There probably should be some Words of Wisdom TM here, but all I have is, yay the book is out.
It’s out, it’s out! We are so glad that you guys are enjoying it. We meant for it to be a small bright spot in what is a dark time, and we hope it will do its job and lift your spirits, if only for a little while.
Please use the comments for spoilery discussions. Be polite. Thank you!
He stepped away from me. His gaze was impossible to hold. “Okay. I hear you. Be careful what you wish for, Princess.”
Okay…I wish for you two to write many,many, many more Julie books 👍😁😁. There I was was careful and only used three manys.
All kidding aside. Loved it! Thank you both for putting this out for me and the book horde.
That was one of my favorite parts of the book really. The other part was him knowing who she was the ENTIRE Time and not saying anything..
This was my favourite part! I’ve re-read it dozens of times lol!!!
What really killed me was how he immediately recognized her by how she rode her horse. I swear I swooned.
Mine was how he ate the heart at the end and got a glimpse of an unchanged letter future — then smiled at her 🙂 🙂
That part got to me too! 😀
+1. Favorite part
do you know what page or chapter it referenced the seeing the future by eating the heart? I neeeeed to reread
chapter 14
erra and Julie talking
Thank you!!!
The heart eating is first referenced in the last page of Chapter 10 soon before the high priest dies.
Thank you!!
That moment healed my heart *-* so lovely and I keep wondering what he saw….
+ 1000 on recognition of how she rode her horse.
Swoon! Oh, most assuredly! 🙂
I still go back to Grey Wolf and re-read the Peanut scene, from time to time.
“… had to have a draft version …”
I love it!!! It makes me smile and giggle, every time I read those pages.
And I am much more of a glower and grumble type of person, since March 2020 …
Yes! The recognising her by how she rode her horse, the “be careful what you wish for” and the fixed future that made him smile, all of these things! Perfect ending, was hoping to see a hint of what Derek might be planning in the epilogue but loved it just as it was. I was loving the free online serial but this was well worth the wait, massively polished and improved from excellent to extraordinary! Really hoping there will be another 😃 Thank you
Their exchange at the end of mine too. Love all of us validating each other for the multiple re-read of that part.
I also love earlier in the book when Julie was in the bath and he respectively mentions leaving the bathroom so she has privacy and she just stands up right then and there. rofl.
Just like Kate did. Hehe
I immediately went back and re-read all their interactions once that was revealed!
Yes I completely agree, I am already looking forward to the next book in the series!
Me too. The only really bad thing about the book is that it is muuuuch to short…
+1
And that she interpreted it as him leaving again when clearly not … total aww moment, and like apparently everyone else I re read that scene more than once!
I feel like he was off to ‘apply,’ for the position of beast lord.
Yes, I totally agree, the next Beast Lord will be Derek. Ascanio cooked his own goose with his many wrong decisions and Derek will take advantage of that. He will love lording it over him.
Pun intended.
I KNOW RIGHT. I am not okay after this scene. I need the next book so bad. I hope the author’s don’t give up on this series and continue writing Julie books.
Oh yes, I read that scene 3 Times already!!! Loved the book and keeping fingers crosses for more Julie and Derek and Ascanio and Sophie 🥰🥰🥰😁😁
Last year I set a reading goal of 110 books. What I thought was a stretch goal. I read 225. This year I hoped 110 would be another stretch goal. So far this year, I’ve read one new book. Cricut Maker for Beginners. I’ve been rereading old friends.
I woke up at 4 this morning and grabbed the Kindle to get back to sleep and found Blood Heir! Needless to say I didn’t get back to sleep and have read 2 books this year.
Thanks!
Mary, I can relate! I saw the pre-ordered ebook appear on my Kindle, dropped plans of sleep and/or the other book I was reading, and delved into Blood Heir through dawn! It was worth it.
Incidentally, in 2020, I set my reading goal [in Goodreads] as 105 books, and then I read 217! So far in 2021 I reread other Kate Daniels world books in anticipation of this one.
Clearly you two love to read and devour books. What’s your goodreads handle? / would love to see your book lists for new ideas of books to read
About Blood Heir – finished at 3am … so worth the loss of sleep! It was amazing as usual.
Suzanne, my Goodreads name is sapphiclight. Please be my buddy!
I’ve read it now and it’s a wonderful birthday present!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!
My birthday present too! Started at 1:00am. Soo good!
Loved the book. I especially liked the smile Derek gave Julie after eating the “see the future heart”!
Every time I see Julie/Aurelia referred to as “Knight Ryder”, I see David Hasselhoff. Am I showing my age? 😂
Yeah, that cracked me up. I wonder how many of the BDH had to look it up?
Not me. I laughed when I read that in the snippet. I wonder if Tulip is considered Julie’s/Aurelia’s “Kit”? 🤭
Agree, at one point, when there’s the reference to the shadow, or appearance of a horn i merged kit and tulip and the horn now is fixed in my head as red in colour, with a whoosh whoosh sound as it fades in and then out of existence 😄
I suspect that the sire for Tulip is Bucky…but the dam…hmm, that’s a puzzler. Bucky is definitively something other than Percheron/Andalusian cross.
I thought Bucky too but I don’t remember Hugh ever wiping blood off his muzzle, but the shadovar(sp?) unicorns the bear clan wipes out ate flesh so maybe the dam?
+1
I laughed, too! That was a good one.
Yes!! Me too 😂
You are not the only one, I kept thinking ‘Kitt!’
Haha! Me too! And Ghastek was the only other who caught the reference!
Yes 🥰 thank you so much the book was awesome!!! I love who Julie has grown into and I have sooooo many questions about Derek . I feel kind of bad for Ascanio. I hope he figures stuff out in the next book….. I really hope there is a next book! Please,please, please don’t leave us hanging .
I felt bad for Ascanio too but I hope he pulls his head out of his butt!
Agreed — Ascanio is all about what’s best for him to achieve his goal. He’s completely ignorant (appears to be at least) that that particular job has to be about what’s best for the Pack. Alliances based purely on money means that at any time, he or his allies would be subject to the market, other monetary players/bribes/takeovers.
I think it’s more like he focuses entirely on what someone would need to do to him if he were in the opponent’s shoes, but maybe that was what you meant.
He certainly seems to overlook that there’s no “one size fits all”. Not everyone values money sufficiently for it to even be able to override other concerns.
That’s aside from what how the reliance on money puts a hard cap on your allies—you must have enough money for your side—and puts you at risk of losing even your alliances if something like hyperinflation occurs, situations where you would actually need your alliances.
Agreed. He wants the power and position but seems ok with alienating his people. Hs buys people instead of making allies and doesn’t seem interested in learning from Jim the how’s of being a competent Beast Lord. I mean he didn’t even care to find out who Derek was now or why he was back! He doesn’t think about the big picture.
I am sad about Ascanio’s character development. I understand that he only knowshow to use people since that is how he grew up. Being with Kate made him better but when he left Kate’s side to choose money and follow Raphael, his worst characteristic got developed instead. He is different from Derek. I remember the scene after Raphael told Kate Ascanio will not work for her anymore sine Ascanio wants the security of money and Raphael can better teach it to him. Then Kate asked Derek if he wants a lot of money. Derek said he just wants enough to live, same as Kate. However the difference is, we have seen the 2 boys work together before because of Kate. I Ascanio finally matures and realizes who he wants to be.
Don’t give up on Ascanio yet. I bet house Andrews has something up their sleeve for him. Other people’s secondhand information is character development just not always of the character they are talking about.
I appreciate this so much Va. keep in mind, House Andrews has shown us Christopher & Hugh’s transformations, & Ascanio would be a delight to know through such a process. Granted, I don’t know whether BeastLord position should be where he “arrives”, but who he becomes, independent of his position, will be a joy to read.
I have mixed feelings on Ascanio, but I think that’s a good thing and a sign of fantastic writing. He’s a jerk. But I also like him and find him complex. Wanting to be wealthy isn’t necessarily bad. How you do it, however, is a bigger deal.
I have more of a problem with his mile wide mean streak than him wanting to make money. He showed it several times with some of his particular biting comments (usually aimed at Derek) throughout KD series. He’s got a tongue that can cut. We saw it again with Julie and his derision toward her house. I don’t care how much of a dump it is, I wanted to swat him. You don’t score points by ragging on someone’s home, dude.
I’m willing to bet that the last time he and Derek saw each other, before Derek beat him bloody and left Atlanta, Ascanio probably said some pretty awful/cutting things then too (my guess he hit hard at Derek about something regarding Julie. He might even blame Derek for Julie leaving, who knows). I am unsurprised he is the way he is.
I like that he’s playing guardian to the younger gen though, so I have high hopes for him. He can be vicious and mean, but he’s also funny, charming, and smart. He’d make a great lead for novel. He just needs someone who wants the same things he does and balances him out.
+1
+1
Happy Bk Bday🎈
It was great fun reading your latest work. We’ve had such fun with your story @ our house. TY!
Wonderful book. Thank you. Thank you ❤️
Bought it, reading it as slowly as I can. Thank you so much, it’s wonderful!
I need more! I just need more! It was a glorious book, and I want to know what happens next!!!
Wow – can’t think of enough good things to say. Loved it! Now I have to read it all over again, beyond thank you!! Always wanted more Julie, I’m happy to get what I wished for!
I just finished it and It. Is. AWESOME! I really hope there are going to be more installments. I want a series! I was unreasonably happy Saiman lived. That delightful slimeball. Also, calling it now, I think Derek ate something divine because Julie/Aurelia’s view of his new mint green with a touch of metallic magic signature could be a blend of green and silver divine. Am I right? Can you write another book to tell me so? 😀
I was super stoked to find out Nick’s reaction to Julie’s identity. I’ve been waiting for that since their first meeting was posted on here and it did NOT disappoint!
I had to put my Nook down after I read Nick’s reaction when he found out who Knight Ryder really is, since I was laughing so hard.
I also loved how Luther knew that she was Julie.
One of the best parts was at the Guild, when Julie and Marten hid in the women’s bathroom so Curran wouldn’t see Julie. 😂
I don’t think that he has been eating divine beasts. Curran ate enough divine beasts that he nearly became a god and Julie was there the entire time and said that his magic was still fundamentally the same. She also said she had never seen mint green like that before. There are 2 other options. Either Derick is being worshipped as a god, which I don’t see happening because he knows the dangers of being worshipped. It is much more likely he is gaining divine power in the same way as Pastor Haywood as the disciple of a god. I think after Julie left he went back to his religious roots and that is where his ability to heal is coming from.
Oh that’s right in the KD series, his family was very devout/religious before his father went loup right??
Especially because mint green requires a hint of blue.
Mint green = green + light blue
Green for shapeshifter, Light blue/Blue + Silver for human divine
I was wondering that! Thank you!
Those are good points. I like it. I’m wondering if his ‘Grey Wolf’ status was doing something to him. He had people afraid of him, but in Magic Stars he says he stood between those who did the hurting and those who got hurt. People came to him. He was a defender of sorts. It wouldn’t be that much of a stretch that over a couple of years after Julie left that people started to ‘believe’ in him and almost worship him, including other shifters. I’m wondering if that’s what happened and their belief started to have an effect on him and that’s why he left to find out what was happening.
Can’t you also get mint green by adding a little bit of yellow & lots of white? Which means animal magic…? Maybe saying he’s more beast than man like all the other Ice Furies & his beast has fera magic. Idk.
Yes maybe that. He also left Atlanta to “figure out what he was” – I don’t think the “what” not “who” is accidental (getting the Sherlock conspiracy hat out)! Maybe he reconnected with his roots or something way back when his family was killed started and that is why he always had the Loup smell and he is a different kind of First die to that, or…. I am driving myself nuts. Only solution is a reread to relax.
But I ship Derek and Julie so hard. It was a balm to see him bite into the heart and smile at her 🙂
Is it too soon to badger IA for the next book? Probably 😀
Anyway loved it and happy book birthday! Please enjoy the time off, House Andrew’s <3
He got bigger too. That doesn’t just happen. I mean it happened to Curran when he ate the divine things but other than him it doesn’t just happen. They also explained about how the First came to be… making a bargain with animal deities. Maybe Derek made the same kind of bargain? I mean if they are deities they should still be around? yeah?
Didn’t Jim’s warrior form or something change in the 3rd KD book? Could whatever happened to Derek be because of some crazy encounter he survived?
I believe in one of the books, after Beau helps them, Kate says that the story would be exaggerated and retold, and it wouldn’t surprise him if he grew, got stronger and maybe younger, all because people believed the story.
It’s not divinity, but it is faith.
Could something like that have happened with Derek?
Yes and in re-reading Magic Stars yesterday, it’s more clear that Derek is different from other shapeshifters already. He’s a loner, has the “wild” inside him, it’s harder to control, his scent is more loup like. Reading it with new eyes it surely seems like a lead in to something inherently different about him, not just his experiences or faith. And he’s already tethered to Julie from her Koorghan magic, she’s as drawn to wolves and birds of prey as they are to her. In addition is their natural feelings for each other, the siren could not take him from her because he belonged to Julie already. So what if when Julie changed, accepted and integrated the magic of her people, not the Shinar magic, or Molech magic but her own magic, Derek changed as well, let the wild off the chain so to speak? And then he set off to find out “what” he was…….there was no timeline given as to when she integrated and he left only it was 2 years later. Will be interesting nonetheless!
She was in a pocket realm for 5 years. So he changed right when she went into the pocket realm.
