There’s been a lot of focus lately on the new readers joining us, and I wanted to take a moment to talk to the people who have been here all along.
Thank you.
Many of you have cared for these books for years, even longer than I have. My inbox is always full of questions, recommendations, fun stuff that reminded you of IA, and only the occasional emotional spiral about a detail I’ve never even considered from the stories we love. As House Andrews have said many times before, that makes it all worth it. You are seen and you are beloved.
At release time, one particular question shows up enough that I know the Horde speaks with one voice: “What’s the best way to support the book?”
It’s true that readers who understand the publishing ecosystem tend to behave in certain ways. And people call the BDH many things on the mean streets, but never ‘uninformed’ – so let’s get into it.
The cold reality is that what happens in the first few weeks after a release matters far more than it probably should. Visibility drives everything. Willingly or not, we all live somewhere in the algorithm.
Reviews
They don’t need to be long, and they don’t need to be polished critique. Most of us have been on the other end, quickly checking for best fit before our decision battery runs out. Clear, in spaces where new readers will see them, and soon after release is what usually matters here.
Reviews also don’t have to be positive. Whatever yucks your yum could easily be the next person’s favorite thing! If you go straight to the one-star reviews to see what the haters say, I see you. I’ve bought books so fast my credit card was left spinning because of DNF reasons that sounded amazing to me. Female protagonist is too bossy, my left foot!
I know purists will pipe up and say they never look at a book that has less than 4.5 stars etc, but bestseller data don’t lie. This is what a good audience reach looks like for a book – all sorts of people read this and felt things about it:
Word of mouth
Recommending the book, talking about it, posting about it.
There’s another thriving misconception here that it needs to go viral, or it only counts if it’s done by “big account” influencers. Most of us trust recommendations from people we know far more than the new BookTok engagement driver who mentions the same book as everyone else for the 127th time in a row.
From bestie to bestie and book club to book club, that’s how good books travel.
Library requests and bookstore interaction
We all know that librarians are the superheroes of Book World. There’s no way to overstate how influential they can be in making good books available to the right audience. So request the book you want, check it out, bring it on the librarian’s radar. They’ll take it from there.
Equally, bookstores don’t take wild guesses when it comes to what they stock. Demand drives decision. If you’ve ever found a favorite book by browsing the shelves of the local retailer, there’s a good chance it got there because enough people asked for it, preordered, bought, and showed interest in it and others of the same genre/type.
Why is any of this important to us? We already know what we like, what we’re buying and in how many formats.
Because this is how we get ants
Visibility doesn’t stay contained to one book.
New readers discover one series, and then go looking for everything else. That’s how older series find new life, stay relevant and *ahem* continue.
The questions about sequels come up a lot and I don’t mind answering them every day, that’s part of why I’m here. Woot, Mod R gets the big bucks! But those answers don’t change from post to post and derailing the attention from the new releases isn’t getting us the wins we think. If a series isn’t marked as Finished or Finished for Now on the Release Schedule page, it will continue when the time and creativity allow for it. They’re not forgotten, and we’ll be the first to know as soon as a release date is official.
Speaking of behaviours that work against the very thing we’re hoping for: there’s the instinct to hold off until a series is complete before buying it or starting on it. It’s understandable, but it is also a self-fulfilling prophecy. A series that doesn’t sell and doesn’t get early momentum is a series that isn’t viable and won’t continue. I could sugarcoat it, but you know I’m your girl that keeps it real.
This all applies to book releases in general and none of it is prescriptive. Read only what you want, because life is short and the news cycle even shorter. Support however is convenient. Ignore all of this entirely if you prefer, or as always, take what is useful and leave the rest.
As for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me in particular – it’s an idea House Andrews has wanted to explore for a long time, and worked hard to bring into the world.
We know better than anyone else what kind of ride we’re in for when that happens. For the Horde!
First?
