Review of Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Series: The Edge #3
Buying Links:  Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb:

 Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades... 

 Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

Teaser:

"What's the difference between you and me and a murderer?"

"A murderer kills out of passion or for money. We kill for our country."

Kaldar shook his head. "We kill to keep our people safe. 'Country' has a nice ring to it, but it doesn't really get to the heart of the matter. Families, Gaston. Our family. Your brothers, your cousins, uncles, aunts, grandmother. We do this so they can sleep in their beds at night, worry about their daily problems, and have delicious berry wine on their porch while their kids play in the grass."

My Thoughts:

This series is a fast paced blend of action, political intrigue, espionage, romance, and magic. In "Fate's Edge", the action continues with characters introduced in earlier books and some new characters. If you haven't read the preceding books, you could probably read this one on it's own. I read book one but not book two and had no trouble following along.

Kaldar and Audrey are both con men, with one difference - Kaldar is still in the game while Audrey has gotten out of the game. But then Audrey's no-good father, from whom she's been estranged for years, convinces her to work with him on one last job, stealing an item of magical power from a country in the Weird.. Although the job itself goes smoothly, there are difficulties at the end of the job and that pulls in Kaldar. He works for a CIA-type organization in the Weird and is assigned the job of retrieving the stolen item. He starts by tracking down the criminals responsible for the heist which leads him to Audrey. At first, she refuses to help him but her conscience gets the better of her and she agrees to work with him.

As they try to track down the stolen items, they encounter numerous obstacles, and while overcoming them, they start to respect each others abilities. Kaldar is an inveterate flirt, and when he tries to flirt with Audrey, she turns him down. Audrey recognizes his type and repeatedly rejects him. He takes that as a challenge and pursues her. She admits that she's attracted but doesn't want what she thinks he's offering. Over the course of the book, they flirt and spar as the sparks build up.

Audrey is a sympathetic character, Kaldar is the wild boy trying to be good, and together they make a great couple. There's an overarching story arc, well developed characters, a good eye for detail and intriguing plot lines. It's an enjoyable addition to the urban fantasy world.

I received a paperback from the publisher for review.