A Gilded Iron Blade

San Amaro Investigations #3

by Kai Butler

Saving the city was supposed to be the hard part...

Parker Ferro can’t catch a break. After saving San Amaro from destruction for the second time and reconciling with his boyfriend, his current plans are to relax on his couch until his ears stop ringing.

Unfortunately, the thousand realms he just saved have a way of yanking him back into service and the dead have come back to haunt him. When he’s called in by the SAPD to consult on the murder of an anti-paranormals protestor killed with fae magic, Parker is caught up in an intricate political web that was spun long before he was ever born.

Now Parker has to unravel the mystery behind the murder and untangle old family secrets before irreversible damage is done to his new friends and alliances. At least this time, he’ll hopefully have some help…

A Gilded Iron Blade is a 100k MM urban fantasy with a HFN and an ongoing storyline.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Fae, Mystery

446 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Kai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.

She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.

Reviews

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: ***10 Stars***
Story: ***4.5 Stars***

*pats this (audio)book that elicited

tearjerkingsnortinducingnailbitingintoapuddleofgoomeltingandheadscratching moments (not necessarily in that order)

lovingly*

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was amazing fun!

I love how Parker is growing into his ‘job’ and how he gains the trust of the five realms slowly but surely. Well apart from the Summer Queen. I think the issues there will have to be resolved at one point!
Parker's sense of right and wrong and moral duty are stellar, and even if his means to get a result are sometimes on the grey scale of legality, he always does the ‘right thing’.

I love how he and Nick are starting to build a ‘family’ around themselves. Sugar and Runt are great in this instalment! Also had my fun with Javor and Tremble, the sword the book is named after. Wonder whether it will play a prominent role in the future?

As for Nick and Parker – sigh. They work out fabulously as a couple and as working partners. Parker has grown so much on the relationship front, although the worry of ‘being left’ is still strong underneath. Lots of lovable, cute and hot moments between these two!

Kai Butler has created a fascinating universe, and the way magic works is unique and fantastic to read. I appreciated that the plot is much more streamlined here, and that, despite lots of little story threads ‘on the side’, I could follow it much more easily thanthe ones in book 1 or two.

This series has really grown on me, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next book!
Can’t wait to see what happens next, with Parker’s past catching up with him.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry, this is an artificial inflation of the rating. Since someone rated it one star when it comes out in January, and I've enjoyed the other books, I figured I would make a placeholder rating until I read the book. Please don't let the a stupid low rating prevent you from giving the books a try.

[Jazer (catching up on TBRs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless. Definitely the best and my favorite of the series so far. The mystery was better than the previous ones, still packed with action and suspense, BUT not confusing or convoluted like before. The pacing definitely improved a lot. Even their relationship has progressed really well and reached a point where they can now be honest and comfortable with each other. I LOVED IT! ❤❤❤

However, my heart hurt with how this installment ended. This time it cost Parker a lot more than just obligations to save everyone. There were also developments on other characters which I liked a lot. This series is no longer just a one-man or two-man show as the couple started leaning on their friends and allies to help them with their mission to prevent war.

Also, that bit where Nick promising Parker became a kink? Hawt. 🥵 My goodness! I'm happy that their romance is getting better throughout the series. 🥰

One more thing. I already said that the 'bending realities' is really something I enjoyed in this series but I also really love it when Parker talks to inanimate objects or natural elements like it's healthy. LOL It's just so nutty and nerdy. Getting gossips from his office door and negotiating with swords? Love the silliness of it. 😂

[Ken W · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

Awesome. Amazing. Incredible. Outstanding. I absolutely loved everything about this book… this entire series so far! As good as the first two were, this one was better! I adore Nick and Parker… and all the secondary characters are phenomenal! Five stars! Highest possible recommendation!

[Liya · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5
Great addition to the series. I love Parker character growth compared to book 1. There were some strong emotional moments and Parker/Nick relationships truly shine in this one.
The mystery was engaging though my favorite parts of this installment were firmly on "Parker's personal issues to solve" side
Parker juggling his responsibilities as a Windrose with him being a PA and part of a human world is as entertaining as ever.
Looking forward to the next one

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so LOVE Parker and Nick. And this books is a great combination of action, suspense, mystery and relationships.

