Sweep of the Blade [Dramatized Adaptation]

Innkeeper Chronicles [Dramatized Adaptation] #4

by Ilona Andrews, Megan Dominy (Narrator)

Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.

Except... In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal

8 pages, Audio CD

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)

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.

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m continuing my re-read for the 2025 read-along of the Innkeeper Chronicles via the Dramatized Adaptations by GraphicAudio.
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Sweep of the Blade is book four in the Innkeeper Chronicles series by Ilona Andrews. We are treated to Vampire politics, a wedding, a double cross, and battles that are very bloody.

OMG I loved the audio. I actually had the book and eBook on release day, but I was waiting for the audio to come out. I LOVE the audios for the previous books and felt this book would be so much better to listen too. I wasn’t disappointed.

In Sweep of the Blade we focus on Maud and her daughter. If you haven’t read the series I suggest starting at the beginning or at least read/listen to One Fell Sweep before picking up Sweep of the Blade. That is where we meet Dina’s sister Maud.

When the book starts it starts with Maud’s exile on a lawless Vampire plant where all the criminals are sent and then moves onto present day.

Maud was married to a Vampire and had a daughter. It was perfect at first, but then things went wrong. She doesn’t want to open her heart up, nor does she want her daughter to get emotionally hurt, again. It’s a tough road to let someone in and hope they won’t hurt you like her previous husband and his family. Maud doesn’t give up easily. She ends up coming to terms with her past, who she is, and what she wants in life. It felt like a rebirth and self discover story.

I loved that we get to visit the Vampires, learning more about them, and traveling to one of their home worlds.

As for the romance; well I didn't feel any romance between Maud and Arland. Like is their, but the romance was lacking for me. They are just so formal with each other; even in private. Their guard comes down some of the time, but not enough. Mainly we are focusing on Maud and her issues; instead of the romance.

Narration: We switch narrators from Renee Raudman to Natalie Naudus. This is my first time with this narrator. She was amazing and wonderful. Her voices are smooth and easy to listen too. The battles are vivid and Maud's inner issues are brought out. I really enjoyed the audiobook and recommend listening.

Rated: 4 Stars

Graphic Audio Aug. 2022: I've listened to the regular audio version several times now and read the book. But, I have to say the Graphic Audio's for The Innkeeper Chronicles are SUPERBER and UNFORGETTABLE. It truly is a movie for the mind. I learned so much more and found things I've missed. The full cast, sound effects, and cinematic music made Sweep of the Blade MEMORABLE.
Graphic Audio Rated: 5 Stars
Story Rated: 4 Stars

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Maud's and Arlands story. It so well done, that I didn't miss Dina and Sam. I enjoyed to learn more about Vampires. Liked that Arland bonded much more with Helen.
Maud is a very strong woman and here we see all her talents, her doubts and fears.

I loved the GraphicAudio dramatized audiobook. I'm sure, I'll buy the GraphicAudio abooks and the ebooks, so I can relisten or read them whenever I want!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being introduced to Maud in One Fell Sweep, I was excited that she got her own story with Arland. It was fascinating venturing away from the Innkeepers, though there are more about that history, too, and getting fully immersed into the world of the Holy Anocracy and vampires with another sizzling adventure.

Sweep of the Blade is the fourth of the series that must be read in order.

Maud takes Arland up on his offer to come home with him- well, sort of... She doesn't accept his marriage offer even though she loves him because she needs to see how it would be with them when they are on his home turf. Poor Arland's chances with her grow shaky when his House is asked to host the wedding of two people from neighboring warring clans and Arland's mother and some of the House are out to test his human lady's mettle. Maud was expecting that because that is how vampires' roll, but she needs to see Arland and those who come to know her not treat her and Helen like trash to be discarded which is what happened last time.

As Maud negotiates the political game of House Krahr, she detects that something isn't right with the wedding party and her suspicions and little things lead to something big. Meanwhile, she shows her heritage as an Innkeeper's daughter when she deftly handles two visiting groups that the vampires in their xenophobic glory might have mishandled without her. Slowly House Krahr including Arland's mother who is it's leader learns that Arland wasn't a dupe when he fell for the fiery and strong earth woman.

