One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles Book 3)

I received an ARC for an honest review. That said most people know that this book is the final and refined product of a weekly serial that is posted free online by the Ilona Andrews duo on their website. I followed the weekly chapters and enjoyed it but the book was thoroughly improved and smoother. Fiction, especially urban fantasy in the first person is not my favorite form of reading it, mainly, because it is so difficult to do it properly. There are a few exceptions however, and Ilona Andrews nails it every time in every book. The writing is smooth and in constant motion, in this case from Dina DeMille's point of view. Dina does not tell you story, she shows you, you can see and feel the story. Descriptions are detailed but manage to avoid being lengthly and tedious. The characters are complete with flaws and strengths making them authentic even though they are supernatural or alien. No two characters are the same or even similar in their personalities. This book was surprisingly emotional, there were parts that made me laugh and others made me cry. It's interesting how George without being present still has a hand in the story. If you did not read the book yet, please stop reading here! A few possible *spoilers* ahead. Who would have thought that Arland had a sense of humor? "Are you going to war Lord Marshal?" "No, I was attending a formal dinner. They make us wear armor to these things so we don't stab ourselves out of sheer boredom." Family and the importance thereof has a more prominent role in this book, the meals, conversations and bringing friends together when it seems that things can only go wrong and they find strength in the only place it can be found, with family and friends. We get to meet Dina's sister Maud and her niece Helen. I'm a mother and if Helen was my kid I would be a warrior too. Their relationship is interesting and it develops throughout the story. Maud is a strong and ruthless woman with a tenderness for those she loves. As the story develops Maud's relationship with Arland comes into focus, it is feisty and fun to watch the battle of wills. I could not imagine a better pair for Arland than Maud, right from the beginning it is quite clear that Maud is exactly what Arland needs, she even won over Lord Soren. I like Caldenia most of the times she makes me laugh, but in this story she has a more active role throughout the book and her presence was welcome. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this Caldenia in future stories. Another character that won a new dose of respect was Officer Marais and how his character took a turn in this book. Officer Marais rocks! The Hiru were so interesting with the saddest story, who could turn their backs on them? I imagine them as pure ethereal creatures. Wing, must confess that I have a soft spot for Wing. Cute creature eve though he's scaled. His wood carvings and his objective for them are hilarious and at the same time I am sure that somewhere in the world there must be a culture that does exactly the same. Orro's mango ice-cream won me over, the silent and brooding chef showed a soft side and I loved it. I'm hoping that the next book will enlighten us about the darkness and why it is targeting the ad-hal. Will we finally meet Dina and Maud's brother Klaus? So much more to write about. New worlds, new species and Dina and Gertrude Hunt find themselves in a sensitive situation once more. There is plenty of action and some serious "kick ass" fighting, love the swords. Speaking of Gertrude Hunt, that is one of the most interesting characters, and yes, as far as I'm concerned the inn is a character, it feels, yawns (which I found amusing) and has a life of its own. Ah, now comes the "Grab your Tissues" moment, the seed. Let me say that this is pathetic, but never have I ever felt so much sorrow and sadness for a seed. As much as it costs me to say this, I did spill a tear or two for that seed. In the end I couldn't't help but feel sorry for the Draziri. Moving on, Sean, well yes, Sean loses control once or twice. Okay fine, a few times but he is after all a wolf but he redeems himself a million times over when he takes care of Dina never losing faith in the woman she is. The development of his relationship with Dina is smooth and natural as it should be, nothing is forced or rushed. Everything about them happens when it should. I like them as a couple, I wonder if Dina will get him into a robe? That should be an interesting challenge. My question is about the cat, Olasard the Ripper of Souls, "Who the hell is Sebastien North?"