The plot is complicated and well thought out and I enjoyed finding bits and pieces of the puzzle. It also established several different possibilities for the next books adventure.

I absolutely adore Nick, as he is a real partner to Parker and Parker is learning to accept that.
Nicks new work partner was a great surprise and a wonderful addition.

This book was a great read and goes on my best-of-2022 shelf.
I absolutely loved it

[V.ya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series starts to lose its sparks. Oh, it’s still a good story, with a lot of interesting elements and development in the worldbuilding, but what the author fails to do this time is to make me care. The stakes aren’t personal to the main characters (except the very last one). Sure, we see some growth here and there, but that’s all. Emotionally, I’m not invested enough.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd RR July 2025

4.5 ⭐️

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm continuing to quite enjoy this one! Interesting and well-paced plots, and some cool world-building. I love Parker and the side-characters are also really great, though I do wish the balance of plot to romance was a bit more even, as the romance is definitely present, but taking a backseat.

Also, and this one is actually a significant critique, but how am I only *just* now hearing that Nick--the other main character--is Black?!? Or at least part Black, which I only know (think I know??) because of a throwaway line partway through this book about the King family being Black, and Nick is a descendant of the King family. It's absolutely possible that this has come up in some way during the first two books and I somehow missed it because I read quite quickly, but if I am able to miss that fact over the course of 2.5 books, that means you did not write it very well. Love, love, LOVE representation, but in no way do I feel like the author wrote a Black character, or in any way a POC character, with Nick. If that was their intention, they really need to bring on some sensitivity readers, because there are absolutely things in this series that I think would read VERY differently if Nick was Black or POC -- there's a lot of stuff dealing with species discrimination and Nick is a COP, and this isn't taking place in a magical world where racism isn't a thing, so there are points in this narrative where, if he is non-white, he'd be in some way affected. I've actually had this issue with several of this author's past books, which is really a bummer, because it feels like lip service representation, and if you're not committed to writing authentic diversity, then I'd almost rather you didn't pretend for what feels like unearned Brownie points.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, this was heartbreaking. Greg Tremblay did an amazing job once again. The ending...!

I really like how Parker and Nick work together - their bond is growing more and more, and I love it. I especially love how Parker releases Nick from his promises. When he does it towards the end as well... Heart. Broken. It really speaks volumes about Parker's growth and their relationship overall.

I also liked the family aspect here with Sugar. And Runt...! So freakin' cute!

I am absolutely loving this series and glad that I chose to audiobook it!

I'm sure I would have lots of quotes but, since I listen while driving...

Can't wait for the next!

[Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I am fully in love with the characters these books are fantastic. A bit better on the relationship here too, but I sure wish we could see scenes of Nick and Parker just talking more.

[yaishin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker's life gets more and more complicated and meanwhile, i get more and more addicted🌚.

Nick and Parker are so damn cute. and I'm so looking forward to Parker meeting Nick's dad👀. the drama🤌.

[Iz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was spectacular. And also, gut-wrenching: by the end, I was CRYING.
Kai Butler continues to amaze me with her talent: the plot, the world-building, the magic, the romance, the characters... everything is masterfully created.

This series is precisely why I love this genre so damn much, and "A Gilded Iron Blade" just adds new, fascinating layers to the complexity of the plot and new, unexpected layers to both Parker and Nick's characters and their romance.
Parker, in particular, broke my heart in many, many points: his life has been so complicated, and seeing all of his powers and obligations war inside and outside of him, all his hidden insecurities about being left by the people he loves, all his doubts... I just felt for him so much. His relationship with Laurel and Shannon and Marco is (and was) something so special, and let me tell you, although the content warnings gave me an idea, I was not expecting to cry THAT much at the end. My heart just splintered for him.

