Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
NYLA (2013), 235 pages
Description
On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can't leave the grounds because she's responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina. And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night... Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive ex-military new neighbor, Sean Evans an alpha-strain werewolf and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she's facing is unlike anything she's ever encountered before. It's smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member dearheart
I love the fact that the authors, who posted small segments of the book as they wrote it on their website, pulled together an interesting story with different cultures without the ability to edit the world building, how the story flowed or the direction it took. I'd be tempted to give it 5 stars
As with their other books there is plenty of types of magic as well as cultures and their histories that are explained, humor, action and relationship building.
Dina is an Innkeeper, which in this series means a neutral place for people/creatures from other worlds to stay. Humans aren't aware that anything else exists. The house is in tune with the Innkeeper, meaning the house is practically a character itself. And who wouldn't want a house as interesting as this one is.
We're introduced to this new world when something starts killing dogs in the neighborhood and Dina approaches the local werewolf (who hadn't known she knew what he was) to do something about it. This is not a romance story, but we're given a couple of future possibilities. We have a lot yet to learn and a number of directions this series could take.
It appears that the next "book" will be written in the same manner; posting 1/2 chapters at a time on their website with hopefully the full book available for purchase later.
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for that alone.As with their other books there is plenty of types of magic as well as cultures and their histories that are explained, humor, action and relationship building.
Dina is an Innkeeper, which in this series means a neutral place for people/creatures from other worlds to stay. Humans aren't aware that anything else exists. The house is in tune with the Innkeeper, meaning the house is practically a character itself. And who wouldn't want a house as interesting as this one is.
We're introduced to this new world when something starts killing dogs in the neighborhood and Dina approaches the local werewolf (who hadn't known she knew what he was) to do something about it. This is not a romance story, but we're given a couple of future possibilities. We have a lot yet to learn and a number of directions this series could take.
It appears that the next "book" will be written in the same manner; posting 1/2 chapters at a time on their website with hopefully the full book available for purchase later.
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LibraryThing member Narilka
Dina DeMille runs a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas. She's a great neighbor and everything seems normal from the outside. Her Inn, the Gertrude Hunt, caters to a very specific clientele: otherworldly visitors. As an Innkeeper Dina has one duty which is to protect her guests and stay
Clean Sweep is the first in the Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews. The story was originally released in serial format on the author's website as they wrote it and has now been packaged up and released as a short book. It was quite a fun read! There is intricate world building, action, humor, great characters, fun dialog and all packed into less than 250 pages. Andrews has also managed to do something completely original with vampire and werewolf lore, a thing I didn't think possible. No small feat!
The story is told entirely from Dina's point of view. Dina is a capable heroine and is easily discounted by the other characters at first. It was fun reading as she proved just how powerful she is within her realm of the Inn. The Inn is also a quasi character. It definitely has it's own life force, quirks and a bit of personality. I hope more of these are shown in future installments. The inn has one guest, one who likes to be called Her Majesty and has paid for a lifetime stay. Rounding out the cast are the friendly neighborhood werewolf, Sean Evans, and a vampire Marshall from the Holy Cosmic Anocracy, Arland. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers. Just know that both guys are great fun. One of my favorite scenes is when the two of them are talking about vampires and Arland casually refutes the holy water and garlic myths as utter nonsense. I loved it! While the author does set up both men as potential love interests, the romance theme of the story is fairly minor and I have a feeling this will be plot thread in the next book or two.
Overall this is a short, fun story. It has good pacing that steadily picks up for an exciting ending. I will definitely be continuing this series.
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neutral. With the gruesome death of yet another neighbor's pet, Dina can no longer stand passively by. She must get to the bottom of what's going on even if it means putting the Inn at risk. Clean Sweep is the first in the Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews. The story was originally released in serial format on the author's website as they wrote it and has now been packaged up and released as a short book. It was quite a fun read! There is intricate world building, action, humor, great characters, fun dialog and all packed into less than 250 pages. Andrews has also managed to do something completely original with vampire and werewolf lore, a thing I didn't think possible. No small feat!
The story is told entirely from Dina's point of view. Dina is a capable heroine and is easily discounted by the other characters at first. It was fun reading as she proved just how powerful she is within her realm of the Inn. The Inn is also a quasi character. It definitely has it's own life force, quirks and a bit of personality. I hope more of these are shown in future installments. The inn has one guest, one who likes to be called Her Majesty and has paid for a lifetime stay. Rounding out the cast are the friendly neighborhood werewolf, Sean Evans, and a vampire Marshall from the Holy Cosmic Anocracy, Arland. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers. Just know that both guys are great fun. One of my favorite scenes is when the two of them are talking about vampires and Arland casually refutes the holy water and garlic myths as utter nonsense. I loved it! While the author does set up both men as potential love interests, the romance theme of the story is fairly minor and I have a feeling this will be plot thread in the next book or two.
