On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Series: The Edge #1
Published by Tantor Media
Published on: January 7, 2010
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 12 hrs & 8 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Book Depo | Chapters | Kobo | GoodReads
The Broken is a place where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is nothing more than a fairy tale.
The Weird is a realm where blueblood aristocrats rule and the strength of your magic can change your destiny.
Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, the place between both worlds. A perilous existence indeed, made even more so by a flood of magic-hungry creatures bent on absolute destruction.
 |
 |
 |
In a lot of ways this book felt like the Fantasy equivalent of Paranormal Romance; it’s less action-y than Ilona Andrews’ KATE DANIELS series, but the sex scenes are not left to the imagination (unlike in Urban Fantasy) and the strong world-building continues to be at the forefront of their writing. The romance is as far from insta-love as you can get which is a definite plus, and the ending was satisfying, although I was hoping for a second installment before jumping to another couple because I felt the HEA was somewhat incomplete.
Many of my fellow readers struggled with the backwoods aspect of this story, but personally, I found Rose very relatable. Being a bit of a hick myself, I appreciated the country bumpkin humour and the Edgers “different” way of doing things. I liked the well thought out explanations for Drayton’s mistrust of men, and the courtship challenges made for one of the more interesting wooing pursuits that I have ever read. Rose’s dedication to her brothers, her mad flash skills, and snark made her the perfect heroine for this tale. Her strong personality helped dull the aristocratic high-handedness of the story, and the women-are-possessions mentality became almost comical when applied to Drayton.
THE EDGE universe was amazing, as expected. I enjoyed learning all of the ins and outs of the Broken, the Edge, and the Weird. The magical rules are as complex as in the KATE DANIELS novels, but this is in no way a spin-off of the latter which means there’s a whole new set of intricacies to grasp—all the better in my opinion, because Andrews’ world-building is the reason why I keep coming back for more. I loved learning about the bizarre creatures, the inner workings of blueblood society, and the various supernatural abilities of the characters. Georgie and Jack were adorable, and I’d be interested in learning more about William who, as it turns out, is the male lead of book 2. The plot wasn’t overly complicated, but still detailed enough to hold my interest.
Renée Raudman continues to be one of my favourite narrators; her passion and intensity really shine through in this audiobook, and I had no problem with equating her to Rose Drayton even though she’s been the voice of KATE DANIELS inside my head for six installments now. Her character voices are distinct and she mirrors the pacing of the writing well. Raudman definitely has a knack for portraying strong female protagonists!
ON THE EDGE demonstrates Ilona Andrews’ versatility as an author(s), and is a great alternative for Paranormal Romance lovers looking for a bit more action in their reads.
  |
  |
  |
  |
Was this review helpful to you? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon!
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I never really thought about the hick aspects. I guess, like you, I’m a hick myself, so I didn’t really notice it. I love this world and I don’t want to spoil things, but you will see more of the boys and I will leave it at that. I wish they would write at least a novella on these two.
Thanks for not spoiling anything. LOL I’ll be moving on to Fate’s Edge soon.
I have liked them all! I still need to listen to the last one but overall these are some darn likable characters and kick ass action 🙂
I love this author / narrator team!
I love their Kate Daniels series so I have been really curious about this one as well. I think I even have the first book (maybe even the second). I am glad you really liked this one and that it is different from her other series but in good ways.
Great review!! Have a nice weekend. 🙂
It’s great when authors successfully cross genres, although this series isn’t too much of a stretch from Kate Daniels, just more romance.
Oh, I like that it’s different and I need to read more Ilona Andrews! 🙂
Everyone needs a little more Ilona Andrews in their life!
I read this a while back, don’t remember the details (I suffer from Dory’s memory), but I remember I liked it. I also remember liking Georgie and Jack very much. You will see more of them in future books. If I’m not wrong my favorite in the series is second book, William’s book.
Georgie & Jack are adorable! I’m so happen to hear that they make another appearance later in this series.
I’ve got a big decision to make this weekend…start The Edge series or White Trash Zombie series on audio Monday morning…I think The Edge is going to win out (and yes, I totally blame you for my new audio obsession LOL!!)
Oooh, that’s a tough call! I liked the first White Trash Zombies book thank this one, but as far as series staying power, definitely this one! So, it’s a toss up really. LOL
I think I’ll go with The Edge and then White Trash Zombie 😀
gah I am so missing out on this series , or most of her series really >.<
Well, start with one. Any one, really. They are all amazing.
I must have been living under a rock or something. I know I’ve always wanted to read her Kate Daniels series but I don’t know if I’ve heard of The Edge before today, unless I’ve seen those books before and thought they were of the same series. I’ve always wanted to read Ilona Andrews though, maybe I should start with this one since there are only 4 books so far as opposed to the 7 in KD (and counting!)