Nick, as usual, was fantastic, although he still remains somewhat a mystery: I'm curious to see if we'll finally meet his famously powerful family in the next book, and what will be their reaction to Parker's unusual ways. I have a feeling his cover as a normal kitchen witch is about to be blown.
Also, what was THAT ENDING? OMG, I'm so excited to read what else Kai Butler has in store for us.

[GeishaX · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story 4.2 Stars
Audio 5 Stars

"A Gilded Iron Blade" is the third full book of the San Amaro Investigations Series. The full books have this theme of ending on a light teaser of what will be coming next and I was eager to get into this story - and it did not disappoint.

What I liked is that there are not so many problems between Parker and Nick. They work TOGETHER. They complement each other. They love each other. This is a paranormal crime series with a m/m couple. But I would say that while the relationship between these two is important and part of the plot, the drama, the suspense etc comes mostly from the other directions. Nick and Parker just add their side dish of hot and sweet and I can really feel their love. It's refreshing.

The crime plot worked well for me and I was satisfied with how everything went down in the end. I also like how Parker's magic is different and he's special, how Nick is different and special, and yet they are not invincible supermen. They still have to work for it. Hard at times.

And again this third volume ends on a teaser of the next book - which is not out yet. And I find it difficult to wait. This series has been really entertaining so far and I want to see where the author will be going with the story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about audio books with a great narrator that just improves on the story. I loved reading this book but listening to it brought another layer. Greg Trembley was perfect for Parker’s voice! I had tears streaming down my face near the climax of the book. I can’t wait for the next book in Parker’s saga. <3

[Fae · Rating 5 out of 5]

As probably well established by now, I am a massive fan of this series. Of course, be warned, it's colored with its typical incredibly complex, multiple plot lines, moving very quickly cast, but that's typical. While I would say that the plot moves a bit quickly in sections where it probably could have slowed down, content wise? Immaculate.

I think it's really interesting to follow Parker's character throughout the books. Wormwood Summer made for a great character sketch of Parker and his life as gritty, rough around the edges, and largely in the shadows. It very much subverted the expectation of a fantasy hero being either the a) golden, loved hero type or b) fabulous/dramatic, edgy villain type, but rather, somewhere in the middle through being the not-quite talented fae crossed with our own expectations for someone of lower class (not a criticism, it's just rare to find a character living in relative and realistic poverty that isn't over-dramatized). The Oak Wood Throne showed us Parker working through much of his current issues with closeness and intimacy with others; it was very much an exploration of Parker growing emotionally. The picture that A Gilded Iron Blade paints is one of Parker's past...it really explores how he was changed and influenced by the love he did, and didn't receive as a child and his own expectations for that. It's been alluded too, but the trauma and bad experiences of Parker's past are really brought into the present here and add nuance to his character. We see flashbacks to his childhood overlapped with the plot line of Meridian and the brainwashed children, the teenagers on the street, the missing homeless , and those two plot lines together create a really poignant story of who Parker is now and who he might have become.

This series is always spectacular for its unique, nuanced, and highly developed fantasy world, but truthfully, I was really blown away by this book for its emotional plot line.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...it just keeps getting better and better. Kai Butler's story is beyond and the narration of Greg Tremblay is awesomeness at its best. Let me just say that I love Parker, Nick, and the whole ensemble. I literally cannot get enough. I know that these are fictional characters but I have become dangerously attached in my head. Looking forward to the next installment. I could just gush, if I did not contain myself!!!

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta give it to the author - I'm still being impressed by the complex world building, magic sourcing and power struggles between humans and fae (and also between the various types and factions of the fae). Disparate plot threads involving missing talented people, disappearing homeless folk, emerging anti-fae organizations and covert subversive interest groups (HaH, MUU etc), terrorist-like attacks on the fae's World Tree - all come together nicely at the end with a slight cliff-hanger plot development for Parker. And of course the humor!

