🎧︎Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews, the third book in the Kinsmen Universe series, provided me with a wonderful reading experience. I went into it with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. It had all the elements I expect from this writing duo. Snarky dialogue, awesome characters and a unique and fascinating world.
An uneasy alliance between warring families gets heated in this otherworldly novella from bestselling author Ilona Andrews.
Title: Fated Blades
Author(s): Ilona Andrews
Series: Kinsmen #3
Also in this series: The Kinsmen Universe
Narrator(s): Aaron Shedlock
Published by Brilliance Audio on November 23, 2021
Length: 4 hours and 52 minutes
Genre(s): Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
Format: Audiobook, eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
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At first glance, the planet Rada seems like a lush paradise. But the ruling families, all boasting genetically enhanced abilities, are in constant competition for power―and none more so than the Adlers and the Baenas. For generations, the powerful families have pushed and pulled each other in a dance for dominance.
Until a catastrophic betrayal from within changes everything.
Now, deadly, disciplined, and solitary leaders Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must put aside their enmity and work together in secret to prevent sinister forces from exploiting universe-altering technology. Expecting to suffer through their uneasy alliance, Ramona and Matias instead discover that they understand each other as no one in their families can―and that their combined skills may eclipse the risks of their forbidden alliance.
As the two warriors risk their lives to save their families, they must decide whether to resist or embrace the passion simmering between them. For now, the dance between their families continues―but just one misstep could spell the end of them both.
🎧︎Fated Blades provided the perfect enemies to lovers romance. Ramona Adler and Matias Baena’s family are sworn enemies, fueled by a feud which spanned generations. So, under normal circumstances, these two would not be caught in each other’s company. However, when their cheating spouses stole research that could bankrupt both their families, they joined forces to avert the threat.
The story which developed as a result of this unexpected and forbidden alliance kept me on the edge of my seat. Drama, suspense, action, danger, humour, and sizzling chemistry permeated the pages of 🎧︎Fated Blades. Although they shared an intense attraction to each other, they never gave into it until they were both free. The alliance created out of necessity started on rocky ground, but as the story progressed, the two became closer. The connection which developed between them warmed my heart.
Narration
Aaron Shedlock’s narration was entertaining. This was my second time listening to his narration. Despite the deepness of his voice, his female voices sounded natural. He had different tones for each character, which made it easy to distinguish between them.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, 🎧︎Fated Blades delivered and provided a fitting end to my 2021 reading journey.
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About Aaron Shedlock
Aaron Shedlock is a passionate and highly versatile voice artist with a broad range of styles and character voices in his repertoire. Known for his engaging and deep, resonant tones, he is the voice of several national and international commercial brands and a rising star in the world of audiobooks. A huge fan of classic and modern literature, he spends the majority of his time buried in a good book, either in print or audio, being inspired by his favorite authors and audiobook narrators with a hot cup of coffee close at hand.
About Ilona Andrews
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Perfect listen to end out the year!
I really love how this writing duo develops their stories and the levels of intimacy that they build that just seems to work out so well.
Definitely eager to read this series soon.