I love this storyline, have been wanting to reread but forgot the author and names of the books! (I'm terrible at remembering these) Thank you both, for writing the stories and for talking about it so I can read them again! ❤❤❤
YESSSS i HIGHLY recommend the Hidden Legacy series. i love the story, the FL (Nevada) and ML (Connor) both as individual characters and as a pair (badass battle couple) . i also love all the side characters, even the antagonists to an extent. the magic system isnt too uncommon, but it was depicted in a way that you can see the power difference between all chars and still feel balanced +FL has agency and shapes the story rather than having things happen to her +ML falls first and falls harder +the Baylor family has one of THE BEST family chemistry ive ever read in fantasy romance
I love this series, I love Ilona Andrew, too. Nevada and Conner are just amazing. I love all the other characters, too. I always feel like I can't get enough of this world.
Great review, always fun to find another member of the Book Devouring Horde :) One of the things I love about House Andrews is how they never fall into the trap of equating Power and Goodness. They have heroes and heroines of all levels of power and wealth, and they consistently show that one can be powerful and ethical. Also, I'm a sucker for Found Families, and Nevada's growing group of family (many of who are not related biologically) are a great example of this trope done well.
Honestly I'm going back and forth between which one I want next but I want this ENTIRE series, analysis is so much more interesting than simply ranting.
I am biased when it comes to Ilona Andrews, I adore teir books. I would love to seean analysis of Innkeepers "Sweep in Peace " and its approach to different cultures and the conflict between said cultures and what can one fo to create peace. It feels oddly relevant now
Sweep in peace makes me cry literally every time I read the climax, I love the innkeeper series but omg sweep in peace is a particular kind of well-written.
@@animemangalover94 I agree. It is naive, unfortunately that wouldn't work in the real world even if the necessary magic existed. But oh how I wish it did. I wish people were built like that
@@mariamizhys3089 what that magic achieved is possible in real life it's just empathy applied to a more dramatic level. The actually really hard part is getting ppl to let go of their history of grudges and have the courage to work together and compromise. We can all see humanity in ppl we dislike, the choice to make peace with them is so much harder. Modern media and the overload of information and choices we have to make in our everyday lives definitely makes this harder tho
I absolutely love the Innkeeper Chronicles (where i started with Ilona Andrews) and just starting on Kate Daniels. Bithe Ms. Wheatley and the Ilona Andrews team are right up there in my favorite 5!
That was so good! Please make longer vids like this one! I know it is time consuming from your end but I love hearing your analysis. I wish they were longer❤
Thank you for the video. This is one of my favorite book series. I have listened to many times. These stories do have often been poo'd on b/c it is labeled as a romance novel. But they do have underlying serious missed b/c people only sees the romance. My fave line is " When you see me, I'm the boss." I liked this book b/c it was a series in which the heroine had a family, multiple members, she didn't have go out and find one. Not to say she didn't get more friends, who became family. Also Pancakes is Mad Rogan's best friend.
Aside from the initial kidnapping, this is my favorite of Ilona Andrews’ books. I hope you’re not too harsh with them, lol. 😉 Phew! So glad you like the book. Not that I need you to like the book so that I can still like it but I enjoy sharing things. I enjoy with other people. I think Connor kidnapping Nevada and chaining her to the floor in his basement is a little problematic, lol. But she holds her own and doesn’t give him the information he wants so despite initial appearances, the power imbalance isn’t that great. And she shows him throughout the rest of the book that she can keep up with him & be his equal. The politics of this world is a little strange. You have all these primes who could wreak havoc on those who are less talented magically and yet there’s not much of that. Pierce seems to be an outlier. I suppose the Houses must be afraid that if they’re too blatant in their displays of power, the non-magical will rise up like what happened in the French revolution, lol. Still, it’s a fun world that I enjoy visiting time & time again. 😊 P.S. I’d be interested in choices 1 or 2. The last one makes my belly squirmy. 🤷♀️
So happy you decided to spotlight an Ilona Andrews book, esp Hidden Legacy, which doesn't get so much recommended in the fantasy realm since they are more romance than some of their other books (and probably because of the horrible old covers)! I agree with the other commenter that the title of the video is a bit misleading, tho - l think if you put the book title in the video title, that would make it clear that it's the analysis of a particular book rather than a particular theme. (With the current title l would expect more emphasis on the theme rather than the plot of the book, and maybe references to other books and how they deal with that theme, compare and contrast, etc). Look forward to the next video!
I'm a strong fan of Team Andrews. All their books explore what happens when there are great power imbalances. They also work through many different "family" type issues. There are parents and siblings and friends. Gray characters abound in their worlds and the actions scenes can be quite exciting to read. I think breaking cycles of violence is a very appropriate theme given the ongoing battle with Hamas and Israel. It seems hopeless but it's potentially easier to see both sides and possible solutions when fantasy removes it from our world and makes it less real.