No, she was in the pocket realm for nine months, but it *felt* like four years to her. Pocket realm, time moved faster for her, which gave her a ton of time to learn things, but in the real world for Kate & Derek, it’s less than a year.
Didn’t the great Uncle call him Sheppard of the wolves or something?
Need to re-read the scene.
I was thinking the same thing about Derek’s magic!!
Finished Blood Heir at 4 am because I’m on the west Coast. No spoilers, but wondering how we will get more of Ryder, Inn Keeper, Catalina and Iron Covenant. I hate to say I am impatient, but I am. No worries, I know you are not machines but real people with real lives, so they come when they come. LOVED BLOOD HEIR!
+1
I just bought the e book. And planed to stay up enjoying it!
Aww, you dedicated it to us… I loved seeing that. This was perfect. Thank you so much. It’s hard to convey without using overly used words that have lost their meaning, but your work means a lot.
Just saw the dedication page b/c of your post, thank you.
+1
The dedication is so sweet, Thank you Ilona and Andrew
I feel seen 😀 one of the many who cannot left KD go, but I go to pieces over every book they write
+1
That touched me, too. The stories mean a lot and help us cope with awful experiences by escaping into extraordinary fantasies for a brief respite.
+1
Is it too early to speculate on what happens next?
Jim wants to step down but needs the right person to saddle with the job. Ascanio ain’t it. Derek, however, has been trained by both Jim and Curran, and he hasn’t been gone from Atlanta that long. Most of the Pack would still know him.
I thought of this too! but i’m personally seeing some problems. Like if Julie is the princess of new shinar out in California how would being the alpha of the pack help him get closer to her if she has to go back to New shinar? She will eventually go back (i think) and I can’t imagine getting saddled with the pack will be helpful for them getting closer. Also I’d kind of worry the Ice Fury pack would be really against letting him go be the leader of his old pack.
But what a thought! I’d love to see how they’d interact with him as the Beast lord!
The problem I see is that it sounds like he made some progress with a pack that was half wild. If he took the Beast Lord gig some of those Alaska wolves might want to follow him. That could cause some problems with the Atlanta wolves.
I see a big problem there. Julie will not leave Shinar just like that. She feels obligated to protect her people and she really is a princess.
And Derek will not just leave Ice Fury, he is protecting them too, he is de facto the alpha of it and his people depent on him.
I am very, very cusious how Julie and Derek will end up together (I don’t even consider they might not 😀 ).
I thought the “home” conversation was very interesting when they were on the roof. Derek said Atlanta was no longer his home and incidentally Julie was no longer there 😉
The romantic in me jumped to Julie being Derek’s home hehe.
AND he let it slip while they were arguing about him not taking a hint and leaving her alone that “Not this time!”
I get the feeling, especially from Magic Stars, that Derek feels more tethered to humanity through Julie. He didn’t want to run where she can’t keep up. After she left, it would make sense that he move to a pack that is very wild and untethered. Maybe it helped him deal with both the loss of Julie and with whatever happened to him.
But now Julie is back and his definition of home might change to just her. Maybe they would be a traveling couple or maybe Atlanta will become home again. I would be surprised if Ice Fury itself has a huge hold on Derek….he doesn’t seem to crave responsibility and power wven if he is no longer a lone wolf.
I can’t see her being totally happy with Shinar, as much as she can see it’s value in rebuilding civilisation. She is less impulsive than Kate, who couldn’t have obeyed a council for 2 whole minutes, but she still has quite a lot of her independence. And I think it’s interesting that the Lennarts are leaving Atlanta more and more.
Part of me would love to see Derek as Beast Lord and Julie taking Kate’s place as Atlanta’s protector. It would be as Moloch feared, Erra in the west, Julie in the east… but I don’t like the thought of them stepping in someone else’s shoes. They’re their own person and should follow their own paths. By the way, can Julie claim land? I mean, if she can’t pilot vampires maybe she can’t?
Also, I’m really hoping something will happen that will make Ascanio grow as a person. I think he’s driven and protective enough to be Beast Lord, but he lacks maturity…
I dont think Derek should or would want to be the Beastlord. I think Julie will continue being a princess of shinar to pay back everything Erra did for her. So I think she will go back to Cali. For Derek and her to have a happy ending, Derek cant be tied down to anyplace. So Idont think he will become Beastlord. He can leave Ice Fury, just take the members who want to leave with him, probably the team he has now and join Shinar. There was a former ice fury family who joined shinar already. And Erra knows Derek. But thats just my interpretation of the most logical story progression. Still, it is House Andrews’ call. I will accept anything! Cant wait for Dereks plan for the mating dance. It will probably be epic.
What if Derek ended up bringing together everyone and it made one mega-massive pack?? I know, I know, it’s out there. There are a lot of logistical problems with that, and keeping everyone in order. But what if…lol Gah I love all of their stuff. Every character is so dynamic I want to know more. I loved Great Uncle 😁
Derek King of the wolfs? But Yes i also thought he would be so much better then any of the otcres around.
Maybe the icy fury pack who don’t want to be wild will follow Derek to Shinar?
But at the end of the book, Sienna tells her that she cannot see her parents and she cannot leave, but doesn’t explain why. So, she doesn’t appear to be going back to the west coast any time soon.
Also, with Julie and Derek, I also think Derek’s strong dislike of Roland could possibly get in the way. Julie has a good relationship with Roland. Derek doesn’t trust him; I rather think Derek could react like Nick to the idea of Julie and New Shinar.
Alaska is moderately closer to California, but it’s not close enough in “post-shift” days.
I am right there with you, I have no idea how it would work with the whole Julie is a princess and I expect them to get together thing. But I agree Derek would be an Excellent choice.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
This was a very satisfying read. I feel incredibly lucky that we got to experience more of Julie’s story. Considering this was not an entirely planned book, it feels extra lucky for me who fell in love with the post apocalyptic Atlanta and the mix of mythos and modern sensibilities, as well as witty dialogue and narrative. Thank you for this one.
According to the site, there are around 340 comments. I’m only seeing about 30.
Hello Judy,
at the bottom of the comments you can see, there is an option at the left of the page for “See Older Comments”. If you click on it, you can see the previous pages of comments 🙂
I just really really enjoyed Bishop Chao calling Julie “Knight Ryder” with complete sincerity. Good stuff.
Ghastek got the joke too.
Oh man, I brayed like a donkey and scared my Hubby when I read Ghastek’s response.
Me too. Totally scared my cat.
Loved that bit. Felt like he was echoing my thoughts when I think (off those younger then me) you’re just not going to get that reference
So I bought the book on Kindle today, but I’m totally buying the audiobook when it comes out. Ilona and Gordon are the only authors I ever do this for. It’s weird listening to voiceover read it, but I couldn’t wait another month. I’m so stoked!!! Loving it so far.
I have a friend who lives in the Atlanta area with her husband. She wants me to come and see her when it’s safe to travel. When that day comes, I’m going to laugh and chuckle on my way there. 🤭😂
This book makes me want to do what the other BDH fans did and do the same road trip they did and find all of the places coralating to the KD books and also blood heir. And I’ve never really had that much of an interest in visiting cities in America (more interested in the wild places without folks about) but this book makes me want to visit the people populated places just to get to picture post wave Atlanta over pre wave Atlanta.
I love this, but I also imagine that KD post-shift Atlanta is /way/ more different to our Atlanta than Hidden Legacy Houston is to our reality. I think the rubber-band theory applies here, in that Magic has had WAY more time to transform reality in the KD stories than in Hidden Legacy: “it’s a matter of time” – 100 years vs over 8000 years!
This book was AWESOME! I loved it and am hoping for a second installment!
So many wonderful parts that came together to make a wonderful whole!
Happy book birthday!
Thank you so much for the book! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I’m so happy to see both Julie and Derek growing up into their own person. I love that they are finding each other again. Please continue to write many many more books ❤
I really hope we’ll see more glimpses of previous characters too. Will we see the Yu Fong again? 🐲🐉
Hi (again). I posted my appreciation earlier, so as I’m doing my second read, a couple of things – 1) thanks to everyone who pointed out that Derek ate the guardian’s heart as I’d totally forgotten the importance of it ( I’d just wondered if he had done so to gain divinity like Curran did). 2) Did Maxine retire from her job at the Order? 3) I loved seeing Luther again and hope he & Roman got their respective HEAs. 4) I hope Stella and Julie become like Kate & Andrea.
This was such a delight!
Derek ate the guardian sphinx’s heart to get a glimpse of a future that will DEFINITELY happen. It was very brief, I wonder when we’re going to find out what he saw.
On a re-read, I was thinking of the significance of Sierra getting the vision after Derek had gotten a glimpse of a for sure future. Their stories are so intertwined and Julie is worried about hoping for it. <3
I wondered too! But then I started worrying… Sierra is their main source of intel about Moloch and she basically asked Julie to forgive her for something she would do…
I’m scared now.
What does the heart have to do with the future?
NVM I am dumb, just reread the section in the book
When the story was online House Andrews confirmed in the comments that Maxine retired
Thanks! I missed that.
I exercised a lot of restraint last night in NOT staying up all night to read it (I’m west coast so got it at 9pm) because I am middle aged and need my sleep. But I realized while reading this morning, my cheeks hurt. Why? Because I had been grinning so hard every second I was reading. And I cackled several times today while reading.
I especially loved seeing so many of our old friends, in addition to meeting great new characters. I haven’t figured out yet how Sophia became Christopher and Barabas’ daughter!
Thank you very much, o Authorlords. You are indeed very kind to us. Now to decide if I am turning around to read Blood Heir again, or continuing my current re-read of the original KD series.
Thank you for this book and this spoiler thread!
Gods,I wish I’d perused this blog more in 2020, because I’d had NO idea until today that previous chapters were released as serials here throughout the worst parts of the epidemic to give us some respite and escape from real life into the world of post shift Atlanta. 😅
Ah, well. It was worth every ebook penny (and every hour of sleep lost inhaling it, devouring it til dawn)!
I loved the book, enjoyed the hell out of seeing familiar characters again and meeting new ones, loved the house within a house – and I have many questions. It’s great to have a spoiler thread to vent/share them!
1. What do y’all think Derek saw when he devoured the heart?! I’m hoping it was a GOOD irrevocable, immutable future. (Didn’t he smile, grimace or smirk before taking off and telling her nothing?)
2. What is Sienna (witch Oracle) hiding from Julie/Aurelia? Their parting words suggest she’s withholding something significant and hopes Julie will someday forgive her. (Is she really leveling with her to protect Kate or lying to manipulate the future of Atlanta and/or prevent the expansion of New Shinar?)
3. How did Derek get magic? (If he had eaten divine creatures like Curran had, his magic would have been a different color, right?)
4. How many books until they kiss/etc., do you think? 😅 How many books until these two make out (or more)? 😅
(It took them EIGHT YEARS to have “the” conversation, and it leaves so much unresolved. They’re adults holding onto adolescent grudges. Granted, there’s horrible stuff happening. [But THERE’S ALWAYS HORRIBLE STUFF HAPPENING.])
“But THERE’S ALWAYS HORRIBLE STUFF HAPPENING”
LOL so true.We just wanna see smooching!! Dereeek you hot and cold bastardddd 😂
1. He smiled at her and the left after fighting about the relationship he wanted beforehand – so my stupid heart immediately made up a happy ending for these two 😀
2. Don’t know, it is very interesting wondering about it. Im also wondering about Julie not being able to “leave”. So we will jump deep into Atlanta politics again? 😀
3. I suspect something that leads back to when he was changed. Maybe his religious upbringing? Or a long forgotten gealcwoth animal gods like the Firsts? Bit IA said Curran is the only First so Derek might just have reconnected with his religious roots?
4. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the next book for some more heart to heart and at least a proper hug. Since this is self-published they hopefully won’t make us wait till book 4 again before they get together 😀
I totally agree, bad shit is always happening there. You need to embrace life and not hang on to adolescent disappointments. Even though these two should just have talked back then
… I cannot stress this enough, kids. Communication is key in a relationship 😀 ah, the wisdom of age. Hoping for the best here and another book of course 😉
1. Momo, I hoped his smiles meant good things for them, too!… but it depends on how he smiled. Closed lips or shapeshifter-sharp teeth? Genuine or smirk? I have to reread it. Lol
3. Maybe religion has a part in it. I liked reading all the theories on this thread about how and in what way Derek’s magic changed.
4. A hug would be nice!… but these two were always better at actions than words, and usually actions like killing/protecting/fighting rather than anything directly to each other. The unsaid “Of course I care about you, I saved your life 80 times, I would die to protect you,” etc.
Derek/Darren and Julie/Aurelia are such interesting characters because they’re such “old souls” in some ways and such emotionally-immature/ socially-impaired, scarred kids still in other ways at least in part because of the crucible of their childhoods.
They were forced to grow up fast in some ways which stunted other emotional growth. I think that’s part of what drives their actions. They don’t use their trauma as an excuse ever for acting like jerks, persay, but it has a significant impact on shaping their behaviors and attitudes.
Although this novel didn’t explicitly state so, I don’t think they’ve ever had a real romantic relationship with anyone, much less each other. (I’m not talking sex, I’m talking dating, deep emotional involvement, regardless of monogamy).
They don’t know how and are afraid of it in ways they aren’t afraid of anything else they face which could kill them. They make a lot of excuses for themselves for avoiding talking about the difficult things or exposing themselves to emotional risks, making themselves vulnerable. Their whole lives are about staying strong and showing no weakness so that they can survive and meet their goals. They’re a little like Kate resisting her attraction to Curran in the beginning.
