Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Series: The Edge #3
Published by Tantor Media
Published on: November 29, 2011
Genres: Fantasy
Length: 14 hrs & 18 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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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...
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Audrey and Kaldar were my least favourite couple to date in this series—that being said—FATE’S EDGE was still a solid 4-star read thanks to George and Jack. When I finished book 1 my first thought was I hope the Drayton boys will make another appearance, so I was pumped to see them pop-up again in this installment. On top of stunning characters, Ilona Andrews also brings her mad world-building and storytelling skills to the table which makes this novel exactly what I’ve come to expect from this author. Add to that Renée Raudman’s flawless narration, and you’re left with another winning audiobook in THE EDGE series.
I didn’t dislike the leading duo, but they lacked a certain je ne sais quoi if you know what I mean. Audrey is not Andrews’ typical heroine; she’s strong, savvy, and a skilled lock pick, but she’s no fighter. Callahan wages her battles with words instead of a sword which made the romance between her and Kaldar somewhat of a slow burn; lots of flirting, but very little substance. However, I think my main problem was with her male counterpart; he’s more of an anti-hero in my opinion. Kaldar spends a good chunk of this book trying to get into Audrey’s pants, only to later change his tune to one of love. Admittedly, they are well-suited for each other and I enjoyed their bantering, but the hero’s transition from player to soul mate didn’t feel authentic.
George and Jack definitely stole the show, and I was more than ok with that. They both play a pretty significant role in this novel including their own mission in Audrey and Kaldar’s scheme to retrieve the magical device. More is revealed about their respective powers, and I especially enjoyed the extra Changeling tidbits. One of my favourite scenes was from Jack’s POV where he’s chasing a butterfly. Now, as a general rule I’m not a cat person, but even I could appreciate the author’s attention to detail when it came to our lynx-y friend. A number of secondary characters as also introduced in this installment, the most memorable of course being Ling the Merciless, Audrey’s raccoon sidekick.
Renée Raudman’s performance is once again beyond reproach; she achieves the perfect balance between action and humour in her tone, and just makes the overall listening experience a lot more fun. At one point George and Jack are practicing their Broken speak for their upcoming mission, and as a result the narrator had to say “dude” repeatedly in a variety of ways and it was hilarious! The only fault I found with Raudman’s narration was her sexy scenes, her voice became a little too breathy at times, but otherwise this was another fab audiobook from this artist.
FATE’S EDGE is an excellent listen, and on par with what I have come to expect from Ilona Andrews’ THE EDGE series.
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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 need to meet these George and Jack esp if they stole the show from the leads.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Steampunk Sundays: Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan
Definitely! I’m not usually a fan of kid characters, but George & Jack are the rare exception.
You’re right about Audrey not being a typical Andrews character but I liked her. This maybe wasn’t my fave in this series but how can you go wrong with the kids? When are these two boys going to get their own stories?!?
Mary recently posted…Moving to WordPress…soon!
My thoughts exactly! Or at the very least, novellas. 🙂
I adore George and Jack!!! They definitely stole the show. Ilona has Jack as a young changling down to a T with the butterfly scene and then how protective he is of the little cat. And it’s great to see how George is growing up and into his powers.
I know, I know, they’re secondary characters and I enjoyed Kalder and Audrey…but honestly the series became all about the boys for me 🙂
Traci recently posted…Coffee Shop Talks, #61
Glad to hear that I’m not alone in that. LOL The butterfly scene was awesome to listen to in audio BTW.
I listened to the whole series on audio (you got me hooked on audio this year!) and Renée Raudman is just awesome! I wasn’t a 100% sold when I first started listening to On The Edge, but I quickly changed my mind. She’s definitely one of my favorite narrators. And yeah, the butterfly scene was great!
Traci recently posted…Coffee Shop Talks, #61
Now all you have to do is get caught up on the Secret McQueen series. 😛
You’re going to keep on me about that one aren’t you? LOL! Have you listened to the audio for Secret? I’ll be finishing up with White Trash Zombie this week and need something between now and Poison Promise July 22nd.
