SAPPHIRE FLAMES is finally out. Happy book birthday to everyone. We hope you’ll like it, we are sorry if you don’t. Thank you for giving our work a chance. 🙂
We had a great time in Houston. Your next chance to see us in person is in Austin with Jessie Mihalik. 8/29 Barnes & Noble, Austin , 7:00 pm. More information here.
This is your place to post comments and theories. The comments will be SPOILERY, so if you haven’t read the book, please be aware. We probably won’t respond to most of the comments on this post because we still have FAQs coming up, but if a particular question is very interesting, please +1 so we will know to address it in the chats.
I’ve just read it, and it was as delicious as I could have wanted.
Exactly my feelings. So goooood. I’m going to read it again.
Yep, loved it!
Oh man! I cannot WAIT to get mine!!! Im in canada and preordered it from amazon a millennia ago!!! Ahhhh!!!
I recommend a kindle download – way better on the nerves in times like these ????
I’m so suspicious of Linus. He’s definitely got a connection with Victoria and thus the family, but HOW specifically? I feel like he’s going to become a villain but if he didn’t, I wouldn’t be surprised either. I think his affection for Catalina seems genuine. What did everyone else think?
I’m almost 100% certain he’s Caesar.
I don’t know. I’m on the fence now. On the one hand, he used the same phrase when talking with Nevada that Caesar used when talking to Victoria and I’m pretty sure House Andrew’s said they have enough clues or something like that to point to Caesar, and there just weren’t that many people in the first 3 books that it could be.
On the other hand, it is Ilona and Gordon and what we thought were the clues were in fact not the correct clues.
So I’m up in the air as to whether or not Linus is Caesar. I did have the thought that it could be the Records Keeper. He would be well respected, which was how Caesar was described.
Well, if it turns out that Linus is Caesar, then it seems affection for someone doesn’t pose an obstacle for dealing mayhem and/or death. Linus expressed genuine sympathy to Cornelius about his wife Nari dying (Nevada sensed the genuineness); if he’s Caesar, it was his plans for a new Rome that led to events causing her death, as well as the murders of Rogan’s team and several other people, and the near-destruction of Nevada, her family, and her home.
He is Caesar and he is also probably a dual Prime with a Siren secondary power. Either the girls’ grandfather or a relative of the sperm donor Victoria used. Every single person who has talked about what Caesar stands for gave a different version of his goal- he is Sirening his followers!
I disagree on the Siren thing. he’s just like any charismatic leader who draws people in. He just uses what they already want to get what he really wants. The difference seems to be that he genuinely cares about the damage he cause although he clearly doesn’t stop.
Eh. Interesting and makes sense. Will have to wait until I get my copy this coming week to find out.
This is an excellent point. I’m very curious about the moment where Alessandro looks back and forth between their faces and nearly says something, and then later states “He really does have your best interests at heart… he’s invested in your survival.” Specifically, I was wondering if Alessandro saw some sort of family resemblance. Though how that would be possible, I have no idea. Nothing like Linus’s magic shows up in the Baylor family, except possibly in Grandma Frida. Moreover, I imagine that if he were invested in them because they were his descendants–even as a grand-uncle or something more distant–he wouldn’t have endorsed his followers attempting to kill all of them.
That’s the part that gets me. Since attempts to murder Nevada continued to occur after it was revealed that she’s Victoria’s granddaughter then how evil/cold is Linus that he would still order/sanction her murder (if they’re his grandchildren)? It’s possible but I think if Linus ends up being Caesar it’ll be helpful once/if we understand more in-depth reasons/explanations — a flashback or two scenes of how it started (or something like that) would be helpful. (It’s early in the trilogy so I get why this book didn’t link the conflict yet to Caesar or his revolution attempt.)
I also found Alessandro’s surety Linus has Catalina’s best interest at heart after looking at both of them interesting. ????
Although how he could be related is something I don’t think any of us has theorised convincingly enough yet for me… But I don’t think him being Ceasar is an argument against this, look at Victoria… In a twisted way she is concerned about her grandchildren, and I suppose putting them in danger of death might seem diffent to actually killing them, to one such as her and Ceasar?
