Iron and Magic is the first in a new series that spins off from Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels series.

I was not sure how they would pull off writing a series about one of the most ruthless warlords, Hugh d'Ambray. Especially since they were marrying him off. I appreciated that they kept true to the character, while also showing a more personable side. It is there realization that not everyone is evil or good and that all people are a mixture of both. Although, this book is ultimately for fun and not an expression of human nature.

The book is set before the last book in the Kate Daniels series. I inadvertently read it at exactly the right time, and I am glad. While you can read it without reading the Kate Daniel's series it would be best to read the first twelve books in that series before reading this book. I am glad that the Kate Daniels series is ending, and equally glad that this series is starting in the same world. It gives the world a fresh perspective.

My favorite part is the ending. This book is ultimately part of a long series, one that went before and one that went after. I love how they set it up. Not everything was tied up happily ever after - which would not fit Huge d'Ambray, yet enough was to be satisfied that it was a place to end. It was a great start to a new series. I am excited to see where it goes and how it ties into the last book of Kate Daniels.