Traci recently posted…Coffee Shop Talks, #61
Unfortunately, Dean’s books aren’t available in audio. You’ll just have to read ’em the old fashioned way!
Well shoot! Gotta finish Thea Harrison’s Elder Races and then Secret’s up to bat.
Sounds like I really need to meet these Drayton boys! Great review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine
Yes, you most certainly do! I ♥ them!
Hmmmm…I really want to try this author’s books and I’m thinking that audiobooks is the way to do it! Jessica’s given me great book tips on what to read first and I will def check out the audio version of her recommendations, plus this series of course! Lovely review, Carmel! 🙂
Amir recently posted…Event Recap: #StephaniePerkinsInPH
You can’t go wrong with any of Ilona Andrews’ books! Renée Raudman narrates all of ’em, so you’re pretty much guaranteed an awesome listen no matter which one you start with. 🙂
I might not check this audiobook but I’m quite intrigued about the series in itself now! I’m just not a big fan of audiobooks themselves, I always feel like I could be reading the book faster myself!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: Eon by Alison Goodman!!!
I supplement my reading with audios when I have lots of chores or my eyes hurt too much to stare at a screen. Listening is slower, but it’s better than not reading at all!
I’ve had this series on my TBR for a while but haven’t read it yet because I thought it was a spin-off of another series by Ilona. I still have to tackle Kate Daniels (don’t judge) but am looking forward to The Edge series after reading your awesome reviews!
Lori recently posted…Review: Romancing the Rumrunner by Michelle McLean
Lori, have you not read a single Ilona Andrews book!?! WTH!
I said DONT JUDGE! LOL I haven’t, you forget I was a hard core PNR junkie before crossing over to UF. I have Magic Bites on audio and will be listening to it this summer…so there! 😛
P.S. Why do I have to log in all my details each time I comment? I’m not a stranger to this blog! :/
Lori recently posted…Review: Romancing the Rumrunner by Michelle McLean
Well, I’m happy to hear that at least you have a plan to rectify the situation. LOL
PS I don’t know, but I’ll look in to it. FYI WordPress hates us all equally, but in different ways. 😉
Glad that you enjoyed this one even if the main duo isn’t the best ever. At least there was George.
Who needs strong protagonists when the secondary characters are made of awesome! 😉
I’ve really struggled with this series. The Kate Daniels series is one of my all time favorites, but this one has consistently fallen flat for me 🙁 I’ve read all of the ones out, but have given them all 2-3 star ratings sigh…
I’m glad you enjoyed this installment though!
Finley Jayne recently posted…{Reading Highlights} A Fairytale Land, a Mafioso Love Story & a Very Old Man Solves a Mystery
This series definitely isn’t UF, so if you’re a fan of her KD series I can understand why you struggled with this one. There’s a lot more romance than action, but I like both in my reads so… no problems here!
I enjoyed Fate’s Edge too. I have to agree with you Carmel, Audrey and Kaldar are my least favorite couple, but what saved this book and made it great was the kids Jack and George. I just loved seeing them. I also love the world Ilona Andrews has developed. I still need to read the 4 and final book in this series. Great review!
I’m glad that I’m not alone in not loving Audrey and Kaldar. At least George and Jack were there to pick up the slack. 🙂
Haha… this sounds like a book to listen to for the Drayton boys, especially that scene where they try out accents. I’ve never been much of an audiobook person, but I’m finding that they’re worth a try when a book has good dialogue.
Kris recently posted…Movie Monday: How to Train Your Dragon 2 + Giveaway
The dude convo was priceless!! Hehe I’m totally going to listen to that scene again.
I do love these 😀
blodeuedd recently posted…Follow a star – Christine Stovell
George and Jack are hard to resist!
This is a series I’ve been wanting to read. In fact I still need to read this author! I can’t believe i haven’t yet. Hm… maybe I’ll do the series on audio. hm… 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…The New Colored Pencil by Kristy Ann Kutch
Once you start, you won’t be able to stop! The Andrews / Raudman combo is addictive!