This series is a MUST READ and one that must be read in order. Everything builds from book to book and it only gets better. I waited to read this when the paperback version came out. I like the pictures illustrated in the paperbacks and of course I prefer to read a story in it's entirety instead of bit by bit. The author published parts on their website, but for me it's not the same as getting it all in one sitting, holding that paperback. WOW. I read this in one day. Couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this installment. Going deeper into Dina’s family, seeing her relationship grow with Sean, revisiting characters and introducing new ones. Just Fabulous!! I can't wait for the next installment. - The relationship between Dina and Sean. Their relationship has been a slow build. I like how this relationship has developed over the books. It was fabulous seeing Dina come to understand her feelings for Sean, her wolf, and how it all came into focus. I liked the conversations they had and that they hashed out things. To finally see these two get together and move their relationship into the physical one, was sweet and well worth the wait. - We are introduced to Diana's sister, Maud and her niece, Helen. I love seeing kids. They add something special to the books and here there's magic afoot. It’s hard not to fall for Helen and of course her mother Maud is one badass women. What she’s been through and how she survived. Power to her. I’m curious and LOVE that a romantic relationship might be developing between Maud and Arland. - Arland, I never saw him for Dina and didn’t like the little triangle thing in book one, but here Arland was fabulous. He melted my heart with how sweet he was to Helen and his run ins with Maud where great. I really want to see more Maud, Helen, and Arland. Maybe they will get their own book. Who knows? - The concept and storyline for the Hiru was wonderful done. And, Officer Marais, things finally comes to a head. There were many more events and things that made this such an outstanding read. - There were emotional parts that made my heart melt and clench. Their were hilarious scenes like the fart gun, which I laughed so hard reading. Then we get so many hints and tidbits that were amazing morsel to digest. Like the tidbit on Klaus (Dina’s Brother), her father and mother, and of another big bad that might be on the horizon that Dina maybe confronting. There was just so much to love in One Fell Sweep. I don’t know how the Andrews team keeps coming up with new, unique, and astonishing things, but they do. I’m in awe. Really if you haven't started the Innkeeper Chronicles or any works by Ilona Andrews you are sorely missing out. One Fell Sweep is a phenomenal Urban Fantasy adventure. Rated: 5 Stars

This book was so much fun to read! I look forward to every new Ilona Andrews book that I can get my hands on. I think it is amazing that this book was written as a serial novel and available to read on their website for free. They don't have to do that but they do just because they really are that nice. I didn't read the book as a serial because I know that I am the kind of reader that wants to sit down and read the whole book at once but I think it is awesome that they do this for their readers. This was the kind of book that was really hard to put down and ended up being just as good as I had hoped it would be. Dina is an Innkeeper and has a special kind of magic. Her inn, Gertrude Hunt, is almost a living character as well with its own brand of magic and abilities. Dina's inn serves beings from around the universe which she must remain hidden from residents of Earth. When Dina's sister, Maud, sends a message to be picked up, there is no question about whether she will go. Not only does Dina have her family's welfare to consider in this book, she is also asked to protect a Hiru which may cause her inn to be attacked. There is no shortage of excitement in this story! I actually liked this book a bit more than the previous one in the series and I think that is largely because there was a lot more Sean in this book. I really missed Sean and the last book so I was thrilled to see him featured though out this story. Dina and Sean's relationship really takes off and the chemistry that has always been between them is finally put to good use. I also really enjoyed the new characters in this book. Maud and Helen were both awesome in their own way. Maud has been through a lot but is competent to handle anything that comes her way and proves to be a big help to Dina. Helen was a really interesting character and it was nice to see a child worked into the story so well. I would highly recommend this series to others. This book is highly imaginative with a lot of excitement. There is a wonderful balance of action, humor, and romance to keep readers happy. I would recommend that this series be read in order so that you have the background of the relationships and abilities. I can't wait to read more from this fantastic writing duo!

