ILONA ANDREWS

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Wednesday Updates and Skipping Inheritance on Friday

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Australian Availability

First, we are very sorry This Kingdom is still not currently available in Australia. This is happening because of the particular way the Australian book distribution works. A lot of Australian booksellers don’t use automated metadata feeds, which probably means nothing to anyone who is not in the publishing industry.

The important bit is that books distributed to Australia by Australian publishers usually pop up for pre-order 3-4 months before the release date. This Kingdom will follow this same pattern: you should see if for preorder around December 2025.

We apologize for this inconvenience. It is better in the long run, because the availability of the book in Australia will be much wider. Instead of shipping individual orders from US, the local bookstores will stock it, which hopefully will mean less frustration for everyone. We want to keep the local bookstores in business, whether they are in US or Australia.

Cover Thoughts and Questions

We are so glad so many of you are excited about Maggie. Some of you emailed us with questions, most of which we can’t answer due to spoilers. Here is what we can say:

The three circles on the cover stand for 3 moons of Rellas, and the bird is a magical creature. It’s not really a bird in the narrative, it’s a cross between a mammal and a feathered dinosaur, but that’s how the artist imagined it. The creature itself isn’t a major part of the book, so it’s more about what it symbolizes. Hopefully it will make sense once you read the book.

We both really love the cover, because it is at once very different from everything that’s out there now and oddly nostalgic. It looks like the kind of book you found in the library, took home on a whim, and discovered a different world between the covers.

To continue that point, just to clarify one more time: This Kingdom is an epic fantasy with a romantic subplot.

It’s not a grimdark where things are hopeless and everyone dies. It’s not a romance where we meet the hero on page 2, and he immediately goes after the heroine, and we have lots of spicy times with an occasional sword fight thrown in. It’s not a heroic fantasy like Kate Daniels where the protagonist is a genius swordswoman and often solves her problems by kicking people in the face while firing off hilarious oneliners.

It’s an epic fantasy with a romance woven through it. There is a lot of worldbuilding, intrigue, violence, a large cast, and several dangerous love interests. It deals in archetypes. We have a found family, a cute pet that doesn’t die, but we also see people murdered in gruesome ways. It’s the kind of book George would enjoy reading if he decided to abandon his obsession with managing the Galaxy for a couple of evenings.

Maggie is just an ordinary person. She isn’t a virtuoso fighter or an all-powerful mage. She doesn’t know how to kick people in the face. She does occasionally solve her problems with violence, but only as a last resort. She is a fan who ended up in her favorite book, so she is weaponizing her book knowledge.

It is still our voice and our style, but in an epic fantasy form. We will have excerpts and samples for you closer to release to hopefully help you decide if this is the kind of story you might be interested in reading.

Inheritance, etc

While This Kingdom is our current traditionally published project and takes precedence, we have other things we are working on.

Mod R sent us a list of many questions regarding the Inheritance.

Schedule?

Inheritance should come out this summer, then we are working on Maggie 2, then on a self-published project, then Maggie 3.

Sequel to Inheritance?

The inheritance will have a sequel. Mostly because the sequel was requested numerous times. The story grew unexpectedly, and it looks like Ada will need more time to flex her new powers and come to terms with Elias existing. So let’s say one more.

Crossover?

By now most of you have caught on to the Innkeeper elements, but this will not be a full crossover. Ada and Dina are unlikely to meet, which isn’t to say that Dina will never spot a human woman with a very large German Shepherd shopping at Baha-char in some distant future.

Signed copies of Inheritance anywhere? Do you want release events with anyone?

As of now, we are not planning a zoom or signed copies or any kind of release publicity, because we are behind on Maggie #2.

Shop opening for release?

Probably not. We have a lot on our plate. People have been asking for I Am Chalant items, so if we do something, the selection will be extremely limited. But right now the store is unlikely.

Let’s see what else is in this admin list, reminder for Candice, reminder for audio, copyedit arrangements, sign the contracts… Okay I think we mostly covered things.

Now the bad news: we will be skipping the Friday installment this week.

Guys, I’m exhausted. Like I’m so, so tired. We crash wrote the Inheritance very quickly, and we had to do copyedits and proofread on This Kingdom at the same time and juggle the artist and audio contracts. Real life also has been a little dense lately. I feel like Ada: A million moments and all of them taken.

The edit for the Inheritance is substantial. The story won’t significantly change but there is a lot of clean-up. As always we will be streamlining and addressing inconsistencies that creep up in the first draft. And since we were tired, we underwrote the finale, and predictably, to no surprise at all, the editor pointed that out.

I’m sorry, I have got to touch grass for a couple of days before we dive back into the edit. We don’t want to give you a scene that might be completely recut in the final draft. So we will see you Monday.

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Comments

  1. Take your time. I can’t believe how many excellent words the two of you produce – a complete novel written between massive edits for a major release – amazing!

  2. Am I the first? That isn’t possible. There must be something wrong with my computer….

      • Never mind I can always order ex USA. More expensive probably but worth it. I prefer US editions, usually better quality and can mostly get them through Amazon AU.

  3. I hope you can find time to rest & relax. We love you & aren’t going anywhere ♥️♥️♥️

  5. Brilliant, wonderful, thank you, and so glad you are resting! I’m thrilled to be able to purchase Inheritance soon and in awe of all the work you do & juggling multiple stories at once. Hope that grass heals your soul & that you get a really nice breeze to top it off. <3 Much love to the BDH and House Andrews!

  6. Take a break because we all need a few days off after the news about the flooding around Kerrville.

        • While I love the released snippets, as do the rest of the horde, please (please, pretty please) don’t kill yourselves for us. We Are Chalant. We love and adore HA and wish the best for you in All Things!

      • I live in San Antonio and I stopped watching the news reports and read the updates now.

      • This is exactly how I feel. I just can’t look at the news reports or any pictures at this point. I pray for peace and healing for all.

  8. Don’tfeel bad about taking a break, you are and always will be the best! On a side note, my knowledge of Texas geography is sketchy, were you affected by the horrible rain? The reports are truly heartbreaking.

    • We were not directly affected, thank you for asking. We were 80 miles east of the Kerrville floods and about 90 minutes south of the Williamson and Travis counties. We just got a massive amount of rain.

  9. Thanks for the update post, here are your priorities
    1, Look after your health
    2. Take time to write to your usual high standard
    …
    10. Do stuff for the BDH

    Sincerest regards to HousecAndrews & Mod.R.

  10. I’m sure everything going on in Texas doesn’t help your tired. Take a break.

    • Touch all the grass, play silly/sweet video games, drink tea, and take alll the naps. We appreciate you and want you to take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maybe even buy some new yarn just because it was pretty lol. We love and appreciate you guys ❤️

  13. congrats Amy on first!!! also we love that you are taking time for grounding. anything you write we will absorb and if it is later than we want well too bad for us. happy wednesday and see you all Monday!!!

  14. Take a break. Touch grass. Breathe.
    Drink tea (or adult beverages) and eat chocolate.
    Sleep.
    We will still be here.

    Sharing – we recently moved. We last moved 16 years ago. It a surprisingly harder as we get older. lol. But, I’m more aware of the importance of breaks. The boxes, the yard, the work is always waiting. When all your moments are booked, you have to reschedule some breathing time for yourself.

  16. First and most important: REST! Take care of yourselves. This is totally selfish on my part. You can’t be at your usual creative excellence when you are exhausted and the BDH has grown accustomed to your excellence.

    Well, okay, MAYBE we also really love House Andrews and feel that you deserve a life in addition to cranking out endless delicious fiction to feed the Horde.

    Second, and I understand if you don’t want to say, but will the self-published book be Hugh 2? Pretty please?

    I love The Inheritance, too, so I’m not sad about the switch up, but I was really loving the Hugh and Elara story! I’ll bet we would all be content with it not being fed to us in serial form first if that makes it easier to write. I know we are used to regular feedings, but most of us know that we are not OWED that. 🙂

    Third, THANK YOU for planning a sequel to The Inheritance! I also love the idea of someone from one of the Inns seeing a lady with a huge German Shepherd in Baha Char. This image made me smile, which was hard because my Indiana Fever just got clobbered by more than 20 points and I really needed a spark of joy.

    Speaking of joy, I am going to finish my current re-listen to the Hidden Legacy books (I am in Catilina’s second book) while I build in Sims 3 for the rest of the day. This is my happy place and I need to go there. I already told my husband that I would need a petting supper and that we are Door Dashing it. 🙂

    See, I understand about self-care, too!

    Love to House Andrews and a very good rest! Thank you for all you do!

    • I don’t think the plans are yet made for what will specifically come next on the self-published roster, let’s touch base on this after Inheritance is off into the world! 🙂💪🏻

      • Thank you to House Andrews for all the stories you provide.