Like I said, there are SO MANY spoilers, but I did try to stay pretty strictly on topic so you will still have a lot of surprises even if you do decide to watch the video first. 🥰🤗
I read the book specifically to watch this video and enjoyed it a lot. Had a bit of trouble getting into it at first, but that may have just been an issue of it becoming available to borrow in the middle of multiple other obsessions..... but I ultimately read it in more or less one sitting. Occasionally, the writing style and some of the ML's more ballsier moves gave me pause, but overall really enjoyed the plot, themes, and relationships between all the characters.
I’m a massive Ilona Andrews fan- one of the BDH. I also love romance novels. I don’t consider this a romance. It’s an urban fantasy with a strong romantic subplot. The reason is: you can effectively describe the plot without mentioning the romance, as you did in this video. This is definitely one of my favorite IA books, and I love Nevada and Rogan’s relationship and chemistry, but I don’t think it qualifies as a romance novel. Obviously, this point is up for debate. It’s still an active discussion among fans.
I can see that argument for sure! But God-King Bezos has labeled it as Romance on the 'Zon, the older cover is super Romance-y, and I really wanted to talk about it. 😂
@@Elisabeth_Wheatley Also it was an Avon imprint so it had more of a romance feel. The original covers were so off brand for the authors that many of the Book Devouring Horde complained on the authors blog.
honestly i wasn't sure if i was going to read this because it sounds interesting, but i haven't been in a romance mood recently. i was leaning towards no but this comment convinced me because i'm super into deep worldbuilding rn, and i love urban fantasy. it's officially on my list lmao
I also love this book and laughed through the series at her family and friends. I wish you had written Pierce so there could have been some quandry about whether he needed to be destroyed. And yes lawful-good not equal lawful-nice is an important part of Mad Rogan's character! It's harder to play in D&D since our characters don't usually have a strong enough moral code to avoid wandering into chaotic-neutral.
@Elisabeth_Wheatley "Can I send this picture to myself?" While ignoring the man on the phone who had just recently *kidnapped her granddaughter* had me rolling. She's old, not dead 🤣
I love this series and loved your take of the book. Honestly the Baylor family is one of my favorites parts of the whole series. And though I noticed the similarities and differences between Pierce and Rogan, I really like your take on it. I works like to see the topic #3 women upholding the patriarchy because I've seen some of this happening in the world and I would love to see a book that explores that topic.
Ha! I just started rereading this book last night. Love the series, adore Ilona Andrews! Edit: Women upholding the patriarchy would be interesting, really any of your proposed topics would be.
The Hidden series was my introduction to IA and I’m hooked to their writing style. This is my personal favorite series by the authors and secondly the Innkeeper Chronicles. But ALL of their series are good. Ps. Kate is fabulous as well.
I haven’t finished it yet so I’m not gonna watch the whole video yet but I’m commenting and liking for engagement now bc I love your content 🎉 I’ll be back when I’m done!
This was great video! I love how you looked at this issue through different lenses through different characters. Seeing you talk abt the juxtaposition between pierce and rogan was fascinating! I hope to see more videos like this from you!
2: Recovering from Exploitation. (Also, on future pieces, you may want to sticky a post at the top of the comments specifically for voting, so you won't have to scroll through the entire thing just to take a tally.
2. Recovering from Exploitation I know a woman that went through a Villain Origin Story level breakup. Never wants to date again, but heard me and my boss talking about romance novels. She likes how we were talking about them, but couldn't get through ACOTAR. That she can remember. Bonus points if its modern sapphic not in the male gaze. Willing to accept other recs.
Started watching, realized the book is available where I am, and now I need to read it before I watch the last 11 minutes of this video! I'll be back in a couple of days.
I enjoyed this so much. I love all Andrews' work, and have also been thinking about how many romance novels get overlooked because people just write off the genre. I'm so excited about this series of videos!
Amazing breakdown, this was really fascinating, and I honestly would have listened to more... but i think you made your point very well, so you didn't really need it! [[2 for me - Recovering from Exploitation... I think it's a more relevant topic than many people realize, and it can show up in varying relationship dynamics (work, family, etc). Would love to hear your thoughts!]]
I had to go read the book before i could watch the analysis. I agree with much if what you said. I also laughed that he insisted on being called "Mad". I started to like him in the scene with Bug, so a little before the squirrel but i appreciated him swerving. I think the nurture side of nature/nurture played a huge role in the difference between pierce and rogan. We got glimpses with no real detail, but enough to know their childhoods were different and important.
One note is that the serum was distributed to *everyone* who would take it. It also was not something that made stable individuals so it wasn't the wealthy alone who took it. Those who had more stable powers were the ones who then were elevated to the status of magical nobility.
Warning spoilers: Been reading acotar and I love it because it touches on themes of not staying in a controlling toxic relationship even if there is still love there.
Loved this video! I’ve been trying to get more into romance books recently, and this one seems like a great place to start. I know option 3 was unpopular, but I think it would make an interesting video.
Quick one, not sure if it affects the analysis, but there is a cutscene/free fiction on the author's webpage showing why Nevada was assigned to tracking Pierce despite the power differential
The authors constantly create bonus content, new books, and the book itself is already so meaty. 😂 It's why I had to limit myself to this book only like I said in the video.