That was QUICK! Certified and impressed 🙂
I am very excited for Maggie to come out. I have already talked to the hubby about giving me a weekend to devour….. I miss those days of being a teenager and reading a book for hours on end with not interruptions.
SAME
Me too – I miss having my mom be the adult and me be the kid reading away as soon as homework got done.
It’s good to be retired 🙂
I was just going to say that!
+1000!
My family asked me what I want for my birthday (the 31st!) and I immediately informed them that I am disappearing into the spare room with my new book, closing the door, and I do not want to be disturbed until I say it’s ok….THAT is what I want for my birthday!!! 😂
Yes!
+100
Absolutely!
Absolutely!! Planning my ‘things to do’ so that I have the 31st + 1 or mores days free to do nothing but read!!!
“honey”
“yes, dear”
“I need you to do *all* the chores and kid runs this weekend”
“… why?”
“because I have a new book”
Good hubby – “that’s a good reason”
Bad hubby – “but what about my golf” (or any other hobbies that can be done whenever)
I hope you and the rest of the BDH are having good hubby/partner/roomie experience 🥰
We call this coming down with Neobiblioitis in my household.
: D
Mine tried pointing out we have a trip with a 9 hour drive coming up… in May. He will drive if I wait to devour. Don’t know if I wave the p*tience to w*it.
Proposal: you could do second read, he could drive.
Does he wish to discuss?
Oooh, good one!
Ah! This made me laugh so hard … I see your Innkeeper reference and heartily applaud
I hope u told him how funny he is, once u stopped laugh/crying. In May! Bhahahaha
So you read the physical copy when it comes out and get a copy of the audio book to pull him into the BDH while he drives on the trip 😉
Now that’s true love!
Yes!!
It has been so great to see so many comments about making time to read this book. I am in the same boat. Clearing my schedule so I can unplug and happily devour.
I took the day off work on the 31st. We all know what I’ll be doing that day.
I am a long time fan. I have read all of your available books so many times. I recently read clean sweep and am in the process of reading sweeping peace again. They are just as exquisite as the first time I read them. While I have a few favorite authors Iona and Gordon write simple perfection. The descriptions, the humour..I don’t even know how to describe it. I’m not a writer and have no interest in being one. Thank you so much for these glimpses into these fascinating worlds. The (earth) world is a bit more scary than it normally is these days but these books take my mind off it and allow me to fully engage in something that relieves the anxiety and makes me laugh. I empathize with these characters completely. Their trials, tribulations, wins and losses are just as important to me as if they truly are alive. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your books❤️
For the Horde!!
As a World of Warcraft player, it cracks me up every time we say that here 🤭
My hubby and I will be reading about Maggie together, and by that, I mean I’ll be reading it to him. This will significantly slow my pace of devouring, but it will also mean we get to squee over it together. I’m so excited for release day!!!
I appreciate all the release assistance tips! Will talk it up everywhere! 🎉
Love this
Your books are all my comfort re-reads!
Mine, too. HA is so reliable, invigorating, and never boring. (I say after c.10 rereads of THE INHERITANCE.)
House Andrews books are like warm blankets that I reach for so I will continue drum my support for them. Now Im imagining Mod R giving this post in the manner of Aragorn speech at the Black Gate and ending it for the Horde!
How did you know! 😀
Because I recently drove through a snow storm to see Return of the King in theatres so its fresh in my mind. Im imagining Roman as Gandalf
Doesn’t Roman actually have a “Thou Shalt Not Pass!” moment on a bridge? Gunmetal Magic?
That is well said!
For the horde!
*grabs Orcrist and runs toward the orcs*
(Yes, I do own an Orcrist replica.)
*is incredibly jealous*
We will fluffily spread the word
For the Horde!
I went to finally purchase the e-book version….only to find out I had bought it back in April 2025! LOL! Must have been at the first book-drop announcement!
SAME 😅🥰
Me too!
I keep my budget cleaned up by entering any book I pre-order on the date it’s supposed to be released. About once a week, I check my pre-order emails, too. This system works for me – I have friends who think I’m crazy.