I think a different interpretation of the “look-look-realization”-scene might simply be that Alessandro trusts his reading of Linus’ facial expressions, and deemed him beningn… But how likely would that be? Alessandro is experienced and won’t by anyone’s public immage, even if he had no hint that Linus is more dangerous than he seems. And he’s clearly invested in Catalina, so even less likely to “go whith his gut”, even if he HAD felt Linus seemed trustworthy, which I doubt he did, since he’s an experienced Prime and has survived in those shark-infested waters of house-politics to reach maturity (we’ve been told over and over that loyalty from any but your house is unexpected, and even that expectation is often foolish… Lonely life… ????).
So I’m banking on a third explanation. If by the look he concluded Linus was a guardian maybe? He seems to know what that is, and that might convince him of Linus bona-fida, despite well-trained mistrust? The trust in authority that badges often inspire, misplaced though they may be (and Linus being a guardian as well as Ceasar would prove here as well that no level is really safe from corruption). But I can’t really see Alesandro trusting authority just because it’s authority, even if it’s the most honourable, uncorruptable authority in the world (if there is one! But Leonora maybe, in the Legacy universe at least?).
But since Alessandro probablyhas loads of rational reasons (and probably lots of bad experiences, it’s not paranoia if everyone IS out to get you…) to be suspicious of people and motives, when you think of it , why would ANYTHING make him vouch for Linus??? Now that we are analyzing this in depth, would mere familial relations be enough to convince him? Especially if his own family has somehow disapointed him (betrayal?), since he does not want Catslina near them (we’re all agreed that is judgment on his family right? Although he seems to be on speaking terms with his sister, but all is not right with his family, right? Everyone agrees?)…
No, I think we have to go with an as yet unknown third reason… ????
I think you’re right about Linus being Caesar (…you know how I dislike being bored..). I’m also guessing that he is the Prime that Victoria used for her in vitro. Which would make him grandfather to the Baylor girls and explains how he has ingratiated himself with the family. As IA have repeatedly said, most Primes will have a secondary magic and I am guessing his is Siren magic because of the repeated remarks about how charismatic he is.
All that being said, I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning reading the book. Soooo good!
Just finished and it was fantastic!
I’ve had major suspicions that Linus is Cesar since the end of Wildfire. I also suspect that he might be the Baylor girls’ paternal grandfather. Alessandro had an interesting line where he said that Linus is invested in her survival. I found that entire scene very interesting. I can’t wait for the next book!
Ilona and Gorden flat out said they made it as obvious as possible he was Cesar. It was part of the AMA they did before.
I’m 80% sure Augustine is Caesar. I’m also 80% sure Linus is their grandfather and part of their cause.
I was 99% sure Linus was Caesar at the end of Wildfire and then I read Sapphire Flames and I’m doubting myself. BUT Ilona and Gordon are great at complex characters. No one is painted all good/all bad. Heros make decisions I don’t agree with (I wanted to scream at Catalina for not waiting since it seems Linus figured it where the compound was right after she did and she wouldn’t have had to owe Victoria) and villains are not all bad (was able to start a whole trilogy redeeming Hugh) and they are willing to show what drove a character to a particular choice. I am very interested to see where this all leads. I will now be heartbroken for the Baylors if Linus ends up being Caesar but this kind of masterful storytelling is why I love everything the Andrews write.
Note – I loved the scene with Victoria and the story/character development that happened. I just really felt bad for Catalina that it could be interpreted as a “mistake” in hind sight since other than buying some goodwill from Augustine (he knows she can deliver), her trade didn’t really get her anything she wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
I just think it was too obvious for Linus to be Ceasar & it really doesn’t fit with this book. But I loved the scene with Catalina, Alessandro & Linus. It was great. I seriously loved tge whole book though ????
Yeah, there were indications of this WAY back when – which I’ve just picked up on recently since I’ve done a total second read-through of the Hidden Legacy series (in anticipation of Sapphire coming out this weekend).