Overall this is a short, fun story. It has good pacing that steadily picks up for an exciting ending. I will definitely be continuing this series.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
New universe, where advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. An innkeeper struggles to maintain her inn, where alien visitors can shelter on earth, against the incursions of werewolves (genetically engineered killing machines), vampires (similar), and other, nastier things—and gets
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two hot love interests in the process. Points for the vampire pointing out that, culturally speaking, the vampire always wins the love triangle, but overall I like Andrews’ other series better so far. Show Less
LibraryThing member kmartin802
CLEAN SWEEP was a fun, new urban fantasy by a couple of my favorite authors. Dina Demille is an Innkeeper. While looking like an ordinary bed and breakfast on the outside, the inside is magic. The house is semi-sentient and Dina herself can do magic. Things are going along normally but dogs in the
When Dina demands the Sean Evans, the new werewolf in town, do something, it brings her to his attention. However, Sean was born on Earth and doesn't know werewolf history. He has no idea the implications contained in Dina's role as an innkeeper. Dina manages to kill the creature that is killing the dogs and soon learns that the creature runs in packs and that the packs are usually controlled by an even more intimidating creature called a dahaka.
Then the vampires arrive. They have come to track down the dahaka but aren't willing to share the reasons why with Dina. The dahaka attacks the group of vampires and only one survives but he is gravely injured. Dina calls in additional vampire help to save his life. Arland arrives to try to save his uncle's life. Arland is one of the highest ranking vampires in his House. He is also hot - arrogant and condescending - but really, really hot.
It is necessary for Arland, Sean and Dina to work together to defeat the dahaka. This isn't easy since the two guys don't like each other and both would like to have a relationship with Dina. Dina is no one's idea of the lovesick fool. She sees each of the guys flaws and all and isn't going to make a fool of herself over either one of them.
I loved the new world that Ilona Andrews created. I can't wait to read more stories set in it. And I am curious to see if Dina ever does have any sort of relationship with either Arland or Sean.
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neighborhood are being killed in some gruesome ways and the new werewolf in the neighborhood is busy peeing on everything to mark his territory.When Dina demands the Sean Evans, the new werewolf in town, do something, it brings her to his attention. However, Sean was born on Earth and doesn't know werewolf history. He has no idea the implications contained in Dina's role as an innkeeper. Dina manages to kill the creature that is killing the dogs and soon learns that the creature runs in packs and that the packs are usually controlled by an even more intimidating creature called a dahaka.
Then the vampires arrive. They have come to track down the dahaka but aren't willing to share the reasons why with Dina. The dahaka attacks the group of vampires and only one survives but he is gravely injured. Dina calls in additional vampire help to save his life. Arland arrives to try to save his uncle's life. Arland is one of the highest ranking vampires in his House. He is also hot - arrogant and condescending - but really, really hot.
It is necessary for Arland, Sean and Dina to work together to defeat the dahaka. This isn't easy since the two guys don't like each other and both would like to have a relationship with Dina. Dina is no one's idea of the lovesick fool. She sees each of the guys flaws and all and isn't going to make a fool of herself over either one of them.
I loved the new world that Ilona Andrews created. I can't wait to read more stories set in it. And I am curious to see if Dina ever does have any sort of relationship with either Arland or Sean.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
This book was originally released as a series of installments on Ilona Andrews’ website. I have really loved both the Kate Daniels series and The Edge Chronicles and was excited to read another urban fantasy from this husband/wife writing team. This was a fun read and I enjoyed it. It introduces
Dina is an Innkeeper, who runs an inn that appears normal from the outside...but is actually a waypoint for aliens who travel to Earth. When people's animals start going missing she suspects an unwanted visitor. That's when Sean, a werewolf who's recently moved to the neighborhood, gets involved. Sean and Dina (together with some alien vampires) are about to face one of the toughest and meanest creatures in the universe.
Well done story in a new world. This is an interesting blend of science fiction, aliens, werewolves, witches, and magic. It's very creative and I enjoyed reading it.
I love how Dina’s Inn is a living thing and thrives based on the health and well-being of it’s guests. I also like how Dina is all powerful in her Inn, but outside of it her magic is weaker and she is more vulnerable.