        Thank you to Mod R for keeping the BDH informed and in check :o)

        Been meaning to ask for a while so apologies if this is the ‘wrong’ time to ask

        In my head we have in our futures (hopefully)
        Hugh 2
        Wilmington 3
        Julie 2
        Maud 2 (hinted)
        Innkeeper finale
        Maggie 2 and 3 (Priorities as House Andrews under contract)

        So to my question: I wanted to know if you map out peoples extended story when you summarise them in another book/novella. I’m thinking of Derek in Blood Heir and how much of his back story is mapped in your heads or if you just have ideas but still need to put meat on the bones which will develop as you write. The main reason to ask is I find Adira’s back story from Sweep with Me very interesting and wanted to know if you had thought of turning that into its own story/world?

        I haven’t started Inheritance as I’ve been struggling physically reading so been listening to mainly audiobooks and as shown by my question re-listening to nearly all of HA work!

        • Will forward the question to House Andrews 🙂.
          The drifàn world has certainly inspired much devotion and questions, but I do not know of any immediate plans to create a spin-off 🙂

    • Hugh 2 is definitely a major contender because we have so much of it written. 🙂

      • That sounds awesome!

        Go touch grass – the BDH will be here when you get back …

      • I have been looking forward to Hugh 2, but also more Maud. (When’s the wedding/battle?). Also, many of us are hoping for Arabella, especially after the Michael tease.

        • Take a break, enjoy smelling the grass. Rest your minds. I won’t die of impatience if the next segment of Inheritance is a bit delayed. I am very much enjoying the story and the lees bits are quite amusing. I have often wondered how persons who were not from Innkeeper Earth found Baha Char. I mean, Inns generally open their first portal to it. But how do other species/dimensions/planets find it? If Ada were to end up there, it would be interesting to see how. I am glad to hear there will be an Inheritance sequel. You have so many projects in the works for some point in the future. I am also looking forward to Hugh 2, Wilmington 3, Julie 2, possible Maud 2, Innkeeper finale, and pretty much anything else you choose to write. Hint, hint… Arabella… someday?

          As for Innkeeper… I mean… Dina can now attend the wedding by going through a door at Gertrude Hunt! Maud can, if she chooses, visit the magnolia tree that is a remnant of their parents’ inn. They’ve got to find their parents… or not. They have to defeat Sebastian North and that corruption he spreads. So many things to find out! Hopefully both sisters will burn Klaus’s ears for abandoning them for so long. I know Arbiters can’t go home for 20 years but… would it have killed him to send a note when he joined? Even George did that much!

          P.S. I ordered ‘chalant’ stickers that were TOO SMALL (my mistake, clicked wrong size). I would love a crack at a larger ones… and possibly a canvas bag or a hoodie. If you should happen to toss in the ‘I can’t even’ mugs so I could get one for my daughter, cool. That was the thing in the previous store that ‘spoke’ to her but sadly she didn’t see it until orders had closed down.

      • Hugh! Two! Hugh! Two! Hugh! Two! WOOOHOOOOO!!!

        Yes, I know you may need to change your minds before then. I’m just going to live in the present moment where Hugh 2 comes next for now.

      • I know I am not the only one who wants to know more about the cows and those throwing them around. . . and that stable girl whose name is always at the edge of rememberance. . .hmmm

        I am glad to hear there may be answers in the future.

  18. Take your time. Take care of yourselves and your family and friends. Breathe. Eat good food. Take walks. Watch fun movies.

    As much as I love everything that you write and inhale it faster than an asthmatic her medicine, I *can* wait. It’s better to wait and get something *really* good, than to end up with something unsatisfying, because the creators (you) are burnt out.

    *lots of hugs and lovely tea*

  19. Take care of yourselves! We can wait because we know it will be there eventually if you guys are happy and healthy!

  20. This is off subject, but I thought the BDH might be entertained to hear that when I went to the dentist yesterday, there was a new receptionist whose entire desk was bedazzled rose gold. The mask, with the keyboard, the stapler, the staple remover… And yes even a picture frame or two.

    Fortunately I was not attacked by any metamorphosis mages on the way home.

    • My desk chair, mouse pad, mouse, video camera, and headphones are all rose gold in color. Sadly, I have not found an ergonomic keyboard I like in that color. Of course, neither am I a metamorphic mage.

  21. Touch all the grass, play silly/sweet video games, drink tea, and take alll the naps. We appreciate you and want you to take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maybe even buy some new yarn just because it was pretty lol. We love and appreciate you guys ❤️

  22. Thank you all the info……for me it’s all good for the Inheritance…..because you two are the best!

  23. Get some rest. Writing wonderful stories is hard work that takes a lot longer than reading them when they come out. (Thank goodness for the ability re-read…multiple times. Speaking of which, your books are on my short list of fiction that I can read, re-read, and then read again.) Inheritance is an unexpected gift that I will absolutely purchase when it comes out. I love Ada. She is the epitome of the struggle all working women encounter, whether they have children, spouses, elders, or even pets who require care and attention while they attend to the activities essential to earning a paycheck. Her litany of benefits as they head into the gate, “dental, health insurance . . .”

  24. I appreciate that you took the time to tell us now.

    The things I find helpful when I’m wired but tired: being outside, eating healthfully, moving my body, and square breathing.

    Sending you well wishes!

    • Becks, What is square breathing please? I am English, so I wondered if it was an American term.
      Thanks .

          • I find Box breathing most helpful when by brain is pretending to be a hamster in a wheel. Focusing on the counting can make the hamster at least slow down & sometimes make it take a nap (so I can get some sleep). Another technique a mindfulness class had was doing 10 deep breathes to relieve stress.

  26. thank you for the update
    self care is so very important
    take time to breath and refresh
    thank you for all of your works in whatever order they are available to us

  27. I had to laugh. ‘…to hopefully help you decide if this is the kind of story you might be interested in reading.”
    We are the BDH! We will consume it!

    • Right?! I mean, have you seen our continued Chalance for all things HA?! Of course we will be devouring it, lol.

  28. enjoy your much needed break. thank you for taking the time and putting all the love into all the things. we 💜 you

  29. Wishing you all the things you need to feel refreshed.

    Thank you for being our escape and hope you enjoy your “me time”.

  30. Am I disappointed no tidbit on Friday? Yes. However, take care of yourselves. We shall survive.

  31. Take care of yourself! We can cool our heels for a bit if it helps you feel less exhausted. We need you in fighting (ahem, writing) shape to feed the book hungry beast that is the horde for many years to come! 💕

  32. We would all rather see you take the time you need when you need it. Please. For all of our joking about waiting and patience and chalantness, we all know that Ilona and Gordon (and ModR!) are real live humans with real lives. And sometimes things happen in all of our lives.

  33. For you two the BDH would wait an eternity. Please take the time you need to rest and recharge!

  35. You both need to rest- the BDH understands and will lovingly wait for your to reenergize yourselves. You have made such terrific worlds to wander through that rereading is always fun and always manages to have “ aha” moments.
    So, rest up and roll around in the grass or have a nice cool drink in a lounge with hopefully a lovely cool breeze.

  38. Lots of good information, thank you. Please stop and smell the roses. Inheritance has been a gift. We are spoiled. Enjoy some down time. See you Monday

  39. We are grateful for whatever you give to us. Thank you for all of it! I’d have wondered what ” touch grass” means, and now I know! 😁 Get some rest and rejuvenation. Yes, we want more ( we are the BDH, after all🤣) but your health and well being comes first! Looking so forward to Maggie and Inheritance- and all the other wonderful stories you have in the wings! Again, Thank You!!💜🖖

    • In the interest of avoiding future awkwardness, I should point out that “touch grass” means disconnecting from the internet/the grind but is usually wished on people with the meaning of “you’ve lost touch with reality. go take a break”.
      Ilona is using it here a bit tongue in cheek, so if you do want to tell someone to have a self care day, especially if they’re from the younger generations, maybe best not to use this 😅

      • ModR – You are the best! As I sit here with a smile. Based on my number of revolutions around the sun I went to the practice of grounding/earthing which for me works wonders for my overall health and disposition but I enjoy the fact you completely clarified and I learned another new term.

        May your evening be delightful!

      • Thanks for clarifying the “touch grass” reference. I just retired from the National Park Sevice, so I interpreted it to mean going off to enjoy nature (in, hopefully, one of our beautiful parks)! Hahaha….

        • Same! Well, neither the retired part nor the NPS part, but the interpretation part I mean 😉

      • Thanks Mod R! I am an avid camper/nature lover and my beloved YAs have not said this in front of me, so now I gotta go try it out 😇. I wish HA much rest and reconnection outside of Horde-feeding stress! Being fed is a treat, but their recharging is a need. And personally, I hope the last serial comes out only 24 hours before the release because I hate cliffhangers! Love this new world, and seeing Ada develop personally and talent-wise with no outside support. The lees make me happy with nostalgic thoughts of Dina, Cookie and Orro 🥰

      • Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was like “knock wood” which is not the same at all.

        • I just thought it was going outside for some solar-powered vitamin D therapy; see the trees, smell the flowers, feel a breeze, pet the critters ( including all the kitty attentions),listen to the birds singing, but maybe not lie in the grass due to hostile insect life in Texas.