So kudos to I-A on getting those early indications out … requires a lot of advance thinking through the overarching story arc!
But WHY did Alessandro say “I am an idiot” (in Italian) after looking at Catalina and Linus, and WHY did Linus shake his head at Alessandro? He can’t be her grandfather, because he’s not a Siren (and he wasn’t kicked out of his family, either). WHY?
We don’t know that he isn’t a Siren. We just know that on Record, he is a Prime Hephaestus.
Hephaestus in Greek mythology is married to Aphrodite, goddess of Love. So a Greek House like Molpe claiming both powers would make complete sense.
He can easily be a Siren as a secondary power- considering how difficult it is for Catalina as a Prime to hold her power in check, being a lesser level Siren would actually be a way easier life.
We also don’t know that he wasn’t kicked out of his House. He could have married into House Duncan or in fact Sirened everyone into adopting him.
Thank you for this, which comes closer than I’ve been able to to reconciling what we already know about Catalina (and Nevada and Arabella)’s paternal grandfather with the hints in this newest book that Linus is related to them. One remaining question I have, though, is whether Victoria Tremaine would have settled for a sperm donor whose Prime ability wasn’t compatible with hers (no evidence that the Hephaestus magic is will-based, is there?).
Victoria probably took what was available after so many tries, and even a dual will based power was enough given the strength of the magic she has. Much like the Rogans trusting their blood enough to arrange for Connor to marry Rynda Charles with her NC17 gene.
Pretty sure Linus is not the Siren sperm donor. Mainly because Victoria found him hiding out scared of using his powers and needing cash. Does any of that sound like Linus?
He could just be a really likable nice guy who’s also a ruthless Prime bent on world domination. Or not.
We are speaking about things which happened almost 50 years ago. People change, status and wealth and influence changes. To say that Linus couldn’t have had vulnerable periods in his early youth because he is strong and influential now…
He might come from the Siren family, and we might get a “Victoria was lying” revision ????
+1 These are the questions I want answered as well
I don’t see how he can be Caesar and the Warden. Wouldn’t Caesar want that serum and warped mages?
Just finished it! I love it! I’m dying for more, especially to learn more about Alessandro’s back story and how the deal with Linus will change everything. Now I will just sit here, eagerly awaiting the next book!
About halfway thru and LOVING it! It’s so much fun to be back in the Hidden Legacy world again.
Thanks for another wonderful book! 😀
I loved it and I am in awe of Catalina!
How does Alessandro’s summoning weapon power work with his Antistasi? Is he a dual or is it the same power?
I loved it! I wish Nevada and Rogan had been in it but I get that they probably wanted Catalina to shine on her own. I can’t wait until the next one!
I need more. I would really like to read Nevada and Conner’s point of view, on the split and baby! Bonus scene, unless they are going to be in future books.
+1 getting pregnant is scary even if you want it. Imagine the upgrade in their respective paranoia. 😀
Excellent!
Just finished. Now I’m going to read it again.
Waiting with baited breath for the next one!
Read it, nay, devoured it!! Loved it soooooo muuuuuuuch!!! GAH, THE WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE?!?!? I CANNOT!!!
I had so much fun last night with y’all. And then I got to the cliffhanger.????????
Yey. Just got it!
Fabulous book. Thank you very much!
LOVED it!
Not gonna lie, I was nervous about the change in main characters but I really enjoyed Catalina and Alessandro.
You never disappoint!
+1 ????
Just finished! It was amazing and now I’m sad it’s the end and I have to wait for the next one
I really enjoyed reading the book! Thank you so much! Now I tend to think Linus isn’t really the Caesar previously. His Warden occupation sounded too… too conflicting with the Caesar?
And Alessandro… Alessandro is what I want and more in the book. He is not just an Antistasi Prime. His hidden job, other magic, and behavior towards the angel he loves… AAAAAAAAA
I don’t think him being a Warden conflicts. It makes it more likely he would be willing to go to extreme lengths to make a better world.
Completely agree, Oshi
I can see why, when assassins are left unchecked due to politcal reasons.