From the daughter I made watch this for 'Romance Studies:' Thank you for your video. It was interesting because my 17yo Aspie brain didn't really know how to think about social justice issues and romance novels in the same conversation because mainly I don't want to talk about romance at all, it's just that my mum makes me because she thinks that's good parenting here in the modern world. All of my friends are on my mum's side, not mine! Meaning, that I can't out vote her Edit: Now I'm going to make her watch that Dr Who episode about the fall of the Mars colony because it really highlights the power v responsibility issue. She's so lucky to have me. :D
This is such a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the book, I'm really interested in reading this now. I gave up on this genre recently because, while I enjoy a good romance, there are a LOT of very bad plots out there. This sounds really interesting, I love the world building aspect.
i must go reread the series now. Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoyed it. Also, I don't have a preference for which 1-3 goes first but I really hope you do all of them :)
Thank you, this was great. Loved the series, too! Looking forward to your next analysis. I vote for 1. Breaking Cycles of Violence for your next one but would tune in for all of them.
I met you from your short form videos, whenever i catch one of them on my fyp, i just scroll a lot of them lmao. Analysis was great and i really think you should do more long form content like this. Thank youu ❤
I have been waiting for this, just waiting for the Lindsey Ellis of booktube to come along. I hate reviews that just recap a book and give opinions. I think the best thing to do to tighten up the script is give more of a conclusion, but I think that is going to come in time while you find your footing and your voice in this way! I am so excited to see what you do next!
I hope you read the rest of the series. I love this book series (anything Ilona Andrews) and your take on romance novels. I look forward to more breakdowns.
I’m currently reading Kate Daniel’s and I have bought the first three of hidden legacy. I shall go back to this video once I’ve actually read it! But it’s nice to see people actually talk about Ilona Andrews and their books!
Breaking Cycles of Violence please! That said, I can't help but think that guy would smile and nod at the lyric, "ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves" roflmao
I love analysis!! Thank you so much! I really love your books recommendations! I really enjoyed the video 😊 the second option really sounds interesting
Wished this was a little longer vid, but still apreciate it! I will definitely check this author out. I would love to see what book you choose for third topic ❤❤
I actually welcome the spoilers. They help me see if the book is to my taste and it seems extremely interesting. I'm going to put it on my wishlist. Great review!
I really enjoyed your analysis. I’d ultimately like to see you do all three of the options you gave, but I’m good with whatever you decide. By the way, I don’t read a lot of romance, because it’s not really my thing, but for reasons known only to Google several of your shorts showed up on my feed, so curious, I watched them. They were really funny and often made me laugh out loud, especially book goblin! I’m a big fan of good fantasy and science fiction, and the synopsis of Daindreth's Assassin intrigued me, so I bought it, and am really glad I did. You do an excellent job both with your characters and the world building. I’m on the third book and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Just listening to this video makes me want to pick up this book. Thanks for showing that there are romance books with substance and not just full of spice.
I wasn't going to read this series of ilona andrews (only heard of her from your kate daniels videos) because the covers with ppl on them gave me a bad impression and i usually don't like alpha-type male leads, unless the writers good at writing flawed protagonists. Having read ilona andrews innkeeper series, i was on the femce because i knew they are a good enough author team to make it a good book, but i still heistated because i don't care for billionaire romances either, but then you made this video and i was like "damnit i guess i gotta read burn for me in 2 days now" So thanks for this video and for tipping me over the edge into buying another series. Totally agree with what u said about adam and rogan btw, tho adam was actually in primary school when he burned a man almost to death for not letting him steal candy.
If you enjoyed the small moments of his small moments of 'oh maybe he's not an overpowered jackass' in Rogan, the following two books really seal the deal on enjoying his character. I think his relationship with Nevada really pull out a very childlike, calmer, more playful version of Connor rather than Rogan and through relationship with her he's able to be the fullest version of himself. Similarly Nevada becomes the fullest version of herself in through the trilogy as he pulls her out of the kinda shadow lifestyle she's been forced into and into her full power. There's a line in the third book which [BIG SPOILER] everyone is kinda horrified by her display of power and he's just standing there grinning, cheering her on, encouraging her to revel in her power because it's the truth of who she is. Not that her power is inherently good but that by not hiding it anymore she's stepped into herself in the most complete sense and that is the good. [end of spoilers :) ] Nevada and Connor (and this trilogy) are my all time favourite romance couple but especially for a romance that has a real plot. Their character portraits through the series and the arc's they go through independently and together especially because of this really interesting topic of social privilege vs. social responsibility is really compelling and satisfying. You've inspired me to re-read it for the 50th time, even though I just finished my last re-read not two months ago lmao. Fantastic video!!
That's a very interesting analysis! I would gladly listen to your talks about other books. I'd like to listen next to the second of topics you mentioned :)
The squirrel was so perfectly placed. I was expecting an animal controlling mage, so every time I thought of the squirrel later it reminded me that Rogan DOES have some kind of nuanced feelings for Nevada.
omg the chances. I just started her Kate Daniels series as you posted this and I remember low-key loving the vibes, magic system and plot of this book. I loved the Hidden Legacy series, I read Catalina's books first. I enjoyed this video so much, it makes me want to reread this book. I think the reason I haven't finished the series is because of how embarrassing the old covers were.