Sooooo #2 over here! I have a really bad feeling about that. I feel like it’s going to be a big betrayal. I love your point about manipulating her to keep New Shinar out of Atlanta. That is completely reasonable considering the Witch Oracles’ history.
Thanks, Katherine! I have to say I was blown away in surprise of Julie endorsing the foundation and formation of a new government of any kind. Hearing her justifications to good ole “Uncle Stupidhead” Nick filled me with skepticism.
I understand Julie wanting to become stronger and more skilled/educated/seasoned to protect herself and the ones she loves, but I don’t understand her involvement in New Shinar. While it sounds surprisingly low-key compared to Roland’s proposed version, what guarantees it will be any better than what he would have done, which Kate fought so hard against for the majority of her series? It’s Erra, albeit changed deeply by being pushed into the role of aunt and grandmother.
I admit I love the new character this introduces. I will wonder about him and his new apprentice.
About 2. I think Sienna is lying by omission. I think it is about Sienna directing Derek to gain the new power in order to protect Julie. I think Derek hadn’t gone to Alaska by accident. Sienna told Him to. The reaction of Moloch when he saw Derek before Julie confirmed my suspicion.
Point #2 is very stressful for me. What could Sienna be that worried about??
I think she didn’t told Julie about her interactions with Derek.
Maybe Sienna told Derek to eat the heart of the beast, which has sealed his and Julia’s future together.
I was thinking he somehow gained his new power for the purpose of protecting Julie also.
Yes! There is no other explanation why he would be a beta of the Ice Pack! He have never wanted any power (even in the Wolf Clan). He was content with being a lone wolf. He may want to find more about himself and left for some time, but being in charge is out of character for him. Julie must be the reason, because it is obvious he wants to protect her.
*has
That’s interesting. I agree she lies by omission, but Sienna can lie directly if she chooses to do so. She isn’t fae ( of the can’t-lie, don’t-thank, can’t-bear-cold-iron variety). She’s human, a witch, and an oracle (the maiden of the Witch Oracle of Atlanta covens, anyway). So she can lie as much as anybody. Betrayal big or small hurts like hell. Julie will be pissed, but she won’t kill her. She probably won’t go out for coffee and clothes shopping again, either, after whatever it is happens/ is revealed.
Hmm. I wonder what spell Sienna did that required her to cut off her hair – and if it’s relevant to her offense or this story.
Ewa, you’re probably right.
I am convinced that it’s possible the child Sienna showed Julia could be someone else other than her ‘sister.’ And when Derek took a bite of the heart he more or less got proof of Sienna’s vision of the same. Just my thoughts.
(Wheezes)
I think sienna lied about the child. It’s not kates but dereks and julies and that’s why she wanted forgiveness
I agree that she is lying about something but not sure that’s it. Hmm. Something to think about/ look forward to!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It was fabulous. I hope the joy of the BDH for this book feeds back to you tenfold. 🥳🥰🥰💗
Now I must go and re- read it since I devoured it so fast I know I missed bits lol.
Got it today,and finished it today. We definitely need more Knight Ryder (I giggled every time this was mentioned) in the world. And definitely more Derek and Julie.
“Be careful what you wish for Princess.” Blow me over with a feather, I loved it.
Hearing about the exploits of the shifter children had me laughing out loud! More of that too please?
Thank you for this. It was a great ride that left me wanting… more. Soon. Soonest.
So I need you to write the next Ryder book ASAP.
And Ruby Fever.
And the next Innkeeper… with lots of Maud.
And…
Is there anything we can do to help you go faster? Because if there is, I will.
LOTS of Maude. Yes.
No, lots of Maud and Arland and Helen.
I do like those three. That’s my favorite book of the Innkeeper series, too. Escape to vampire planet! = one fun coping mechanism of 2020
not me reading the whole book while at work and almost screaming out loud when Derek walked away at the end🥴 is it dramatic to ask when the earliest is we can (hopefully) get the next book??
Excellent read and it was wonderful to be back in Atlanta! 🥰
Love, love, love Blood Heir and basically anything Ilona and Gordon give us!
I was so happy Derek knew she was Julie all along. That’s the kind of deep love they share. He knows her nuances, more than just her appearance, voice, scent, etc. He pays attention.
Ugh, so good. Also, I totally forgot about the significance of the sphynx heart until I read the comments here. Yay for his smile after he ate it! That bodes well for our precious babies!
Julie’s going to have a sister!!! I fully support an expanding Daniels-Lennart family (and the expansion of other fams of course). May we be blessed with many, many 2nd gen characters (and 2nd gen books?).
I have faith that Ascanio will self-correct with the help of others. And not to aggressively ship him with another character, but wouldn’t it be interesting if his and Sienna’s paths crossed?
Last note: as soon as we found out Saiman was still alive, a little voice in the back of my mind was screaming that he is Marten’s father. Not sure if that theory holds up—I’m going to have to pay special attention during my reread to see if it tracks.
Thank you, Ilona Andrews team! This was such a gift. Y’all talk about found families and such—please know that your characters feel like family and have been a constant and grounding source of life during this isolating time of COVID.
To clarify, I know Ascanio and Sienna have shared scenes. What I meant to say was what if their paths realllly crossed? (*moving my eyebrows up and down repeatedly for emphasis*)
When??
Whoa, Saiman being Marten’s father? Might be one of the reasons why he pretended to stay dead but who knows. Thanks for another food of thoughs to ponder!
So it’s 9:53 p.m. where I am… I’m not going to read comments below, but it’s been a long, long, long day.
Finally, the kids are in bed, ditto for the hubby; the house is quiet and I just made a dent in my newfound resolution of not eating dessert before bedtime, but y’all know what? Blood Heir deserve that delicious baked brie with nuts and honey…
On to the first page!!!!
Loove the book yesterday. And then I was sad because it was over…..but was happy also because so many things were left untold. This means more books in the series. New plots, with everyone to tell there side of story. Wow….just lts of wows.
Pre-ordered..Received..Finished. awesome book. Love the series. Only problem I can see is you can’t keep up with my reading. Lol. I’ll just go back and reread the whole series.
Then move on to Inn Keeper etc. I just wish I could read them all again for the first time. Keep up the good work.
Just did my first read through, and it was so good! The anticipation was well worth the wait. Now I have to go back and read it through more slowly to process it better and see if I missed any little hints and tidbits.
And I had a feeling about Saiman!!!!
FABULOUS! Fab. U. Lous. I can hardly wait for the next installment. How did Derek acquire such power? Omg, is Hugh D’Ambray a FATHER? How on earth is Julie/Aurelia gonna kill an unkillable god? I swear, if Ilona Andrews wrote municipal tax code I’d probably read it.
Excellent in every respect! It’s wonderful to be back in this world! Julie and Derek could not be more fascinating! And -wow- the story arc! ThankYouThankYouThankYou!!!
Squeeeeeeee Saiman.
Derek and Julie are far from done. When will we get someone for Ascanio?
Read the serials as they were published and this flows so well. Great combination of new story and familiar characters – and I feel like there’s so much more to explore. The intrepid 6 kids. The new sister. Wtf have Aurelia and Erra been getting up to?
Mint green. We have clues it’s not theophagic like Curran. Did she ever scan Christopher? The only time I remember a metallic was when the djinn was involved, so I wonder if Derek has somehow evolved into something related to a First but crossed with magical abilities? Sort of like Aurelia had a combo of bloodlines, maybe he’s encountered some elder powers?
Thank you so much for this gift! Anything can happen during a flare, but she’s bought some time and breathing space. Nevermind what Roland has up his sleeve.
In the “spoilery” portion of the zoom launch party last night Gordon seemed to indicate that Ascanio would get a HEA and he had an idea who it would be (whispers with Ilona) but my kids were screaming over it and I missed some of the interchange.
Happy Book Birthday!!!
I agree with what one of the Beta readers said. The good news is that the book is AWESOME. The bad news is that we, the beloved Book Devouring Hoard, need MORE RYDER!!
I love HL and I love Innkeeper and I love Hugh’s books, so you absolutely can’t stop any of those series, either, but we NEED more Ryder books. You know what Curran said about want and need being different when Julie was describing her wish for a different horse. This isn’t a mere desire— we need them!
I never thought I would love any POV heroine as much as I love Kate (though I will admit that Nevada, Catalina, Andrea, Dali, Dina, and Maud have my very very high opinion as well), but I love grown-up Julie just as much as Kate.
This book felt like coming home in the very best way. It was comforting and familiar, yet it was new and exciting and full of fresh things to discover about old friends. I just loved it.
THANK YOU, HOUSE ANDREWS. You rock. Hard.
P.S.
I was about to hit “post comment” and felt disloyal to all the other fabulous POV heroines in the Andrews universe. I just reread On the Edge, and I love Rose, too. I’ll just say that grow-up Julie is one of my very favorites and let it go at that so that none of the other wonderful ladies will get their feelings hurt! 🙂
Thank you thank you for the book.
I will admit the serial form (though I expect you hate it due to the book devouring horde never shuts up asking about it) brought joy in darkness in 2020.
These past weeks have been so tough, but this has already made 2021 better.
Here’s hoping for future serials & better days ahead
Just…thank you.
Peace,
Sechat
Will you be adding spaces to the second Zoom on Saturday? I did the math wrong for the time zones and I’m devastated. Thank you! I’ve read the book twice now 🙂
I did the same 🙁
What an amazing read! I love it!! Started my reread just now….please please please *me making big sad eyes* we need more books in this series! Your books have ruined me.
Commented earlier with my gushy thank you, and will refrain from gushing again (for now) however as I was in the middle of my cooking frenzy (red velvet cake, scones, curried sausages) and mulling over Blood Heir I was struck by a thought! Wouldn’t a POV from Derek be amazing? When Julie/Aurelia first rides back into Atlanta- did he know she was coming out did he just recognise her then? Or he didn’t know was it a happy shock or an “oh shit” shock? I humbly place this thought out there. (Did I say how very much I loved this book?)😁❤
Such a good idea for a snippet! I totally second this 😍
+1!
oh good thought! Maybe Derek was coming into Atlanta at the same time and saw her…. I don’t remember if it was mentionned how long he was already in the city… Mmh…
In the book he does claim arriving sometime after Pastor Haywood’s murder, possibly the day after? (BDH, what specifics do you recall about this?) & i think Julie arrives 3 days after?
I think that Derek had been in ATL long enough for Ascanio to start ‘hunting’ him.
Ascanio and gang were chasing after Derek. It just so happened that Julie’s arrival distracted them. And let Derek find out Julie was back.
The only person I think was intentionally there for Julie was Conlan.
Is it weird that I’m looking forward to reading this spoiler thread almost as much as I’m looking forward to reading the book? The weekend can’t come soon enough!
Is there something funky going on with the comments, or is it just me? All mine are gone? 🙁
Oh nevermind, I saw the moderator mentioned the “older comments” button to click. Doh
Loooved it! More please… with a cherry on top!😀❤️
Just five minutes into this book made my heart swell. While I was thrilled to see Julie interacting with all the beloved supporting characters (especially Luther), and for her to have that brief moment of catharsis at the end, Namtur stood out as the book MVP for me, just in terms of sharp dialog and entertainment value. “The things you don’t understand or realize are an ocean, and your mind is a tiny boat upon its waves.” That burn was so epic, I laughed out loud and startled my sleeping dog. Thank you authors for a much needed and appreciated escape to post-shift Atlanta!
I liked Luther’s quote “I am a wizard, Knight Davis. We are always exactly where we’re suppose to be.” Ok, Gandalf…uh I mean Luther. 😁
I <3 Luther, too. He's every educated gamer nerd I've ever played Pathfinder or D&D with, dorky T-shirts and all.
I'd classify him as a lawful neutral wizard. He "is the law." (Lmao at his little song.) He's interested in keeping people safe, sure, but he also likes to poke things or throw magic dust on them just to see what they'll do.
I wonder what Luther's buddy Mitchell (former ghoul, current ifrit hound with a new name) is doing these days. His promise of 5 years of service long since expired.
Great book! Much tighter plot than when posted online before.
As a structural engineer, I might have squealed a little when the realtor turned into one, I’ve never seen a female structural engineer in pop culture 🙂 thats the character I hope shows up again, lol!
So happy Saiman was alive! He was one of my faves. So many good peeks into old favorite characters.
So many unanswered questions! Here’s hoping for many sequels, hopefully with more relationship progress…
Seeing more women engineers IS awesome. <3
I'm pleased Saimon survived/ faked his own death, too, but a bit disappointed it was more of a "hurt pride" thing than a "sneaky otherworldly, underworld-y dealings" thing or "trying to escape my creditors" thing. He's loaded, so debt collection probably wasn't an issue for him.
I loved Blood Heir. MORE MORE MORE of Julie and Derek.
Dear Gordons,
Amazing! I absolutely loved it.
My new favourite character is the royal assassin.
Is there someone in your real life, who inspired you to create it?
And thank you for answering the question regarding baby number 2.
We should all say thank you to the nurse, who prompted the book.
It is a present for me personally, as the corona time is the worst of my life and your books just make me happy.
Thank you!
Loved it! Nice twists and turns! Thank you!
I haven’t started the book yet — I will tonight, yay! — so am avoiding spoilers, but holy smokes, it’s currently #7 on Amazon’s Top 100 Paid Best Sellers in the Kindle Store — congrats!!!!!