I’m going to reread before making my mind fully but why preserve the Osiris serum unless you have (world domination?) plans for it? Why didn’t it get destroyed if it were wrecked the world so badly when it was first discovered and used? Maybe Warden and Ceasar aren’t mutually exclusive at all.
Alessandro wasn’t sworn in as a Warden. He was hired as Catalina’s bodyguard.
This was so great.I have Linus questions. Eagerly awaiting the next book! Shipping Bern with Runa!
@Ardith – I caught that too, I’m curious to see a Bern/Runa romance.
I wondered that, too. So, Bruna?
Hello I loved it (& left a copy of review so you can have a read!)
I have a couple of specifics that you prob can’t answer but will ask anyway!
1) does Arabella’s tech going down have anything to do with Michael being around?
2) no question – that back story with how Catalina became head of the house, literally gave me shivers. Wow.
3) you prob can’t say much about Augustine’s history with his little sister and dad (????) but what colour are his real eyes at least? Anything about his real features that Catalina glimpses? And any more about his backstory or future story?
Will stop now as all I want to know is what happens next but here is my review, waiting on amazon uk to approve it!
“I genuinely believe this is one House Andrew’s best books. I was sceptical as I do adore Nevada and Rogan, but wow. Catalina was amazing. She is young, makes mistakes and is honourable in what she tries to do. I absolutely adored her humour and self deprecation, she absolutely shone and stood out in this book. And maybe even surpassed my love for Nevada (on my god is that possible?!) or maybe I should say I love Catalina for who she is just as much as I love Nevada for who she is.
Alessandro completely came in as his own character, the story was exciting and so many hints (or what you think are hints of what to to come!) #conspiracytheories
Lastly, everyone else. It was so great to catch up with the family, their dynamics, their love and everyone else Bug, Heart, Matilda, etc…
I absolutely loved this book and have such a book handover right now…! Thank you House Andrews.”
+1 for Augustine story and more details about him
+1 for Augustine — is there a plan for how he’ll tie in later in a more crucial way? The more you add glimpses into his character the more intrigued I am.
+1 on Augustine story. Pretty please?
The book is great so far 3/4 the way through I love this family ❤️
Excellent read! After having read Nevada multiple times it took me a few pages to get comfortable with Catalina’s voice. After three years and mentoring by Rogan’s mom Catalina’s growth and maturity are enormous along with the growth of the other family members. Looking forward to the next book, so many enormous changes on the horizon!
Never fear, we like it, we like it! Please pour yourselves a celebratory glass of Prosecco or the bubbly of your choice and relax. You have another winner. We never doubted.
Anne in Virginia
I’ve just read it and I’m sooo in love with it, I can’t stop thinking about it !!! How can you write couples that outdone the chemistry of the past one each time ?? You’re definitely gifted and amazing authors… Love you and your work ????
Pd: I don’t know why it came to me lately, since I read the post of the last deleted scene, that Linus may be their grandfather ….?? But how…? I mean it make sense about people worshipping the Caesar if he was a siren too but … I don’t know I’m probably wrong jejeje There are so many new theories now!!!! Love it ????
Certainly there seemed to be a hint that there might be a family resemblance- the scene with Alessandro and Catalina at the ranch – Alessandro suddenly stopped talking
But I’m not sure it’s on the Tremaine side – part of me is actually wondering whether Grandma Frida might be the connection – sister perhaps (whether from the right side of the blankets or not) – her talent might be in the same group as Linus’s smithing magic – not her husband though – isn’t that where the marksmanship comes from? (Magus Saggetarius)
Loved the book though – a smooth wonderful read!
Simply perfect… 🙂
I adore this book! It was perfection and I have absolutely no theories which is a first but I do think that (hopeful thinking) that there is going to be a resigned bride making a strategic alliance because she can’t have what she wants and someone is going to interrupt.
Only thing, Nevada’s news was awkwardly placed – which I get because of the timing but I kinda wish there was a short chapter or something featuring Nevada and Rogan.
And I might be the only one, but I want either a chapter, a short or a novella featuring Montgomery and his search coming to an end.
Love this and can’t wait for the next!