I would love to see either 1. Breaking cycles of violence, or 2. Recovering from Exploitation, but I lean more towards 2 because that is a subject dear to my heart, helping people recover from toxic environments and find healing
I love this series. Love Kate Daniels, too, but of all their series I think Hidden Legacy has the most adaptability if they were to go film. Setting is basically modern day with a twist, so settings shouldn’t be hard to do and it would be familiar enough for those who don’t know it can follow along.
As an aside and minor spoiler, Nevada's youngest sister Arabella refers to the two boys in the family as brother-cousins. Basically Nevada's parents adopted the two cousins after trash-aunt abandoned them. But since there's a rather large age gap between Nevada(late 20's, early 30's), Bern(19) and Arabella(15 or 16), Nevada doesn't consider the boys her "brothers".
Another new book for my to read list 😅... Interesting video. The whole concept was something I really liked and voted for you to do. However, I don't know if this is the way you plan to do every video or if you're still expirementing, but it felt like you were focusing a bit too much on the book and plot and not quite enough on the theme - which is the title for the video. Just something to keep in mind - or else maybe add the book title as the main focus, not just the theme? Anyway, thanks for sharing, and I would love to hear what you have to say about women upholding the patriarchy. ❤❤❤
Yes. I love the way she analyzis books and express herself but I thought there would be more than one book for each theme. Like maybe 2 or 3. Maybe even comparisons on how they portray it.
Thank you for doing this! Ive been arguing this point with people for years. I also didn't know this specific book so I guess I have to call my local book dealer now 😄
I had the Edge books downloaded, but grabbed this and read it on the weekend because of/anticipating this analysis. Don't disagree with anything you said, including the slight, but seismic, difference between Adam and Connor. Given the nature of Connor's magic - purely destructive, no 'up' side - he chose the military to help him impose those rules/boundaries upon himself. For his frequent unlikability, it's his self awareness that separates him from Adam, and those like him. And yes, like you, and Nevada, avoiding the squirrel, and his attitude towards Bug, are his saving graces, and a window behind the 'soldier,' and Prime, persona.
I would love to see these types of videos go over 30 minutes. I feel like it is a lot that could said on the various themes in romance novels and 20 minutes isn’t enough.
Thank you so much for reading the book. It is so kind of you to discuss it. I really appreciate it.
Oh, thank you so much for commenting! 🤗💖 I love this story world and these characters.
I love this storyline, have been wanting to reread but forgot the author and names of the books! (I'm terrible at remembering these) Thank you both, for writing the stories and for talking about it so I can read them again! ❤❤❤
Oh my gosh, two of my favorite authors on the Internet people getting together!!!❤❤
1. Breaking Cycles of Violence.
I second this! I'd love to see this one too!
Absolutely, but to be honest, I'll watch all of these topics.
YESSSS i HIGHLY recommend the Hidden Legacy series. i love the story, the FL (Nevada) and ML (Connor) both as individual characters and as a pair (badass battle couple) . i also love all the side characters, even the antagonists to an extent. the magic system isnt too uncommon, but it was depicted in a way that you can see the power difference between all chars and still feel balanced
+FL has agency and shapes the story rather than having things happen to her
+ML falls first and falls harder
+the Baylor family has one of THE BEST family chemistry ive ever read in fantasy romance
If this was your auction synopsis you'd have been successful
I love this series, I love Ilona Andrew, too. Nevada and Conner are just amazing. I love all the other characters, too. I always feel like I can't get enough of this world.
Great review, always fun to find another member of the Book Devouring Horde :)
One of the things I love about House Andrews is how they never fall into the trap of equating Power and Goodness. They have heroes and heroines of all levels of power and wealth, and they consistently show that one can be powerful and ethical. Also, I'm a sucker for Found Families, and Nevada's growing group of family (many of who are not related biologically) are a great example of this trope done well.
I really appreciate that about them, too! Power and money are morally neutral in their books.
Nevada's family is amazing and i love this series. The Book Devouring Horde is crossing their fingers for Arabella's trilogy!
And s certain Russian Bear???
Honestly I'm going back and forth between which one I want next but I want this ENTIRE series, analysis is so much more interesting than simply ranting.
The first six books are on Kindle Unlimited. Ilona Andrews entire catalog is on Hoopla (if you have a library card)
I am biased when it comes to Ilona Andrews, I adore teir books. I would love to seean analysis of Innkeepers "Sweep in Peace " and its approach to different cultures and the conflict between said cultures and what can one fo to create peace. It feels oddly relevant now
The innkeeper series is my absolute favorite Ilona Andrews series!
The political & intergalactic takes are very interesting.
Sweep in peace makes me cry literally every time I read the climax, I love the innkeeper series but omg sweep in peace is a particular kind of well-written.