Maud is nothing like Dina and I was glad to see how the authors made this clear when she narrates her own story. That said, the sisters do have their heritage and loss of their parents in common that makes them vulnerable to abandonment and needing the strong men they are attracted to to see them clearly, see their worth, and seen them as forever partners. Arland was more than a pretty face on a muscled body and he does the work of proving he is very different from her deceased husband and his social climbing house.

I loved meeting new races and their ways, seeing the vampires at home, action-packed scenes involving fabulous weaponry, and a romantic relationship build between Maud and Arland that includes his love for Helen, her daughter, as well.

And, didn't that very last sentence involving a certain arbitrator named Klaus De Mille leave me excited for what is to come.

My Graphic Audio binge of Sweep of the Blade continues and I was curious to see how this tale from Maud's point of view would change things. It was different, but just as good for delving into the story deeply and taking my imagination by hostage. Wonderful experience!

I love the Innkeeper world and the blend of urban fantasy and sci-fi. Definitely recommend.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to treat myself to the graphic audios for this series since I love it so much

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read August 13 - 16, 2025

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I’m continuing my re-read of the Innkeeper Chronicles via the dramatized adaptations by GraphicAudio with Sweep of the Blade, the fourth title. I originally read and reviewed the ebook back in 2019, and my review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This review will focus solely on the graphic audiobook aspect of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the full cast production of Sweep of the Blade. I’ve now listened to the first three titles in the series, each of which were shared via Dina’s POV. This time around, the book shifts focus to Dina’s sister Maud, who is the main character of the story. Rather than being shared via a first person POV, Sweep of the Blade is shared via a third person narrative and narrator. Karen Novack, who portrays Inn guest Caldenia Ka Ret Magren, assumes the narrator duties, while Megan Dominy returns as Maud. I enjoyed the duality of a separate narrator from the main character. Ms. Novack has an excellent, neutral narrator that is similar to Dominy’s Maud, but just different enough to be noticeable.

The performances of both the primary narrator and returning supporting cast are familiar and pleasant. The book opens with Maud’s POV of the rescue scene from the prior book, and Dominy shines in her performance of that pivotal moment. Dominy brings a range of emotion to Maud from mourning her old life to a fierce mama protecting her daughter.

Samantha Turret returns as Maud’s young daughter, Helen. I adore her portrayal of the toughed vampire child. Her voice is young and questioning, with that slight British-sounding accent most vampires have. Overall, the cast is well-suited to their characters, and the performances are full of energy and emotion.

Once again, I’m torn on the impact of the music and sound effects. Most of the music adds value, like ratcheting up the intensity of a high-stress situation or adding suspense. The sound effects are fairly enjoyable. Some, like inanimate objects moving (door creaking) and dogs barking are successful and add to the performance quite a lot. They are well-timed and don’t overpower the narration. I also enjoy that internal dialogue and memories have an echo quality. However, the human-based noises like grunting while fighting, don’t work as well for me. And like the previous book, I was absolutely mortified by the kissing and sex sounds!

In the end, I really enjoyed the Dramatized Adaptation version of Sweep of the Blade and look forward to listening to the rest of the books in the series.

My Audiobook Rating: A- (performance only)

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Maud's and Arlands story. It so well done, that I didn't miss Dina and Sam. I enjoyed to learn more about Vampires. Liked that Arland bonded much more with Helen.
Maud is a very strong woman and here we see all her talents, her doubts and fears.

I loved the GraphicAudio dramatized audiobook. I'm sure, I'll buy the GraphicAudio abooks and the ebooks, so I can relisten or read them whenever I want!

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it

[Haïfa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! I loved getting into Maud's head and world and watch her cleverly navigate vampire politics and schemes.

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, suspense, politics, treachery… and sizzling chemistry

I absolutely loved the first three books in the Innkeeper Chronicles. I fell hard for magical Innkeeper Dina, werewolf Sean, and the magical Gertrude Hunt Inn. I even became fond of the vampire knight and Lord Marshal of House Krahr, Arland—though I didn’t particularly want Dina to end up with him.

So when it came time to read book four, Sweep of the Blade, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t like it as much as the first three books. I knew that it focuses on Dina’s sister Maud and Arland. The attraction between them was clear by the end of book three, One Fell Sweep. And I knew that Sweep of the Blade takes place on the Krahr home planet, which would mean no Dina, no Sean, and no Gertrude Hunt Inn, with its overly dramatic giant hedgehog chef and its other unusual residents. And I wasn’t ready to leave them.