Once I finished the Elemental Assassin books on audiobook I may have to start this series. I’ve found that UF is really excellent on audio! This is a series I’ve been wanting to read so I’m glad to hear it’s good!
Candace recently posted…Adult Review: Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf
Gin Blanco is one of my fav UF heroines to listen to! I’ve found that audios are a great way to tackle series that have been on your TBR pile for ages.
I’ve only read On the Edge so far in this series, but really enjoyed it. I would like to try an audio version one day, and I see you like the narrator, so this may be a good idea for me. 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Book Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
You should totally make the jump to audio! I’ve already converted a few other bloggers. Come over to the dark side! 😉
I have IAndrews on my TBR, bumping it up a few since I always hear great things about their books 😀
LilyElement recently posted…Spotlight: My Hunger by Lisa Renee Jones
It’s about freaking time! 😛
lmao girl, I know *shakes head* I’m not sure why I haven’t read it yet. Would you suggest the audio, or ebook?
LilyElement recently posted…Spotlight: My Hunger by Lisa Renee Jones
I’m partial to the audios, but if you don’t normally listen to books, you might want to stick with eBooks.
I can’t believe that I still have not read this duo. I keep saying I am going to tear into Kate Daniels and I will before I tackle this series. I am glad that despite the issues you had with the main couple that you liked this one overall.
Heidi recently posted…Audiobook Review: Just One Day (Just One Day #1) by Gayle Forman
You shouldn’t just tackle, but jump in with both feet! The Andrews’ are story telling geniuses!
Renee Raudman is just a pro! I can’t think of any instances where I have been disappointed by her performance. Again, it sounds like this is another winning interpretation 🙂
Great review Carmel!!
Lupdilup recently posted…The Saint Audiobook by Tiffany Reisz (review)
I have yet to be disappointed by either the narrator or authors of this series. They are a powerhouse!
Great to hear when an author with an established series manages to branch out and do wonderfully otherwise. I’m glad you enjoyed the main character and the side characters! Lovely review Carmel.
Jeann recently posted…To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han Review: Cute, fluffy (fake) romance
I don’t think I’ve come across an Ilona Andrews character that I haven’t liked. I have a few clear fav’s, but still. 😀
I had to double check, and yes I added book one to my tbr pile, I really need to start the series. I love how developed the series sounds.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian
It’s only 4 books too, so not that big of a commitment which is a definite bonus.
Everyone’s making me so jealous of all the Ilona Andrews love. I need to start the Kate Daniels series soon. I keep saying that…
Christy recently posted…The Strain by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan
I think it’s time you stopped talking about it and actually did it, Christy! 😛
I stopped at book 2 awhile back and have not got to this series since, but I am happy the series is going good. This series is my least fav of Andrews books though.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Review: Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch (Blog Tour & Giveaway)
I can understand that. This series isn’t as action-y as her others.
This is yet another series I haven’t gotten to yet, but even if the main couple weren’t as enticing as others, the story must have been good since you still gave it four stars!
I love it when other characters are able to steal the show, and I’m pretty sure I just have to get to know George and Jack.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Dirty Wings – Sarah McCarry
It’s definitely a good sign when a reviewer finds the leads so-so, but still gives the book 4 stars. George and Jack are MUSTS!
I saw one of these in audio form from my library. I hope that it’s the first one. Great review.
-Flirting with Fiction
Stephanie recently posted…Wedding Countdown Readalong and Giveaway
Each of these books work well enough as stand alones, so even if it’s not book 1, I say go for it!
Oh you’re bad, your reviews really intrigue me and I know I need to try to read the series, it sounds really good! I’m glad you’re still having a good time but I know the audiobook won’t be for me. Still need to finish the one I try…
It took me a while to get the hang of audios, but now I can’t imagine life without them! It takes a couple of really good narrators in a row to catch the bug.
YES!! George and Jack always steal the show! I adore those two boys!! I agree with you about Kalder being an anti-hero, but I still liked him. 🙂 And I liked the slow burn between him and Audrey. But really, I don’t think I could ever be disappointed in a story from Ilona Andrews. 🙂 Fab review, Carmel!
Steel’s Edge here I come!! 😀