Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews [Review]

Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) by Ilona Andrews
Format: ebook
Source: purchased

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Date read: April 6, 2020

Innkeeper Chronicles
1. Clean Sweep
2. Sweep in Peace
3. One Fell Sweep
4. Sweep of the Blade - Paperback | Kindle
5. Sweep with Me
6. Sweep of the Heart

Ilona Andrews
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.

Except... In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.

Thoughts on Sweep of the Blade: Ahh, the Demilles, man. They are just...kind of amazing. Dina did the impossible and survived the death of an inn and now Maud is showing she can hold her own against one of the oldest vampire houses in the Anocracy. Let's face it, falling for a vampire after what her husband and his family put her and Helen through seems like the WORST IDEA EVER, but there she is meeting Arland's mother and putting all her skills to good use.

First off, let's talk about Maud and Helen. Maud will do anything to keep her child safe and alive. While Helen definitely has the drive and heart of a vampire, she's still only a child and Maud will fight to her last breath to keep her from being left alone. Maud is also the daughter of Innkeepers and has grown up surrounded by their lore and knowledge. So not only is she a fierce protector, she's also a huge asset to House Krahr because of what she knows.

Plus, she strong and crafty and makes unexpected allies and she knows when to keep her mouth shut.

ALL THINGS ARLAND APPRECIATES ABOUT HER. I liked seeing this side of Arland, btw. He's willing to break any rule to keep Maud and Helen by his side because he sees the heart of both of them and cherishes their strength. Also, him being a father figure to Helen was ADORABLE.

Danger, subterfuge, betrayal, and vampiric passions. MAN, I like this series!