  40. Pamper yourself…feel soft yarn and pet the cats. Drink tea and take it easy. Visit somewhere cool and scenic. I’ve heard upstate New York is nice. I have happy memories of places like Colorado and Western Maryland near Deep Creek Lake! Of course we visited Maryland when I was little so I have no idea what it is like now!
    Your readers can understand you both have lives apart from your jobs so take time to be nice to yourselves. Stay hydrated,cool and healthy and try to get some relief!

  41. I was trying to explain what I see as your writing process to my writers group last week.
    We all think youre amazing and also nuts. We (except for our PhD candidate) can barely keep track of one story and you write one while editing another? I bow down in admiration.

  43. We love you, we are excited for Maggie and have already placed preorders, we are smug about sporting cross-over goodies, and we want you healthy so you can continue feeding our addiction!

    Have a little fun and get some rest.

  44. Wonderful wonderful people you are! We are so lucky! Thank you for everything

  45. Thanks for the update. I especially love your comment about the cover…. How it’s like something you pick up on a whim at the library. …Some of my favorite stories of all time were ones I found just like that 30 yrs ago. Finding a new world on a whim is truly such a simple, sweet pleasure!

    PS. Hope you Enjoy your time in the grass. Dig your toes in and maybe take a nap! It’s the best feeling in the world when you just need to step off the world’s Merry-Go-Round for a few hours -or days!

  46. I/ the BDH know that you are “working your little socks off “( a British saying for being very busy). It is so appreciated. I know we are spoiled. < 3

    Also, I have utterly failed to 'not' read The Inheritance until it is all done. Now I am an anxious wreck wanting to know what happens next! Your storytelling is amazing, as always. Deep thanks.

    Take time out for you, and please rest. Show off some of your wonderful knitting or (even better) FOOD.

  47. Really looking forward to reading ‘This Kingdom’ book. I love those kinds of stories.

  50. Thank you for the updates, Ilona!
    Take whatever time and actions (or non actions) you need to be restored and refreshed.
    I realize that the Horde is treated with a degree of care not seen anywhere else and it is a privilege not a right.
    Sending peace, health and safety to all!

  52. It’s ok to skip Friday’s snippet. You gave us one with Maggie.

    Just take some time to work on what you need to do.

    **Silently doing a happy dance for the possibility on reading more about the bad boy of Kentucky and his wife.** 😁

    • Dear HA,

      As much as Monday and Friday serialization is cherished, and appreciated, please take care of yourselves.

      we will just re re re read other wonderful IA stuff in the meanti

    • Did a reread of your post and realized that while you said that Ada and Dina aren’t likely to meet other Innkeepers and Ad-Hal are still available to become side characters. And I can imagine that people who’ve been training their abilities from childhood might join guilds in an undercover way. After you honestly can’t determine if the 40 year old who can shoot lightening or slow time has been able to do that for 10 years or for 35.

  54. Please skip any Friday or Monday you feel a need to. We love the story, but we love you two more than that. With regards to the samples and excerpts from Maggie, I’ll love them all. But the cover saying “Ilona Andrews” is sufficient to get me to buy it. (And the foreknowledge is enough to get me hoping for an autographed copy of the hardcover.)
    Take care.

  55. Thank you … will try to hang-tough until Monday (here’s hoping).

    On the shop, I know that you said “never again” after the last one, and we are good with that (right, horde, stern-side-eye); would rather that you were writing or recovering from writing than attending to the thousands of details, order issues, out of stock items, etc. Although, I wore my “Barsa” t-shirt to a dance practice last Thursday, and took great delight in describing the scene when someone asked. 🙂

  56. Do not be sorry! Tired authors miss critical things both at home and work. Take whatever time off you can spare yourselves, given the coming deadline for Maggie2. We are all looking forward to The Inheritance very much and can w*it for it, promise! That said, there might have been a small happy dance at the word sequel 🤣. Thank you!

  57. Yes! Rest! Recover! Relax!

    Our own self interest indicates we should be entirely on board with ALL of your self care. we don’t want tired authors who stop writing do we? No we don’t! We will practice being chalant because we loves our, I mean your, stories.😁

  58. This is the only blog I read…religiously. In a way, feel like we, the BDH is part of a crazy extended family. So of course we will stand by your side and support you. Whether it’s reading serial , buying books or leaving a kind word and be simply patient. You don’t ever need to feel pressured in finishing stuff for us to read on Fridays as lovely as it is. Writing is your job and your hobby, which is fantastic. But sometimes that JOB element can take too much out of you. So take a nice cup of tea and simply enjoy being. We are here for you. Virtualy. For whatever content that comes through your blogs.

    • Thank you Inese for expressing this so perfectly. I deeply appreciate everything HA gives us, and I have to add that I thank you for giving us notice that the serial will pause just so I know that I don’t have to stress about “Are they okay? Is there anything wrong with the family/pets/life…” yes, just as I would with any other member of my family. Rest, relax and know we are happy that you are doing so.

  59. I like the phrase touch grass!! I usually like to dig in the dirt but I get the grass. First time I went to outskits of LA I just couldn’t get over how there was no grass, just scrub bush and burnt looking. I was literally craving grass, so then we went to a small airfield where they cultivated grass and I just laid flat for like 30 minutes soaking it into my soul. I never really realized how much of this country was brown till I flew over it. It still shocks me.

    • Comes with being a semi desert. When my mom interviewed for a job here (Northern California) in March, she described it as being emerald green. We moved here in August when everything was dirt brown. It didn’t rain until November

  60. Thank you for all the great storytelling episodes. I enjoy anything you guys put out together.

  61. Please, please, please take care of yourselves first and foremost!

    Sad not to have Inheritance on Friday but we are so close to release day (assuming end of July-ish is still a go) when I’ll read the magic all over again! It’s also always better to wait a bit longer and for you guys to be well. ❤️

    Did I just read there are plans for Maggie #3??? I thought this was a maybe and not a certainty but it sounds like it’s more likely now! Woohoo! And Inheritance #2 where we will ship Adlias (lol) to our heart’s content! We are truly spoiled!

  62. Maggie #3!!!! woohoo, yay, hurrah…. A huge whoop!!

    aaaahhhhh no Friday installment….. We absolutely understand. We want you to be rejuvenated, rested, joyful, and healthy to write amazing stories forever!!

    The ups and downs of being a member of the BDH lol.

    Thank you for being incredible authors; you are a joy to read.

  63. Very happy that so much new writing is coming. I’m looking forward to reading Inheritance. I usually only read about 3 chapters of the serials online (enough to whet my appetite) and then devour them whole once they come to Ebook. I love seeing the chatter from the horde though. I’m excited.
    It will be a long wait for kingdom. It’s a tough real-world reality- looking forward to getting lost in the story.
    Rest well. 😊

  64. May there be lots of grass to touch in whatever form you prefer – and thank you for taking so much care of us.
    A chapter of the marvelous Inheritance, a beautiful cover reveal for Maggie with a snippet on top and now a post mentioning the chance for Adas sequel. It’s a good week for the horde and we are spoiled by so many goodies.

  65. It looks like you’re abandoning Hugh. I was so pleased when you started back on the story. However, The Inheritance is an excellent fantasy story. You are my favorite writing team, and I say this as someone who reads every day.

    • Nope 🙂. Ilona said higher up in the comments Hugh 2 is a big candidate for the self-published release after Maggie because of how much of it is already written. Everyone’s favourite Preceptor is not being abandoned!

    • Hugh 2 just didn’t work as a serial. We need privacy for writing it. 🙂 That said, we wrote a big chunk so we will have less work when it comes to getting it to publication.

  66. Your work is always worth waiting for. Rest, recharge, touch grass. Beware of the fire ants though.

  67. Thanks for the heads up. Underwrote the finale… I remember those happy days when I wouldn’t have understood that. Now I do. Drink tea. Knit, wind yarn. Sleep ha!

  68. Thanks for the update. You all are busy, busy, busy. So glad you are taking some time off and enjoying nature. Enjoy! 🌱

  69. I’ll be happy whenever we get any of your things to read 😊 Just chalantly waiting over here in Australia for whatever you write when you write it.. I hope you feel less Ada soon.

  70. While I love the released snippets, as do the rest of the horde, please (please, pretty please) don’t kill yourselves for us. We Are Chalant. We love and adore HA and wish the best for you in All Things!

  71. Please care for yourselves first. I usually wait for the book to come out but a wanted a new anything by you. I would rather the book(s) be delayed to you working yourselves sick.

  73. Please don’t feel you ever have to apologize for taking time and rest for yourselves.
    The BDH will stay chalant as long as it takes as it’s ALWAYS worth the wait. ::hugs::

  74. For the person who asked about square breathing, also known as box breathing. Used by Yogi’s and Navy Seals. 1. Breathe out slowly, releasing all the air from your lungs.
    2. Breathe in through your nose as you slowly count to four in your head. Be conscious of how the air fills your lungs and stomach. 3.Hold your breath for a count of four. 4. Exhale for another count of four.5. Hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat for three to four rounds. As you breath you can picture a box, 1 across the top, 2 down the side, 3 across the bottom, etc. Hope this helps. It is very calming. 🙂

  75. Tea, iced or hot. A cool room, with the lights off, perhaps a nap. Your pups and cats to keep you company. A movie or favorite computer game with Gordon. A good meal, either delivered or at a restaurant you love.