Dina is a wonderful heroine. She is smart and funny and a bit snarky as well. She has a lot going on with her parents gone missing and with being given an Inn that has long been dormant. She has her work cut out for her just trying to get her Inn back into working order. Then something starts killing pets and Dina wants to help protect her neighborhood...only problem is the monster that is doing the killing is a seriously dangerous creature.
There is a bit of a love triangle in this book (not my favorite). Sean is Dina’s werewolf neighbor. He knows nothing about his alien origins. He’s a bit alpha at times, but also kind of funny. At one point he gets caught peeing on trees in Dina’s yard in an effort to mark territory. Overall I enjoyed him as a character.
The other part of the love triangle is Arland. Arland is an alien vampire that has a serious vendetta about the creature killing things in Dina’s neighborhood. Arland shows up from space to avenge his family and causes all sort of trouble between Sean and Dina.
Yes this is a werewolf, vampire, witch love triangle...wait...hold your sighs and eye-rolls...the book actually pokes fun at this and makes it pretty darn funny. Also don’t worry the romance definitely takes a backseat to the mystery and action...so it doesn’t drive the story but more enhances it a bit.
The adventure/mystery in this book is nicely tied up. I would love to read more adventures with Dina and her Inn. The way the story is set up it is clear that there could be many, many more adventures.
Overall this was a fun read, with lots of humor and great action scenes. I loved the idea of an Inn that was alive. Dina is an excellent heroine that was fun to read about. Sean and Arland were also engaging characters. I loved the world and enjoyed how all the science fiction and paranormal elements were blended together. I think fans of urban fantasy/light sci-fi will enjoy this book a lot. Ilona Andrews fans should be pleased as well. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
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the readers to a unique new world and some fun characters.Dina is an Innkeeper, who runs an inn that appears normal from the outside...but is actually a waypoint for aliens who travel to Earth. When people's animals start going missing she suspects an unwanted visitor. That's when Sean, a werewolf who's recently moved to the neighborhood, gets involved. Sean and Dina (together with some alien vampires) are about to face one of the toughest and meanest creatures in the universe.
Well done story in a new world. This is an interesting blend of science fiction, aliens, werewolves, witches, and magic. It's very creative and I enjoyed reading it.
I love how Dina’s Inn is a living thing and thrives based on the health and well-being of it’s guests. I also like how Dina is all powerful in her Inn, but outside of it her magic is weaker and she is more vulnerable.
Dina is a wonderful heroine. She is smart and funny and a bit snarky as well. She has a lot going on with her parents gone missing and with being given an Inn that has long been dormant. She has her work cut out for her just trying to get her Inn back into working order. Then something starts killing pets and Dina wants to help protect her neighborhood...only problem is the monster that is doing the killing is a seriously dangerous creature.
There is a bit of a love triangle in this book (not my favorite). Sean is Dina’s werewolf neighbor. He knows nothing about his alien origins. He’s a bit alpha at times, but also kind of funny. At one point he gets caught peeing on trees in Dina’s yard in an effort to mark territory. Overall I enjoyed him as a character.
The other part of the love triangle is Arland. Arland is an alien vampire that has a serious vendetta about the creature killing things in Dina’s neighborhood. Arland shows up from space to avenge his family and causes all sort of trouble between Sean and Dina.
Yes this is a werewolf, vampire, witch love triangle...wait...hold your sighs and eye-rolls...the book actually pokes fun at this and makes it pretty darn funny. Also don’t worry the romance definitely takes a backseat to the mystery and action...so it doesn’t drive the story but more enhances it a bit.
The adventure/mystery in this book is nicely tied up. I would love to read more adventures with Dina and her Inn. The way the story is set up it is clear that there could be many, many more adventures.
Overall this was a fun read, with lots of humor and great action scenes. I loved the idea of an Inn that was alive. Dina is an excellent heroine that was fun to read about. Sean and Arland were also engaging characters. I loved the world and enjoyed how all the science fiction and paranormal elements were blended together. I think fans of urban fantasy/light sci-fi will enjoy this book a lot. Ilona Andrews fans should be pleased as well. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
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LibraryThing member aoibhealfae
Clean Sweep is about an innkeeper with a magical inn that acts as a place for transient aliens visitors from outer space via a rift in space. As an innkeeper, Dina had an obligation to protect her guests and when a series of gruesome dog murders around her neighbourhood made her worried about her
There's gore, monsters, some gross inducing scene involving the word "boiling" and "putrefaction" which I did gag while reading it this morning post beef congee breakfast. It was definitely packed with plot, characters and action, just the way I like it. The story turn out to be unexpectedly funny and unpredictable. The world-building was amazing even for a web-serial novel. The characters can be a bit archetypal and similar to most of what the Andrews had wrote but they're distinctively unique and the multiple character interactions was infectious and a joy to read on that reason alone.