One of these days I'm going to stop settling back in amazed surprise when I read/listen to these authors' books. Seriously! I already thought this was a fantastic series and I was all in, but this latest installment in the Innkeeper Chronicles series just raised the bar even higher. Dina, her latest group of guests, and Gertrude Hunt Inn are in the fight for their very lives. This was nearly non-stop dangerous excitement and, when it wasn't, it was intense character and relationship development action that left me blinking back tears. Oh, and the cherry on top? We get the alien's take on the human tradition of Christmas- laughed so hard the tears came. I loved that part of Dina's family finally makes an appearance, more of the favorite side characters, and, Hallelujah, more on Dina's romance with Sean. Dina is really brought to the brink in this one and she continues to grow through each trial put before her. There are some surprises and heart=stopping twists to this one. It will resonate with readers and real world issues even though, as usual, there are aliens to encounter both good, shades of gray, and deeply flawed. Oh, and that little bell-ringer sentence at the very end made me groan and prepare myself for a long (im)patient wait to see what that thread will produce. That said, there was such great progress made for other threads (ahem smoldering hot Sean and Dina scenes) and closure for the main conflict that I don't mind. Renee Raudman is the voice of Dina and the Innkeeper Chronicles Cast of Characters. I have sung her praises through three installments now. But see, she, too, rose to the occasion for the depths of emotions and desperation this book produced and more than met the challenge. This fantastic blend of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi is a treat not to be missed. Do yourself a favor and snag these for your own reading/listening pleasure.

**Reviews courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy** Where do I begin? ONE FELL SWEEP continues one of the best urban fantasy series ever! I guess I'll start where I always do with my Innkeeper Chronicles reviews, the artwork. Doris Mantair does an amazing job yet again with the artwork. Besides the great cover art, there are three other pieces of art scattered through ONE FELL SWEEP that bring the characters and events of the book to life. It's amazing to see the potential of ebooks come to light with the extra art in the pages which would be impossible to do with a traditional paperback. What first drew me into the Innkeeper Chronicles is what made me dive into ONE FELL SWEEP. The world of the Innkeeper Chronicles is just so rich and full of detail. Even though we're on the third book in the series, the Ilona Andrews writing team is still coming up with more information to flesh out and make the world seem even more real then before. I love Urban Fantasy, but I would never want to live in Harry Dresden's world nor that of Monster Hunter International, but the Innkeeper Chronicles world is so beautiful that I would love to live in it. SWEEP IN PEACE calmed down a little bit from the intense action of CLEAN SWEEP, but ONE FELL SWEEP combines the best of both books. There is quite a bit of political intrigue involved while also having much more epic battles then were ever in CLEAN SWEEP. So if you were a little upset by the slower pace of SWEEP IN PEACE you won't be disappointed by ONE FELL SWEEP. I'm hesitant of books that have love triangles. I always end up siding with the losing guy, and then I'm a little upset about the ending. ONE FELL SWEEP does an amazing job of cleaning up the love triangle in such a way that even I was thrilled about it. The romance in ONE FELL SWEEP is beautiful, serving a strong purpose in the main story line instead of slowing it down or distracting from it. While on this topic I have a side note more about the authors than the story. There is a very short sex scene in the book, I personally am not a fan of sex scenes, so I was amazed when I saw Ilona Andrews post on their website that if you provided proof of purchase they would send you a PG-13 version of the story! This is groundbreaking, in my opinion. I'm once again amazed at how these two traditionally published authors are pushing the boundaries and showing the true potential of ebooks. I hope other authors follow their example on this count. Looking back on all the books I read this year, the only one that gives ONE FELL SWEEP a run for its money is the Black Ocean series. So I can't quite make a definitive call, but ONE FELL SWEEP is one of the two best books I read this year. If you haven't started the Innkeeper Chronicles yet, then I can't recommend it enough to you, and if you've already started the series, then don't worry, ONE FELL SWEEP is as good a sequel as one could ever wish for. One sex scene