    May zen and good sleep favor you!!

  76. Take it easy. Get some rest. Have a lovely cup of tea on the grass. I recommend Harney and Sons Earl Grey with Greek honey and lemon.

  77. Go out and touch the grass. Try to avoid the scorpions.

    Remember to breathe while you’re at it.

  78. Time out? You do not need our permission. Your schedule is yours. You are just so gracious about your BDH and how we feel. Please take whatever time you need. We’ll survive. And if I sound patronizing, I don’t mean to. I just care. Your words have filled so many moments with quiet joy. So many.

  79. But at least we got a Maggie snippet and Book Cover reveal. sniff sniff … yes we will miss the Friday installment, but we ARE the Book Devouring Horde we will carry on without our beloved Friday installment … sniff sniff. There is always shopping online at Prime Day this week.

  81. Just want to say thanks for Inheritance. Get some rest. Exhaustion isn’t good for anyone and certainly doesn’t help your quality of life much less your writing.

  82. No worries about having to wait. Thank you for what you have given us so far. I hope you’re able to rest and replenish.

    And since you gave us 2 installments on Monday, we could technically say that we got Friday’s installment on Monday.

    Yes, I am a happy member of the “facts matter” camp 😆

  83. Taking care of your mental and physical health is your #1 priority in life. Enjoy touching some grass!

  84. No worries, thanks for the heads up an good luck with life, the universe and everything else!

  86. I hope you can rest and regroup! Inheritance has been such a fun read so far. And can’t wait for all that is upcoming. I’ve found a couple of series to fill the time but none are you! I still laugh that when I asked for help from AI it made up books by YOU.

    I’m very much looking forward to Maggie!

  87. Thank you for the updates and all the joy you have given! It takes much time and focus to create such things and I hope you can find time to relax and restore yourselves. I’m always thrilled to read your stories, but would hate for you to sacrifice your well-being just for the Horde’s voracious appetite.

  88. Whatever you write, I will absolutely read! I am super excited about Maggie, the Inheritance, and the possibility of Hugh 2. I am also glad to hear you’re taking time for yourself. You guys absolutely deserve it! Out of curiosity, once you’re caught up with Maggie is there any chance you might be able to write the story about Arabella and her Russian prince?

  89. No apologies needed. Touching grass is paramount! Thank you for giving me stuff to look forward too <3

  90. Have a lovely weekend to you both and thank you so much for the updates. So many things to look forward to!

    Another self published project has my ears pricked!

    Xxx

  91. To quote Hamilton, take a break! This has been a terrible work week for me, so I’ll take one too. Forget about the Horde for a few days.

    • Me too! All the analyzers are breaking, people are on vacation and sample volume is up. Oy!

    • And look at all the trouble Hamilton himself got into because he didn’t listen to the Skyler sisters and take that break…..coincidentally, that song just played today in my car, I’m listening to the broadway soundtrack again.

  92. This schedule will not kill me. take your time, take your breaks get your rest and relaxation. IA already more than most authors in terms of free content so we appreciate it.

  93. Please get some rest! I can find a boatload of crap anywhere. Quality over quantity every day of the week!!!

  94. You are so generous, please, go pamper yourselves … dual spa treatments? Somehow I’m seeing the pair of you on spa loungers with avocado face masks and cucumber slices on your eyelids … having your toenails buffed and painted … while lounging by the pool with berry-flavored margaritas and grilled shrimp kbobs close at hand … peace, peace, rest, be in the moment and enjoy.

  95. We want rested authors, but not nearly as much as you need to be rested authors.
    Also, yay to all the other things!! I can’t wait to read Maggie!!

  96. Ah well, it’s important you touch grass. I will miss my Friday, but you’re more important. Warm regards, Mary.

  97. The way the tasty treats you write and toss to your loyal horde turn into audio books and enhanced audio mindmovies, and merch and spin-offs and sequels and, well, STUFF, makes me picture squiggly heat lines radiating out from your heads as you overheat.
    It also made me remember a story I heard about Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, two of the writers on Dr. Who, the long running British science fiction tv series. Apparently, they both used to catch the same train to work at the BBC One studios. Because of the overheated fan interest in any shred of advance Dr. Who info, they couldn’t talk about any detail, no matter how insignificant, during their commute. As they were both fans of the old Sherlock Holmes stories, they started playing around with ideas for a modern reimagining. They got far enough with the ideas generated while on the train, to have the first season air. Of course by then, ‘Sherlock’ had become so popular that they couldn’t discuss any detail, no matter how insignificant, during their commute.
    But we, cholant members of the BDH are disciplined enough not to go into a frenzy when gifted with hints and crumbs and snippets (oh my!) or to wait p**ntly for such munificence. Right, everyone?
    Hmm… It seems that members of the BDH are busy running in little circles muttering things like “Hugh? Oh yes my precious, we loves Hugh! But Ada, Ada shares jerky, we loves Ada too my precious!”

    • So agree! I hadn’t heard the train commute story before, thanks for sharing.

      HA, I am blown away by your work ethic and creativity. I hope you get the R&R you need. Like many mention here, I’ve been thinking of you during these terrible and tragic floods. I’m up for anything you write, whenever it’s ready. Thanks for everything thus far!

  99. Just take care of yourselves and thank you for all you do for us! Go refresh yourself!

  101. Touch all the grass, squidge whichever yarn you ended up with for the new cardigan, relax.

    Thank you for all of the information, very happy to hear of Maggie #3 and an Inheritance sequel, but relax!

  103. Keep on trucking 🙂 I already reordered Maggie since I have been excited for it since the start. It is a type of story that I have been missing lately.

    The inheritance is lovely but please make sure to take breaks. Touch all the grasses and pet all the pets. The words will still be there to be written later.

  104. Take your time. Your writing is consistently among the best in fantasy fiction and I will (sadly) wait.
    As for Maggie:
    I kind of love that she isn’t a superweapon on her own, or ridiculously talented from the start. I like to at least in some way, identify with the hero, and I am unable to do so when they are pro fighters. I can get mad and throw things.
    Thank you for everything.

  105. We can wait. (A tad impatiently, but we can wait). Take care of yourselves. Your health and mental well being is more important than our thirst to know what happens next.

  106. I am excited about a sequel for The Inheritance. I would love to see Hugh 2 in the schedule but I can wait.

    Take some time for yourselves. Burnout is real. We will be here when you are ready.

  108. Thanks for the updates and the q and a session, the artwork release = gorgeous and the snippet 🤩🤩.

    lots of exciting things that we can all be chalant about and yay cross overs and possible baha -char crowd backgrounds (also now imaginings the untold possibilities of different species background stories from that place 😄).

    Can completely understand the need for a break though as that’s been full on. I hope you are both able to recharge your batteries and mental quills for all of the editing bits that are coming up.
    thank you again

  110. If you want to stay sane ( and we all want that for you) real world should always win.

  111. Don’t apologise we will gladly wait, thankyou for episodes received to date, enjoy your weekend.

  112. Touch the grass, breathe the air, feel the sun. Sit under a tree and let your body recalibrate. Clearly I’m a mad fan of your books (or else I wouldn’t be posting here) but you, and your wellbeing, are so much more important than any book!

  114. No worries, Ilona and Gordon. Please take the well-deserved break that you need. We, the BDH, will be here on Monday in all our floofy chalantness.

  115. Rest and relax even if just for half a day, a whole day or a couple is better but sometimes that is too much pressure. We will wait. Of course we will be chanting more stories, more stories, but it will be chalantly!

  118. Thanks for all the updates you give us! Take care of yourselves!

    As much as we joke and ravenously attack all the snippets (like Helen going after the bacon!), we will w@&t for the serial, unknown self-publish book (Hugh!! Just putting it out there!), and Kingdom, like the chalant fluffy Horde that we are!
    Most important is to rest and “touch grass.”

    I really thought you meant to go outside and touch actual grass or lay in the grass! Thanks to ModR for the real meaning of that phrase.

    I love the description about the cover of “kingdom.” Beautiful cover! I went to the cover artist’s site and saw a couple books I want to read just because of the covers! (I forget his name, and if I go back to check it, I’ll lose everything I just wrote.)

    Yesterday I went to pre-order “Maggie/Kingdom” and then remembered I already had!

    Take care HA, sending rest and care your way.

  119. Oh behave yourselves!!!!!!!!!
    You don’t have to apologise to us for taking a break. In my opinion you take far too much on as it is!!!!
    You give us FANTASTIC worlds to inhabit for which i know I’m immensely grateful.
    If that means you have to go out & ‘touch the grass’ for a couple of days a month- feel free.
    I understand the word juggling. I juggle every day being a full time carer. Books are my life line along with Chinese Historical Dramas😃😃😃. Without either of these the world would be a sorrier place for me.
    So once again for your mental & physical health take all the breaks you need.