I needn’t have worried. I was every bit as swept up in this story as I was in the first three books. It has all the action, suspense, and twists and turns of the previous books, plus absolutely sizzling chemistry between Maud and Arland. I don’t begrudge the slow-burn three-book arc of Dina and Sean’s relationship in the least, but I appreciated that Maud’s and Arlend’s arc moves more quickly.

Maud’s trauma from being thrown out of her traitorous first husband’s family and her fierce, protective love for her daughter Helen give her more than enough reasons to be wary of her reception by, and place within, House Krahr. She’s therefore wary of committing to a relationship with Arland, despite her strong feelings for him. But Maud isn’t without some pretty significant talents and skills. She is smart, politically savvy, well-versed in vampire history, culture, and etiquette, and she’s a kick-ass, give-no-quarter fighter. All this makes her an excellent match for Arland, who besides being the perfect knight in vampire form, is also the commander of all House Krahr’s considerable forces.

Call to mind the very best knights in the Arthurian mythos. That’s Arland in a nutshell: incredibly strong, superbly trained in combat, yet well-mannered and cultured… when he isn’t hacking people to pieces with deadly skill. He’s also got a sense of humor; an excellent grasp of strategy, tactics, and political maneuvering (which he tends to keep well hidden); and the romantic heart of a poet. He understands some of Maud’s fears and hesitations, and even when he doesn’t understand her, he’s still sensitive to her feelings and needs. In many ways, he’s a cinnamon roll, despite the fangs and formidable prowess in battle. And he loves Helen as well as Maud, which earns him major points in my book. (As the stepdaughter of a wonderful stepfather, I have nothing but appreciation for men whose hearts are big enough to embrace another man’s child as their own.)

Speaking of Helen, she is a delight: headstrong, fearless, already skilled in fighting, but still a five-year-old. Her mispronunciation of “repercussions” will live rent-free in my head forever.

I also enjoyed the deep dive into vampire culture and politics. As always, Ilona Andrews’s worldbuilding is excellent. Combined with interesting characters and a fast-paced plot full of unexpected twists and revelations, Sweep of the Blade more than met my high expectations. Five stars!

Audiobook notes: As I did with the first three books, I listened to the Graphic Audio edition of Sweep of the Blade. All the main character voice actors are well-cast, though a few of the secondary characters could use a little coaching on dialects and accents. The music is generally appropriate, and doesn’t overwhelm the scenes the way it sometimes does book one, Clean Sweep. The sound effects are pretty effective, too, but I could do with less moaning, whether in pain or in the throes of desire; without being able to see the actors’ faces, it can occasionally be difficult to differentiate between the two. I’ll put up with the moans for the sake of the character voices, though. Arland and Maud are particularly good, but almost everyone performs well. I would, however, have preferred a child actor for Helen’s voice; the adult voicing Helen never quite convinced me she was a child.


Challenges: Audiobook Challenge 2025; COYER 2025: Out to Lunch; Library Love Challenge 2025; Ilona Andrews Edge & Innkeeper Series Read-Along

Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and Graphic Audiobooks are always a treat.

I didn't even read the description for this book before I bought it and started listening to it, that's how much I've enjoyed them so far, so I also didn't know this book was about Maud, Dina's sister, until after I started it. However, I was not disappointed, granted I missed the Inn and was happy to learn that the series goes back to being Dina's story after this chapter, but I still enjoyed this book.

Maud and her adorable daughter Helen travel with Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, to his home world. Arland had already asked Maud to marry him in the last book, but Maud has been rejected by one Vampire house and doesn't want to put her daughter or herself through the injustice she experienced in the past a second time. So, she's decided to visit House Krahr and see if they are a good fit for her and her daughter, something these proud vampires don't take kindly to at first. House Krahr is one of the largest most powerful vampire houses and Arland as their Marshal is basically the most eligible bachelor, and Maud is a Human who's been ex-communicated from a Vampire house once already is seen as not only reaching above her station but insulting house Krahr by not immediately accepting their Marshal's offer for marriage.

Don't worry though, this doesn't have any other women drama. Arland may be an eligible bachelor but he's an honorable man and his family might be proud but they are not cruel. No, the author has come up with an interesting event and an evil plot to foil that does the Innkeeper Chronicle theme justice.