Oh, I forgot. I keep my checkbook records on my computer. Again, it works for me. Might not if I lived with anybody else, but ….
Well, I just got a status update on my UK order for the Waterstone’s special edition.🙏 And I have a reminder in my calendar for the morning of the drop to buy the e-book from my regular bookseller.📕
Now I just have to then actually find the time to READ the book. Guess we don’t really need sleep as long as it is FOR THE HORDE?!😉💤
W*iting fluffily…
I just got my notification too. Very excited that the dreaded w*iting is almost over! For the Horde!
For the Horde! I don’t usually post what I am reading on Facebook, I will make an exception for the pretty. Besides, those spredges, they deserve to be admired…
I’ve been with House Andrews from the beginning and am looking forward to this new adventure with them! Never have I been able to stick with an author this long and not be disappointed in a single work. There are so many other series I’ve eventually left after multiple same old same book after book.
Now sounds like House Andrews has never failed me so time for me to put up or shut up and start hyping them like I should have been all along! Nonchalant reviews incoming.
And good choice with the Archer clip Mod R! One of my fav adult cartoons 😆
Same! I’ve been reading their books since the first KD. They’re like bloody catnip!
I think I found them after 1 or 2 of the KD books were out, so I got to binge the Edge books and(?) the first Kinsmen, I think. Too lazy to look up the timeline to confirm. So I know I haven’t been there from the very very beginning, but close to it. Oddly enough, I do remember where I first came across the first books of theirs I read — it was in a Borders bookstore in the mall in Columbia, MD. I had never heard of them; I got snagged by the cover artwork.
Anyone else remember where they were when they picked up their first HA book?
Small library in an almost rural area I frequented for a school thing. I think they had the first few of KD. Then I started putting others on hold and begging parents for B&N birthday money or to go to the used bookstore
Barnes and Noble in Fort Worth at a store location that’s no longer there. I was looking for something to read. Magic Breaks caught my attention. The rest, as they say, is history. 😁
2009 – I had just gotten a Kindle and was looking for books to try and Magic Bites was listed among the free books.
I was hooked and then, when I found this blog, went to the start and read every posting until I caught up.
Obsessed much? 😄
KD was an online recommendation after I finished the Karen Marie Moning Fever series somewhere around 2010. I think the first 4 Kate Books were out. I struggled and couldn’t finish Magic Bites. I cant remember if it was Innkeeper serial in 2013 or reading the first Edge book, but I went back and powered through KD#1 and the rest is history.
I was thankful they had such a varied backlist of published and free fiction to get me through between releases.
I was in HoCoMD also, but at home recovering from spinal surgery, when a friend sent me the first three KDs. I had previously read the novella featuring Andrea and Raphael in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology. You can bet I picked up everything I could find of theirs once I was cleared to drive.
The rally cry of Mod R! I realize in the digital era we all live in word of mouth is still very much an important way to get information about something.
I also look at the 1 star reviews. I want to know why someone didn’t like it.
I definitely hear the Return of the King Aragorn speech at the Black Gate. For the Horde! 😂
The Horde gets acknowledged in this book. Whoo-hoo! 🎇🥳
HA fits for me as incomplete serial stories because, in spite of the larger story not being done, the story in each book is. HA books have teasers, not cliffhangers. If a first book has a cliffhanger, I won’t read the rest until the series is done. It is mentally itchy.
My sister hits the middle ground with those. For a few authors, she will buy the series as each book comes out but not read them until she has the whole series. Such discipline! I can’t even imagine owning a book and not reading it.
I find cliffhangers used as a way to sell the next book in the series really irritating. I don’t mind teasers and little hanging there, but when every book concludes with “oh but now there comes this plot twist out of the blue skies and everything we thought is resolved is turned on its head again – so watch what happens next book!” I abandon ship. It doesn’t make me want to read the following book, it ruins the book I just read. Thank good HA doesn’t do that, just teases sometimes.
