connor’s mum’s full siblings are there with their partners, and coucin Gracia is there with her wife and kids, so four just there. And someone has to be that boy Raul’s parents, though I suppose he could be a young first cousin of Connor’s, even though most of his mothers siblings seems to have grown up kids and grandkids, apart from the youngest brother.
Maybe someone could ask Ilona about the logistics? Maybe it’s a simple answer, like:
1. There are loads of guest houses on the grounds, still located so they’re collectively called the East and West “Wing”. But not being part of the main house made Connor not count them?
2. There are lots and lots of non-bedroom rooms that can be USED as bedrooms. There are 12 bathrooms after all…
3. Connor is simply mistaken about the amount of bedrooms for some reason, or he mis-spoke, or something…
I’m leaning towards number two. Since there would be 9 empty bedrooms, and 10 needed rooms just from the family constalations we know of, depending on how many more nuclear familes Connor’s unnamed first cousins in the East wing make up, Arrosa would just need to turn 1 to X other rooms into temporary bedrooms…
What do you guys think?
And how many cousins do you think Mattin and Ingo has managed to produce? Since there were a lot of kids running around (which must by series of elemenation be either Mattin and Ingo’s very young children or their grandchildren) there must be a few more young families…
I’m rereading and when Catalina is bugging the bedrooms, Xavier and his parents are together in a ‘room’ that is actually a suite. I think it’s just that in ultra-rich-people-ese, ‘bedroom’ doesn’t mean what it does to the rest of us.
LOVED the novella!!! Currently in my last semester of college but HAD to find the time to read it immediately!
Can someone help me with a question I have? I can’t find where and in which Hidden Legacy book it tells us when, where, or how Rogan’s father died. I know he had many assassination attempts, but I was under the impression he was still alive… someone help…
In white hot he was alive when Rogan was a teenager.
Hope you’re both feeling better, being ill while the clock is ticking away is always terrible and horribly stressful.
Loved the novella! Practically inhaled it. Runa is such a fascinating character! Hope there’s more of her in the next book. Speak of the next book… i’m left bereft waiting for it?.
I thought Alessandro was brought over from Italy to participate in the trial proving Catalina was a Prime.
He had his photo with his car on the facebook type page that Arabella saw.
If he lived in Italy, and was visiting USA, why bring over his fancy car ? To impress Catalina?
*Instagram not facebook.
Enjoyed the novella completely. Waited for it then read it first thing at 2 in the morning then took my time and reread it and the whole series so far.
And have a question James Baylor was a carrier for three types of magic and at least two of his daughters are showing dual skills. Is being dual magic users common or could it be a result from James unique birth that they can manifest abilities from both parents.
I think that James must of been a wildcard. This is because they all have different magic. I am wondering if since he was a wildcard that perhaps he is one of tremendous strength because of how Victoria choose the person to sire hi,/
Which leaves the question of how strong could Nevada and Rogan`s kids be?l
It happens. Rogan, for example, is both a strong telekinetic and a weak tactile.
Absolutely loved it. It was an excellent companion to the Hidden Legacy series (which I have read and re-read) and hope it will lead to more about this fantastic family.
I loved this, but at the same time it made me very sad because I know it’s going to be a wait for the next book. That’s fine, though because I think it might be time to relisten to the entirety of the series again. And relisten to the Edge series and the Innkeeper series while I’m at it.
Also, I REALLY want to see more of Runa Etterson in a future book. Possibly a book of her own. A book with Runa and Leon might just cause the world to implode from the sheer weight of gleeful gallows humor.
Agree on the Leon and Runa it would be hilarious.
Rereading and re-listening and repeat. I love listening to these three specifically and now we have a fourth. Happy sigh!
I ship Runa and Bern.
I know magic isn’t always compatible, but it’s hard for me not to imagine the world’s most conniving medicinal chemist.
(Also, seeing the two of them work together would be hilarious.)