I think this series is complete at 4 books, so it’s definitely easier to tackle.
Awesome review, Carmel, and you definitely made me want to read The Edge! I haven’t read Kate Daniels yet, but it’s way up on my TBR list, as I have heard amazing things about Ilona Andrews. I might actually even try the audiobook straight away, I have recently discovered I love audiobooks when they are well narrated 🙂
Audiobooks can be very entertaining with the right narrator. I hope you LOVE Renée Raudman!
I have this audiobook for like forever, I moved it up the list after Jennifer’s review, so I’m going to listen real soon 🙂 You guys have me excited!
Both of us can’t be wrong, right? 😀
This was my first Ilona Andrews book. I read it about 4 years ago and I remember enjoying the world building, but not the characters as much. I liked it, just not enough to continue the series. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more on audio.
It’s different. From the reviews I’ve read, I know the hick elements don’t appeal to everyone.
I’m glad you liked this, Carmel. I had to giggle over you relating to Rose – being a bit of a bumpkin yourself. I have to say ME, TOO! I really enjoyed this series. Yes, it’s different from Kate but it’s still Ilona Andrews, which means great world building and, in my opinion, great characters. Great review!
Hehe glad to hear I’m not the only book loving hick around! 😛
Haha I’m totally a country girl too so this one sounds like it would really click with me, hick style! I also like the sounds of the world building. It sounds really unique and quite complex – in a good way. Great review, Carmel!
Thanks Giselle! A country girl from NB who’d have thought? 😉
Oh yes, country bumpkin here too!
Wow! I didn’t realize there were so many of us until I read all of the comments on this post. Hehe At least I’m in good company!
Well…I feel like I need to chime in with “I’m a country bumpkin too” and didn’t have a bit of a problem relating to relating to Rose or the backwoods aspect of The Edge. It’s been a while since I listened to the audio (pre-blog days) but I remember that I really liked it. I still need to listen to book 3 and 4.
Nice! I’m hoping to tackle book 3 & 4 soon.
So glad this book has awesome world-building. I’m not a fan of that cover though! Great review, Carmel!
Yeah, the dude’s head floating in the sky is kinda weird. LOL
I bought the first book in the Kate Daniels series and I am glad you enjoyed this one. I was raised in the country and worked on a farm for summer jobs..LOL I am in the burbs now
Yay!!! I can’t wait to see what you think of Kate and Curran…sigh…
You’re going to LOVE Kate & Curran!
I’ve read the first two books of this series because I LOVE Ilona Andrews and I liked them but they just can’t compete with the Kate Daniels series.
This series isn’t as addictive IMO because it’s not the same characters throughout.
Hmm … I really want to read something by Andrews because I’ve heard such good things, but I can’t decide where to start. I’ve wanted to read the Kate Daniels series for awhile, but I kind of like the sound of this more. Decision …
The Kate Daniels series is UF while as this one’s more Fantasy/Romance, so it depends what you’re in the mood for.
I really liked this one 😀 I just wish she had stuck with this couple
It’s definitely not your typical paranormal read.
I confess I’m curious it’s a series I haven’t read yet but it’s in my wishlist. I heard great things about it but I don’t know I’m still anxious. It’s nice to know we don’t have any insta-love because I’m difficult with that and I really want to discover the universe. Thanks for your review!
It took me a while to give this one a go too, but it didn’t take nearly as long for me to fall in love with it.
I haven’t heard of this series but of course I have heard of Kate Daniels. Anyhow this sounds really good and that world-building is really fascinating as it seems. Also I love unique reads. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Thanks Tanja!
Sounds amazing, I haven’t had the chance to read any Kate Daniels yet but I’ve heard SO much about her Ilona Andrews series. I loved how you described the country bumpkin stuff to relate to hehe. Lovely review, Carmel!
Sounds like a great, unique and interesting book! I need to try out an Ilona Andrews book sometime. Great review Carmel 🙂
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
I really want to read this one just for the world-building. I love it when an author takes that extra mile to make it intricate and complex and fascinating at the same time. Brandon Sanderson has the same magic, although the genres of his novels are more Fantasy than PR/UF. Haha! Have you read any of his books?
Faye at The Social Potato Reviews
You are a bit of a hick? Ok I just cant believe that, but I am looking forward to the different setting / feel of this character.
I really enjoy this series (I mean, Ilona Andrews!). Rose, I think, was one of my favorite characters out of this series, too. I appreciated that she wasn’t rich, that she lived her life how she needed to and took care of herself. I guess she’s a bit of a hick but I liked that aspect of her, too!
Lovely review Carmel, so glad you enjoyed this book. I love this series and now I want to re-read them all.