Although it was shorter than a full length novel and I finish it within a couple of hours, it was an amazingly satisfying story even at a shorter length (but I love Kinsman's series at they're short and similarly satisfying too). The book fell neatly in urban fantasy demesne however it etch toward science fiction more than its fantasy aspect but it was definitely crossing several genres which will appeal those who want to seek something above than average vampire-werewolf triangle. There were hints of a triangle romance but there's a Twilight jab at the mention of how statistically the vampires get the girl more than werewolves. Although minimally steamy, the sexual tensions and the unsolved subplots was good enough for me to look forward for the next installment of the series.
The ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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neighbours, she seek the help of a werewolf neighbour to hunt the culprit before they upgrade to hunting human and risk expose their existence to the public. There's gore, monsters, some gross inducing scene involving the word "boiling" and "putrefaction" which I did gag while reading it this morning post beef congee breakfast. It was definitely packed with plot, characters and action, just the way I like it. The story turn out to be unexpectedly funny and unpredictable. The world-building was amazing even for a web-serial novel. The characters can be a bit archetypal and similar to most of what the Andrews had wrote but they're distinctively unique and the multiple character interactions was infectious and a joy to read on that reason alone.
Although it was shorter than a full length novel and I finish it within a couple of hours, it was an amazingly satisfying story even at a shorter length (but I love Kinsman's series at they're short and similarly satisfying too). The book fell neatly in urban fantasy demesne however it etch toward science fiction more than its fantasy aspect but it was definitely crossing several genres which will appeal those who want to seek something above than average vampire-werewolf triangle. There were hints of a triangle romance but there's a Twilight jab at the mention of how statistically the vampires get the girl more than werewolves. Although minimally steamy, the sexual tensions and the unsolved subplots was good enough for me to look forward for the next installment of the series.
The ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Richhayes
Dina DeMille is an Innkeeper but not an ordinary one. Her inn caters to aliens and by that I mean the one for another world and is magic. Her weapons are her magic and her magic broom. Taking over an inn that was her first, although she had grew up in one watching her parents, Her story starts when
This was a new twist on the whole werewolf, vampire and aliens for outer space angles. This was a cute read with interesting characters and well worth the time reading it.
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she and some of her neighbors start finding dead dogs, then the local werewolf who so far has done nothing but mark his territory get involved and then 5 vampires from outer space and she has the problem of keeping the locals from noticing anything and the inn running and hopefully staying alive.This was a new twist on the whole werewolf, vampire and aliens for outer space angles. This was a cute read with interesting characters and well worth the time reading it.
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LibraryThing member amkj
A magical read in which supernatural characters are far from traditional. This novel gets better as the book continues and I look forward to the sequel.
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
This is the first time I actually asked a writer for a copy of a book to read/review. I follow Ilona Andrews on twitter and when she asked if reviewers wanted a copy to read I decided to ask for one. The premise caught my eye since it was about an innkeeper that reminded me of the Tanya Huff series
The book was an online serial but I hadn't read it in that form. The premise is there are inns that are neutral grounds for all sorts of travelers including from other worlds. Dina is the child of innkeepers that have disappeared along with their inn. Dina has in turn become a innkeeper to help her search and she is in charge of a long dormant inn. She currently has one guest that has paid for a lifetime stay. There is something in her neighborhood that is slaughtering the dogs and she confronts one of the new neighbors and tells him he needs to do something about it. It seems that Sean the new neighbor is a werewolf, not that anyone else knows he is one. Sorta working together to deal with the problem also brings more guests to her door and in the search for help she goes to another innkeeper and also to a off world marketplace. Both give you details on the world without the info dumps that you sometimes find. There is good humor in the book and I will be looking for the next one in the series.
currently the book is only available in digital format but I'm told there will be a print edition of this at some point. The only question is will the print keep the character illustrations that are currently in the ebook or will they get set aside.
Digital review copy sent to me by the author.
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that I wanted to give this a try since there haven't been any more in that series. The book was an online serial but I hadn't read it in that form. The premise is there are inns that are neutral grounds for all sorts of travelers including from other worlds. Dina is the child of innkeepers that have disappeared along with their inn. Dina has in turn become a innkeeper to help her search and she is in charge of a long dormant inn. She currently has one guest that has paid for a lifetime stay. There is something in her neighborhood that is slaughtering the dogs and she confronts one of the new neighbors and tells him he needs to do something about it. It seems that Sean the new neighbor is a werewolf, not that anyone else knows he is one. Sorta working together to deal with the problem also brings more guests to her door and in the search for help she goes to another innkeeper and also to a off world marketplace. Both give you details on the world without the info dumps that you sometimes find. There is good humor in the book and I will be looking for the next one in the series.
currently the book is only available in digital format but I'm told there will be a print edition of this at some point. The only question is will the print keep the character illustrations that are currently in the ebook or will they get set aside.