Everything you write leaves me hungry for more. Much like the bad guy in this book. … you’ve made me a bad guy…
I just “happened” to be awake at 12:01 when the book downloaded to my phone. ???????????????? i then proceeded to read it straight through, finished at 3:45— gah! I can’t get enough.
I will probably reread again this week & have downloaded “Burn for Me” audible just because I’m not ready to leave this fabulous world yet.
Thank you House Andrews!!
I greatly enjoyed the book! I always enjoy when you expand your universes with familiar characters (I’m not exaggerating when I say o have read everything you have written at least three times, I always reread my favorite books!). You always do an amazing job when writing family members. They clearly have the same upbringing but the way they react to problems and view the world are individual and fit the character building we have seen so far. I’m already excited for the next installment and as with everything you publish I will preorder! Thank you!
Woohoo! I’m so excited! I’m sorry this part is so nerve wracking, but the heart you guys bring to your writing and the clarity of your work wins me over every time.
I love being one of your fans! Its a wonderful ride!
I can’t describe just how awesome this book was! Huge double thumbs up from me! I hope the release was everything you guys hoped for and more!
Have fun at the signings (someday I’ll be at one lol), and I hope you guys get some time to relax!
I usually wake up in the middle of the night. I read for a bit then go back to sleep. When I woke up at 0230, the book was on my tablet…guess who has been up since 0230??
Read and reviewed.
What’s next? 🙂
Omg Linus’ prime magic!!! Better than I ever imagined!
Started last night and couldn’t but it down finished at 2am – whoops where did the time go!
Thank you to house Andrews for another great read.
I really enjoyed the book. I especially enjoyed the badass that is Linus Duncan. His magic is way cool.
I would like Catalina’s salsa recipe.
+1 on the salsa
***** Loved it! Had me laughing out loud at 3 AM. Excellent effort. IA managed to very naturally paint the aftermath of their involvement in the Conspiracy against the establishment, House Baylor’s separation from House Rogan, and Catalina’s commitment leading House Baylor independently. Loved seeing Arabella, Leon, Bern, Grandma, and Mom in the field. Really interesting developing in tying House Baylor to Linus Duncan and to Victoria Tremaine. I see a great deal of potential for future books, especially in light of Nevada’s “debt” to the Keeper and Michael. Loved seeing House Baylor in action. And loved the bonus news from Nevada. An excellent effort all around. *****
I have to finish working before I can allow myself near it; otherwise, I can guarantee that I will have a fabulous day reading while making everyone else impatient with me.
Loved the book!!! So many loose ends. When will book 2 come out. Are we supposed to trust Linus now? Is Catalina doomed to become Grandma T? I’m so hooked. Going back to re-reading all the HL books.
Wonderful loved it and what a great ending. Keep them coming as every book is fantastic, I love them all????
Congratulations! It’s great. I hope you can relax soon!
I loved it! Thanks for another great book. I appreciate all the work you guys do in spite of any daily and/or life struggles.
Read it.. LOVED the book. It is a great story but I also like that it gives you peeks…a little more about Linus, a little more about Augustine and I can’t wait for what comes next. I liked learning about Catalina’s development also. I have the audio version and saved that for last.
Great book read it 3 times so far
It hit my nook at 2am. I started reading. had to go to sleep at four. Loving it.
Made my day! Wonderful!
Read it! Loved it! Catalina is such an engaging character, her voice somehow draws you deeper into the story than as just a reader. As if you were alongside her as things happened. If that makes sense. Nevada is pregnant, coming back in four days. Will Hidden Legacy 5 settle the big bad battle about to come? Or is it set in a time before Sapphire flames. Hopefully at the time when Nevada finally works through her emotions and needed to disconnect from House Baylor for a bit.
I am responsible for my sleepless night, but you are a contributing factor. I started the book shortly after midnight, when it became available, and finished it around 630 in the morning. I did not want to put it down and wanted to see what happened. GREAT BOOK. Thank you
Fantastic as always!!
I’m literally cackling with laughter on some of these Catalina/ Alessandro interactions. I’m loving this book!