Same response
❤️
We love you @ModR! Also, how do we contact you with questions? For science.
Modr@ilona-andrews.com and the comments – I read them all 🙂
Good reminders and information! Thanks Mod R!
+1
Thanks for the reminder: I pre-ordered the Kindle version online and a hardcover at my local independent bookstore. Now I have to go request my library bring it in in hardcover and on Libby…
I initially found Kate as an extra story in a book with many authors. My enthusiasm was hooked. After that, I devoured it all long before the book devouring hoard became a group name. I just want to say. Your books are the one true re-readable, my go to’s when I just want to world travel and do something like the old commercial used to say, Calgon Take me Away. Now, it is Kate and Curran take me away. Love their kids so much. Love that whole world. Some of their world views I have adopted. You can’t read something and it doesn’t touch you. I love the relationship dynamic, the care for the friends, the underdog, and and the world worn. I love the whole story line. I also like going down the rabbit holes of the religion lines too. I know it is a fictional world but I heard about Shinar in the Old Testament while doing a reposted on audio just the other day. Made my day.
+1 on the one star reviews. Different people have different views of what’s great in a book, but a griping review is usually specific. I don’t care 20 people wrote they loved it, that doesn’t necessarily mean I will, I wanna know why those four guys think it’s awful 😀
I like reading 3 star reviews for research purposes myself – although we’re usually talking product reviews other than books (clothes etc). Food for thought in both directions.
That said, I often do read the one stars. There are usually only a few, so why not? It’s all data.
I was baffled by the Archer reference, because what I saw in that space was a Captcha box stating unusual levels of activity had been detected coming from this site. I filled out the box like five times, and it kept resetting (favorite specimen: “swagnest”). So I gave up and moved on, and when I scrolled up later, the clip was there. 😀
I had that same problem on one computer. Went on my phone, and saw the Archer clip.
I’m so freaking excited for Maggie.
For the Horde! Thank you Mod R
Speaking as a (retired) librarian, don’t forget many libraries get their fiction from a 3rd-party distributor like Ingram Content Group or Baker & Taylor Publishers. Sometimes this means just specifying a desired genre in lieu of specific authors. These companies lean heavily on reviews and authors’ previous sales. I worked with and in community colleges nearly my whole career, and students love fiction but administrations want dollars spent to support curricula. These distributors help academic libraries get bang for their bucks.
With that reminder, I just checked my library’s Libby page: 139 waiting already, for two copies. I expect they’ll order at least two more copies shortly.
I, of course, needn’t worry about that, as it turns out I ordered my personal copy the day the pre-order was announced here. 😉
Because Ilona Andrews books is on my very short Pre-Order at Once list. <3
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to read it at once. The Passover Seder is the evening of April 1st, so Thanksgiving-level cleaning and cooking takes priority.
I zoom weekly with a bunch of female friends. We always spend part of the zoom talking about what we’re reading. We also have a Facebook list and a pinned “reading recommendations” list. Old books,
new books, series everything. one of our friends loves early 20th century women’s fiction and she always has a recommendation. The last 10 books Ive bought were from recommendations from these friends.
Maggie is going on the list probably the day after I get it.
Release dates should fall on Fridays 🤩 I was going to hold off reading Maggie until my work trip in two weeks but I just realized that could be my plane re-read! Duh!
I just checked my library and there are already 82 people on the waitlist for the ebook!! I live in a small area of eastern Washington and it excites me that there are other horde members around. I bought the book so I can, hopefully, start reading it late Monday after the clock hits midnight in NY. LOL
The BDH remains unmatched 💛
345 at lapl
There are 185 people waiting for the book from my library. It makes me wish I could meet them.
My library has reciprocal agreements with 5 others, which is awesome for supply of ebooks and audiobooks.
One library has the audiobook ordered (45 holds) and another has the ebook (68 holds).
Lucky for me I received a bookstore gift card as a retirement gift….no waiting required!!