*happy sigh* Finished! It was worth the wait. Given that there are already 417 comments, I’m sure everyone else has already said everything I would, and many said it better. 🙂
Of interest, perhaps, my public library, which had just one copy a few minutes after midnight on the 12th, 25 hours later has ten copies and a waiting list of 90. They had only three copies earlier today. A good omen, I think, and well deserved.
I love your books and I am fascinated, intrigued, and at the same time full of thousands of incredible details. The Little gang of children, Conlan, Sofia, Mahon, Eduardo, Bea and their adventures and also Marten, Dougie, JJ and her sister, Desandra’s two teenagers, her and Nick, ¡that was such a surprise! The little flashes of Conlan. All the KD universe characters you brought back either in person or through an anecdote, like Barrabas, Christopher or Luther.
The first time Julie/Aurelia sees Derek, gold and silver, amazing!
Gastek, Numutur and Huchilopotztli priest, great, very rarely do I see the Azteca pantheon, as a Mexican, I loved that part.
Also, when Julie/Aurelia realizes that everyone knows where she lives or Marten or Derek comes in without a problem.
Numutur tells Derek The Shepard of Wolfs and I think this is something totally different from becoming a divinity, even in the end when they were arguing Derek told him he left Atlanta to find out who he really was, this is something that leaves you asking for more.
In the final battle, Moloch retreats when Derek confronts him. Derek knew who he was from the beginning, “the talk: you left and you didn’t say goodbye and left me behind vs. you never looked for me, you never fought for me.
Derek watching the future WOW.
the rhythm, the descriptions, the battles, the jokes, the arc of each character and the general arc, the way you write hooks me, and I can never stop reading a book written by you and read it again is to enjoy it again.
Thank you, Ilona and Gordon.
Thank you, from the depth of my book loving heart thank you both so much.
I read the book and then re-read parts of the book. Within the first few chapters I had already laughed and cried. The call to Kate, where the “Mom?” slipped out had me in tears. I’ve always loved Julie as a character in your books, this is definitely an adult version of the malnourished 13 year old we first met.
I love how she views Red through an adult lens now. How she thinks of Kate and Curran recognizing how their relationship changed as they all grew together. From crazy aunt to mom, from a big brother to a dad.
I loved Marten/Diera and Namtur. They’re equally my new favourite characters. I’m so curious about so much. What is the nature of Diera’s magic? How did she end up on the street? Who is her dad?
Namtur has the most epic ancient insults.
Did Christopher recognize Julie? I love that in this world people will let you be who you need to be in the moment without forcing confrontations. The tea was one that spoke to catching up, not one between a contractor and client. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did recognize her, he is a theophage after all.
I loved the scene with Luther and the exposition on Shinar being changed to Uncle Stupidhead. Nick was a surprise, he’s still insane but mellowed out in some of the right ways.
We got Asciano’s story from Nick, now we need Derek’s and Diera’s.
I love Conlan. He is the best of Kate and Curran. I love how you’ve written him and given him this funny, charming and determined personality. I like Sophia and I hope we get to know more about her in the future.
I’ll likely re-read the book again tomorrow. And then restart all your series.
Was Red mentioned?
Briefly in chapter 8, she called him a “A slimy weasel called Red who wanted steal my magic.”
Thank you, Blood Heir reminds me of how much I enjoyed Magic Bites. Especially those laugh out loud moments that sneak in out of nowhere. You guys have perfected it. Thank you again for sharing your world with us.
Reading the last interaction with Derek and Julie/Aurelia (I thought I was going crazy for a bit, but Magic Gifts had an Aurellia), I felt an echo from Magic Bleeds with the communication issues between Kate and Curran. Plus the fact that Curran/Derek wanted to keep an eye on Kate/Julie to keep her out of trouble. But not the same because… Derek was satisfied with his relationship with Julie “as a great team” and Julie wasn’t whereas both Kate and Curran had been discontent.
Also, I’d lost track of how old Julie was when the Battle for Atlanta happened, so now I have a better sense!
Excited to see what happens next – like who has Derek been eating or whose faith has he created, whether Ascanio will grow up a bit, who Marten is, a face-to-face with Kate and Curran, Julie taking out Moloch’s other eye…
Spoiler…
Question for the BDH, thoughts on Derek’s power:
A silver werewolf thrust himself between us. Power boiled out of him, hungry and ancient, so potent it took my breath away.
-I’m picturing in-world, both the Shepherd in KD 6 (thank you to the Horde Mate who first brought this up! I forgot your name though 😳) and Elara’s being who also possesses her body have a similar description, of ancient history and power. Could they be the same sort of being, and so also Derek has consumed a similar being to account for all his newness and title of Shepherd of Wolves? Rather than being a First. I also like the theory posed by another Horde mate that maybe he also made a bargain, such as was made by the Firsts long ago…
Ohhh, I like the Shepherd idea! If he had consumed/made a deal with such an ancient being, it would make sense that he now has a more or less official title ^^
After reading Blood Heir I’m convinced Cardigan by Taylor Swift was written for Julie and Derek 🥺
The book was so good. I NEED more 😭
I just listened to “Let Me Be the One” by Def Leppard. While I was listening, I though of Julie in the bath with the metal rose in the vase before Derek visits her. 😀
Okay YES. I just listened to this song and I can totally picture it 😭🥺
This satisfied my every wish except for the part where the book dared to END and I’m going to have to wait MONTHS and MONTHS to find out the next bit.
Also, for those debating about Julie and Derek’s actions eight years ago: 1) they both had a lot of baggage and growing to do, 2) both of them kept waiting for the other one to make the first move, and 3) how is it that Julie has totally forgotten how wolves handle the mating thing? Wolves appreciate subtlety in the mating dance and therefore Julie should stop looking for a replica of K&Cs mating dance.
+1
I do love the honesty in the conversations between couples are in all Ilona Andrews books. Real talk, real feelings. The scene where Derek and Julie finally discuss what went wrong is my favorite—the start of building something real between two adults.
I’m just so happy right now.
Holy crap. Ilona Andrews, you’re the only author I pre-order blind…thank you so so so much for this!!! I adore this book and getting to see Julie as an adult is just. It’s perfect. I also love how it gives us insight into some of the other characters. Siena, Christopher, Nick Feldman, Hugh—as an uncle!!!!! I just love this so much. Thank you.
I can’t stand the stories of Ascanio rescuing the kids over and over again and Sophia just throwing shade at him. Too hilarious!
… Also, clearly looks like Sophia is adopted because she’s so much older than the kids whose ages we know. Can’t wait to hear her backstory….
It reminded me of the times Kate had to rescue Ascanio from his crazy stunts when he was younger. Hmmm…I wonder who would bring that up in the Pack? I could hear someone say “I remember when you were younger, and Kate had to save you from a) dying (remember Hugh’s siege on the Order), and b) from your own stupidity.”
When you think about it, it’s kind of weird that Ascanio is rescuing them over and over again, but then he’s such a poor beta, right?
Sophia is definitely adopted! “Albinism in shapeshifters didn’t exist.” She had to be infected with Lyc-V.
No. Christopher is an Albino… Sophia has been conceived by highly illegal magic with genes both from Christopher and Barabas. But who was the surrogate mother?
Hello Norbert,
Christopher is not an Albino. Hope this helps 🙂
Also, we only have Julie’s word/authority to go by that the /only/ way for her existence is that highly illegal practice. Maybe she isn’t the most knowledgeable/reliable narrator here 😉
I agree. I also think something weird is going on there and it’ll be much more complicated than that, but for now it is the most likely possibility. 🙂 I can see her dying and them saving her with Lyc-V.
I would LOVE to play computer game based on Julia’s book! Probably some Open World RPG Adventure mixed with a bit of Assassin’s Creed and the Witcher?
Also I absolutely adore the changes since the version originally published on this blog. Characters seems to be more… them? But more adult them? I mean, I can see the old Derek in the new one now, although the new Derek reminds me Connor somehow. I still didn’t figure out why. xD
I hope it’ll be huge success, so we will be able to see another Julia’s book in “upcoming releases” list soon!
It was great as always. It was fun. No disappointment here. 🙂
Just finished for the first time. It was well worth the wait, and like any great series, leaves me hungry for more! So many cliffhangers! You guys are wonderful and terrible at the same time. I will wait as patiently as I can for the next one. Thank you both.
It was amazing – as always – and I just NEED a sequel.
I loved the book so much! I’m on leave this week and at a riverside resort with my friends, told everyone not to bother me till I was done.
*spoilers*
I love that he ate the Sphinx’s heart and saw the future that’s set on stone now, hehe. I have a feeling the future he saw involves her.
Also, there’s no one better and more qualified that Derek to lead the pack.
Can’t wait for the next book to come out so we can see how this will play out.
Thank you both for the wonderful books you gift us with!
Anxiously waited for the book. Inhaled it. Now anxiously waiting for the next one. When do we get it?!?
Julie ❤ Derek ❤ Julie & Derek together again ❤ Conlan ❤ Saiman ❤ Wonderful hijinks ❤
Soooooooo many unsolved questions that cannot be left hanging!!!
I’m probably being blind (or possibly haven’t reached that part in the book yet) but what colour is Tulip? The stable hand at the Order comments that Tulip’s a lovely colour, but I didn’t remember the colour being described. Can anyone enlighten me?
By the way, what a wonderful surprise to find Blood Heir on my Kindle. I’m in bed ill at the moment, and had completely lost track of the date, hence the total surprise. Now I have Blood Heir to cheer me up, which will no doubt do me the world of good. And then get to read it again later when my brain is operational LOL
I don’t think it says what color Tulip is but I think Tulip is related to Bucky, Hugh’s horse who is also “Unicorn” and Bucky is white/silver/luminescent? He glows at night. And he’s carnivorous, often being found after he’s escaped his enclosure at night with blood on his chin.
Damn this was good. I loved the book. What I loved even more that this smells like it will be the first of some more – no pressure, but this did lift my spirits and makes 2021 not seem like the worst thing yet.
Oh, I am so curious what Derek saw when he bit into the heart at the end… *-*
woooooww! what a book!!
thank you thank you thank you!
it was really a light in the dark!
when is the second coming???
Oh no! I knew this would happen… I already need the next one 😭
I guess that’s why we’re the BDH 😆
Thank you for going back where you weren’t quite ready to venture to give us this gift!
I enjoyed it immensely and all through the book I “saw” Julie as that beautiful woman in the blue dress.
Why did Zahar’s eyes widen when Derek paid Julie the money for the sandwich?
this is an hint to tel the reader that Zahar know exactly who julie is to derek
Yes I was wondering that too!
Also when he interupted their barh conversation, what was he offering to translate? Did he think Julie didn’t speak English?
No, he was trying to translate the emotional miscommunications & assumptions, rather than the exact words 😅
Aaaaargh it was superb! And it kills me that I will have to wait for so long for another book ( which I pray will happen).
I wonder what will hapen with Marten, what’s the deal with her parents? Could she be related to shinar bloodline, or shapeshifter we know?
What will happen to Douglas?
And how the heck did Derek get his magic?So far his religious roots theory seems to be the best.
I will be in a state of emotional book withdrawal for the next few weeks. But it was worth it!
Thank you so much for this book. Love it ❤️ like I love all your books, but it’s near the top of my all-time favorites. I have to leave a little room at the top for the sequels 😉.
Happy, so very happy 😊
Thank you team Andrew 🥰
*Andrews
I’m going to sound like Nick, there’s one thing that didn’t quite sit well with me in the book, it’s how Julie/Aurelia is like now.
Like Nick said, she sounded brainwashed. I know she loves her adopted family dearly (especially Erra) and is very proud of them, but for some unknown reason she comes off as brainwashed by Roland/Erra to me…
Aurelia now doesn’t act like Julie I have grown to know (I know that’s the point and there is indeed bits of Julie hidden deep inside Aurelia), what I’m talking about is how she’s shackled down by all the responsibility and duty. The Julie I came to know in previous books is stubborn, headstrong, insecure (so craving for a home) with sassy mouth, she might wish for more magic power but she is still a carefree girl. Now she’s shackled down with the responsibility and to act like an heir all the time. That doesn’t feel like her and together with her constant brainwashing like monologue (I like my family very much, they love me a lot, Erra is building a great kingdom etc etc), it feels like she’s trying to brainwash herself into believing she should be the heir. It feels more like a repayment of gratitude for them taking care of her. She feels so stiff.
Just like how I couldn’t imagine Derek taking the beastlord role, neither could I visualize Julie becoming an heir for Erra new kingdom. Both of them won’t feel happy in those roles and they certainly don’t look like they are happy now. (Unlike Ascaio who will thrive in happiness). Maybe it’s just me overthinking, maybe with all the clocking ticking changing Kate’s fate business, Julie of course doesn’t look happy. I’m sure the authors will persuade me in the upcoming books (finger crossed to having a continuation, you can’t leave us with a cliffhanger!)
Thank you authors for this great intro back to the world readers like! And a Julie and Derek story!!
Well… I think it is Nick, who sounds brainwashed, as he refuses to even consider that present system is not perfect and I learn a lot about that absence of critical thinking in the context of unwritten rules we were born and raise into in my Economy for environmentalists class, but that debate would probably turn into unpleasant one, so let’s just skip it. 😀
Yeah, Ascanio would be happy, which is probably why he is not good leader material. In this book I mean. He cares more about his own ambition than about the well being of his people – and one of them almost died. Good rulers are usually those, who doesn’t want to rule. They don’t have to be happy to be the best for these positions. It’s their feeling of responsibility for others that makes them perfectly fit for it, not their job aspiration. Curran wasn’t happy as a beastlord either.