Digital review copy sent to me by the author.
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LibraryThing member NineLarks
Something is killing the dogs in this Texas small town and it seems like the local werewolf isn't doing anything about it. Dina now has to make a decision to stay neutral like a good Innkeeper or get involved with a werewolves, vampires, and creatures that are trying to ruin this neighborhood.
This
I love Dina. She's strong enough to kill things on her own and break up idiotic testosterone fights. It's delightful. Sean Evans is a typical dark, broody and possessive macho male love interest. And of course there's the counterpoint other male interest to round out this love triangle. We'll see how it goes.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much breadth was put into the universe of this book. There are worlds to explore and little points that I am eager to find out about. I want to know about the different planets, what her siblings are doing, the secrets behind her parents, and more. I can tell this is going to be a good series.
My main annoyance is that all of the characters' backstory is told in monologue rather than in bits in pieces. I don't know anybody who just word-dumps their entire lives to near strangers like that. Besides that, though I loved this book.
3 stars. Solid book. Recommended for anyone who needs a good heroine.
This
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is a typically great Ilona Andrews book.I love Dina. She's strong enough to kill things on her own and break up idiotic testosterone fights. It's delightful. Sean Evans is a typical dark, broody and possessive macho male love interest. And of course there's the counterpoint other male interest to round out this love triangle. We'll see how it goes.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much breadth was put into the universe of this book. There are worlds to explore and little points that I am eager to find out about. I want to know about the different planets, what her siblings are doing, the secrets behind her parents, and more. I can tell this is going to be a good series.
My main annoyance is that all of the characters' backstory is told in monologue rather than in bits in pieces. I don't know anybody who just word-dumps their entire lives to near strangers like that. Besides that, though I loved this book.
3 stars. Solid book. Recommended for anyone who needs a good heroine.
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LibraryThing member RabidReads
This wasn't your typical Ilona Andrews audiobook in that the magic system existed on a much smaller scale with it being confined to inns, but that's not to say that the world-building was by any means limited. In fact, if anything, it was larger than any of this author duo's other titles because
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the INNKEEPER CHRONICLES was closer to being Science Fiction than it was Urban Fantasy given that the characters originate from multiple planets. The wheel wasn't reinvented with regards to the typical paranormal beasties such as vampires & werewolves, although they did have several distinguishing traits that set them apart from other novels in this genre. Much to my dismay, a love triangle seems to be developing; however if any team is capable of making it work, it's Ilona & Gordon. The humor and writing were aces, no surprises there, and Renée Raudman's narration gave the story that extra somethin'-somethin' that keeps me choosing audio over eBook every time this trio releases something new. Show Less
LibraryThing member les121
In Clean Sweep, Ilona Andrews is true to form. A fascinating blend of science fiction and fantasy, this book blew me away with the creativity of its worldbuilding. I could barely put it down! I love the idea behind the Inns and the “magic” that makes them work. The characters are equally
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wonderful - there isn’t a single uninteresting character in the entire cast. Despite this being a short novel, the protagonists develop and change organically throughout the story, a feat that really speaks to the quality of Andrews’ writing. In short, Clean Sweep is the perfect escape while waiting for the next installment in the Kate Daniels series, and I’m very happy that I picked it up. I’m already looking forward to the sequel Sweep in Peace. Show Less
LibraryThing member Madison_Keller
This is the first in a new series by Ilona Andrews. I picked it up on a whim, because I love their other books in the Kate Daniels series and The Novels of the Edge.
The premise of this book sounded very interesting and right up my alley, but I’ll admit I didn’t really enjoy it as much as I
The world building seems to dance along the edge of fantasy magic and science fiction, but never really commits to either. For example, at one point a characters asks Dima how the inn works, Dina admits its technology based, but then in the next breath calls it magic. As a result the world felt half finished and unfocused.
That effect carried over to the plot. Things happen for seemingly no reason, or because the characters have to follow a set of complex ‘rules’ that they then spend pages explaining. It got boring very quickly, and I ended up skimming almost half the book.