Truly enjoyed the novella though I was able to figure out the thief pretty early. However, the identity of the thief was really secondary and I loved how that lead to all the other discoveries. The novella sets Catalina up to take a lead in investigations.
I really enjoyed the book, it will be nice to see Katalina’s character in future books and to be honest it will be nice to see any of the other characters in future books.
Just one observation.. isn’t birthday the anniversary for the birthdate, so shouldn’t really be used until the first year anniversary ?
Hmm – Birthday is the day of the birth of a person (or book, or whatever). What we celebrate every year (hopefully with friends and yummy cake) is the xx anniversary of the day of our birth. That’s the way I look at it, anyway.
Anyway, loved the novella. Loved getting a “Sweep of the Blade” episode in the same week, too. Had re-read Hidden Legacy series just before release, so it would flow right into Diamond Fire. Great fun. Looking forward to next in series.
test (are comments down?)
If no one has said this yet, I just want to make sure someone does:
I just want delicious things to happen to Bern.
That is all.
+1 yes!!
Loved this book. Was worried I would miss Nevada’s point of view but shouldn’t have worried. AL’s can always be trusted to make every novel/novella great. Loved Catalina’s story and can’t wait to see her grow in the future novels. Also loved the audible version. Really enjoyed the beginning with Renee/Nevada and then Emily/Catalina. Really liked Emily’s interpretation of Catalina.
Nooo! I missed Renee so much. After the prologue I was like: “what’s wrong w/o her voice?’ Then, of course, I realized it wasn’t Renee.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the novella. I can’t wait to read Catalina’s trilogy and learn more about Alessandro, too. Since Catalina thinks he’d look hot in a feathered hat and she is a natural duelist, I hope we’ll see a few great sparring matches from them!
Enjoyed this sooooo much! Thankyou for continuing the story in the world. You guys are one of the reasons i love series so much, i can really immerse myself in the world like its real. Thankyou for that it helps me get through the struggles of my life and its appreciated more than you know.
On a brighter note OMG the feels on the last page! I actually shed tears! Cant wait to see the growing bond between MRS R and Catalina… soooo excited ???????
Has this changed to a YA series?
No. This is a transition novella. Catalina will age to be 21 in her next book.
Has this changed to a YA series?
I have been a member of your BDH ever since I tripped over the first Kate Daniels book in my local bookstore shortly after it was published, and have also read all your online offerings as they were written. I think this is the first time I have ever commented though.
I just wanted to tell you both how very much I have enjoyed reading and re-reading all of your works. (The wrap up to the Kate Daniels series was fabulous, btw.) Diamond Fire is no exception. It has given me a much needed boost to end a rather crappy week. I look forward to reading continued adventures in this world in future.
I am sorry you are both ill and therefore unable to enjoy the publication of your latest triumph as thoroughly as you deserve. I hope your entire family recovers quickly.
Know it is just as advertised, a novella, but seemed to compress everything into a very small space- and highly relevant and interesting elements were lost or faded.
The Baylor Agency will still be run by Nevada, correct?
Hoping you do not write her and Connor off into the sunset. There is no need. Please, as characters grow and change, they become part of the tapestry. The point being to develop a new focus, with the tapestry still intact and growing (which I thought you did beautifully with Hugh in “Iron and Magic”
Where you as writers may be tired of Nevada and Connor, the Baylor and Rogan family, friends, and associates have become near and dear to us as readers. Please keep the tapestry of these fascinating people alive. Please do not age them, ignore them, relegate them to background “noise” just for the sake of a trilogy format.
Love you guys. As Cornelius would note, have “bonded” with your characters and their stories.
You asked for comments, or I would not have presumed to give a critique of this story or it’s genesis..
Thank you.
I think there are going to be children with off the charts telekinetic power. It would be so funny to see what happens when a telekinetic child has a tantrum and how people respond….
The Baylor Agency situation is complicated.
Nevada and Rogan are still very much a part of everyone’s life. They are not active participants in the first Catalina book because it’s a trial by fire type of book, but their actions and presence is very much felt. You will see your old favorites, Augustine, Cornelius, etc.