@@animemangalover94 I agree. It is naive, unfortunately that wouldn't work in the real world even if the necessary magic existed. But oh how I wish it did. I wish people were built like that
@@mariamizhys3089 what that magic achieved is possible in real life it's just empathy applied to a more dramatic level. The actually really hard part is getting ppl to let go of their history of grudges and have the courage to work together and compromise. We can all see humanity in ppl we dislike, the choice to make peace with them is so much harder. Modern media and the overload of information and choices we have to make in our everyday lives definitely makes this harder tho
I absolutely love the Innkeeper Chronicles (where i started with Ilona Andrews) and just starting on Kate Daniels. Bithe Ms. Wheatley and the Ilona Andrews team are right up there in my favorite 5!
That was so good! Please make longer vids like this one! I know it is time consuming from your end but I love hearing your analysis. I wish they were longer❤
Awww, thank you. This was a lot of fun!
I came here for the book and just realized you are Book Goblin! I love your content!
Thank you for the video. This is one of my favorite book series. I have listened to many times. These stories do have often been poo'd on b/c it is labeled as a romance novel. But they do have underlying serious missed b/c people only sees the romance. My fave line is " When you see me, I'm the boss." I liked this book b/c it was a series in which the heroine had a family, multiple members, she didn't have go out and find one. Not to say she didn't get more friends, who became family. Also Pancakes is Mad Rogan's best friend.
Aside from the initial kidnapping, this is my favorite of Ilona Andrews’ books. I hope you’re not too harsh with them, lol. 😉
Phew! So glad you like the book. Not that I need you to like the book so that I can still like it but I enjoy sharing things. I enjoy with other people.
I think Connor kidnapping Nevada and chaining her to the floor in his basement is a little problematic, lol. But she holds her own and doesn’t give him the information he wants so despite initial appearances, the power imbalance isn’t that great. And she shows him throughout the rest of the book that she can keep up with him & be his equal.
The politics of this world is a little strange. You have all these primes who could wreak havoc on those who are less talented magically and yet there’s not much of that. Pierce seems to be an outlier. I suppose the Houses must be afraid that if they’re too blatant in their displays of power, the non-magical will rise up like what happened in the French revolution, lol. Still, it’s a fun world that I enjoy visiting time & time again. 😊
P.S. I’d be interested in choices 1 or 2. The last one makes my belly squirmy. 🤷♀️
Sameee! i just love the plot, the characters and their dynamics. Found an elder sister in Neva throughout 😭❤
Just telling you you're 1st
I thought it was a fantastic meet-cute. 😂
In his defense, he thought she was a potential enemy combatant at the time.
Omg omg omg omg this is my fav books. 😍 I feel like no one ever talks about this series
So happy you decided to spotlight an Ilona Andrews book, esp Hidden Legacy, which doesn't get so much recommended in the fantasy realm since they are more romance than some of their other books (and probably because of the horrible old covers)!
I agree with the other commenter that the title of the video is a bit misleading, tho - l think if you put the book title in the video title, that would make it clear that it's the analysis of a particular book rather than a particular theme. (With the current title l would expect more emphasis on the theme rather than the plot of the book, and maybe references to other books and how they deal with that theme, compare and contrast, etc).
Look forward to the next video!
I'm a strong fan of Team Andrews. All their books explore what happens when there are great power imbalances. They also work through many different "family" type issues. There are parents and siblings and friends. Gray characters abound in their worlds and the actions scenes can be quite exciting to read.
I think breaking cycles of violence is a very appropriate theme given the ongoing battle with Hamas and Israel. It seems hopeless but it's potentially easier to see both sides and possible solutions when fantasy removes it from our world and makes it less real.
I love all things House Andrews. I look forward to your next analysis.
1. Breaking Cycles of Violence
Great video ❤
I am so excited for that one! And thank you! 🤗
Oh, I love Ilona!! Can't wait for more videos with the next book from this series!
Ooooh! This sounds like an interesting world to explore!
I think option 3. Women Upholding Patriarchy is upsettingly timely and needed.
I've never read that author, but strongly considering going away and reading the book before watching the video as this concept intrigues me.
Do!!! It’s amazing!!!
Like I said, there are SO MANY spoilers, but I did try to stay pretty strictly on topic so you will still have a lot of surprises even if you do decide to watch the video first. 🥰🤗
I read the book specifically to watch this video and enjoyed it a lot. Had a bit of trouble getting into it at first, but that may have just been an issue of it becoming available to borrow in the middle of multiple other obsessions..... but I ultimately read it in more or less one sitting.
Occasionally, the writing style and some of the ML's more ballsier moves gave me pause, but overall really enjoyed the plot, themes, and relationships between all the characters.
I’m a massive Ilona Andrews fan- one of the BDH. I also love romance novels. I don’t consider this a romance. It’s an urban fantasy with a strong romantic subplot. The reason is: you can effectively describe the plot without mentioning the romance, as you did in this video.
This is definitely one of my favorite IA books, and I love Nevada and Rogan’s relationship and chemistry, but I don’t think it qualifies as a romance novel.