Happy book birthday!!! not finished but loving what i have read so far!! cant wait to finish the book!
Just finished – this blew my mind in all the best ways and I literally cannot contain my excitement but also anticipation for the next book in the series! Loved Catalina so much in this – Nevada and her are clearly different people but they both carry the novels well as strong and spectacular heroines. The character development between Diamond Fire and Sapphire Flames was incredible to read, and we’re still not even getting all the pieces with Nevada and Connor’s story and how that has impacted the family. The cliffhanger epilogue and the promises of a backstory with Alessandro are going to eat me alive!
PS: That one fight scene in Sephora was absolutely epic and captured so much of Catalina’s character in a few short pages. A+++++++++++++, 100% will reread.
I loved the book but the hard part for me was why Catalina is the head of house. It was true to the personality but sad at the same time. I like the way 3 years were bridged and that it was not all rainbows. One certainly does wonder about Linus. I am enjoying that Arabella has become responsible especially after seeing others who morph. A tribute to the love of her family. Leon is interesting. I so enjoyed when everyone did their thing and slammed the door in Montgomery’s face. The pace was beautiful. Look forward to the next one.
Loved it. ♡♡♡
So dear @IA in regards to Alessander’s weapons ability, why do I get the feeling that’s a @Gordon fantasy?
And I loved learning about backpafeifengesicht.
SO good. So, so good! I had forgotten the mix of elation and frustration after reading Burn For Me for the first time–elation because it was amazing, frustration because I wanted MORE and there was no release date for the second book. It’s exactly the same now, except that at least there are 4.5 books in the series now that can be reread over and over until the next book is out.
I love how Catalina is a very different person than Nevada, and that shows. Yes, they’re both mental mages who can make people tell them the truth, but their powers and attitudes are very different. I love that Catalina delegates, she’s logical yet sensitive, she is honest with herself about her strengths and weaknesses, and she’s stronger for it. Love the Baylor family like nobody’s business, and love that every bit of the plot and all the characters’ actions MAKE SENSE–no sloppy writing here (nor is there ever with IA). Just a delight to read from beginning to end. Now listening to the audiobook, to pick up on the subtleties that I might have read too quickly to catch the first time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing this series!
Loved it! Your story crafting is so lovely. Thanks for all the snippets leading up, and if there are any more deleted tidbits laying around – well you know how we would grovel for them. Thanks as always for your superb storytelling!
Omg. House Andrews is CRAZY. Crazy good. Loved it so much. You make me miss a world I’ve never been in.
Firstly, it seems we’ve been hinted an Arabella POV? Yes? No? Maybe? The couple scenes that Catalina misses but Arabella is in seem like prime (hah get it) material for a POV… pretty please? And by that I mean, would you like one of my kidneys or both in exchange, please? Haha but of course, give yourself time to depressurize first. You deserve it!!
Also, well, there was a snippet posted here that.. I don’t remember in the book? Maybe it’s something similar to how when you binge on delicious food, you forget chunks of it, food amnesia. Who knows.
Rita, I will also add one of my kidneys and even half of liver to get an Arabella series happening. She is my absolute favourite!
Plus she ends up with Augustine. Just saying.
House Andrews has said that Augustine will not end up as love interest of any of the Baylor girls. Besides, he is too old for Arabella. But he does have a little brother if I remember right… And a little sister if Arabella swinged that way. But I sadly doubt that Avon would accept a F/F romance even from the madly talented House Andews 🙁
I do hope that Augustine will get his own story, though. I’d love to see him gobsmacked by love.
There have been hints that Arabella’s ship will be Michael from the Record Keeper’s Office. Maybe (and he is much younger than he looks, only 19 in Wildfire)
What hints? Where?
I hope not. I hope Arabella gets someone new. I mean, we have 2 more Catalina books, and I hope we haven’t met everyone yet.
Augustine is totally a bad guy in the very top levels of Caesar’s org, if not Caesar himself. Blatantly, obviously a bad guy. I’m reasonably certain that’s at least part of the reason not to ship him with any Baylors.