I usually end up having read this story three to four times by the time I finish it on release day – it’s because Ilona Andrews publishes these stories as a serialized novel, online, for free, first. And there’s something incredibly gratifying about reading a new installment every week. But, for me, it’s eminently more satisfying to read it in its entirety, published. Something that I never consciously noticed before was that Ilona Andrews purposefully writes the online version to be PG rating – there’s less … brutality in the fighting and less romance in the romance. Now that I know this, I actually love it. It means that I can have my daughter read these stories, and I think she’ll love them. But it also means that when I read the full, published version, I’m getting something that’s meant more for me, and my level of maturity. I won’t say one is better than the other, because they’re both excellent – and both well worth the time – but the book that’s released in whole is always my more favorite read. Serial novels always have mixed results with me. I’m not patient and the only reason that Ilona Andrews’ novels work for me is because I adore everything they ever write and I make myself be more patient. I feel like these novels always hit me at a very real place when I read them. In the first book Dina was dealing with discovering her own power, fending off an outside attack from a vicious enemy, choosing to become involved. And it felt manageable, even when things were at their worst in the story, I never doubted that Dina would figure out a way through it. There was the loss of Sean going off at the end, and the sense of a bittersweet victory. Dina learned a lot about herself in this novel. In book two, there was the drive for peace, for accord, and for the hatred that had been building for centuries to be cast aside in favor of hope. It felt insurmountable, as pain-driven war often is. When no side can look at, with empathy, what the other has suffered, the war continues on indefinitely. It takes compassion to end such pain. And hope. Here, in the third book in this installment, Dina takes a stand against xenophobia of the worst sort. The Hiru are being hunted into extinction by the Draziri – who believe that they’ll be assured a place in their heaven if they manage to kill a Hiru. Simply because they exist. Dina knows the danger to herself and her inn, but she can’t turn down the simple request of the Hiru to be able to have a sanctuary so they can find their true home. Dina is the person that I think all of us want to be. Despite the potential (and often real) cost to herself, she’s not going to give up, not going to give in, and she’s going to help as much as she can. The characters, as always, are the best part. I love how real they feel. They aren’t simply caricatures of themselves, but as elaborate and complicated as any person I know. Arland, I think, has finally met his match. Sean is recovering from the events that took place in the last book – and I love how realistically this recovery is handled. And Dina, as always, is one of the strongest characters. She continues to impress me, going above and beyond. There are all of the previous favorites, and some wonderful new characters that step onto stage. This world is another thing that I adore. There’s so much complexity and variety here – everything that I’m looking for in a science-fiction novel, including the “human” connection. I love how I get to explore this vast universe with an assortment of eyes and experiences. I love that Ilona Andrews always manages to make this diversity incredibly beautiful. And the ending – oh man. Talk about ramping up the tension and leaving me salivating for the next book. I cannot wait to see where we go from here.

I'm such a huge fan of Ilona Andrews' books, particularly this series and their Kate Daniels series. These two series are on autobuy for me. Absolutely adored this book. Genuine laugh out loud humorous moments - the type where you have to stop and read them out loud to your spouse because they're so good. About the Book: This is the third book in the Innkeeper Chronicles series. It could be read on its own, but you'll really miss out on a lot of backstory and watching the evolution of the characters if you don't read books 1 and 2. They're well worth the read, so this is a series I strongly suggest you read in order. Book 1 is called Clean Sweep. Setting: Most of the action in this book takes place in the Gertrude Hunt, a magical cosmos-bending bed and breakfast located in Red Deer, Texas. We also have some short jaunts by spaceship, through portals to the merchant bazaar of Bahar-Cha, and to a few other planets for various reasons. We see a lot more of the Inn and the Innkeeper's powers in this book which I really enjoyed. Characters: Our main character is Dina Demille, the titular Innkeeper of the Gertrude Hunt. While she's on the inn's grounds she has all kinds of crazy, unexpected powers. In this book we also meet Dina's sister, Maud and her niece, Helen. We spend more time with Sean, Dina's friendly neighborhood werewolf and Arland, the vampire marshal. We also get some repeat appearances from the Inn's permanent guest, the exiled Caldenia and the Inn's Red Cleaver cook, Orro and a scattering of others. We're also introduced to a couple of new alien races, the Hiru and the Draziri. Plot: This is a book of temptations for Dina. She keeps getting messages and offers that require her to leave her Inn for reasons she can't resist. As an Innkeeper, once Dina accepts a guest she must keep the guest safe while on the Inn's grounds. That is especially challenging in this book when she accepts a Hiru, a member of a race being hunted into extinction as a guest. This of course brings the hunters to Dina's doorstep and Dina gets pulled into the Hiru's quest to save their race. Style: All of the Innkeeper books are on the shorter side. This one weighs in at 257 pages. It's a FAST 257 pages! The writing style moves the plot along at a quick pace, but without sacrificing humor or character development. A few budding romances are handled really nicely without becoming the central focus. There are several battle scenes as well as some very cool and cunning magic attacks and counter-attacks. Dina and the Gertrude Hunt keep coming up with new tricks. Fantastic "urban" (suburban?) fantasy for people who want a change of pace from a detective or mercenary protagonist. The whole Innkeeper's magic angle is so original and fun, I just adore these books. Excellent read!