“Do not go looking for any more trouble, Ferro. If I have to send another one of my officers in after you, I am leaving you there to rot.” “Really? Hammond was just getting to the torture part of our conversation. Are you saying you would let him torture me?” “I would let him dress you up in drag and make you perform the entire production of West Side Story as a one-man show if it meant I didn’t have to deal with any more of your nonsense.”

LOLs.

[Sherry F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feb 7, 2022: Reading for the 3rd time. I enjoyed it just as much as the first two time (the arc)! Plus, have already pre-ordered #4.

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

This 3rd installment starts up where the 2nd one ended. Without giving too much away, Malcolm explains why he's there and Parker is not pleased with the answer.

I had to refresh my memory as to Parker's vessel and fire...hint: if you don't remember, you're definitely going to need it to understand a significant part of this book.

Parker and Nick are just as tight and connected as always and it was great to "see" them again. If you liked the first 2 books, you won't be disappointed in this one. It ends with a lot of unanswered questions...why is this group so determined to kill the World Tree? Again? Who is Parker's father and why is he going to show up? What was really going on with Shannon and her "mood swings"? A niggle: Nick's father calls Parker at the beginning....not sure what the point of that call was.... And I'm guessing we'll hear more about Velma and Hank in the next book; otherwise, no reason for them to be in the story.

Will I buy the book when it becomes available? Absolute-friggin'-lutely!

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC given in exchange for a review

Parker and Nick are back in a new and a continued adventure in a Gilded Iron Blade.
The story practically picks up from where a Oakwood Throne left off and some interesting new details come to life that potentially makes Parker's life more interesting, but also dangerous.

At the same time he is handed a brand new case that can have potentially large consequences.

Have I piqued your interest?

I loved this third instalment of the San Amaro Investigations and can't wait for the next one. Parker is an interesting mix of a character. Flawed, insecure at times, but also hardened by his past. He cares deeply for other people/beings, but at the same time has trust issues. This could be seen in the two previous books and continuous here, although Parker is also growing.

His relationship with Nick also grows, although in this instalment there is more emphasis on the story, rather than the romance. That is because a lot happens.

The mystery itself was okay for me. There were quite mysterious elements (without giving the story away), but at the same time it's a little drawn out and I felt bits and pieces of the story long-winded. Not enough to not like the story. One element was also a bit too much 'in-your-face'.

However, in short. I love how this series develops and grows. The ground is laid for the next instalment that I am very much looking forward too!

[Meg (queer_book_recs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker and Nick team up once again to solve a magical mystery… I can’t really say more than that without spoilers if you haven’t read the first two books! If you like paranormal investigation with a side of romance and ongoing relationship growth, magic-wielding main characters, humor, drama, heart-pounding action and even some emotional parts - you have to read this series! I really love Parker and Nick’s relationship; how they support and compliment each other. They blend their very different magic styles several times in this book and I loved seeing them work together like that! These books always have a lot of different plot threads to follow, but I love how they are woven together in the end, but leaving just enough unanswered questions to make us excited for the next book! So much has changed for Parker since book one, and I can’t wait to see where his story goes in future books.

EDIT: I got a copy of the audiobook from the author and listened to it, even though I only recently finished the ebook ARC. It was just as good the second time around. I love Greg Tremblay’s narration. He’s so good at adding emotion into his voice! There’s a few really emotional scenes and I definitely teared up a couple times.

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was reasonably easy to pick up after a gap and still follow along, which I liked.

It has some of the elements I've enjoyed about the earlier books - the spirits, how Parker works his magic, and Sugar.

This one had a slow start, but eventually started picking up, probably around halfway. Part of the issue was the excessive amount of analogies and metaphors for every single thing. They were amusing at times, but there were so many I just ignored them after a while. They were frequently out of place for mood too.

The evil villain of this one was telegraphed early on, to the point where I wondered why they didn't pick up on it earlier? Or at least were a little more suspicious?

Overall, it was still an enjoyable read.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did a great job of dealing with the closed off threads from the first two books, and opening new storylines. I really like the development of Nick and Parker's relationship. They've both come a long way from book 1, but they still have to figure out how to work as a couple. It felt very real and natural.