As to aging, it has to happen. Remember, House Baylor must be out of its three year grace period for any real fireworks to take place. 🙂
Plus, beloved characters deserve their happily ever after… or at least a few years of it! I’m glad N&R are having some more peaceful times together.
I’ve created some family trees for convenience:
House Rogan:
“House” Ramirez Part A
“House” Ramirez Part B
Great work Emily, thank you! I could have used this Ramirez tree BEFORE I read Diamond Fire because I had trouble keeping track of which kid belongs with which parent and the husband/wife combos. No offense to our AuthorLords intended, it’s just a side effect of my pathetic Swiss cheese memory.
Thank you so much Emily, I hope you don’t mind if I share these with the Facebook fan group who would also really benefit from them! I’ve credited you ?
Awesome work!
I would really love to read these, but – bear with the cyberineptitude, please – enlarging them by the two-finger method just makes them blurry, and clicking the font toggle at the bottom of the page causes some sort of found-art word cloud to appear. I’m reading this on a MacBook Air, and I’m sure there is a way to enlarge them, which is no doubt embarrassingly simple. Can anyone enlighten me?
House Baylor:
These are amazing. I don’t think Léon is threat based because he showed his talents on the range with Penelope.
That is some serious love and dedication there Emily, very impressive! Thank you!
loved the book. Wonder what Mia and Matilda made of each other at the wedding. Can’t you imagine the mischief the pair of them would get into?
loved the book. Wonder what Mia and Matilda made of each other at the wedding. Can you imagine the mischief the pair of them could get into?
oops sorry. it came up twice. having trouble with laptop – again!!!
Hope you are all getting better. Be prepared! Just got Diamond Fire in the mail and so exicited. The first 10 pages are in reverse and cut in half. Hoping that Amazon will sent me a new one, because I honestly have never had any problems with a Ilone Andrews book! So heads up for possible comments on this. Great book though.
I loved it! The one section with Leon has me laughing so hard I’m crying. ….twice so far. You guys are such fun.
I hope you are on the way too recovery and getting better each day.
Thank you!
I love the reference to lychee boba tea in Diamond Fire – I had no idea boba had gotten to Texas! It’s also one of my favorite drinks.
I just finished Diamond Fire audio book. I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed reading the book on Kindle (twice so far). Both Renee and Emily are excellent readers and while I will be very sad to say goodbye to Renee (only for a while as I reread all of the books that she reads for Ilona Andrews over and over again), I am happy to report that Emily does very well. She conveys Catalina’s very different voice and feelings so well I wasn’t even paying attention to whose voice it was other than it being Catalina telling her story; nice job!
This is my Goodreads review (5 stars of course)
Diamond Fire is a great story on its own even though it’s a book in the middle of two series in the same universe. The Baylor family, made up of seven unique individuals, owns a detective agency. Nevada, the heroine of the first three books is getting married. (If you want to know how we got to this point, read the books, they are well written and fun or better yet listen to the audio version; Renee Raudman narration is wonderful) Her younger sister, Catalina, the focus of the next few books will be taking over as head of the company soon. In the meantime, because Nevada keeps firing the wedding planners, Catalina, along with their youngest sister Angelina, is striving to make the wedding come off without a hitch…..only someone stole the family heirloom tiara….the groom’s extended family are numerous in the extreme and there’s a murderer on the loose and the don’t mind killing everyone at the wedding. It’s a lot of fun to read; and, oh yeah, Leon is a scream.
Did Mia Rosa attend the wedding? Her parents were allowed to stay after the big reveal…was she?
How can Alessandro be a Count when he’s the 2nd son? Did his elder brother die?
Yes.
That’s interesting to know! All that responsibility, poor Catalina.
In Italian aristocracy certain Counts pass their title to all their sons (Contini), not just their first born (like in the English system). So he could be a Count even if his older brother were alive.