    • Judith, how do you watch them? I used to see them on YouTube and Amazon prime, but can’t find any this year, so I must be doing something wrong. If you are too busy to make suggestions, that’s ok. I have so many wonderful HA books to reread!
      Thanks for any suggestions from BDH.

  120. Good morning Team Andrews

    I am so excited for Maggie to be out, and Inheritance, but even so, your physical and emotional health must stay a priority for you always. Look after yourself. I am sure we BDH won’t expire entirely if we have to wait a few days longer (yes sacrilege I know). I myself see it as a chance to reread and read again my old favourites.

    With love from South Africa
    Lynda

  121. I don’t always read the non-chapter newsletters, but I’m glad I did this time because now I can prepare myself mentally, physically, and spiritually instead of finding out tomorrow after refreshing the page with rapidly increasing levels of desperation.

    Thanks for the heads up

    And also a shout out to your editor for helping you write the best book you can write.

  122. So what does that mean for the Hugh 2 book as I didn’t see that in the list of what you’d be working on coming up?

    • Well, Hugh2 is a self-published book, so it might very well be the “ then a self-published project” between Maggie 1 and Maggie 2 🙂.

      In fact, Ilona said above in the comments it is very likely the contender, as they had a part of the manuscript written.

  123. “ It’s not a heroic fantasy like Kate Daniels where the protagonist is a genius swordswoman and often solves her problems by kicking people in the face while firing off hilarious oneliners.”
    😔

    • Maggie is still hillarious, just prepared in a very different way to cut through her problems.

      Rapier knowledge rather than rapier grandmother’s bone 😉

  124. Better late than never.
    Take all the time you need to rest. We want you to avoid burn-out, and not just because we want more books !
    Of course, we will check the blog every day in hope, but that’s our problem, not yours !

  125. Wow! You have a lot going on there. Touch grass, take a breath and we’ll see you next week. 💕

  126. Thanks for the newsy updates! I hope you can rest and recharge for a bit without your brain getting in the way. Take care of yourself and your family and your life. Then deal with work. Happy knitting!

  127. Play in the garden if it’s not 1000 degrees, or full of scorpions or snakes; we’ll be here waiting (im)patiently (we are the Book Devouring Horde, after all.) Rest, recover, recuperate. All will be well.

  129. I really enjoy your books. Your health is more important right now because I have an artery motive and that is I want you to continue your writing these awesome stories. Health comes first and I think we forget sometimes because of our busy every day lives. Your mantra should be health first and writing second.

  130. Take your time. Working on two large projects at a time takes a toll. I’m incredibly grateful that you’ve been feeding us chapters during tha very busy time.

  132. The horde will survive, even if there is no Monday chair- I said what I said-. Dear God, you can slow down a little!! And we’re all going to buy it anyway, right?!

    I can’t believe how long it took for me to see the innkeeper crossover bits. Now I wonder how many there are??

    Can anyone reminds me- what is the way house Andrews benefits the most when we buy the Maggie book( great description, btw)? Thanks

    • You can buy or loan Maggie from the library, in whichever format and retailer is more comfortable for you 🙂

      That has always been House Andrews’ stance and it will not change for This Kingdom.

      The only request is that you please not pirate it.

  133. I’m so glad you are taking care of yourselves! blessings and hugs and pet scratches. please do what you need to do to stay healthy.

  134. You take care of you. Not having an installment will be a bother but not a burden. It will be a burden to you and you need to do things in your own time. Take care!

  135. Please rest. I can totally go without this Friday to keep you going on the list you supplied. So many delicious stories. Take care.

  136. Hello
    I appretiate your writing so much thank you for that
    Could you please tell me why there is no Iron magic 2 in latest schedule info (blog from july 9?)
    This is one of my most favorite books ever
    Thank you;)

    • The release schedule is not completely fixed beyond the publishing of the Inheritance and Maggie 2.
      It is very likely the next release will be Hugh 2, as Ilona said higher in the comments, because there is already work done on the project 🙂

  137. Go rest, touch your grass or however you recharge 🙂

    I’ve really appreciated the installments of “The Inheritance”. It has so much stuff I love: Portals/dungeons, magic powers coming to Earth, companion animals (I so like Tamer stories), worldbuilding with logic, detailed locales, people with people issues.

    I understand it’s a lot of work to write a good story – well, as much as a non-author can I suppose. I very much appreciate it & I look forward to the full book. Also yay! A sequel planned is very good news.

  138. Please take care of yourself. Family first. That means, you don’t have to feel guilty doing what is good for your family which definitely includes caring for yourself.

  139. Only one possible sequel to Inheritance? Bummer. I was envisioning a few sequels that could be bundled in a special edition colored print by Book Vault, who charges per colored page and not the whole book as colored print. Better profit margin, but not as good as black and white prices. Still I am guessing that the time spent on Maggie the Undying has a better ROI. Take care of yourself and recharge.

  140. You have a giant pile of work on your plate. Of course you need time to breathe, relax, and recharge. Heck, skip Monday’s post too. We’ll live!

  141. I am loving The Inheritance. That being said, I am sure the next installment will be all the better if you take a few days off.

    take care of yourselves

  142. We have two new cashiers at work (16 and 17). They are doing well with only a week of experience. Yesterday I was doing my customers and stepping over to help them on a regular basis and by the time I left I felt like my brains were leaking out my ears. I haven’t done that much multitasking in years! Frankly, I don’t know how you swap back and forth between books especially when you’re writing both at the same time. Kudos to both of you and enjoy your well earned downtime for a few days.

  143. You are apologizing for a free serial that is one of your best works yet????!!! I think I speak for everyone in the BDH over 12 that your health and wellbeing has to come first. Inheritance is already longer than you planned, and it is one of the best things I’ve read in the over one hundred books I’ve gone through this year, most of which I’ve forgotten already. So thank you very much!

    My one question is, when will the audiobook be released for inheritance- at the same time or later?

  144. Well I’ve been meaning to reread the Inheritance from the beginning, so sounds like something to read for Friday or possibly Saturday morning. I’m actually more excited for Inheritance than for Maggie, I admit. Tho Maggie is hi-lighted on my to buy spreadsheet.

  145. I hope you have a relaxing weekend. We can all wait for the next installment whenever it may be. I had to chuckle when you said there will be excerpts of Maggie to “see if its our kind of story”. Everything you write is my kind of story! I see your name and I hit preorder! Now take that deep breath and relaaaax!

  146. I do hope Gordon has an away weekend planned for you, you need it. Your previous away time was not long enough

  147. Much love to you, Mod R., and the BDH! Please, take care of yourselves first-the rest will follow 🙂

  148. Hi
    Are you guys still writing Hugh’s next book? I can’t remember the last time we’ve heard anything about it.
    Thanks

    • Hugh2 is still very much in the cards, in fact Ilona nominated it as contender for the self-pub release after Maggie 1 🙂

  149. As always, you’ve overdone, take all the time off you need. I’m very excited about more store – but having a smaller selection may be better. Since you didn’t mention it, I hope Gordon’s shoulder is progressing well. Texas weather is the usual mess, float in the pool, drink, knit, sit and stare. No one is going anywhere, I’m anticipating Hugh.

  150. Take the time you need. Thanks for letting us know so we don’t worry about you, but you are wise to put yourselves first when you are tired.

  151. So much wonderful things going on. I hope life things settle kindly for you all. May days of touch grass be a wonderful reset.

  152. Wow! Thank you for all this output. We, the BDH, will have to be grown up type people and w*it. It will be worth it, anticipation is the best sauce, et al. *chewing fingernails*

  154. Oh don’t apologize for taking time off or for perfecting a story or for taking your time getting it right. Sure, we’re greedy, but also smart. Keep being you. You’re both great.

  155. Take care of you – go roll in the grass with the dogs and cats! We’ll be here when you have caught your breath and are ready to push on!

  156. Know that you impress us by writing for a living AND writing for (our) fun. We never want the latter to become a dreaded chore.

    So take some time to just be. Besides, it’s a great way for the BDH to practise p*tience.

    (I usually drink coffee in my down time. I guess you can have your tea sigh)

  157. You come first! The BDH will wait patiently while sending virtual tea, chocolate, and yarn.

  158. Thanks for all the updates! I love the description of Maggie as something George would read.

    ModR request: Could we get a post or speculation amongst the BDH sometime of what would be characters’ favorite books from House Andrews?

    In lieu of an installment, I shall imagine Elias and George meeting . . . maybe Gaston will wander in. 🙂

    *whispers softly* I am totally #Team Chalant merch . . . and maybe more of the “my ability to even . . .” again IF House Andrews decides to open the story. I understand that was A LOT of work and this is an outside chance. Hence the very quiet, subdued, gentle, totally chalant request.

    Back to imagining George and Elias commiserating . . .

  160. I realize your totally spent and respect that, and I know you must have answered this and I’ve just missed it… but honestly I really need an eta (even just your best approximate estimate) for Hugh 2. (Pretty please, I need at least a tentative date so that I can stop a few of the voices in my head!)