Summary: Innkeeper Dina Demille is back and her world is once again thrown into chaos as she races against time to help save a guest whose civilization is on the brink of extinction. In doing so she goes up against a clan of assassins who will stop at nothing to destroy their prey, including putting everything and everyone Dina holds dear at risk. Overview: Once again the fabulous husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews, delivers a great installment of the Innkeeper Chronicles. This is the third book in the series with the first two: • Clean Sweep – The Innkeeper Chronicles (Book 1) • Sweep In Peace – The Innkeeper Chronicles (Book 2) The book is fairly short, similar to the previous two books at only 340 pages long and took me around 5 hours long to read. The darker tone from the second book is still there and whilst there is some violence there is nothing that I would consider graphic. We also see the romance between Dina and Sean dialed up as their relationship begins to evolve. One Fell Sweep starts off with a message from the often mentioned but never seen sister of Dina. Her name is Maud and she and her daughter, Helen, are stuck on the back-planet of The Holy Cosmic Anocracy (Space Vampires) and need Dina to rescue them. So of course Dina reaches out to Arland for his help bringing the main 3 characters of the previous books back together. Dina is then approached by a Hiru, a being that resembles a walking trash heap in a vaguely humanoid shape. The Hiru are not pretty and there are plenty of references to them being revolting and making people gag. However they are a peaceful race that has been hunted to the edge of extinction by the Draziri in a Holy War. It seems that to guarantee a place in Draziri Heaven a clan must kill a Hiru. The Hiru, through the Arbitrator George (from The Edge series and Sweep In Peace), has been sent to Dina for her protection as they wait upon the arrival of The Archivarius. The Archivarius is a multi-part being who possess a hive mind and has a staggering amount of knowledge and who is the only being who can help the Hiru find a new home planet. However Dina is left in a difficult position as to grant The Hiru guest status and protection will put her in direct conflict with the Draziri who care about nothing except exterminating the Hiru. Once again Dina’s empathy and determination shine through in this novel. I’ve really enjoyed her growth over the last few books as she keeps getting thrust into situations that put her and the Inn in danger. We also see more off-world travel which is great although the main action is still on Earth. Sean is also prominent through the whole book and their interplay is great, I feel like the last two books build up pays off and you see how much they care about one another. Arland is also back and I enjoyed watching the changes his character went through especially looking back at the brash and over-confident man he was in Clean Sweep. We also see Orro, Caldenia, Officer Marais, Lord Soren, Wilmos and Cookie again. The stand out for me however was Maud and Helen. I simply loved these characters. Usually children that are introduced into series annoy me but Helen was very well written. She added humor and depth to each scene she was in as she was introduced to life on Earth without taking the focus away from the main characters and story-line. Also Maud… Maud is just AWESOME! I would love to see a novel or a novella from her perspective so fingers crossed! The plot for One Fell Sweep had just the right mix of drama, romance, suspense, humor and mystery. We finally getting introduced to one of Dina’s siblings properly and see the wonderful dynamic between the sisters. They might not have seen or heard from each other in years but that doesn’t mean they won’t tear the cosmos apart to help one another. Sean is more prominent in this book and plays a pivotal role in the outcome of the novel. Again, there are some plot twists and surprises in store but the pacing remains consistent and I fell that there is plenty more material for the authors to use for future books. Conclusion: There was significant movement in some of the relationships and the romance between Sean and Dina is (finally) paying off. The authors continue to flesh out the Innkeeper world and characters with some more information about Dina’s family revealed as well as a new looming threat on the horizon. It’s not a book I found completely engrossing, rather one I enjoyed, went along for the ride but didn’t have to stop everything to read then and there. If you have enjoyed the other two books in the series or anything else that Ilona Andrews has written you will like One Fell Sweep.