I think both of them sound a little brainwashed, like, who sounds so confident all the time? When I speak my mind, even about something I completely believe in, I know that nothing is perfect and there’s room for improvement, so I’m never fully confident in any plan. But maybe that’s my own insecurities speaking?
I believe neither Julie nor Derek will go back to the Shinar or Alaska but will end up finding a happy medium where they can both be content.
Yeah, but she doesn’t claim that The New Shinar is perfect. She even said that the old one wasn’t. She just said, in very calm, factual way, that the old system doesn’t work in present world and that there is need for a new one and that they are doing their best to make one, that will ensure the people are taken care of. Then she reacted to Nick’s accusation about bowing and gold, but otherwise she didn’t comment on how far they get in their effort.
That’s why I have tendency to be on her side. 🙂 Nick criticized The New Shinar (and not very constructive – I mean bowing is basically just regular greeting in some parts of the world), but he refused the criticism of old system. She’s at least open to debate.
+1!!
I actually think it does feel like her. Previously she was constrained bc she was “only” a human m-scanner, but wanted to be stronger and more powerful like Kate. Which now she is. But unlike Kate, she relished the role of being a Herald, being important, having a specific role and being in thick of things. This is just a more grown-up version of that. Being a heir, also continues to solidifies to her that she is actually family and continues the line… So, I think once everything is over, she will go back to LA.
Satisfying on every level and the only hard part my handle on my impatience for more! Thank you for your perseverance in the face of all the difficulties you face! Without your stubborn persistence, we would be without this bright spot in our tough daily trudge!
Enjoyed all glimpses of old friends and hope for more… But like many others, I hope for more of all! why did Klaus come to look for Maud? How will Sebatian North help them find their parents? What is the sneaky rat bastard(AKA Connors disgraced non-cousin) up to? What is Victoria up to? How is Hugh doing(Put down that cow??) What is New Shinar like? Jim and Dali? they have kids now? How’d that work?…. Was Hugh’s intervention enough?…
So many bits calling for resolution 🙂
I can’t wait!!
Thank you for all your worlds and all the lovely friends you’ve given us!
I devoured this book in about 6 hours. I really, really tried to take my time and savour it…but it was too good!! I LOVED it to bits!
Julie and Derek are still who they’ve always been at their core, but now they have layers and layers of power and mystery surrounding them. Particularly Derek – I’m so intrigued as to what happened to him. Their interactions sparked off the page, and I can’t wait for more – especially after the semi-ominous ‘be careful what you wish for’ and whatever he saw in his vision…
The new characters are all fantastic, and the Big Bad is suitably big and scary. I thought I would miss Kate and Curren, but their legacy was present all throughout this book – they still felt like a major part of it.
This new chapter in the Kate Daniel’s world is all around amazing. I don’t know how you guys do it!
THANK YOU!
I loved every moment of this book and I hope it becomes a series. So many moments left me wanting more and it’s fascinating to see how the Shinar family works .Hugh is Uncle Hugh and so is Nick.Nick and Desandra ??? Nick finding out was hilarious and I don’t know where he got his conspiracy hat but his theory was intense and overkill .
I loved the Derek scenes and was giddy when I realized he knew the whole time . Namtur was a treat and I look forward to seeing the new Marten.
More Sophie and Conlan and defnitely more Derek and Julie. Ascanio better wake up quickly. His scenes with Derek also made me wonder about YuFong.
Erra in a tank top cracked me up and I want scenes between Erra and Damien.
Just more of everything.
What is Sienna keeping from Julie and what’s this about Julie ascending? Now I am worried that’s where it’s all leading to forcing the old and new characters to assemble again?
I am too! I wonder if she already hid something from Julie or if she knows she will in the future that will hurt Julie.
Hello Ilona, your novels, the blog, really all of your work has been a real source of joy in a sometimes depressing world. I think there are two reasons for that: you write really well (lit major here,) and your heroes see what’s evil
in their world and they do something about it. It inspires me! Thank you! May your knitting bring joy and peace! Dawn
+1!! And if not the actual knitting part, then may your sorting bring you equal if not more measures of joy!!
Such an amazing read! You guys are tooo good!!! I have so many questions about Derek but hope the next book will clarify it 😛 Hope you guys are getting some well deserved relaxing time 🙂
Urgent.
https://ilona-andrews.com/technomancer/
I found this. Can someone please tell me WHAT THIS IS? Is there MORE? I couldn’t find a date on it either. What am I missing?
Sorry this is completely off topic 🤭
OMG, what is this!?!?!?!? 😱
I don’t recognize the world O.O
Thanks for the link – maybe someone else if the BDH can help?
Technomancer is from a series of snippets Ilona posted of “failed” stories. These were stories that just did not make the cut to be written and some of the ideas were used in other stories.
What Linda said. Ilona posted them to blog wondering how we would react to them. Well…the BDH never fails. Everyone fell for them. 🙂
Whoops, forgot the “the” between to and blog.
So… There’s no more. Sigh.
Here is the original post from 2018 referenced by Linda
https://ilona-andrews.com/2018/the-trunk-is-open/
Thank you so much for the link. I’ll read these. Even though they are not complete.
Darn it!
Happy Book Birthday! I absolutely loved this book (not unusual since you guys are my favourite author) Obviously you are going to have to write another book since you left this one so cliffhangerey (not a real word but English is a fluid, ever evolving, language).
Do you think you could have it done by the end of February? No pressure, but it’s my birthday and a new Ilona Andrew’s book would be a marvellous present 🙂
Thank you, Thank you, loved it, so now I guess you will have to eventually write a sequel ;0) I specially liked that King of Fire and the other snipet was included at the end, it ties everything together and we dont have to go somewhere else to find. I will patiently await new books in ALL your series (NOT!) Sigh…
I just wanted to say thank you for this book. Yesterday my mom tested positive for Covid and I was able to take a break from reality with your book. Thank you
I’ve read all of your books and this is by far my favorite.
Loved it! Love it! Love it! Ready for the next chapter❤️
Thank you so much for this book. It was exactly the happy thought I needed.
Thank you so much. For this book, for its heart. For a fun launch party last night. Your work really does sustain us and I am so grateful.
Such a delight! Thank you to the Ilona Andrews team. So much to be enjoyed here. I hope it sells really well and you all are able to write more in this world.
I really loved it. Thanks for a great read!!
I loved it so much! It was great to re-enter Atlanta and I am incredibly curious to found out all the changes that have happened in the past eight years. And OMG! Saiman’s reappearance just blew me away! And I just want to smack Derek and Ascenio for being such jerks! And a baby sister for Julie and Conlan!?! She won’t be spoiled at all. 😉
I just finished. I loved this book and I read it much too fast. Please write more. I need to know what happens next and I need more of Julie. Thank you so much for writing this.
as one of the fan who can’t let it go, thank you so much for the dedication
I love the kate daniels serie, and even if it make me sad I understand that a serie has to end.
So thank you to keep the KD universe alive with Hugh (who I learn to like) and now Julie (who I love from the beginning)
I love the book and I can’t wait for the sequel
I am so happy this is out. I look forward to your books every time I see one on the horizon. I may have stayed up quite late reading this last night and am paying the price today, but it is a price I am willing to pay. Thank you for writing!
Now…when is the next Innkeeper book coming out? 😂❤️
Just posted my 5-star review on Amazon. Considering how quickly this book was written to make the January ’21 release date, I’m truly impressed that I didn’t guess the big reveal was Saiman before Derek identified his scent. (I did think the beggar was more than he appeared to be, because he made me think of another beggar-who-isn’t in a Jacqueline Carey novel, not from anything sloppy in this story.) And I really loved the extra bit about the Order’s leadership and their perspectives–it takes skill to have one snippet orient newbies to the Kate Daniels universe while simultaneously offering plenty of new material and laughs to regular fans. Hope that Blood Heir gets enough high reviews and sales that House Andrews will write more of Julie’s story. Thank you!
When Derek says “I was a pallbearer” I had the aching notion that Pastor Haywood was still alive. Learning that it was Saiman felt like another instance of the Frost Giant’s treachery.
I loved Blood Heir!!! It was so good I stayed up half the night to finish it because I couldn’t stop. I had to know what happened next. Thank you so much for writing this book and releasing it. I can only hope that Julie will get some more books because I am dying to know what will happen next!
“Okay. I hear you. Be careful what you wish for, princess.”
Oh man! At first this made me sad because it seemed he was saying fine, I will leave you alone. But then I realized he was saying that he accepts the challenge of fighting for her and courting her like she had hoped!!! (At least I hope this is where it’s going)
Also, the scene with Julie getting out of the tub naked while he stares is so much better knowing he knew it was her! I wanted to high five Julie for the boldness. 😄😄😄
An excellent book, and well worth the wait. Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for this book! I hope it’s sells like crazy so that y’all will write more of Julie and her adventures. This book was everything I was hoping for and more. Thank you so very very much.
So , first of all THANK YOU Ilona Andrews, words can’t describe how much I needed this…I work approx 12 hours give or take and always go to sleep and wake up thinking of work. It was such a breath of fresh air to read this book and think of something else even if it was for a few hours.
Now , unto the book , heads up ,spoilers follow.
I have been trying to figure out what Derek is now..so he is not a First or a God , but Great Uncle did refer to him as “Shepherd of the Wolves” so maybe he is on to something?? There is the silver poisoning healing that Derek performed so maybe this is an ability connected to this whole shepherd deal? Finaly I think one of the wolves accompanying him at some point called Derek Alpha. But isn’t Derek supposed to be the Beta of Ice Fury? So there is definately a lot going on with clan fury that what we know. Maybe Derek is no longer a part of the clan anymore and some of the members he was closest to followed him and they formed their own little clan? I will definately re-read the book to see if maybe there are other clues that I missed…
Thoughts?
Loved the book! Started re-reading it again.
I have a a few of Qs:
1) Will we get a novella of what Derek was up-to and what happened to him pre-Blood Heir? Or will this be covered in the 2nd book?
2) Does anyone know why Knight Stella Davis didn’t get sick when she poked the corpse?
3) Is Sophia adopted?
sophia is implied to be adopted yes. Because Lyc-V cures albinism, which means that albino shapeshifters are not born, they have to be infected later.
I don’t know if this comment will get read but I wanted to thank you. I’m currently suffering from c19 and pneumonia caused by it. I’m in a lot of pain from the coughing and don’t have a lot of energy. This book meant so much to me. It gave me something good and happy to look forward to while 2021 has started out really poorly for me.
Thank you so much for writing this for us. The book was absolutely amazing and I plan to reread it a whole bunch of times.
I’m so sorry you are suffering and am hoping for a speedy and complete recovery for you. Best Wishes!
So sorry you caught it. Hope you have a quick recovery!
hope you feel better soon! <3
I like the revisions. Book is better now, thanks.
I loved it, loved it, loved it! Need more Julie/Aurelia and Derek/Darren! Please, please write more of their story 😊
Thank you so much for bringing us back into the KD World
P.S. Is it weird that I tried to Google how many copies sold to figure out if its viable for more books to come?
I did the same thing, checking the state because I desperately want a second Julie book
stats (zombie fingers)
OMG, the book is so good! It’s pretty much everything I was hoping for; fun, dramatic, with the characters remaining true to their natures (I hate it when previous child/teen characters become completely different people as adults).
Things I had hoped for: 1) Saiman. Ever since I read his death scene, I thought, ‘nope, he totally planned that, he’s not noble or heroic enough to die in battle, but it sure is a perfect place to conveniently disappear’. Yay! 2) romantic bickering. I love it! 3) ‘guest’ appearances of favourite characters. It was awesome to see so many of my favs in the peripherals, I like knowing they’re still alive and kicking.
As for everyone who still doesn’t get why Derrek took the beta position; think really hard about the fact that Julie is tied to New Shinar. What’s one of the biggest possible threats to it? Ice Fury. Now, how would someone trained by Jim, Kate, and Curran diffuse that danger?
Also, could everyone please stop throwing Ascanio under the bus? We got a lot of information about what others think he’s up to, but nothing directly from the guy himself. We don’t actually know his thoughts and motivations, or even his actual goals. I really hope we get to find out, though!
I love this KS!!! All of it!!! But the one that was most illustrious: your theory about his reasons to go to ice fury! Love it!! All on board all of this!! (Maybe a little overkill on the exclamation marks 😂)
+10000
Thank you, thank you, thank you for Blood Heir! I love the world of Kate Daniels and all the mythologies contained therein. Thank you especially for the monster in Chapter 12! Living in that neck of the woods, I never thought to see our local celebrity in one of your books. When I read that one word, I cackled like a loon. There might of been a “Whee” in between the head nodding and “Yep, yep, yep”‘s. Thank you for adding your own lore as well. I feel safer now having a plan in place in case I ever encounter one! Just awesome!
It was great book but it did not have a resolution in the end, which leads me to believe that this will not end up a stand alone novella. I am firmly on Team Derek and I loved the fact that he knew it was her the whole time. Honestly, the second she opens her mouth, you hear so many echos of Kate it’s not funny. Ascanio is an idiot if he didn’t know who she was. Thank you so much, keep ‘em coming!
Loved the book! Shipping Ascanio and Stella 🙂
When will you be able to let us know if the book did well enough for more installments? Asking as someone that bought the eBook and paperback to drive up those numbers – LOL!! It was FANTASTIC!