    • Hugh2 will happen 🙂. There is no ETA yet, and House Andrews’ policy is to only announce official dates anyway 🙂

      • You need a bullhorn or a big banner announcing Hugh 2 will eventually happen, Mod R. Not sure when, but it will happen. 🤣😁

  162. REST! You are both amazing and I’d like you to stay that way!

    As for Maggie, I love the comment about George. If I hadn’t been sold on Maggie from the very first little snippet you gave us, I would be now. The cover is beautiful…and exactly the sort of thing I would pick up at the library or bookstore to try. I hate to say that I often judge books by their covers.

    Did I say REST?!

  164. Take care of yourselves, that is important. My husband says that I will live without a Friday installment. I shall be chalant.

    • House Andrews are taking a few days to rest 🙂.

      Publishing plans have to be agreed with their team (agents, publishers, editors), and details for future publications past March 2026 have not been finalised yet. As soon as they know, we will know 🙂

      If the series doesn’t have a “finished” or “finished for now” status on the Release Schedule page, then we can expect a sequel from it https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/

  167. thanks for the updates 😀 Get some rest if you can, take time for yourselves, the BDH will be here when you’re ready to post. Acting all Chalant and being p***int.

  168. I agree with all the BDH that we love HA and your health (physical and mental) are top priority. Relax, recharge, rejuvenate!

    I have been watching a fabulous C drama, A Dream Within A Dream. It’s an original story of an actress who falls into a script and tries to change the story to avoid the heartache she knows is coming. Sound familiar??? It is funny and poignant too. Highly recommend!

    • Hi Syd,

      There will be more Hugh 🙂 . The project did not work as a serial, as House Andrews warned us from the beginning, its threads are too complex and needs privacy to write.

      When the exact schedule for the “then a self-published project” between Maggie 1 and Maggie 2 is known, we will be made aware 🙂. Ilona said higher in the comments that Hugh is a strong contender.

  171. Silly Authorlords, of course we want to read it! you wrote it. A diamond is a diamond no matter the cut. Anything you want to explore I want to explore too.

  172. I don’t know how away you want to get, but Corpus is having their Comic-Con this weekend, July 11th to 13th. at the American Bank Center. There will even be a Yule Ball tomorrow night, July 11th.

    • Hugh is a contender for the self-published release between Maggie 1 and 2 🙂 , according to Ilona higher in the comments. There is a chunk of him and Elara already written.

      • Dear Mod R, truly you are an example to us all, a absolutely model of patience in the way you keep answering the same questions again and again (I tried counting how many “what about Hugh 2” have been appearing in this one series of comments ! But I lost patience fast)
        I would be copy/pasting and yelling “you are the BDH, you are supposed to be able to read ! How come you cannot read the answer as written down by Ilona Herself ?”
        I guess your motto is Keep calm and carry on

  177. There are two other authors I follow, along with you, and it is amazing the number of blog posts for all 3 that center around … “I need to take a mental health day and step back.” I’m not sure, but it seems both traditionally published and indie authors (as well as hybrid) are having more of the process being pushed onto their plate (and, of course, the indies start and finish with ALL of the process on their plate!).

    It’s pretty hard to wear 6 hats, keep all the spinning plates atop their sticks, and now throw a family and kids and school into the mix …

    Please, take a mental health day, relax, decompress, and frolic barefoot on the grass. Return refreshed and renewed next week.

  178. take your break and please enjoy it! you give us such wonderful peeka into your world and all the free fiction is extra bonus that keeps me from turning into a rabid BDH memeber vs just regular BDH.

    or does the free fiction just make it worse? hard to tell! either way thank you very much and take as much time as you need!

    we can exercise p*tience!

  179. “It looks like the kind of book you found in the library, took home on a whim, and discovered a different world between the covers.” Such a WONDERFUL, evocative line… and so very true.

    Any chance of some Ripper Cushions? I’d buy 3 if so. 3 of us sew in my family, one professionally. I’d LOVE some Chalant things…

  181. Explanations are nice, but so unnecessary. We’ll be here. Rest, because really, your health & wellness is always our gain – always! Thank you for everything (and the self-published tease)

  182. Get some good rest, touch some nice, springy, pleasantly fragrant grass, and when it does come out, I’ll devour the next installment of Inheritance.
    I manage to achieve patience by selective memory. For instance, I got very excited for Maggie coming out, went to Amazon, realized I already preordered the book months ago, saw the publication date, and immediately induced amnesia to help me endure until… I don’t actually remember, because of said amnesia. It will be a pleasant surprise when it comes out, and until then, there will be other books.

  184. The kind of story I might be interested in reading? Your name is on it – that makes it an auto buy (in kindle, hardcover and audible. What’s that you say? A collector’s edition is coming? click)

  185. Thank you for an awesome story and it’s anticipated successor !
    It looks like HA needs to do trees with the grass. Follow Jackson’s theory or, whups, I guess that was yours anyway.
    Thank you.

  187. Please take care of our favourite writers, touching grass, taking breaks, staying hydrated, it’s all important to putting out the work that we LOVE. You do what you need to do and we’ll be waiting.

  188. Take whatever time you need to rest and recharge! We’ll be here when you get back. As someone who almost started crying last night when I had to clean the kitchen, because I was just so very tired, I feel for you.

    Maybe on Fri we can have a BDH wild theory discussion on what’s going to happen? That’s always good for a chuckle. Let the Team Facts Be Damned flag fly proudly! 😄

    Sincerely, thank you for all that you do (for all that ALL of you do)! It is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to whatever you give us and being chalantly fluffy in the process. You’re more than generous with your time to us. 🤗

  189. As much I crave for more (like always) your health – Physical and mental – come fist. It’s also an egoistical thing, stress-free (or less stressed ) author(s) write better stuff, because they are not in fight or fly mode, and can enjoy their mind finding new solutions.
    take all the time and rest you need.

    I was away for LOOOOOONG time… It’s so good to be back!

  190. Real life has been dense lately – I feel that down to my toes. Touch that grass! I had to step away from all the things and play in the dirt recently (repotted some neglected plant babies) and it was the best choice I could have made in the moment.

    Reading the Inheritance installations has been a highlight of my summer, and I’m looking forward to the final release. I’ll be here when its ready, being very chalant 😉 Thank you so much for this story!

  191. I am thinking about Elias and company entering the breach. What will they find? first they have to dig out the explosion. Are there bodies there? My guess is that at least some of them are. the local predators got their asses kicked. What i can’t predict is the Gress.
    Do they care about their dead. do they care about retrieving valulables from their dead. if they come back, do they have hungry hunter beasts with them.
    So the rescue gang could find anything from pristine to totally screwed over. i don’t think the Gress would worry about more humans. They are weak, after all.

  192. “We will have excerpts and samples for you closer to release to hopefully help you decide if this is the kind of story you might be interested in reading.”

    The sideways crying-with-laughter emoji would have been a surprisingly accurate representation of my expression upon reading this.

    Any story HA writes is the kind of story I am most definitely interested in reading.

  193. I really, really love this: “It’s the kind of book George would enjoy reading if he decided to abandon his obsession with managing the Galaxy for a couple of evenings.”

  195. no worries! You two take care of yourselves and each other!
    Very excited for the release of Kingdom! And Inheritance as I’ve been disciplined enough to avoid the ongoing story emails so it will be a delightful summer surprise for me. (sometimes I’m in a mood for serial release and someone’s i want it all at the same time!)

  196. Please take the time you need to relax and destress. I’ll be happy to wait for you to feel better.

  197. So glad you are taking care of yourselves so we can continue to read your work. Love all your projects!

  199. Don’t stress and take the time YOU need to write the books you want to write. You have given us so much excellent diverse fiction, and I am happily rereading the Hidden Legacy series, having somewhat forgotten how great they are.

  200. Hi, just checking but I assume the delay for Australia would be effecting New Zealand as well?

  201. This Inheritance will not kill you. I promise. But you should consider taking Monday too. Lack of Inheritance will not kill the BDH.

  204. All the best and inner peace to you!! But it seems Hugh 2 is getting shelved again!! ☹️

  205. Rest up, touch the grass, do whatever you need to do to look after yourselves. I understand. Being a full-time carer IRL I know that burnout is very real and I’ve learnt the hard way that I need to look after myself.

    I would rather wait as long as it takes for anything you publish than have you over do it. Take care.

  206. Thank you for taking care of yourself!!! Your stories are a gift to us all, and we dearly want you to keep writing for years and years to come, so whatever it takes in the short term to make that happen in the long term is in our best interest! I will happily throw money at you to read anything and everything you feel like writing, but I am so excited that there will be a sequel to The Inheritance and that Hugh 2 is high on the list for the next self-published project. Then again, I’m excited about every single thing on that list, lol! As usual, I will just endlessly re-read the things you’ve already written while I wa*t for the next new thing you’re writing 🙂
    P.S. Mod R, you are a saint, and we thank you for your service! The number of comments asking if there’s going to be a Hugh 2 after Ilona already said it’s on the list of future projects…. Spare our beloved Mod R and skim the existing comments, BDH!