Obviously, this point is up for debate. It’s still an active discussion among fans.
I can see that argument for sure! But God-King Bezos has labeled it as Romance on the 'Zon, the older cover is super Romance-y, and I really wanted to talk about it. 😂
@@Elisabeth_Wheatley Also it was an Avon imprint so it had more of a romance feel. The original covers were so off brand for the authors that many of the Book Devouring Horde complained on the authors blog.
I hated the original covers sooo much... I only bought the e-books b/c I didn't want them on my shelf.
honestly i wasn't sure if i was going to read this because it sounds interesting, but i haven't been in a romance mood recently. i was leaning towards no but this comment convinced me because i'm super into deep worldbuilding rn, and i love urban fantasy. it's officially on my list lmao
I also love this book and laughed through the series at her family and friends. I wish you had written Pierce so there could have been some quandry about whether he needed to be destroyed.
And yes lawful-good not equal lawful-nice is an important part of Mad Rogan's character! It's harder to play in D&D since our characters don't usually have a strong enough moral code to avoid wandering into chaotic-neutral.
now i’m super interested in reading this… i’m glad i found your channel recently, you’re doing great!
🤗 It's a really good book!
I love this series and am also pretty picky. Your analysis was great to listen to and I too "snort laughed" multiple times during the book.
Grandma has got jokes. 😂
@Elisabeth_Wheatley "Can I send this picture to myself?" While ignoring the man on the phone who had just recently *kidnapped her granddaughter* had me rolling. She's old, not dead 🤣
I love this series and loved your take of the book. Honestly the Baylor family is one of my favorites parts of the whole series. And though I noticed the similarities and differences between Pierce and Rogan, I really like your take on it.
I works like to see the topic #3 women upholding the patriarchy because I've seen some of this happening in the world and I would love to see a book that explores that topic.
OMG THIS IS MY FAVOURITE SERIES OF ALL TIME IM SO GLAD YOU ARE COVERING IT CAN'T WAITTTTT
All of them eventually. Breaking cycles of violence first please, I really want to read more of that, so I'm hoping you know a book that does it well!
I have a REALLY cool book in mind for that one. 👀
Ha! I just started rereading this book last night. Love the series, adore Ilona Andrews! Edit: Women upholding the patriarchy would be interesting, really any of your proposed topics would be.
Awesome, awesome! And I have a cool duology in mind for that topic!
Such a nice way to put this informative with out feeling dogmatic
The Hidden series was my introduction to IA and I’m hooked to their writing style. This is my personal favorite series by the authors and secondly the Innkeeper Chronicles. But ALL of their series are good.
Ps. Kate is fabulous as well.
That's my favorite series too!
Great job, short and clear 👏
🤗🤗🤗
I haven’t finished it yet so I’m not gonna watch the whole video yet but I’m commenting and liking for engagement now bc I love your content 🎉 I’ll be back when I’m done!
There are so many bleeps in this book and the specific sound for it in this video makes it hilarious
Haha. 😂 Lots of no-no words.
I love Ilona Andrews's various series and this series is no exception.
This was great video! I love how you looked at this issue through different lenses through different characters. Seeing you talk abt the juxtaposition between pierce and rogan was fascinating! I hope to see more videos like this from you!
2: Recovering from Exploitation. (Also, on future pieces, you may want to sticky a post at the top of the comments specifically for voting, so you won't have to scroll through the entire thing just to take a tally.
2. Recovering from Exploitation
I know a woman that went through a Villain Origin Story level breakup. Never wants to date again, but heard me and my boss talking about romance novels. She likes how we were talking about them, but couldn't get through ACOTAR. That she can remember. Bonus points if its modern sapphic not in the male gaze.
Willing to accept other recs.
Started watching, realized the book is available where I am, and now I need to read it before I watch the last 11 minutes of this video! I'll be back in a couple of days.
I enjoyed this so much. I love all Andrews' work, and have also been thinking about how many romance novels get overlooked because people just write off the genre. I'm so excited about this series of videos!
Amazing breakdown, this was really fascinating, and I honestly would have listened to more... but i think you made your point very well, so you didn't really need it! [[2 for me - Recovering from Exploitation... I think it's a more relevant topic than many people realize, and it can show up in varying relationship dynamics (work, family, etc). Would love to hear your thoughts!]]
I had to go read the book before i could watch the analysis. I agree with much if what you said. I also laughed that he insisted on being called "Mad". I started to like him in the scene with Bug, so a little before the squirrel but i appreciated him swerving. I think the nurture side of nature/nurture played a huge role in the difference between pierce and rogan. We got glimpses with no real detail, but enough to know their childhoods were different and important.
One note is that the serum was distributed to *everyone* who would take it. It also was not something that made stable individuals so it wasn't the wealthy alone who took it. Those who had more stable powers were the ones who then were elevated to the status of magical nobility.
Great video!
I'd love to see all of the 3 topics, but I am especially interedte in choice 3, because it's such a complex, and relevant, topic.
This makes me want to reader this series. Nevadas story will always be my favorite 😍
I've had this on my watch later and now that I finally read the book I am here for this awesome analysis!