Then the ending, in order to try and explain things, requires a massive multipage exposition about vampire politics and characters we never met. As a result it felt a bit arbitrary. If I am going to read a book with a mystery, I’d like to at least have a chance of being able to figure it out for myself from the clues contained in the story. There was NO chance of that here.
All this would be fine if I love the characters and want to go on adventures with them, but… I really didn’t. The battle at the end should have had me on the edge of my seat, breathless wondering if my favorite character would survive unscathed. Instead, I barely cared.
I’m not sure what happened here. Ilona Andrews has two series proving that they can write compelling stories with unforgettable characters, but this just …wasn’t.
I’m still giving this three stars, because the writing was tight and easy to read. I have a feeling that a lot of people will like this one, but it just did not click with me.
The premise of this book sounded very interesting and right up my alley, but I’ll admit I didn’t really enjoy it as much as I
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think I could have.The world building seems to dance along the edge of fantasy magic and science fiction, but never really commits to either. For example, at one point a characters asks Dima how the inn works, Dina admits its technology based, but then in the next breath calls it magic. As a result the world felt half finished and unfocused.
That effect carried over to the plot. Things happen for seemingly no reason, or because the characters have to follow a set of complex ‘rules’ that they then spend pages explaining. It got boring very quickly, and I ended up skimming almost half the book.
Then the ending, in order to try and explain things, requires a massive multipage exposition about vampire politics and characters we never met. As a result it felt a bit arbitrary. If I am going to read a book with a mystery, I’d like to at least have a chance of being able to figure it out for myself from the clues contained in the story. There was NO chance of that here.
All this would be fine if I love the characters and want to go on adventures with them, but… I really didn’t. The battle at the end should have had me on the edge of my seat, breathless wondering if my favorite character would survive unscathed. Instead, I barely cared.
I’m not sure what happened here. Ilona Andrews has two series proving that they can write compelling stories with unforgettable characters, but this just …wasn’t.
I’m still giving this three stars, because the writing was tight and easy to read. I have a feeling that a lot of people will like this one, but it just did not click with me.
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LibraryThing member svfreeman
Reminiscent of Clifford Simak's "Way Station' but with a young upbeat female Innkeeper. Elements of that classics sense of wonder appear here with the Inn and it's doors to other worlds, a simple mystery involving galactic politics and a lead character whose hallmark is a commitment to service for
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those that pass their door. But it has elements that are too trite and formulaic such as the romanitic werewolf - vampire - Innkeeper triangle. But Andrews still has her unique twists on common tropes that made it a fun read. I'm looking forward to how this series develops. Show Less
LibraryThing member Schlyne
It's still urban fantasy, but it's a completely different setting than the world of kate daniels. It's a fun twist on the status of being an innkeeper.
LibraryThing member irrhapsodi
Whoo, what a quick read! Delightful and rather shallow, not to mention swiftly and easily resolved. Nevertheless, I liked the MC and admired her resistence to the 'fighter' label. Also, she still kicked ass! And despite the lack of depth, the problem retained enough tension throughout to matter
Something a bit different,with all the supernatural creatures being aliens. Heh.
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while keeping a deftly pragmatic and humorous tone to the proceedings.Something a bit different,
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LibraryThing member blodeuedd
How to explain this book...
Right, so there are Inns and Inns are neutral and the Innkeeper has magic. Everyone can stay at a inn and I mean everyone. It seems the Innkeeper is like the only one in the world that knows that there are aliens and more out there. Vampires from space. Werewolves who
And Dina is an innkeeper at a run down inn. Not many stars in the Inn Keeper's Book, but hey she is working on it. She was cool and determined.
Then there was a sexy werewolf, vampires from space, a monster who ate dogs and a whole new world to explore.
The tempo was fast, the punches kept on coming and it was just really fun to read. Relaxed, different and just weird in a good way.
Right, so there are Inns and Inns are neutral and the Innkeeper has magic. Everyone can stay at a inn and I mean everyone. It seems the Innkeeper is like the only one in the world that knows that there are aliens and more out there. Vampires from space. Werewolves who
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blew up a planet. You name it.And Dina is an innkeeper at a run down inn. Not many stars in the Inn Keeper's Book, but hey she is working on it. She was cool and determined.
Then there was a sexy werewolf, vampires from space, a monster who ate dogs and a whole new world to explore.
The tempo was fast, the punches kept on coming and it was just really fun to read. Relaxed, different and just weird in a good way.
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LibraryThing member Becky_McKenna
This was a refreshing, fun read! It was a little different than the usual PNR and I thought the magical elements were very unique and creative. The bond between the "inn" and Dina was interesting and I loved her witty personality. It was a delight to read and made me laugh in places. "Don't mess
For a first in series, I expected more world building and info dump, but the author seamlessly told the story, giving us just enough info that it didn't stop the action. Very nicely done. I'm eager for the next book to be released!