  208. no worries! this friday is when the final episode in the Murderbot tv series drops so i’m set for entertainment that day. rest up, dig your toes into the grass, pet all the furkids, and let your brain recharge.

  209. I am sad you have to miss Friday, but I’m glad you’re smart enough to realize you need a break. Enjoy your most deserved time off and recharge.

  210. Take care of your physical & mental health. You books & world bring us all so much joy, we also want you to have joy while you are creating.

  211. Hey, I am so happy with the news of a Maggie 2 AND 3 on top of an inheritance 2. We the BDH are powerful, we manifest what we NEED and it is granted!! We just have to w**t chalantly. ;o)

  212. I wish you never felt it necessary to apologize for being human, but as someone who wants to make everyone happy who doesn’t have the weight of a ravenous fandom at their heels, I completely understand. I hope you are both able to have a relaxing weekend and hopefully tackle some of your chores, writing and mundane! Thank you for all you both do sharing you worlds with us!

  213. As an Australian, I thank U for putting up with whatever wierd metadata procedures that our publishers/bookstores do, I would love to buy this book in-store so I’m happy to wait!

    I didn’t grow up with pre-orders as a concept so it is baffling to me that U can list a book as ready for pre-order more than like a month in advance, I hope U get good numbers!

  215. As an overworked zombie, I completely understand and want to remind you to take time out for self-care and mental health. Tea and grass! Take care and enjoy the rest!

  216. “to hopefully help you decide if this is the kind of story you might be interested in reading”.

    Author is Ilona Andrews. decision made.

  218. I have been giddy for WEEKS with twice a week serials AND some of them are so long?!?!!! AND there were other book recs?? AND typical blog posts?! AND a Maggie cover reveal?!

    I haven’t even had time to have my chalance be challenged…

    My gosh. So lucky and I can’t say how much I appreciate all of House Andrews.

    So may your upcoming days be filled with exactly what you need and may the grass be lush!

  220. The cover for This Kingdom is beautifully rendered, I pre-ordered it yesterday. I am loving the Inheritance and can’t wait to order it, enjoying the installment chapters, thank you. Take care, rest and re-charge.

  221. rest, recover, thank you both for the awesome stories. I’m so excited to read inheritance in full when it’s ready, and Maggie too.

  222. I really love the cover and you are right, it has a nostalgic feel to it, exactly like the epic fantasy novels I found at the library, back when no one could imagine e-readers and there was neither an Amazon algorithm nor Goodreads to help you find more fantasy stories 😁🤓.
    So whenever I saw a cover like this, I knew I had found another one of my preferred books and felt exhilarated to delve into a new world 🥹. Thank you! I love re-experiencing that feeling.

  223. Thank you, for all the fabulousness that is your writing.

    Now, please rest your bodies (and, your brains). It would do the BDH no good to “kill the golden goose,” with incessant demands for more, More MORE!! 😉

    Take care,

  224. I know u said no store for now, but when you do eventually make one can we get Luther’s T- shirts? or mugs? I didnt see those last time. He has the best shirts.

    Also how do you manage to not add in too much world building too fast? You all clearly build amazing worlds but I dont get lost I assume because of the pace you bring in new elements.

    Lastly, Im a doctor- I work in Critical Care. You all saved me during COVID. whatever time you need to take care of yourselves please do so. We will wait.

    thank you!!

  225. Please take care of yourselves, not that you need our permission. 🙂

    Touch grass, breathe, snuggle pets, all the things.

    Hoping the details of life clear up and ease.

  226. All I can think about is how we got a mention of Maggie 3!!!! And an Inheritance sequel!!!! So excited and grateful! Take care of yourself 💜

  227. Go for the grass,naps, baking, knitting, whatever makes you feel rested or happy. And wow, you surely do plan ahead. All those stories to come. That’s amazing. And terrific. One thing that I think has to be extra difficult with multiple projects at the same time: how on earth do you keep the characters separate as you create and develop them?Maggie and Ada. Kate and Dina and Maud. I have read and re-read all the current books and can still immerse myself in each one. Weirdly, it’s the Inn and Orro and the Lees that keep popping into my mind. I’ve been an avid sci-fi reader since the 1940’s and the only other books that keep coming back to me that way are Zelazny’s tales of Amber. I do so want to visit the Forests of Arden.But I’d definitely stay at Dina’s Inn on the way.

  228. Please rest ! We will w*it. We will be NONchalant. You’re not obligated to do the store, or any thing that just piles on stress onto you, because what *we* wish for, is books you enjoyed writing and we can devour. And then devour again. I can read the same book up to 10 times a year, I’m fine.

  229. You touch that grass HA….go for a whole neighborhood of lawns (maybe even more!) You MORE than deserve it…and my vote (for whatever weight it doesn’t hold!😂) is that you not worry about Monday either. I know the BDH would rather have fully functioning (and NOT totally stressed out) favorite authors.

    Please have a peaceful, relaxing, wonderful weekend (and however more time you need to recharge!) 🥰💕💕💕

  230. so, even though I read this post mid week I still signed in today to see just in case there might have been something…greedy buggers we are right. happy weekend

  231. I’m going to say something deeply unpopular. I think that any of the promised future serial blogs could be added to the finale and we (the BDH) could wait for the rest of the book to be delivered at your work pace. Dresden, Anita Blake, Kaylin Neya fan here and man waiting for their authors to churn out a book is like waiting forever with no updates from their authors to tell you when it shall be released. So HA, you do what’s good for you because it will never compare to those experiences. You are very, very kind to your BDH. I would appreciate having a little extra to read at the end when I go buy the book.

    Deeply sorry for families that have lost loved ones in your state – this tragedy seems senseless in this day and age, although with flash flooding not all loss of life could be preventable. Still, I live in Alberta, and we have a Provincial warning system for all emergencies including wildfires, tornados, severe weather, advisories for wildfire smoke exposure. I guess I feel angry to know children died. Part of a grief and helplessness to prevent bad things happening to any person.

    Anyways, must stop. Take the best care of yourselves! Enjoy the blue skies, the birds, the butterflies, definitely buy yarn and cup of tea Ilona. Gordon I don’t know what you consider as a treat (sorry); treat yourself! Snuggles with pets?

    • I totally agree with everything you said about the blog serial and also about the comparison with other authors. Although, while I don’t know about the other two, to be fair to Michelle Sagara (Kaylin Neya), she does have an author website and does post updates on her book progress on the blog there. (Just not very often..) Mind you, compared to pre-internet days, even fans of authors who don’t have websites are still spoiled rotten when it comes to news about upcoming releases. (I used to buy copies of Locus magazine at the newsstand because that was the only way to find release schedules for the various SF/Fantasy publishers.)

      But you are certainly right that HA spoils the BDH in an unbelievabel fashion.

      Think about it: They actually hired a web blog moderator to control and direct the three-ring circus that is their fans! Really??? No offence, Mod R, you do a fantastic job at it and the HA blog is a lot of fun, partly because of your efforts. It’s just, when I really sit down and think about it, the job itself is nuts! You have been hired to keep HA’s fans entertained while HA writes! I honestly don’t know of any other author who has done that.

      And then they actually feel they need to apologize for not providing us with a free story treat. Granted, they are using a pretty feeble excuse — they claim to be a bit overwhelmed right now merely because they are writing/editing/prepping for publication a couple novels under deadlines while dealing with health issues — all in a state that is literally swamped with horrible floods…

      It occurs to me that Ilona could imitate Ada right now: practice meditation in a small free space while Keeper of the Portals Mod R blocks all entrance or exit in the face of the slavering monsters of the BDH…

      • Hi John,

        I totally get where you’re coming from — it does sound a bit wild at first glance, right, especially if you don’t have much exposure to social media spaces, or “chronically online” 🙂 The reality is that forum and blog moderation is a widespread, well-established practice across the internet, and it serves a lot more functions than just “keeping fans entertained”.

        Most thriving online spaces and subspaces (subreddits, Discord servers, Patreon, fan forums, fan groups or even more modern companies help desks etc) employ moderators, and we aren’t just there to clap and hand out virtual cookies 🙂 . We handle spam, filter out trolls, answer recurring questions, enforce community guidelines, and hopefully help keep conversations productive and respectful. The BDH is a very passionate, global fanbase – not a circus, but a family who is alive and diverse and has many interests and methods of contact (including emails and newsletter replies, issue forms, social media DMs etc). A lot of my interaction and work goes on behind-the-scenes and hopefully keeps the visible part running smoothly.

        So while it might sound unusual in the context of a traditional author-fan relationship, it’s actually a very modern, practical decision. House Andrews recognized us as the vibrant community we are, and they invested in this space for us. I for one am, of course, very grateful, and was grateful to all the mods who did this job before me 🙂 (I believe I am the 3rd or 4th person to hold this position).

        • 3rd or 4th? I did not know that, I thought you were the same person. So it’s a Turan Adin situation, people keep changing and we get new Mod Rs?