I have yet to find a book from these writers that I don't like. Ilona Andrews signature is just a guarantee to a good story, great entertainment and amazing trip into the magical kingdom of our imagination. Thanks a lot for all the good hours of fantasy that you provide us

This continues the well-constructed arc of this series, with Dina being reunited with her sister and niece and falling deeper in love with Sean (aww...), but is very satisfying on its own. I love all of their work and have read every book twice, but if someone twisted my arm I think I'd have to say this is my favourite series. Probably. Their heroines are charming, funny, powerful and suckers for doing the right thing, & even the minor characters are well drawn. And the heroes: well, they're just as gorgeous. If I were an Evil Queen, I'd imprison these two writers (in the kindest possible way, possibly in Dina's lovely inn) and force them to write more, more...

Ich hatte den ersten Teil auf deutsch gelesen und bin nach längerem Warten dazu übergegangen die Bücher von Ilona Andrews auf Englisch zu lesen, da bei den deutschen Verlagen anscheinend kein Bedürfnis besteht die Bücher bei Zeiten ins Deutsche zu übersetzen. Nun sind wir in dieser noch kleinen Reihe der Innkeeper Bücher bei Nummer drei angekommen und ich muss sagen, dass mir die Bücher immer besser gefallen. Der Ideenreichtum und die gekonnte Umsetzung verblüffen mich immer wieder und während ich im zweiten Teil vieles doch schon erahnt hatte haben mich die kleinen Wendungen in diesem Teil oft völlig unvorbereitet getroffen. Die Geschichte ist immer noch unterhaltsam, spannend und vor allem lustig, etwas das ich in den letzten Büchern der Kate Daniels Reihe vermisst habe. Dina findet ihre Schwester wieder. Ihre Nichte, Sean und Arland sind auch mit von der Partie. Die Geschichte entwickelt sich schnell und vor allem unterhaltsam weiter und am Ende erhält Dina den lang erhofften Hinweis auf den Aufenthaltsort ihrer Eltern. Es bleibt also spannend und ich warte begeistert auf die Fortsetzung. Wer Fantasy mag und mal einen etwas anderen Blickwinkel auf Werwölfe und Vampire werfen will ist in dieser Buchreihe genau richtig. Es ist allerdings ratsam nicht mit diesem Buch zu starten, sondern mit dem Ersten anzufangen, da es sich zwar um einzelne Erlebnisse in Dinas Leben als Wirtin der "Getrude Hunt" handelt, diese aber aufeinander aufbauen.

I really enjoy this author and this series. The heroine is so believable yet courageous! Can't wait to see the next book!

Pas de temps mort pour Gina et son auberge! Vraiment encore une aventure haletante: de sa soeur Maud et de sa nièce qui faut sauver dans une galaxie lointaine, à la demande d'asile des rares survivants d'un génocide, le siège de son auberge , un innkeeper victime d'une étrange entité noire qui absorbe et tue, j'en ai encore le souffle coupé. On retrouve avec plaisir les personnages secondaires :Sean, le loup qui prend une place très importante dans sa vie, Orro, le cuisinier farfelu et attachant, Caldenia la résidente permanente discrète et pleine d'humour, Arland le vampire galant et meurtrier avec son épée, sans oublié le policier humain Marais qui décidément ne peut pas s'empêcher de surveiller l'auberge de Gina. Nous découvrons Maud sa soeur et sa petite fille Helen qui vont prouver que les filles humaines ne sont pas des poupées et d'autres personnes qui vont amener la légèreté et l'humour qui nous permettront de souffler un peu. Je rappelle le concept de cette auberge, accueillir les visiteurs de l'espace ,les protéger à tout prix et ne jamais se voir des humains. .. l'auteur revient rapidement sur ce qui s'est passé les livres précédents donc je pense que ce livre peut être lu sans lire les autres mais bon c'est quand même mieux de les lire dans l'ordre.