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with Texas!" I'll never walk into a Cosco or Sam's Club again without thinking about this book and smiling.For a first in series, I expected more world building and info dump, but the author seamlessly told the story, giving us just enough info that it didn't stop the action. Very nicely done. I'm eager for the next book to be released!
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
I originally read this as it was created, on Ilona Andrew's website. I don't know if things changed in editing this into a book, or if I've forgotten a lot of what I read then - either one is perfectly possible. The general outline matches, but there's a lot of lovely scenes in here that were new
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to me, or had new aspects. It's a fantastic story, and a fascinating universe. I read this because I'd just read the sequel and wanted to refresh myself on the original story - glad I did, it rewards rereading. Vampires and werewolves, but not quite the usual sorts, plus innkeepers and a lot of other strange people - aliens, of one sort or another. Magic indistinguishable from technology, or vice versa (Clarke is explicitly quoted). A love triangle, of sorts, but that's very much not the point of the book (and the Twilight reference actually made me laugh). I enjoyed this both times I've read it and fully intend to read it many more times; I'm looking forward to more in this universe, too. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
This is a book that is perfect what it is - a light romance, that is funny, at times sad, but never takes itself too seriously.
The premise is fun - there are places on earth, special inns that play host to a variety of creatures from both time and space. The job of innkeeper is to keep the clients
When something goes around the neighborhood, killing animals and attacking humans, Dina needs to figure out what is happening to keep her inn safe.
The author is a veteran of many books - and even thought the book is self published, it has a very polished feel to it. Generally, the story is well written, the characters interesting and well written. Its great for something light, fast, a bit romantic, and funny.
The premise is fun - there are places on earth, special inns that play host to a variety of creatures from both time and space. The job of innkeeper is to keep the clients
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happy and safe - the better the inn, the higher rating in the guidebook and more clients that the inn gets. Dina is an innkeeper that has an in with an incredibly low rating, meaning she needs to take all the business she can get.When something goes around the neighborhood, killing animals and attacking humans, Dina needs to figure out what is happening to keep her inn safe.
The author is a veteran of many books - and even thought the book is self published, it has a very polished feel to it. Generally, the story is well written, the characters interesting and well written. Its great for something light, fast, a bit romantic, and funny.
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LibraryThing member BookJunkie777
I surprisingly enjoyed this book. Usually, I don't like books with alien planets and strange character names... but I really enjoyed this book!
LibraryThing member JudithProctor
I've just finished this book. It only cost a few pounds for the Kindle version, so it was worth what I paid for it, but I didn't enjoy it enough to buy the next in the series.
It's an urban fantasy featuring Dina, who is an innkeeper. Innkeeper in her case means that she has a symbiotic relationship
The task of an innkeeper is to provide a safe place for aliens visiting Earth.
Rather disappointingly (from my viewpoint) the aliens to date include vampires and werewolves. I must admit that I've had too many vampires and werewolves and I get bored with attempts to use bad pseudo-science to make them believable. I cannot think of any kind of twist on genetic engineering that will convince me a werewolf can gain large amounts of mass when it changes form.
The inn suffers from the same problem. I love the idea, but the claim that it is advanced science that can't be distinguished from magic fails to convince me.
I'd rather have real science or pure magic. One masquerading as the other just annoys me.
On the plus side, the novel is very well written with excellent descriptive text. The characters are engaging (I particularly liked the mass murderer using the inn as a safe place. Not a character I would ever want to meet, but well and entertainingly written)
If the book had had original aliens I'd probably have enjoyed it more. However, what is a minus for me may well be a plus for others.
If you like your werewolves strong and with buckets of sex appeal and your vampires to be clannish, scheming and to have complex, devious politics, then I recommend 'Clean Sweep; to you.
It's an urban fantasy featuring Dina, who is an innkeeper. Innkeeper in her case means that she has a symbiotic relationship
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with a building that is semi-intelligent, can modify its shape, produce defensive weapons and various other tricks besides.The task of an innkeeper is to provide a safe place for aliens visiting Earth.
Rather disappointingly (from my viewpoint) the aliens to date include vampires and werewolves. I must admit that I've had too many vampires and werewolves and I get bored with attempts to use bad pseudo-science to make them believable. I cannot think of any kind of twist on genetic engineering that will convince me a werewolf can gain large amounts of mass when it changes form.