I'm excited to see more of this series as it unfolds.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reread July 2023
I just really like Parker and Nick! All the characters are fun, the worldbuilding feels lived in, and I always have a good time reading this series.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

God this one ripped your heart out in places. Just so good! I love Nick and Parker so much. Parker's just starting to maybe find his feet in his new role and now there's a huge threat out there. One determined to destroy the new world tree. Parker's got his hands full.

I love these guys so much. And Nick's new partner was a great addition to the story. I just want to keep reading this series, especially with that cliffhanger dropped at the very end of the story. The world is changing and Parker's right in the center of it all.

[Rob Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series that just keeps getting better!! Parker’s journey from hurt and isolated to being able to accept love and commitment has been playing out throughout the three shorts and three novels in the series.

Born a fariy but raised as a changling human he was bounced around the social system. This can be traumatizing for a non-magical child but was enhanced by the extreme aversion people had to his magic. Meeting and falling in love with Nick King, a police officer and alchemist from a renowned family, pushes Parker to see he is more and deserves more than he allowed himself. As he slowly breaks through the barriers, Parker starts to expand his circle and build on the foundation of a family he has. His adopted/foster sister, Laurel, and his adopted/foster mother who is in a coma but visits him as a “ghost”, Shannon, love him fiercely and support him with deep understanding of his pain.

While adjusting to his role as the Windrose, arbiter of the rulers of the Far Realm, Parker must gain confidence and make peace with the ghost of the former Windrose, Malcolm, to get the help he needs. Parker feels the betrayal of being used and groomed to be the Windrose without be told and struggle at being thrust into the roll too soon. But to heal a deadly injury sustained in the previous book, Parker must trust Malcolm and the spirits of other former Windroses.

In addition to Nick, joining Parker’s expanding family are a succubus, Sugar, and a not-a-cat demon, Runt. Along for the ride and adding color are Nick’s boss, Captain Tate, and his sometimes work partner, Zahide.

In the novel the group struggles to save the World Tree that connects thousands of different realms together from a evil secret society and maniacal man. A long the way they must find missing magical children and a rouge fairy, excise the fire spirit inhabiting Parker, make peace with an ancient magical sword, and watch some sexy doctor television.

The story weaves it threads together in a compelling and intelligent way to fill in needed details and character background while educating about the universe it is set in. We are able to see the characters grow and develop as they confront their past, fears, and very real present danger. All of this with injections of humor and snark.

One of things I love is that it takes the cooperation and support of the collective to save the day. They have to trust and rely of each other. While they struggle with that at times and push buttons, they clearly have each other’s backs. There is a realness and vulnerability to the characters that allow you to connect and care about them.

You can’t just jump into this book! You need to start from the beginning. I strongly recommend you actually start with the short stories to understand back story references in the first two books.

[Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for Books 1-4 which I read over a 2.5 day period. Overall, I'd rate all the books in the 3.5-4.0 range. I like the world building, the unique characters, and the paranormal aspects of the book. My only quibble is that I wish I could see more relationship development between Parker and his partner over the course of the 4 books. My favorite series take us on a journey--they show us the couple in every stage of their relationship and satisfactorily transition readers from that initial moment when both characters meet to HEA. But this book pretty much makes the couple committed by the end of book 1, so any further development of their relationship in Books 2, 3, and 4 feels surface-level at best. It's not bad per say, but it does take some of the tension out of the storytelling.

Still, this is a solid read--the fact that I read all four books in 2.5 days is proof of that. I look forward to Book 5 coming out in November and am glad that this book was recommended to me.

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really feels like Parker is coming into his own as the Windsong in this one. He's making decisions. Rather than just reacting to things.
And Nick is adorable as his devoted boyfriend. I loved Sugar too and Laurel. It's one of the few series where I like all the supporting cast.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF @ 12%

I enjoyed the first few books in this series but this one had a super slow start and I lost all interest and momentum to keep going. Looking at some reviews for future books I see that it's a bit divided so I'm going to call it quits.