Ilona Andrews is a highly bingeable author. I rather mindlessly requested the Sweep of the Heart audiobook from NetGalley not expecting to actually get it. I read the first book in the series a long time ago and have not read the other four books in the series. When I got the email telling me the audiobook was available to download, I took on the challenge of rereading Clean Sweep and then reading the other books in 3 days so that I could listen to Sweep of the Heart and not have to confess I was lost. I had no difficulty in cracking open my brain and pouring the the Innkeeper Chronicles in, so if you haven’t read the series, go get it now and start bingeing. Warning: there will be the occasional spoiler for the series, but no spoilers for this book.
The Innkeeper Chronicles is a seamless blend of science fiction and fantasy. Dina and her Inn, Gertrude Hunt, are magic. They are a waypoint for intergalactic, interdimensional travelers. Gertrude Hunt is now somewhat off the well traveled path, so they have become an Inn with a particular set of skills. Over the course of the series, Dina has gained friends and Sean, the neighborhood werewolf, is her partner. There are a few returning characters. And always, there is intrigue. Sean’s friend, and their main weapons supplier, has been kidnapped. In order to get him back, they need a way onto an inhospitable planet. They’ll get the help they need if they agree to host a competition to become the spouse of the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion.
Initially, this was released weekly as a serialized story on the Ilona Andrews’ website. I did not read it, but I did enjoy watching my friends’ excitement about each instalment. At the beginning of each chapter, there’s a wee bit letting the reader know where we are in the story and what we might anticipate. Nora Sofyan does a great job creating a completely different voice with just enough anticipatory glee to make me feel like I’m about to hear some really great gossip. I thought she did a great job overall as narrator.
The book moves at a clip with a lot of characters, a lot of action, and very high stakes. There are some great character moments that lighten and fill out the world and the series. I had held back on reading the Innkeeper Chronicles books because I like having something I haven’t read by favorite authors. I am now fully immersed in the series and very much looking forward to seeing what Klaus has been up to.
I received this as an advance reader copy from NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