Blood Heir is just a gift. Beginning to end I absolutely adored it and did not wanna put it down. The final scene between Julie and Derek? Oh. My. I need more. So much more. But also, I’m content. Because it was so much more than snippet of their lives and the lives of all our other favourites in the world. Pure bliss. Diving back in to start a second read 😉
Thanks again for a great book. Question:
Derek offers a medic to Julie, in the tub after the fire, and offers a good medmage to Dougie, after the hodag fight. Is he offering his own services or Doolittle or the medmage Curran used to call for Kate after they separated from the pack or someone else?
Soooo good. FANTASTIC!! Finished and immediately read it again. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You have already made 2021 a better year.
I just finished and am in a happy coma. Thank you soooo much for bringing this story to life and for bring back our beloved KD world. You two are the absolute best.
I like that happy coma, perfect description on that feeling when getting emerced in the book
About Derek… I am beginning to realise that maybe all of us are wrong about him. He didn’t make a deal with an Elder being or devour god’s. I think he was born with his unique ‘gifts’ unconnected to anything we know so far.He was so obsessed with control throughout his life that he wouldn’t allow whatever it was to manifest, never realising that loupism was never an issue. But his magic finally started breaking free, or leaking, which might have made him leave; he says to Julie ‘i left Atlanta because I had to figure out what I was’. He says ‘what’ not ‘who I was’. I am so looking forward to the next book. I bet the Author lords have a wild card up their sleeve with Derek…. Brilliant!
I like this possibility!
i just can’t. its read. ill re read it many more times and now I must wait…i hope sales were glorious so we can have more. Thank you so much.
Also, in the Epilogue, Julie has beer with Roland which he provides. I thought the trick was to never drink or eat anything in that realm otherwise Roland could escape. Has something changed? Or am I mistaken?
I think if you drink or eat that means that Roland could keep her in the realm if he wished not that he has to. It is unlikely he would do that at this moment maybe before he unleashes his plan to leave the realm. Hurting Julie would not go well for him though
1) What about Cutting Edge? If Kate and Curran are not in Atlanta but on the Coast and not dealing with the Guild what do they do in their free time? Yes, I know they are loving parents but they both need something to keep them busy. A bored Curran and Kate would quickly find something to do….the world would tremble.
2) What happened to Ascanio? He and Derek always had issues from their first meeting. I understand that but they worked together to protect and support Kate. Ascanio did well in Ketucky. There is being ambitious and then losing all sight of what matters. I feel like Kate needs to have another conversation with him like she did in her office. I mean Ascanio is smarter than this and the shady business deal must have been bad for Derek to feel he must step in. Ascanio cares about the shifter kids not just as a job I am sure. He is redeemable just not good for Julie (Team Derek)
3) It was mentioned during the minotaur/ loup buffalo that Eduardo was the herd leader? I thought he and George left the pack with Curran and Kate?
4)List of things I want to know: Sophia and how that happened. Erra and the “person or thing” she thought she lost that led her to despair. I know New Shinar sees Kate as a princess, does that mean Curran is her Consort because that would be funny, is Conlan a prince? What exactly happened with Derek meet with Jim at the Keep. What Derek saw in the vision after eating the sphinx heart.
Does Curran know that Derek is Beta of Ice Fury…now at least? Does Derek call Curran and Kate to keep up with them? Most importantly when is Derek going to actually do the wolf mate stuff like he promised/alluded to…i.e. “Becareful what you ask for Princess”?
5) The book was awesome!! I had to start rereading for the millionth time all of the Kate Daniels world including Hugh. There is no other option I must reread the entire series and reread (again) Blood Heir.
I can’t imagine a scenario where Jim would *not* tell Curran that Derek was in town.
After all, Derek doesn’t have the keep-away instructions, Julie does.
The question is whether or not he will spill the beans on Julie. They didn’t get around to the secret keeping conversation after the identity confirmation.
But Derek is pretty intuitive…
This is a great book! Thank you!
I actually had a similar thought. I do think that Derek still has a big part to play in Atlanta. I also believe that Julie and Derek will end up together in the end.
Between not dealing well with this round of COVID lockdown, politics and having a long series of migraines (and maybe reading burnout from doing nothing but reading for months on end), I had not read a book in over a month! I generally read about a book a day.
Well I picked up Blood Heir and read it in a day! So good, so good, so good! I was blown away. Thank you so much for writing this book and self publishing it to get it out to the BDH. You are both awesome. None of my other favorite authors enticed me back into reading…Thank you for giving me a book I HAD to read and getting me back to reading 🥰. Now, of course, I want more Julie and Derek!
On my re-read and it’s like a different book knowing Derek knew all along! I think Julie is missing the mating signs as 1) Derek was about to jump over the couch to attach Saimon when he asked if Julie had a type abs 2) the sandwich!
along with all the flirting and breaking inside her house… hehe
Does the mating signs include taking food? I am fuzzy about all this because it was so long since I read the books. 😊
Giving, cooking, serving and recieving? I don’t think ‘taking’ as much.
I reread it. Julie says that when a shifter takes food from someone it is because they see that person as weak. She believed he was rubbing her nose in it.
I only have one question: who was Hugh shouting at while on the phone with Julie????
(Ok, I lied. I have lots of questions. And I want sequels. And Spin-offs. And spin-off-spin-offs… )
Thank you, House Andrews!
His kid, who, according to House Andrews, was bench pressing a cow at the time.
Just finished reading blood heir. It was so good, and I’m already crazing the next bit of Julie’s story….I know that there are other books that you guys have commitments for (all of which I’m also craving). But I really really really hope that you’ll both want to revisit the continuation of blood heir.
Absolutely brilliant
Omg, that’s like a mind twisting knot of dates to me, like a maths puzzle that I can’t figure out. But I’m really interested in the answer. If you do get the answer, and it’s confirmed, would there be a way to make a pictorial timeline up for this including all of the key historical dates in the KD universe?
Very cool
I’d love to see that! I’m itching to draw the timeline with colors for each book based on Allison’s investigation.
Having said that, I have to add that unless it’s relevant to the plot I usually disregard inconsistencies. I mean, I text my sister everything I find because I can’t help myself, but I don’t really care if in Nevada’s book Dave Madero’s aegis is blond at first and a redhead ten paragraphs later. She’s never mentioned again and it doesn’t affect the plot (I’m only using this as an example because it’s fresh in my mind, I haven’t read all of KD since Iron and Magic).
Start to finish, 10 hours. Now I’m starting again and reading it more slowly and thinking, “Oh no! Now you have four different story lines where I want to see what comes next.” And realize that you can’t possibly write fast enough to satisfy me. And even if you could, the books wouldn’t be as good if you just slammed them out.
Love the book – waiting now for the next one. 😉 Thank you very much for not listening to the Julie-haters a few years ago and making us happy with this story. It’s a nice start into the new year regarding urban fantasy.
But maybe you can clear something up for me:
A part I found a bit confusing: in the end, when Derek finally “tells” Julie he’s known all along: She says: “Stop! Derek!” … and then gets all flustered as if she gave something away. But: both, she and Derek were there when Robert recounts the situation with the injured bouda to Ascanio and he does mention that “Derek Gaunt said ‘hi’ ….” and then asks D him if he would like to visit the Beast Lord as Gaunt or Argent. Which means: Julie was there when his full name was reveiled. She would have put those things together – I mean, it’s obvious. So: why does she thinks she reveals something suddenly? Is it the tone of her voice? Because it can’t be that she knows he is Derek Gaunt – even if she didn’t know him before – Robert said it.
Or do I miss something here? Is my logic somehow mistaken? Is it a stressful situation? And yes, it’s a good way for Derek to finally announce that he knows ..
Anyway: congrats on yet another very successful book and I will continue to contribute to your kindle success. 😉
This is a total guess, but I think it was partially the way she said it and used Derek instead of Darren, because if he was introduced as Darren Argent first that might be what an actual stranger would still fall back on for a name. And it was kind of an accumulation of all the little things she gave away. I think it was like the final piece of the puzzle to have her call him that in a very Julie reprimanding Derek way and not a stranger telling this guy she barely knows to back up. Again I could be wrong.
I think that while she overheard Robert call him both names, she was introduced to him in this book as Darren. Calling out his name as Derek reveals a more familiar relationship & possibly gives her identity away. Of course, we quickly find out he knew her all along because of how she rides a horse (swoon)
Remember that at this point when Derek is given the choice to go to the Beast Lord as Gaunt or Argen, Julie still belives that Derek doesnt know who she is.
It was probably the way she said it. She probably said it in the same way as before they separated.
In the book, she doesn’t actually say his name. Every time they’ve spoken to each other, they’ve be skipped the pleasantries. Even when they introduced each other, they never repeated each others name. So, at the end of the book, it’s the first time she says his name. Almost like acknowledging him for the first time. And like someone said below. Derek is more intimate if he introduced himself as Darren to her, to say hey call me this new name not the old one. Derek seems a lot more intimate because of that. Additionally, she doesn’t get flustered bc she gave “away” something, she gets flustered because he’s not backing away from her and leans closer to her.
I just wanted to say that I loved the book. I read it in a single sitting yesterday. It felt like coming home to see friends that I hadn’t seen in a while. Everyone was a little older, but it was still great to see them. I can’t wait for the next one.
When snippets were put out on the website, I seem to recall a scene where Aurelia and Darren saw Kate and Curran in a marketplace. Did I miss this in the book?
Thank you Ilona and Gordon, love your stories.
They said at one point they had to cut and rewrite some stuff after it was decided to make a book out of the free snippets. So I’m going to guess that was cut from the final book.
That was probably something they cut out to make it less fan-servic-y
I think the snippet is going to show up in the next book because the absolute isolation of Kate from Julie is a main plot point. Derek aiding Julie to defeat Moloch will require lots of sneaking around. One of my favorite part of the previews was Julie asking for a wolf and getting Derek, but I welcomed Conlan’s role as mischief-maker for the Honeycomb.
I also think that Moloch is forcing Sienna to communicate a non-existant future because once together the FAMILY (Kate and Julie and Curran and Erra and Hugh and Elara and George and Eduardo (and kids) and the packs (Ice Fury is welcome to help) and the Guild) can defeat anything!
I really liked it. I encourage all of the BDH to give it 5 star reviews on Amazon so that new readers will buy it and maybe we will get more more more. I’m looking forward to purchasing and listening to the Audible version.
I like all of your writing so I’m just going to encourage you to write what you like. I’ll buy it and read it.
Many people have posted some beautiful and thoughtful theories. I just popped in to say that I still think Derek’s magic is mint green because of moon magic!
I feel a little bit like that aliens meme guy right now but I’m going with moon magic until someone proves me wrong!
(Also, moon magic is just really fun to say.)
oh interesting ! i think it is mentionned in the book that Derek has trouble with the moon at some point ? so i think this might not be that far off…
+1!! 🤩 Moon-Magic!! Now im imagining the moon having bonded with Derek during his season of hell after his dad went loup, but maybe Derek wasn’t yet able to recognize or access his connection with the moon until he matured enough 😁, or maybe until he was sufficiently lonely after connecting so deeply with Julie that he released his deep connection with Curran & Kate, then his Julie bond was ripped so deeply apart. Enter Moon!
Holy hell! I can’t handle the slow burn! I need Julie & Derek together NOW! It was such a good book, completely part of the KD world, but new & different. My extreme wish would be to get some chapters from Derek’s POV, like we had with Curran (hint hint Gordon). That said, I don’t mean to be greedy, so thank you for this book and I’ll patiently wait for the next Hidden Legacy book and the next Hugh Dambry book and whatever else you want to throw our way. Now to go back and re-read Magic Stars.
Blood Heir was fantastic! the serial was already very good but this final version is WAY better (which i had no doubt it would be)! Iloved everything about it and i cannot wait for more !!!
SPOILER ALERT !
– i loved all the conlan and julie scenes! Yay for the lennarts siblings
– YAY for Curran and kate to have a little girl !
-I have no words for how good all the scenes with Derek and Julie were!!! there was so much tension and things unsaid and even when they talked… so much need to be unpacked between those two. All the flirting made me giggle, especially when derek asked her if she wanted to see him dress lol
“be careful what you wish for, princess” was definitely a promise !Julie told him a minute before what she wanted and Derek is so going to deliver ! (already does a bit in the book too), it is going to be so much fun !
But i wonder how Derek is going to come back… he needs to leave atlanta and Julie cannot leave… that should be interesting.
and is he sure to get himself involved in julie’s fight with Moloch.
WHAT DID HE SAW AT THE END ???!
-I’m kind of worried about what sienna said… My theory is that she saw something important, something that will impact Julie in a big way and didn’t tell her on purpore. Either something will happen to Erra and new shinar (sienna tells julie not to leave the city which i found very interesting…Sienna might not want julie to interfere with smething outside atlanta…), or something will happen to derek or something might happen to Conlan… (him investigating on Moloch might get him into trouble).
Either way i think this thing will break julie’s heart.
-didn’t expect Saiman to be alive !!! that was a shock but such on brand for him lol
– No clue what might have happened to derek… but he said he had to figure out WHAT he was… so something might have happened while he was in atlanta or it was already in him soemhow… cannot wait to know more!
i hope he doesn’t become beastlord tho.. i like that he made a place for himself with a totally different pack .