I can’t remember how I found IA books on the beginning but I do remember I started with Hidden Legacy and Nevada’s trilogy and got hooked. From there I read Innkeeper and then moved on to KD, Edge series and whatever else IA wrote I could get my hands on.
I thought I could hold out on reading the This Kingdom extended preview and wait for the full book release but I didn’t have the willpower. 🤣🤣
I have a long trip at the end of April….let’s see if I can hold off 3 weeks. 😱🤣
Go Horde!
I’m so excited about Maggie! I’ve been yapping to anyone who will listen since before the preview and I’m determined to recruit new readers so people can fall in love with IAs books as much as I have. I’m so glad to be a part of this community 💜
For the Horde!
Aw I love! The line about a lot of things said in the streets but not uninformed made me laugh. Thank you!
This is all great advice! I learned about you guys from a book blog I followed, it was that book blog that helped me realise my favourite genre was Urban Fantasy. On a list of recommended series to check out was Kate Daniels, I devoured it and loved it so much I found your website and read everything available at that time, then I went on to read everything else you guys had written. I didn’t read IC at first because I wasn’t loving the blurb, but when you started to serialise a new IC book I decided to read from the beginning and boy was I glad I did!! You by far my favourite authors and when I can’t find something new I want to read, I just reread one of your series 🥰 Only your bestie Jeaniene Frost compares 🥰 The first Lit RPG novel I read was recommended here and I can’t wait to read Maggie♥️
I’ve been a BDH member for a long time but I love bringing new members into the fold. Now my Mom is one!! She is doing just what you’ve said, started with Hidden Legacy, then branched to the Innkeeper and is now traversing into Kate’s world. I love sharing this with her. I also finally got my book club to try an IA book and it was mostly well received. Several members went on to read other books and series by House Andrews and are now recommending them to others.
House Andrews are auto buys for me because they have earned my trust in writing series, stories and pretty much everything. I confess that I am leery about reading a first in series by authors I don’t know well.
I am one of those people who likes to read two or three books in a row when I actually start a new series. I prefer not to wait a year or 18 months for the second and third book. However, I do simply purchase the books as they are released. Then when I have several in that series, I start reading.
I have the luxury of doing this because I have Over 3000 unread books on my Kindle. I have over 1000 unread hardcover and PaperBack books in my library upstairs. Well honestly, it’s an extra bedroom, but it’s full and I do mean full of books that I haven’t read yet.
So while I may not be doing a book review right away, I at least hope I’m helping out by purchasing the books as they are released and storing them until I have enough to start a new series.
As of right now I own and have read every single one of the HA books series. I did order Maggie and because I read the preview, I probably will finish the book once I get my copy next week.
But it’s not my usual habit to read a book if I know there’s a sequel.
Last year, I finally sat down and read the Hidden Legacy series. It was so satisfying to be able to read that many books in a row and live in that world for a week or so.
I’ve got a Kindle and paper copy on order (LOVE the Owlcrate version, but am restraining myself), but wondered what local libraries were doing. The 3 I am a patron of (because if one has the book I want on the shelf, I’ll go there rather than wait) have all ordered it. I put holds on them so the library knows they are wanted, and will return them immediately.
I can’t lie, I’m deffo a bit gun shy on unfinished series, after night world, and GoT have seemingly dropped, it doesn’t stop me picking up new books but it does weight into the decision somewhat 🙁
I do however decide if I think the author would leave me hanging, and there are a few authors I wouldn’t pick up an unfinished series from because they’ve abandoned a series before. Like I understand there’s a chance for every series that something happens and it can’t be finished due to circumstances beyond the author’s control, and I think most authors understand how entangled we get in their stories and don’t want to leave their readers on a cliff hanger forever. All I’d want is the author to be honest and let me know where we all stand. (I love it if the author sorts someone else finishing the series, tying it all up a bit prematurely but still ‘finished’, or a short story but those are all bonuses rather than expectations)
I kind of agree, waiting a year is a pain. There have been series I’ve started when they were finished and it was great to binge read them. I do that with TV series on DVD a lot. Supernatural was a recent revelation. However, I get HA stuff as soon as I can. I thought most of the Kate books ended on cliffhangers of a sort, or at least with a burning question which wasn’t always answered in the next book. But I’d forgotten by then or the new book was so compelling it didn’t matter.