Warning spoilers: Been reading acotar and I love it because it touches on themes of not staying in a controlling toxic relationship even if there is still love there.
Loved this video! I’ve been trying to get more into romance books recently, and this one seems like a great place to start.
I know option 3 was unpopular, but I think it would make an interesting video.
Great analysis! I’d love to see analyses covering all three listed topics but the one that stands out to me is 3. Women upholding patriarchy.
Quick one, not sure if it affects the analysis, but there is a cutscene/free fiction on the author's webpage showing why Nevada was assigned to tracking Pierce despite the power differential
*difference
The authors constantly create bonus content, new books, and the book itself is already so meaty. 😂 It's why I had to limit myself to this book only like I said in the video.
From the daughter I made watch this for 'Romance Studies:'
Thank you for your video. It was interesting because my 17yo Aspie brain didn't really know how to think about social justice issues and romance novels in the same conversation because mainly I don't want to talk about romance at all, it's just that my mum makes me because she thinks that's good parenting here in the modern world. All of my friends are on my mum's side, not mine! Meaning, that I can't out vote her
Edit: Now I'm going to make her watch that Dr Who episode about the fall of the Mars colony because it really highlights the power v responsibility issue. She's so lucky to have me. :D
I’m actively reading the third book in this series! Ilona Andrew’s is by far my favorite author!
The Kate Daniels series is an all time favorite of mine b
This is such a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the book, I'm really interested in reading this now. I gave up on this genre recently because, while I enjoy a good romance, there are a LOT of very bad plots out there. This sounds really interesting, I love the world building aspect.
i must go reread the series now. Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoyed it. Also, I don't have a preference for which 1-3 goes first but I really hope you do all of them :)
Thank you, this was great. Loved the series, too! Looking forward to your next analysis. I vote for 1. Breaking Cycles of Violence for your next one but would tune in for all of them.
I met you from your short form videos, whenever i catch one of them on my fyp, i just scroll a lot of them lmao. Analysis was great and i really think you should do more long form content like this. Thank youu ❤
Really enjoyed this ❤
I have been waiting for this, just waiting for the Lindsey Ellis of booktube to come along. I hate reviews that just recap a book and give opinions.
I think the best thing to do to tighten up the script is give more of a conclusion, but I think that is going to come in time while you find your footing and your voice in this way!
I am so excited to see what you do next!
I hope you read the rest of the series. I love this book series (anything Ilona Andrews) and your take on romance novels. I look forward to more breakdowns.
I love this! Literary analysis is the bomb and this series is so good. Breaking Cycles of Violence is my pick
I’m currently reading Kate Daniel’s and I have bought the first three of hidden legacy. I shall go back to this video once I’ve actually read it! But it’s nice to see people actually talk about Ilona Andrews and their books!
It is SUCH a good book. Going to reread it now 😄 Also, great analysis, love this new format!
Breaking Cycles of Violence please!
That said, I can't help but think that guy would smile and nod at the lyric, "ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves" roflmao
I love analysis!! Thank you so much! I really love your books recommendations! I really enjoyed the video 😊 the second option really sounds interesting
Wished this was a little longer vid, but still apreciate it! I will definitely check this author out. I would love to see what book you choose for third topic ❤❤
I actually welcome the spoilers. They help me see if the book is to my taste and it seems extremely interesting. I'm going to put it on my wishlist. Great review!
I really enjoyed your analysis. I’d ultimately like to see you do all three of the options you gave, but I’m good with whatever you decide. By the way, I don’t read a lot of romance, because it’s not really my thing, but for reasons known only to Google several of your shorts showed up on my feed, so curious, I watched them. They were really funny and often made me laugh out loud, especially book goblin! I’m a big fan of good fantasy and science fiction, and the synopsis of Daindreth's Assassin intrigued me, so I bought it, and am really glad I did. You do an excellent job both with your characters and the world building. I’m on the third book and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Just listening to this video makes me want to pick up this book. Thanks for showing that there are romance books with substance and not just full of spice.
This was a really helpful review. Now I want to read this story. Thank you Elizabeth!
A really good series. Thx !
I wasn't going to read this series of ilona andrews (only heard of her from your kate daniels videos) because the covers with ppl on them gave me a bad impression and i usually don't like alpha-type male leads, unless the writers good at writing flawed protagonists.
Having read ilona andrews innkeeper series, i was on the femce because i knew they are a good enough author team to make it a good book, but i still heistated because i don't care for billionaire romances either, but then you made this video and i was like "damnit i guess i gotta read burn for me in 2 days now"
So thanks for this video and for tipping me over the edge into buying another series.
Totally agree with what u said about adam and rogan btw, tho adam was actually in primary school when he burned a man almost to death for not letting him steal candy.
If you enjoyed the small moments of his small moments of 'oh maybe he's not an overpowered jackass' in Rogan, the following two books really seal the deal on enjoying his character. I think his relationship with Nevada really pull out a very childlike, calmer, more playful version of Connor rather than Rogan and through relationship with her he's able to be the fullest version of himself. Similarly Nevada becomes the fullest version of herself in through the trilogy as he pulls her out of the kinda shadow lifestyle she's been forced into and into her full power.