– I think we might see the evolution of Ascanio if the series continue because this is going to be interesting. and the loup manacles story OMG lol
– and last thought, could sienna’s vision change because Derek saw a true and confirmed future ? i found interesting the nuance between a true vision and sienna’s power.
oh and of course, i loved julie so much! Such a compelling new narrator to the series and character to follow ! i loved her close relationship to hugh, Erra, etc.
Namtur was fun too !
I like your wonders & theories!!
I have a theory about Derek’s power. This is a spoiler from Magic Stars, that came out years ago.
*Spoiler
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In that book he was knows as the Grey
Wolf. At the end of the book he killed a star. Maybe it took time for the Magic to manifest and transform him.
Just an idea.
Ooohhh good theory. I forgot about that 😁
Brilliant theory. I love it. I have long suspected Derek consumed elemental magic, which we know from Julie’s short story is white, but didn’t know how or when. He ripped the star’s heart with his claws. Maybe it took the flare to kick in? There was a flare about the time Derek left.
I Googled how to make mint green. “Mix equal parts of two primary colors — blue (human) and yellow (wolf) — to get green. Then add white (an element like a star)to lighten the green until it is a pale, cool minty tint.”
But how does the whole Shepherd of the Wolves fit in. Did some old power pass on the title during the Magic Breaks overseas trip?
Made me also think how he was trying to right wrongs in Atlanta and people started exercising faith in him? Silver wouldn’t make it minty but maybe contribute to it being metallic?
In Magic Stars, there was a seen where Julie kept telling him he is not all wolf, he was human too. I wonder if, unknowingly, she cast a spell? I also wonder, because Derek, according to this book, always felt different. He always did not feel like everyone else. He was trying to figure out how he fit.
Additionally, the star consumed magic. I wonder if he is consuming magic slowly and it is making him more and more powerful. A Shepard is a human. Maybe he is a Shepard because he is both human and wolf. I think many of the shifters were born into it.
It seems most people who are transformed from human go loup, and he was able to fight that off.
*le sigh*
Thankyouthankyouthankyou
Now I just have to refrain from nagging about what happens next. I can do that. Surely.
Very good Julie voice. And I liked the Night Rider reference. 🙂
“Namtur, you geriatric desert snake.”
LOL Loved that. And a potential love interest for Erra?? So excited for the next book ;D
Hi,
Thanks so much for this book that you wrote to give the first responder readers a ray of light.
I am curious about Marten! She has some special magic…
I am sad for Ghastek and his partner/gf, forget her name, who apparently still have not been able to have kids 🙁
Love having Saiman back, I lifted my book into the air when I saw him on the page
Derek is going to have to lift his game to pull Julie out of their friend zone rut. Good for Julie to step out of the bath in front of him. Have they both forsaken all others all this time? (That is a long dry spell.)
I was hoping Hugh could white knight into Atlanta to medmage the young hero boy in the hospital who had a stroke.
Wow, Conlan is mesmerizing!
I can’t remember which legends of which unicorns that were meat eaters, only the Hier could warrant such a warhorse. It cool how KD books are the amesome rollercoaster that we love.
The shadhaver? Persian. IA have used them before in the djinn book
I had to stop myself from screeching like a banshee when Derek revealed he knew she was Julie all along lol
Brilliant as always! I hope being #7 on Kindle means enough people loved it to get at least one more book! (Or at least some online snippets or chapters of how everything turns out!)
I need to know what happens! Hands down my favorite authors, can’t wait for Ruby Fever!
Sofia: has it been addressed here or elsewhere by the authorlords what illegal biological shenanigans Barnabas and Christopher DID to ‘get’ her?
I think it’s not part of the canon(?) yet.
Did anyone notice Derek being called Alpha and why is that since he has been said to be Beta of Ice Fury? Thank you House Andrews for this new book. I work in mental health and have been there in person daily and it hasn’t been easy seeing how hard Covid has been. Distractions like Blood Heir help.
I wonder if the duality consists of say, if Curran had let everyone know ahead of time that he was choosing Jim as his replacement, Jim would both be Clan Cat Alpha but also The Pack Beta? Maybe because in Ice Fury the Alpha doesn’t want to really deal with the day-to-day, he’s more willing to say “Beta speaks for me, so bring all your day-to-day bs to him, & I’ll deal with the executions and challengers directly” but otherwise Derek is the Alpha of his smaller squad… ?
well House Andrews, now you’ve done it. The BDH, myself included, need another book in this series (calls it a series optimistically ). This was fantastic.
Blood Heir was wonderful. I am so looking forward to the next book with Julie. But to be honest, I look forward to anything and everything House Andrews writes. I especially love the humor.. for example.. hiding in the bathroom from Curran isn’t hiding it is evasive maneuvers.. ripper cushions rather than repercussions.. and Knight Ryder.. where is Kit? my age is showing!!!
Just wonderful and I hope you are having a wonderful week basking in the praise for Blood Heir. It is well deserved!
And the description of the kid’s “adventures” had me LOL.
So, my beloved husband turned 53 yesterday and as we we were getting ready for bed, I had an ‘OMG’ moment. ” My new book came out and I forget til now!
Anyhow, I just finished reading it and love it! I read the chapters as you were posting them here and “Blood Heir” is excellent. I look forward to reading more from your creative world.
Thank you so much!!! The book was amazing, Aurelia/Julie was amazing and Derek was aaahhhh, I want to know more about him, he’s even more interesting, the great uncle was one of the best characters (and surprises) for me hahaha, made me laugh so much, and I felt bad for Ascanio in the end, hope he gets his redemption arc. But for now thank you both so much, this book (and the idea of it) was what kept me going during last year, helped me get through a lot of hard stuff…
So once again thanks for this 🙂
I INHALED this book!! I tried so hard to slow down and savor it and yet I was awake until 2AM, barely able to keep my eyes open. It was so hard to put down! Was even reading between breaks while working from home (which is MUCH needed because teaching my Kindergartners through Zoom is so draining).
I loved all the subtle hints. Sprinkles of seemingly odd or irrelevant details that you realize at the end have meaning. My favorite thing about reading cleverly written books!
The plot was interesting and fresh! I love that there’s no shortage of bad guys that need ass-kicking, even after Kate’s books have concluded. From the sound of it, though, we will be seeing Moloch again. If there are more books, I can’t wait to see the rematch! Although my heart hurts knowing Julie still can’t go home. Every time she reminisced and thought about her family, it really made me sympathize with her.
Speaking of Julie… She’s grown so much! She’s always been capable and now she has so many new tricks up her sleeve. Clever, smart-mouthed, and powerful — my favorite characteristics in a heroine! And although I love this new Princess of Shinar version of her, I especially loved the hints of “old Julie” that came through. Her struggling with her identity felt very authentic to me! And I definitely think it’s something that will be explored further if there are more books.
I loved seeing all the old favorites again. And the new additions! Very curious about Sophia’s background… And the rest of the kids of course! Definitely want to see more of them!! So glad that Dougie survived and that Julie met Marten. The similarities between Julie/Marten and Kate/Julie were so interesting! It felt like Julie was “getting a taste of her own medicine” so to speak lol. I have to admit that while I’m curious about Marten’s father, I’m also a little hesitant about her bond with Namtur. For some reason, Namtur making himself Marten’s master left an odd feeling in my stomach. I’m sure more will happen with that if there are future books!
And of course, I have to talk about Julie/Derek!!! Every interaction between them was so satisfying. I had a feeling he knew who she was and when he confirmed it I literally put the book down and screamed under my breath. SO GOOD. Every minute detail was *chef’s kiss* excellent. The way she rides her horse? Why is that so sexy/romantic?? All the goading and teasing and tension lead to the perfect confrontation. It was a much-needed conversation! I’m confident this isn’t the last time they’ll see each other. If there are more books (and I sincerely hope there will be), I can’t wait to get some more Julie/Derek action!
“We were a good team!”
“I wanted to be a couple!”
*dead*
PERFECT!!!
Also, whatever vision Derek saw definitely pertained to Julie. Hope one day to know what it was!
Definitely rereading tonight!!!
+1 to all of this!! PreK teacher here salutes you in solidarity K teacher!!
+1!!! Love all my early ed teachers!!!!
Upon partially rereading, I’ve started thinking about other things. At first I thought Derek’s “be careful what you wish for” was his way of backing off. Now that I read more carefully, I’m realizing it’s just the opposite — he’s fully preparing for the ridiculous werewolf mating shenanigans and I CAN’T WAIT. I wonder if Julie will be as clueless as Kate was at first lol
And that got me thinking about their romantic lives. What are the chances Julie and Derek have been with other people during their 8 year separation? I’m deeply curious as to whether or not that will have any impact on their relationship.
I wish cloning was real. If it was, the 2nd pair could have been working on the sequel and I could read book 2 next month. As you can see, I am reasonable and would allow a month between publications.
There are so many aspects I love about this. Julie, details on what happened after the last Kate book, Saiman. Also have to wonder about Marten’s background; she has to have magic, but what type. And of course Derek, who knew who she was from the beginning. Loved it and will read again. Please, please share this book with all, so we get book 2.
For those interested in Dire Wolves:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/dire-wolves-arent-wolves-at-all-they-form-a-distinct-lineage-with-jackals/
Very cool!!
MWAHAHAHA.
Called it with a certain jotun. I knew when 1) we didn’t see him die and 2) he asked to be buried in unicorn lane, that wasn’t the last of Saiman.
I kept waiting for him to show this book.
Please take my money for the next 7 books in this series! XD
Me again… I was wondering if the changes in the Pack eventually results in Derek taking over as Beast Lord?
Happy Book day to you all! I devoured this book as well last night when I saw the purchase email.
I had forgotten that eating the heart gave you a glimpse of the future. Nice. I also laughed at Hugh dealing with his kid during the phone convo.
Can’t wait for more Julie/Aurelia books!
Hi. So I finished this book at 12 am last night and wasn’t able to sleep till 3 because the book was so good and I couldn’t stop thinking about all of it. Especially that bloody Julie Derek ending scene. It made my day, my week, my month. It compensated for the horrible horrible last year. I don’t think I have read a book I enjoyed this much in so long. And now I don’t know what to do.
While I am sure I will be able to move on (for a while at least) I, on my knees, beg you with utmost sincerity – Please don’t give up on the series. This is gold. It’s everything that I wanted. And so much more. You guys have done an amazing job.
And I think when I say this, I say this on the behalf of the enitre fandom that the potential of this book to be turned into a banger series is phenomenal. So please, give us more. Take your time. I know you are very busy but please give us something somewhere in the future.
Also, thank you so much. I have been going through a very rough time and this book really, really cheered me up. :))))
Oh, I second and third and fourth you!!
Is Saiman, Marten’s dad? I can’t stop thinking this!
I loved how Derek told her not to, when Julie threw the wall up. He so knew who she was, it was just like Kate and Curran. They truly are the product of the ones who raised them!
I didn’t get to be on the zooms and it sounds like they were great. Did anyone get any good tip pits from Gordon before Ilona made him stop talk? 😀
I love your writing..be it in blog, (boxed )stories, snippets, daily life anecdotes, or your novel.. I simply love them all!
I loved everything except that it ended soo soon.. so many questions.. how did Derek ,Conlan,Marten enter in the house.. but also how Derek was able to breach her inner sanctum 😉
I just want Kate and Julie to reunite.. so long overdue!
Tyvm to the both of you👍🤗💐👍
p.s if it’s possible can you just reopen your box.. I’m in withdrawal 😒
Soooooo good! I laughed aloud a lot! Thank you so much. I have a total book hangover and am REALLY hoping we get a lot more of Julie and Derrick!
“I could tell it was you by the way you rode your horse”, eh?
Move over, John Wayne. Someone’s got them brand new Mr. Smooth’s one-liners.
*spits out chewed tobacco*
I just finished Blood Heir.
It was definitely fun to read. 😄. Thank you so much for doing it. Now, I just have to work on not going mad from impatience waiting to see how long it will take Derek to realize he’s an idiot. LOL
Blood Heir was great!! I definitely want to see more books in this series.
As sad as I was that you guys didn’t finish the book as an online novel because I wanted it then, I really must say that Blood Heir is a far superior work to what was online. The core of the story is still there, but details have been tightened and streamlined… whatever words describe this. This is just better. I know Ryder would have seen editing too but I’m glad Blood Heir is the result of everything that happened.
Thanks for publishing and I very much look forwards to Blood Line and Blood Empress :p EDIT: YES, THIS IS BOB JOKING AS BOBS ARE WANT TO DO ;)- MOD R
Wait. The names are decided? You’re kidding right?
Please always refer to the Release Schedule for official news on plans and titles. These are not confirmed works or names. Hope this helps 🙂
Lol. Ok, I need to chill. (Tries to breathe slowly)
As always many, many thanks for superlative writing. So glad I finished novel before reading the comments here otherwise I’d be scrambling to get to the end.
I finished reading the book 😭😭😭
I did not want to finish reading the book 😭😭😭
All that aside, I really loved the book. For me, the best part was Luther saying Julie thinks like Kate, ranking a close third behind Derek seeing the future, which is waaaaaay behind Derek knowing all along that it was Julie.
I lost the internal battle to wait for a print edition, but am oddly happy that I didn’t buy the print version……that way I didn’t realise till I finished the book that I had actually finished it…..
Oh yes…..and Saiman is alive!!
Loved it.
Le sigh. So nice to see everyone again.
Who else went on YouTube to search horse gaits? 😆
I’m not familiar with horses and got curious enough when Aurelia/Julie bragged about Tulip’s gait.