          • No, no 🙂 Just the one Mod R, I’ve been here since January 2021, closing on 5 years now – not that it feels like it, because time really does fly when you’re having fun! But I am not the first mod of the IA blog, it was moderated for years before I came on the scene 🙂

            I always feel like most of the Horde thinks the comments are a good indicator of how many of us are here, and let me tell you…the comments never ever exceed 3% of the number of people who visit the blog. Usually more like 1%. I never know if I can give out actual website traffic data, but it would surprise a lot of people.

            • Thank you ModR for doing great work (including follow up)!

              Takin a deep breath and so gratetful for the expanding IA universe and the sequels coming.

              Sometimes it feels like I am clinging to the various IA worlds, and the fabulous BDH comments and kindnesses like a life raft.

              We will (haha) be p*tient and w*it.
              What is the line again? the General kneeling in the grass “I will not chase, I will not chase.”
              Character building exercise to hang on until Monday.

  232. I am entertaining myself with what ifs.
    What if Ada ends up bringing Jovo home with her, at least temporarily. In a month he would probably own the United States. After that he could resume his assasination career to the highest bidder.
    I figure that once he is able to go home, it’s better to go home with epic treasure and honors than it is to come home naked, scarred and ears shredded.
    Better to come back with the riches to guarantee his place in clan history.

  233. Thanks for all the hard work. However, is there an Iron Magic 2? In the next 3 years? I know you are writing wonderful things and are busy, busy busy but I&M2, Blood Heir 2, Arabella’s book, evwn a house Andrews every recipe ever mentioned spin off cookbook…Kate’s braised venison and lumpy apple pie, catalina’s pico de gallo…

    • There will be an Iron and Magic 2, the date isn’t yet settled, and House Andrews policy is to only announce it when release is set in stone 🙂

      I will save your suggestions for recipes inclusion, I am trying to convince HA that we would love an anthology of all the free fiction with some culinary extras at the end…

  235. In the words of my two year old grandson, when he doesn’t get immediate gratification, “OH MANNNN!”

    Enjoy your grass time!

  238. Everyone has their limits and burnout is a very real thing. Your tales are amazing food for our minds and imaginations. I am so glad you’re both taking time for yourselves. Hopefully you’re so busy enjoying a little less screen time and don’t even see this until much later!

  239. Ilona and Gordon,

    Take time to rest, relax and breathe. We love you, your writing, and don’t want you stressed.

    We of the BDH may BMW (Bitch, Moan, Whine), but we will wait, because we know the wait is always worthwhile.

    Enjoy your weekend!!!

    • Yes we will wait. Even the most impatient of us will wait. (There is no other option.)
      I myself am happy to wait ( yep, I can actually say wait and patient 🙂 ) I think the authors can benefit from a once weekly edition.
      There are three very good reasons why a once weekly edition is beneficial.
      1. Our favorite authors can breathe on Mondays.
      2. We generally get to enjoy a fuller more relaxed segment of the story.
      3. Most importantly, “I DON’T LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAYS” bwaahahaha. Ok, enough crazy. It slipped out. Oops.
      Seriously though, HA should not have to be under undue pressure to provide us, the ominous, the scary, the rewarding BDH with our latest fix (whichever story that may be). Remember, these segments of wonder you are provided to us are without a charge, which you very well could do (I would certainly be willing to pay)
      HA. Have a great weekend, and Monday too if you like. However much time you need to recharge. To not be worn out. We are looking forward to All the stories you have to share with us. Share them in good time. Don’t be rushed. The BDH will be here.
      The best to you, your family and all your crew.

  240. Take your time and just breathe and be. I am not sure about anyone else but I am a patient hoarde minion. If I can handle 4 yrs beyween books from one of my other faviorite authors I can wait a few more weeks or how ever long it takes for this book and the rest. My one request really, and as much as I am enjoying the new worlds and stories, is the next Aurelia Ryder Book. Derek and Julie are killing me here, LOL. Rest well and take care of yourzelf first and anyone who demands you forgo self care for their own reading pleasure needs to take a seat and simmer down and clam up.

  241. No worries! Go rest your brains and bodies. I was away from the blog for a few months and I knew you had been posting The Inheritance and somehow had the self-restraint to not read it for 3 months or however long it was. I can certainly wait until Monday!

    This Kingdom Will Not Kill me cover is beautiful and it does remind me of hardback covers from the 90s hunting around the teen section of the library.

  242. Rest. Recharge. Drink some tea, eat good food, all that stuff. We will try to be chalant and w*it.

  244. No Inheritance? 😱 Woe is me! Now, seriously, you guys are awesome and give us so much. It is greatly appreciated: each word, each character, each world you build. Take a breather, rest, live. We BDH will be here next week… 😘

  246. Exhausted? Pulled in too many directions at once? Whatever do you mean, Anansi? Just because you are in the middle on nowhere with 50K strings all pulling on you all at once you can’t handle a few (thousand) more? Where’s your sense of adventure? LOL!
    Rest well & your BDH wants to read the next Inheritance instalment on Monday!

  247. Wow, your schedule is crazy! But I love to hear there are so many releases coming!!! Take my money, please!

    Also, I think my head snapped like a dog sighting a squirrel when you mentioned the possibility of merch! I’ve been wearing, of course, but also babying my current merch to make it last. It makes me so happy it’s ridiculous.

  248. I will say kindly you don’t owe BDH. If you never publish another word BDH is okay.
    If you want to keep working, that is fine. If not, everyone should respect that.

  249. Tea.
    We can send you tea.
    Oh wait. you said “do not show up on my doorstep” I’m sure you did…prob’ly a lot….creepy may also have been mentioned.
    Und Zo…
    We (the perhaps overly affectionate Book Devouring Horde) will RECOMMEND tea!
    I will start…
    formethisisaLOTlikestickingmyheadupinanartillarybarrage.
    my favorite tea is Good Earth brand … Sweet & Spicy Original.
    it is very very good, and I have been known to make a trip from Pendleton to Tri-Cities, just to get to Freddie’s to stock up.
    I hope you like it!

  250. Thanks for the information! Better to take care of yourselves… life is too short and grass is good for the feet and soul.

  251. Thanks for the updates. I’m happy that Inheritance has turned into a 5 book Mini series (joking but there is a chance and we love it).

    Please relax and become rejuvenated. Touch all the grass so you can write more for us to devour.

  253. Thanks for the heads up.

    Breath. Wiggle your toes in grass.
    (Not sure about the state of grass in Texas – maybe it requires sowing and watering a square yard of grass just for this purpose? Even if it was meant metaphorically, real grass provides amazing stress relief.)

    Feel the avalanche of understanding, admiration and appreciation from the BDH.

    Also, kudos to ModR for patiently and politely repeating „there will be a Hugh 2“ 1001 times in these blog comments!

  254. While my inner book devouring child will whine, you totally deserve time to regroup, reset and rest!

    At least we know you’ll come back. (I’m still pining for Lorna Freeman and any info why the next Borderlands book was yanked from Amazon pre-order. 😱😢😭😥

    • The Hidden Legacy series is finished for now 🙂 A sequel is not planned t the moment, but the authors have ideas about it and hope to be able to tell it someday.

  256. Thanks for the update. I am beyond grateful for the magic you spin in words and all magic requires a price….right now the price might be sleep, or saying no to something (it’s hard, I suck at this myself) I hope you find time to do something that restores you!

  258. You are superstars, thank you for all the answers and words in book form that you write. I hope the time prior to diving back in is rejuvenating

  259. Thank you so much for all you do for your readers. Your body of work is incredible and deeply meaningful to me. I will re-read some Kate Daniels tonight and feel grateful. 🙂

  260. Does this mean we won’t be seeing anything more from the Kate Daniels World, i.e. Hugh’s second book/Julie’s second book for a couple of years?

  261. Ok I’m seriously doubting that I’m the only BDH member who believes that the twice weekly release is awesome. However! If you need to cut it to once a week to keep Sane and Whole then so be it! We need you guys to feel good and have your mental health breaks too! Yes, times stink occasionally but your worlds help us cope so PLEASE be kind to yourselves like you are with us.

    We CAN learn to be Pat**nt and mellow even if we need to apply a wooden mallet to ourselves like shock therapy😂😂

    Thanks for all you do for us! 💖💖

  262. Pls remember to enjoy the summer! You work really hard and deserve to just be. It’s important! Hugs and- awesome job well done again on creating excellent worlds for us to explore 🌸🌸🌸

  263. Thanks for the Greatest Game recommendation! My kiddo lives for the rpg lit genre; we’re now reading the series together and I’m getting a rare moment of being “cool mom”. 🤪

  264. It’s hot outside in the northern hemisphere; a good time for a rest.

    Another US author I like (Ursula Vernon) and several other folks with fans use Topatoco to outsource their merch shop. Not affiliated with them, just like their t-shirts and have heard good things about them from the author’s end. Of course, you don’t have to give in to the BDH’s merch wishes at all, of course.

  265. Snort. “…if this is the kind of story you might be interested in reading.”

    BDH would buy and read your grocery list if you published it.

  266. Be well, and all the self care and tea (yes tea is self care but critical enough to get it’s own category)

  267. ❤️ thank you for giving us so much access to your brains. We ask so many questions, information sharing is a kindness when you are so busy

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