There's a line in the third book which [BIG SPOILER] everyone is kinda horrified by her display of power and he's just standing there grinning, cheering her on, encouraging her to revel in her power because it's the truth of who she is. Not that her power is inherently good but that by not hiding it anymore she's stepped into herself in the most complete sense and that is the good. [end of spoilers :) ]
Nevada and Connor (and this trilogy) are my all time favourite romance couple but especially for a romance that has a real plot. Their character portraits through the series and the arc's they go through independently and together especially because of this really interesting topic of social privilege vs. social responsibility is really compelling and satisfying.
You've inspired me to re-read it for the 50th time, even though I just finished my last re-read not two months ago lmao. Fantastic video!!
That's a very interesting analysis! I would gladly listen to your talks about other books.
I'd like to listen next to the second of topics you mentioned :)
I think I most want #2 actually, but I actively approve of all of them and will watch any/all of them that come out
this video convinced me to reread it and I really liked it.
The squirrel was so perfectly placed. I was expecting an animal controlling mage, so every time I thought of the squirrel later it reminded me that Rogan DOES have some kind of nuanced feelings for Nevada.
I'm loving the literary analysis and cannot wait to see more. Also I'll be reading this series cause I'm sold on the plot now.
Lovely vid, and number one sounds good.
omg the chances. I just started her Kate Daniels series as you posted this and I remember low-key loving the vibes, magic system and plot of this book. I loved the Hidden Legacy series, I read Catalina's books first. I enjoyed this video so much, it makes me want to reread this book. I think the reason I haven't finished the series is because of how embarrassing the old covers were.
I would love to see either 1. Breaking cycles of violence, or 2. Recovering from Exploitation, but I lean more towards 2 because that is a subject dear to my heart, helping people recover from toxic environments and find healing
This is great! And all the topics you have are wonderful too, I'm very excited for this series. I vote Breaking Cycles of Violence for the next topic
Thank you for the review. 💙
I vote for 2. Recovering from Exploitation. Also probably going to read Burn for Me as soon as I'm done with all the stuff I'm currently reading
1. Breaking Cycles of Violence
Recovering from exploitation pls!
1. Breaking cycles of violence or
2. Recovering from exploitation
Both sound very interesting.
I love this series. Love Kate Daniels, too, but of all their series I think Hidden Legacy has the most adaptability if they were to go film. Setting is basically modern day with a twist, so settings shouldn’t be hard to do and it would be familiar enough for those who don’t know it can follow along.
As an aside and minor spoiler, Nevada's youngest sister Arabella refers to the two boys in the family as brother-cousins. Basically Nevada's parents adopted the two cousins after trash-aunt abandoned them. But since there's a rather large age gap between Nevada(late 20's, early 30's), Bern(19) and Arabella(15 or 16), Nevada doesn't consider the boys her "brothers".
Nevada is 25 or 26, so 10 years older than Arabella. I think she does view Bern and Leon as younger brothers.
100% 3. Women Upholding Patriarchy
Nice video! Good food for thought.
It's really hard to choose, because they're all awesome topics, so I'll go with #1
Sounds a good book to study.
Follows themes I plan on exploring in the bigger picture of my own work.
Another new book for my to read list 😅...
Interesting video. The whole concept was something I really liked and voted for you to do. However, I don't know if this is the way you plan to do every video or if you're still expirementing, but it felt like you were focusing a bit too much on the book and plot and not quite enough on the theme - which is the title for the video. Just something to keep in mind - or else maybe add the book title as the main focus, not just the theme?
Anyway, thanks for sharing, and I would love to hear what you have to say about women upholding the patriarchy. ❤❤❤
Yes. I love the way she analyzis books and express herself but I thought there would be more than one book for each theme. Like maybe 2 or 3.
Maybe even comparisons on how they portray it.
Thank you for doing this! Ive been arguing this point with people for years.
I also didn't know this specific book so I guess I have to call my local book dealer now 😄
This was great! Thank you!
I had the Edge books downloaded, but grabbed this and read it on the weekend because of/anticipating this analysis.
Don't disagree with anything you said, including the slight, but seismic, difference between Adam and Connor.
Given the nature of Connor's magic - purely destructive, no 'up' side - he chose the military to help him impose those rules/boundaries upon himself. For his frequent unlikability, it's his self awareness that separates him from Adam, and those like him.
And yes, like you, and Nevada, avoiding the squirrel, and his attitude towards Bug, are his saving graces, and a window behind the 'soldier,' and Prime, persona.
So... That should be my new book to buy.
I choose No. 1!!!
I hated this at first (different expectations) but I kind of like it now, and am really curious what comes out!
This was a very good one but I loved Catalina's story more ❤
#1 seems interesting as heck
Ok, now i need to read this book.
I would love to see these types of videos go over 30 minutes. I feel like it is a lot that could said on the various themes in romance novels and 20 minutes isn’t enough.