Henlo, may I please have a second serving of kiddo Conlan and all his snark. It was extremely entertaining 😀
I also really enjoyed all the Erra/Hugh/Roland interactions. It’s a special kind of flavour I appreciate that Julie would be better-positioned to experience than Kate, so seeing a lot of that was really cool.
ALSO, SAIMAN IS ALIVE!!! WAT??!! I grinned from ear to ear. This is going to be entertaining.
Also, massive congratulations for writing this through COVID 19, which wouldn’t have been easy. I’m looking forward to the Derek-Ascanio man-off, though I’m putting money on Derek…
O. M. G. Derek is EVERYTHING. Julie is EVERYTHING. I cannot even. My ability to even has been severely compromised. I don’t care how long it takes, but please. Please write the next one. <3 <3 <3
An excellent story! Lovely to revisit old friends and reading the comments makes me smile at all the thoughts and suppositions.
Try not to burn out as the list of follow up books requested should keep you busy until your future grandchildren are adults. 🙂
I love how almost everyone in Julie’s old life figured who she was! And Derek ate the Sphinx’s heart. I need to know what he saw in that vision!!!
I’m interested to read more about Sophia’s origins. What did Christopher/Barabas do that was so forbidden to result in an albino shapeshifter? Also, she’s what? Three years older than Conlan? Wasn’t Christopher still raving mad at the time she was supposed to be born? Also she’s been absent from all the KD novels when she was a toddler…
Most likely they adopted her. That’s all 🙂
I’d bet she’s another derek-type case, some loup bit her when she was very young, and her albinism survived her initial shift
Maybe she was bitten, but because the Pack had Christopher & his Panacea, she wasn’t lost to loupism?
The whole thing with Julie not being able to go home… Other than being a plot point, was it a covid thing? Did it just happen or was it on purpose? Because it felt achingly relevant right now… I started having that odd sensation right below my sternum that you get when you miss something very much.
Hugging myself and the world at large, and you, specifically for and with this aching wonder…
😊 hug you right back!
About Derek: (apologies if someone else has proposed this already – I don’t have the attention span to check all the comments 🙂
When Derek’s father went loup, he was just a kid. The only way for him to defeat his father was to make a deal with …someone… for the strength to do so. I think he swore service to some sort of divine power. In Magic Stars, the letavitsa says “you belong to someone else” – at first I thought that meant Julie but now I think it’s his goddess (because he has to be willing to die for a woman to resist the power). Derek left Atlanta to find out what he was – I think he became a sort of warrior monk for whoever he swore to and this gives him divine powers that manifest as part of his shapeshifter abilities which is why his colour is mint green. Well, it’s a theory anyway.
So long as he wasn’t sworn to celibacy lifelong, I’m on board with this possibility!!
Loved it. Want more!
Ends with a cliff hanger -ish. So I’m hoping it will be announced officially that this will be a series. I love the Kate Daniels universe and feel this spin off is very intriguing
Outstanding!!!
Thank you for the book and especially the dedication!
We are a spoiled bunch but it’s your own fault for being such amazing authors. 😄
So many threads and unknowns… can’t wait to see what you do with it all!
Can anyone tell me what are metal bulls? (“…who took his sustenance from infants burned alive in the fires of his forges and metal bulls.”)
This book was soooooo good! Thank you House Andrews for an amazing installment in the Kate Daniels World. I really hope you keep writing Aurelia Ryder books. Julie and Derek are the cutest, and I have been on this ship for so long. I loved it all, especially every single interaction between Derek and Julie. I am giddy as I write this.
I’m so happy with Blood Heir. I’m trying to read it slowly to savor every moment. I hope you’ll write more about Julie.
Got it, read it, loved it, reading it again.
Thank you House Andrews! I hope you’re inspired to bring Aurelia Ryder back again.
Thank you! I really enjoyed the story. I hope it was fun enough to write and sells well enough that you write more. 🙂
Love the story about Julie. Please write a sequel. I love your story telling. You are a wonderful writer.
Thank you for a delightful read! It was really great to see Julie all grown up, wonderful to see Julie and Derek together again and Stella and Marten are great character additions to the story. I was also happy to see Luther, he always cracks me up.
Absolutely loved it. Please continue to write!
Just dropping by to tell you how much I enjoyed the book! Kate Daniels series helped me through the first lockdown (I re-read it all, first book to last, including short stories and free stuff online, plus Hugh book as well). I deliberately stayed away from Ryder online after the first chapter, because I wanted to read it whole. And I did, could not put the book down until 3 AM, no regrets. I loved it and I’m looking forward to your next book!
That said, can I ask a question?
May be it is because before Blood Heir I re-read a Tais Afinskaya by Ivan Efremov, but I felt a hint of Efremov’s aesthetic ideas in one place in Blood Heir: “many features that we considered beautiful were simply signs of health and beneficial adaptations”. Did you liked Tais book in your youth too?
Mint green= green + white? I remember in Magic Stars that white was something like nature-based magic. My guess is Derek’s leveling up is not divine.
Love the slow burn. Magic Stars convinced me Derek knew he belonged to her, but she was just too young to dwell on it. I can’t believe these two otherwise unusually competent bada***es spent years passive-aggressively waiting for the other to reach out first. I’m mad at both of them for not using their words, but I guess emotional vulnerability isn’t their style, lol. For all that, I’m impressed she admitted she loved him for five years. That’s the bravery I’m looking for.
I love the trademark House Andrews plot of intrigue, adventure, and colorful characters. And I honestly LOVE LOVE LOVE Dougie. He was selfless and brave for a little boy with a horrible childhood, even trying to protect an adult at his own safety. I’m so invested in him and he was barely in the book.
Thanks House Andrews!
huh… when you put it like that, it does seem out of character yes
I LOVED THE BOOK, as expected, since i love all of your books, Blood Heir was so much fun, plot made sense, great banter and epic fights and also:
-The children’s shenanigans, will Bea be as good with guns as Andrea i wonder
-Karma for spoiled brat Ascanio (also Andrea and Raphael setting Ascanio’s sights upon the Beast Lord throne to thwart him from setting his sights upon their own seats made me LOL)
-Wondering who Marten’s father is because clearly, Magic™
-Stella never getting sick, which signals magical heritage? i think?
-Namtur is VERY fun
-Derek’s magic signature color and healing magic making people here go HMMM, the theories written here are fun
-Sienna’s confusing apology??? im so curious what she was alluding to
-YESSSSS to expanding the Daniels-Lennart family
Last but not least i wish we could get more Barabas/Christopher and Roman related stuff since they’re my favourite men in the series (sorry to Curran and Derek) but that’s unrelated…
Loved the book (not so much going into work with zero sleep). I can’t wait to read more! One thing has been super bugging me though….I thought Kate left Ascanio in a good place. He was funny and seemed to really start to care and become a good person. Then this book he’s a power hungry jerk who tries to buy everyone off! I used to cheer for him now I hope he never becomes the beast lord! On a different note what was the illegal means which Barabas had a child? They hadn’t mentioned invitro being illegal in any of the other books or gene splicing so I’m left wondering what it was?
But man this series (i hope) is off to a great start!
That kinda hit me as odd too. It’s clear Marten is special, so perhaps her escape couldn’t have prevented with another bodyguard.
But it’s weird that a client offered $20,000 grand/week for protection, and Barabas said, “here’s my 14 year old daughter, she can handle it.” Then daughter lost Marten twice, and it became clear that the only reasons Sophia has avoided grievous injury herself is because she’s a shifter and Asciano keeps saving her against her will. Marten “appears” like she lacks a shifter’s invulnerability and Sophia’s past is hilarious precisely because her judgment is terrible. What was Barabas thinking?!? What kind of business is he running?
I’m going to chalk this up to the quirky funny anecdote allowed in a writer’s world and try not to think out about having to replace Barabas if he worked for me.
Anyone else imagining Conlan & the Gang’s adventures as a web comic in the style of Muppet Babies? No? Just me?
LOL. More adventures of the “special challenge” type would be most welcome. I can see the illustrations of taking down the minotaur now. Maybe they could start being restricted to the 500 acre woods with wards to alert their parents when extreme situations arise. Christopher flying to the rescue, Eduardo charging thru thickets of thorns, the Book Club crushing the bad guys. Marten would fit right in. Dougie’s powers would be discovered – protectiveness is powerful. Oh boy. We NEED some graphic novels!!!!
This book made me so happy. Thank you.
The world is familiar, but I feel the way I did after I read the first KD. SO MANY QUESTIONS.
Unfortunately this time I can’t just put all 10 books on hold at the library then read them all in rapid succession 😄
Thank you for another wonderful adventure, House Andrews.
I loved it. I loved it so much. I’m sick and the lumber-jack folks (I don’t know what you call those people. Tree taker downers?) showed up to take down two trees. It was loud. I was got so involved in the story, I was able to block it out. Thank-you. I’m re-reading today.
I already left a comment. I guess this is a p.s. I want Julie’s house. The real one.
Wonderful book and sooo happy we have a Julie book. It is an fantastic addition to the KD world. I’ll always be grateful for you work. I re-read every series you have. Thank y’all!
I’ve waited ever so patiently for This book to come out. Kudos for weathering the COVID mess to deliver the happiness! And it was. But consumed far too quickly I’m afraid! I’ve been on a KD world bender for sooo long… Thank you, thank you – you never fail to deliver thoughtful, exciting and definitely riveting material for me to effortlessly sink into! I don’t know the plans for the AR series but you’ve certainly started in an epic way! Not to rush you…. but “please sir, I want some more.” 😊 while I wait I will re-listen(3rd time) to the series from the beginning! It never grows old!
Hope to see more of Hugh and Elara’s story too… AFTER Julie’s!
I skimmed the comments so I apologize if anyone has previously made the same observation and I missed it. But at the end of the book Derek reveals that he has a fourth form. There’s the human form, the wolf form, the warrior form, and at the end of the book he turns into a jackass.
I write this as a man who has recently celebrated his forty-sixth anniversary, and who has loved his wife for even longer than that.
I have never typed this before… But I LOL’d.
Thank you, I needed the laugh.
I snorted. You really had my mind whirling like, a fourth form?? How did I miss this??
And I totally agree!! I wanted that last conversation to go… differently. But on the bright side, it just leaves heaps of potential for future books!
Agreed! Derek wanted things to stay just the same, what a putz!
“Putz”; I used this word once, and a kind Jewish woman let me know it basically Yiddish for ” dirty penis.” I suppose dirty could be a synonym for diseased?
Ha! Really Putz is just like calling someone a dick. Implying that that is what that person is lead by…not brains.
I was excited– yes, he was kind of an ass, but look what he said at the end — “I hear you. Be careful what you wish for, Princess.” How could that mean anything but, “you wanted a werewolf courtship? Well, you’ll GET a werewolf courtship.” And I for one am excited. I think I’ll be permanently bouncing in my seat till the next book comes out in however many years (at least, I hope it does.) I’ve wanted Derek and Julie to get their HEA since Julie was old enough for me to think about it.
☝🏻 Same! I’m also v interested to know what Derek saw when he bit the heart. Because methinks it has to do with him and Julie.
Also, I’m wondering about the timing of it, b/c Sienna said she saw the vision of Kate’s daughter just after midnight—so I wonder if that was around the time Derek bit into the heart, seeing a true future that couldn’t be changed, thereby solidifying a future with a baby sister in it for Julie.
So like, the Universe is saying that to save the world and for there to be babies, Derek and Julie have to be together. (If this is the only J&D book I get, I’m rolling with this theory 😂)
Me toooooo! Loved the book as I knew I would. The author lords never fail to deliver :-> Of course I devoured it and definitely want more. Meantime I know we also have Ruby Fever and Iron Covenant 2 to look forward to in the near future. Then there’s Innkeeper and Ryder to come so it’s ALL GOOD.
You made me chortle with this comment, as you are so right. I wanted to hit him on the back of the head with a rolled up newspaper.
Ha! You got me going there for a second being like, “when was this fourth form discussed?!”
Honestly, I don’t think he was being a jackass! I think he has been hurting and in love with Julie for almost a decade, and really, both of them are being a bit dense about their connection. Derek knew he couldn’t have an actual relationship with Julie because of their ages at the time, so the only thing he could do was settle for them being “a good team”. Julie was right, too. She had to go.
I really feel for both of them. They’re both right, and they both needed answers. Hopefully in the next book (🙏🏻🤞🏻) we get to see Derek make good on his “threats” 😆
+1
+1
I thought, if I get my wish and the two come together there wont be another book about them. Since they didn’t things are looking promising for at least one followup book.
Big props to the gentleman married for a long time. It doesn’t get better than that.
Thank you.
I agree here. Derek says something to the effect of Julie not even giving it a chance. But she makes a good point about not seeing a way out of her being “a kid”. They both needed to grow.
I’m reminded of this poorly paraphrase idea.
If you love someone set them free. If they come back to you they were yours. If they don’t it was never meant to be.
The journey of their coming back to one another is going to be so much fun to read.
Aha, I disagree ! I think Derek’s behaviour is legitimate given the situation. And so is Julie’s !
So to me, responsibility for this mess is split evenly between the two. No one is fully blameless, and they’ve both been hurt a lot by the situation.
That’s why we love those characters so much, they ring true and human. Can’t wait for them to get together, the tension between them drives me nuts.
You made me snort. Brilliant comment.
🤣
That was funny! I also laughed out loud. Thank you!