The biggest surprise comes at the end just after we wrap up Maud's story with a Cliffhanger I was not expecting! Now I'm dying for the next book.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Maud joins Arland in his family's home and helps to put on a wedding that has a more sinister plot behind it.

I must say that I like Maud just as much as Dina, if not more, just for being a badass mom. She is a woman who I relate to on the level of wanting to fiercely protect her child who is both different and special. Her relationship with Arland is surprisingly equal. They fit together well. The fact that Arland just dives right into the role of stepdad without hesitation makes him sexier to a single mom than anything else the authors could have come up with. This story really showcased how different Maud is from Dina and introduced more of the Innkeeper universe to readers. The pacing was good and the action intense, while still showcasing the relationships that drive it all. The ending delivered a real shocker that will influence further Innkeeper stories, no doubt. I am really looking forward to what comes next.

The Graphic Audio adaptation of this book does not disappoint. The full cast of actors, music, and sound effects just bring the whole story to life. I cannot say enough good things about Graphic Audio!

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the others in the series, this one is probably a bit more straightforward and predictable. It’s still really entertaining and detailed in the species relationships. I liked that this one is in Maud’s perspective rather than Dina’s.
4 stars only because this one focused more on human abilities like brains, logic, and strength rather than Innkeeper magic. So when a fight happens you can predict there won’t be any more to it than literal sword fighting and a lot of injuries.
At the same time, the lack of magic helps make the point that Maud is who she is through her will and dedication rather than taking an easy way through life using magic as a comfy shield. But no shade to Dina 🫣

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still too much blood and gore to become a favorite novel in the innkeeper universe, but there’s no doubt the audible narrators elevated this book to new heights.

[Adel Šišovičová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bolo to dobre, ale vampírska politika a Maude ako hlavná postava nebola taká odľahčená ako zvyšok série

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE MAUD, HELEN, AND ARLAND!!!!

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Library Audiobook. Very little of this presentation occurred in the Inn on Earth. The story is about the latter life of the Innkeeper's sister and her love life with a rich and powerful vampire. Excellent narration.

[Elin Saari-Bladmyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world with the weird creatures, planets and schemes. And in the middle of it all a lovestory. Can't wait for the next one!

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!! Arland has been one of my favorite characters from the beginning, and it was exciting to visit his home planet and learn more about vampires. And these were not your typical vampires—they were technologically advanced and had superior military prowess. The political machinations of the different vampire houses were intriguing and drove the plot from interesting to downright mesmerizing. The other alien species involved were intricately described and their involvement added even more layers to the complex politics. Maud was just as fierce and capable as we saw in the last book. Her growth was quiet but effective and I loved how she had to prove herself, and of course, did so in spades. Helen was still adorable and ferocious and it was fun to see her interacting with other vampires both her age and older. The romance was more developed than it had been in previous books, but it wasn’t heavy-handed. And the Twilight reference was priceless!! The cliffhanger at the end of the novel took me completely by surprise and I am very curious to see where the story goes from here!!

The GraphicAudio was phenomenal!! I think this is the perfect series to adapt with a full cast, music, and sound effects. All of the voice actors were sensational and I loved the choice to use different accents to convey when they were speaking different languages. These are definitely some of my favorite audiobooks and I highly recommend them!!

Content warnings: profanity, violence, death

[Jennifer Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 2023

This is my absolute favorite of the series so far. We follow Maud and her daughter to Arland’s world. Honestly, a dagger wielding 5 year old bad ass just makes this book. 😆

Maud has spent her entire first marriage trying to be the best ‘vampire’ a human can be. Unfortunately, her husband’s grasp for power eventually leads to their banishment and his death. Maud and her daughter are survivors. After Dina brings them to Earth, they meet Arland but Maud is done with anything to do with the vampires…or is she? Knowing Maud’s daughter will never fit into human society due to her fangs and ruthless vampiric upbringing, they go with Arland to his planet. Maud is constantly questioning why she is there while she endures the criticism and prejudices.

I love how this book focuses on being underestimated and then feeling the sweet sweet enjoyment in showing others what Maud is capable of.

[Ana-Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. I was worried that Maud would seem too much like Dina, but although there were similarities-that could easily be explained by the fact that they are sisters and grew up together- Maud ended up being her own person and she was interesting to read about. Both the romance and the action side of the plot were very fun.

[steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes up a little for the lack of my fave in the fifth book 🤭

[Tracy's Place · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read 4/5/2024 4 stars

Reread 7/19/2024 4 stars

[Liz Larimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another satisfying listen! I love Maud's story. Being and Innkeeper is not a linear life. Onto the next one.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much do I adore the precious little feral beast that is Helen, with her innocent aggression and unhinged hissing? I love the interactions between her and Maud (second Maud I've read about this year, the other from Beginners Guide to Necromancy series), calling her little flower while telling her violence is incoming like she's promising a trip to Disney. I wasn't sure I'd be as into a book centered on Maud, Helen and Kael'thas Sunstrider Arland, but I adore all three characters and Maud is just as amazing as Dina. I'm really enjoying the narration, no surprise there. Arland's voice is sex on a stick, Helen's narration is adorable and fierce, and Maud's gentle southern accent is like warm honey. I love the way she talks to Helen in her natural accent, calling her "my flower." Don't know what it is, just an "aww, that's sweet!" kind of feeling, I guess. And she's a certified badass, as you'd expect in an Ilona Andrews heroine. That cliffhanger though! Looks like threads from the beginning of Sweep in Peace and the end of this one are going to tie into the next book.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - my favorite of the series

While I like Dina a lot, she's not quite my favorite type of FMC, especially with her interactions with Sean. Now, Maud and Arland? PERFECT. Toss in Helen? I love them so much. Helen is so absolutely adorable and spunky and I love how Arland is like "good for you" when she does something may she shouldn't have as a 5 year old. It's adorable. I love how tough Maud is considering she's human in a vampire world and how much she clearly has learned with her previous husband. Arland, what's not to like? I like him a lot and like how he said he's looking for a partner and not someone to protect. Really enjoyed this book a lot and the dramatized version is a lot of fun.

That end of a bombshell was interesting, though!

[Tuti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 4.25 stars

Reading my review on the eBook version, well, apparently I like the GraphicAudio version better.

The beginning of the book is pretty much rehashing the beginning of the previous book, from Maud's point of view. It then went to the story of her adventure at the wedding. I still don't like her as much as I do Dina. I feel bad about Arland, trying to negotiate between Maud's prickliness, his family's reception of her, and his duties. Maud turned into a superheroine, who is good at everything. It doesn't bother me as much as it did when I read it a year ago. Strange.

Arland's voice is still to die for. Unfortunately none of the other Vampires has that accent. Maud's voice is just OK. Helen's voice is kind of freaky sometimes.

The story itself is OK.

[Megan Riverina Romantics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

In this 4th installment of the Innkeeper Chronicles the authors switch it up. While books 1-3 in the series are written in the 1st person POV of Dina Demille this one is written in the 3rd person POV of Maud Demille, Dina’s older sister. We first met Maud and her adorable yet fierce daughter Helen in the last book, ONE FELL SWEEP.

[Sandirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maude, Dina's sister, and her young daughter Helen join the vampire Marshall of House Krahr, Arland back to his home...though she hasn't quite decided whether or not she want to be a part of vampire society. Now she finds herself sucked into vampire politics, intrigue and trying sort through her issues regarding a potential marriage to Arland.

Another fun adventure in the Innkeeper Chronicles, this time featuring Dina's older sister Maude. What else lies in store for this family? I can't wait for to get started on the next book to find out what secrets will be revealed next.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innkeeper Chronicles series is a remarkable, outstanding, engaging, rip roaring action, urban fantasy/sci-fi set of stories. I have read all of the books, listened to them in Audible and now in GraphicAudio. Characters are memorable, the plots completely original and the dialogue has humor, pathos and all the in-between emotions. The Ilona Andrews duo provides all I look for in an intelligent, compassionate (while sometimes having to kill bad guys) satisfying entertainment. Yay for GraphicAudio, too.

[Courtney Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun side quest of Maud and Arland visiting House Krahr. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Maud, and learning some information about a young Dina growing up in an Inn. They are on the planet of the vampires, so of course honor and violence abound, and Helen gets to thrive. I really enjoyed this, and do not even think about skipping it if you're reading the main series. The ending alone is worth the listen.

The cast was fantastic, as always, and now back to Dina and Sean.