The inn suffers from the same problem. I love the idea, but the claim that it is advanced science that can't be distinguished from magic fails to convince me.
I'd rather have real science or pure magic. One masquerading as the other just annoys me.
On the plus side, the novel is very well written with excellent descriptive text. The characters are engaging (I particularly liked the mass murderer using the inn as a safe place. Not a character I would ever want to meet, but well and entertainingly written)
If the book had had original aliens I'd probably have enjoyed it more. However, what is a minus for me may well be a plus for others.
If you like your werewolves strong and with buckets of sex appeal and your vampires to be clannish, scheming and to have complex, devious politics, then I recommend 'Clean Sweep; to you.
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LibraryThing member Fidget78
I counted myself extremely lucky to get an ARC of Clean Sweep. Jumping up and down excited was more like it.
Clean Sweep started as a serial on the Ilona Andrews blog. I'm not a great one for reading serials. I want the whole thing at once so I skipped reading it on the blog. I know, I know. I love
What I liked: Not only was Clean Sweep a serial on the blog but the authors, Ilona and Gordon Andrews, wanted and got plenty of fan participation. I can't even imagine the creativity of this dynamic duo. Just imagine, once the installment was posted, there was no going back. No editing to fix the storyline.
I loved all the characters and how they developed. It was a bit short but who cares; it was a complete, complex, entertaining, unusual story. Extremely well written and imaginative. A completely different take on the "other" races.
These authors are extremely generous in sharing so many freebies on their website. They take the time and trouble to show us they care that we're like reading their works.
What I didn't like: Nada
This will also be out in paperback, it's just not available as of this review. I'm going to grab a copy for my collection!!
Kindle price is well worth the $4.99 especially as I'll be re-reading it again and again.
Clean Sweep started as a serial on the Ilona Andrews blog. I'm not a great one for reading serials. I want the whole thing at once so I skipped reading it on the blog. I know, I know. I love
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the Andrews' books. All of them but I'm selfish. What else can I say. What I liked: Not only was Clean Sweep a serial on the blog but the authors, Ilona and Gordon Andrews, wanted and got plenty of fan participation. I can't even imagine the creativity of this dynamic duo. Just imagine, once the installment was posted, there was no going back. No editing to fix the storyline.
I loved all the characters and how they developed. It was a bit short but who cares; it was a complete, complex, entertaining, unusual story. Extremely well written and imaginative. A completely different take on the "other" races.
These authors are extremely generous in sharing so many freebies on their website. They take the time and trouble to show us they care that we're like reading their works.
What I didn't like: Nada
This will also be out in paperback, it's just not available as of this review. I'm going to grab a copy for my collection!!
Kindle price is well worth the $4.99 especially as I'll be re-reading it again and again.
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LibraryThing member STACYatUFI
I've wanted to read CLEAN SWEEP since it was introduced as a free serial on Ilona Andrew's Website, but didn't want to sit at my computer screen to read it. When I saw the authors were offering up review copies to bloggers I jumped at the chance to read it from the comfort of my e-reader.
CLEAN
I wasn't crazy about the ending but it didn't take away much from the story. It would have just been nice to have a happy type ending after all the drama that the love triangle caused. I guess I will just have to read book 2 when it's available to find out what happens next. Any fan of the writing duo known as Ilona Andrews will fall right into The Innkeeper series and hang on for the ride.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
CLEAN
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SWEEP introduces a fun and well-built new world with a great cast of characters. The paranormal elements were fresh and interesting with a nice balance of the real world thrown in. I had no issue picturing the characters, especially Dina. She ends up being nothing like the typical innkeeper because she gets involved where others would not. We dive right into a bit of her past and why she's an innkeeper. I look forward to learning more in future books. There is a bit of a love triangle involved. Sean is an ex-military werewolf that knows nothing about the history of his people and happens to be Dina's neighbor. Then there is Arland the vampire soldier that's introduced during the conflict of the story. He ends up as a resident of the Inn for the duration. The two men clash at every turn and fight for Dina's affection when they can. The romance is very light but it's nicely played out with plenty of drama and frustration.I wasn't crazy about the ending but it didn't take away much from the story. It would have just been nice to have a happy type ending after all the drama that the love triangle caused. I guess I will just have to read book 2 when it's available to find out what happens next. Any fan of the writing duo known as Ilona Andrews will fall right into The Innkeeper series and hang on for the ride.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member lavaturtle
This was a lot of fun! I loved the original setting, with its system of Inns and unconventional ideas about the origins of mythical creatures. The romance was a little predictable, but it worked well enough. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2023)
Original publication date
2013-12-20