I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"Regina"
by
Ilona Andrews
magical realism in a PDF edition that was published by the author on February 14, 2022 and has 17 pages.
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Must Love Hellhounds, Dark and Stormy Knights, Angels of Darkness, Hexed, Fate's Edge, Hex Appeal, An Apple for the Creature, "Magic Gifts", Gunmetal Magic, Innkeeper Chronicles, Steel's Edge, Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, Magic Bleeds, Magic Slays, Magic Rises, Magic Bleeds, Burn For Me, Night Shift, Magic Shifts, Magic Binds, White Hot, Wildfire, Iron and Magic, Magic Triumphs, "Gerard Demille and Helen Meet", "Diamond Fire", "Sweep with Me", Clean Sweep, Sweep in Peace, "A Mere Formality", Blood Heir, "The King of Fire", Sapphire Flames, "A Misunderstanding", Emerald Blaze, "The Cool Aunt", One Fell Sweep, Sweep of the Blade, "Silent Blade", Fated Blades, On the Edge, Bayou Moon, "George and Jack in School", Sweep of the Heart , Magic Tides, Small Magics, "The Wilson Building", "Conlan’s Birthday Text", "Dabwaha", "Don't Fight with Fate", “A Bit More of Roman”, “Getting Distracted”, "Sgt Munoz Had to Go", Ruby Fever, Magic Tides, "The King of Fire", Magic Claims, "Sandra", "No Heroes", "Purpose", "A Mere Formality", "I Will Explain Everything", "Sanctuary", "Kind Regards"
A free deleted scene from Ruby Fever and 6.1?? in the Hidden Legacy magical realism fantasy series, revolving around Catalina Baylor and Alessandro Sagredo in an alternative Houston, Texas.
My Take
If I could, I’d give it a “7”!
While it does use first person protagonist point-of-view from Catalina’s perspective, it’s only from her position as a witness to the story Regina tells of her family history! It’s not good. Her father is a way-beyond-incredibly bad man with a huge chip on his shoulder. And it explains why she’s so desperate to hide.
It’s . . . it’s so awful! What’s even scarier is a ticked-off Michael Latimer.
There’s no action, as it’s all talk, as Regina explains all the behind-the-scenes crap she and her siblings have endured. In that history, she manages to infuriate and embarrass Michael, which provides some needed lightness while Andrews weaves in some of the magic culture that is important to Houses — and those who aspire to be a House.
It’s a fascinating story of a horrible man. It’s also a reveal of a compassionate man who loves his cousin.
The Story
Michael Latimer has been told that his missing cousin, Regina, is being held captive by the Baylors. And this will not stand.
The Characters
Catalina Baylor, a Prime Siren, is the head of House Baylor. Patricia is in charge of House Baylor security.
Michael Latimer is a scary HUGE Prime who summons death in the form of living darkness and builds constructs held together by magic and animated with his will, who works for the Keeper of Records. His car . . . his car is a murder machine. Regina is his cousin; Patricia is her wife. Cinder is Regina’s construct cat.
Regina’s father, Ray Latimer, is Reggie’s older brother and an upper range Significant. Reggie is Michael’s father. Ray had five children (two from an affair) he hoped would be the Prime he deserved: Alex, Deon, Alisha who married a senator’s son, Dayanara, and Regina. Ray’s wife has been plotting.
Serenity Hamilton was an animator Prime.
Audreys have been a thorn in the Baylor family side for years.