I have a Very Serious Question about Maggie. Is there any difference between the sample and the full book? Meaning, if I’ve already read the sample several times, can I skip straight to the part of the book where it picks up after?
If you mean the extended preview, then no 🙂 Jump right in on chapter 8!
Exxxxxcellent! Thank you!
“That’s how older series find new life, stay relevant and *ahem* continue.”
Roman and Hugh would love new readers! Also Arabelle wants everyone to love her more.
It is *very* rare that my fandoms overlap, so THANK YOU for the Archer reference!!
I read it in Archer’s voice as well. Because I was literally watching that earlier today.
*Happy dancing*
Also, thank you for the reminder on how to make the biggest impact with my currently limited dollars.
Any time I can promote a HA book, I do so. Always entertaining…good storyline and great characters. There’s not a single book I didn’t enjoy reading. I’m so excited for this new adventure!
For the Horde!
Can’t w*it for Maggie! I became an HA follower years ago when Audible had a sale that included Kate books 2-3. Well of course I had to get book 1. Book 4 was on the pre-release list. Much later I saw Clean Sweep on the Audible website – wait! IA has a different series? How many series? I now own everything that is/was available via Audible, with occasional Kindle copies when the audio version was delayed (Beast Business, Sweep of the Heart, The Inheritance, etc.) I re-listen frequently. There is no other author that I keep in that kind of constant rotation.
I was a Horde member before I knew there was a Horde!
Still w*iting patiently for Maggie, so difficult.
Hello, I have a question about Maggie. I would like to purchase a signed copy of the book. It doesn’t have to be a special edition, though they are pretty. Is there a way I can pre-order one? I can’t attend an in-person event. I live in a different state. I do have it on hold at my local library and am impatiently awaiting the arrival of the book. Thanks.
The special editions are the signed ones for now 🙂 https://ilona-andrews.com/maggie-the-undying-2/#special.
That’s all I can share atm, but I know there will be more options down the line with signed bookplates that you can then attach to your book.
For the Horde!! I rarely write reviews, but I’m already in love with everything I’ve read “This Kingdom will not Kill me”. I will write a review!! I will help spread the Word – For the Horde!!! 🙂
Thanks ModR for the info on ways to promote Maggie. I’ve already bought a copy for my best friend! 90 people on hold for This Kingdom ebook at our local library here in Bellingham, Washington. Plus I’ve ordered the ebook, last April(?), and hardback from my local library.
Just out of curiosity, I researched on my library account which book I started reading first of HA’s. I think I first bought a copy of Magic Bites. Then books start showing up in my ebooks in 2019. Looks like I was jumping around series when I really start diving in at the beginning of the pandemic. In one week I was reading the following series: Edge, Kate, Innkeeper, Hidden Legacy. Before that a Kinsman novel and a book of short stories HA was in! I remember I couldn’t always get the next book right away so I would skip to another series. Interesting to look back!
I am so glad and blessed to be a part of the Horde! With my actual Rippercushion cushion, my chalant sticker on the back of my phone, my I can’t even sticker on my water bottle, my horde cup, not to mention all the copies of the books (almost every ebook, Graphic and regular audio, and some paperback and hardbacks)!
So yes, ModR/Aragorn at the gate!
For the Horde!
Be great to have a For the Horde patch/sticker!
I’m so excited for this up coming release. I’m considering it my Most Anticipated Book Release of the Year. I’m looking forward to reading it and then dissecting the book with the rest of hoard. I feel this is a book which will appeal to such a wide audience, I’m planning to buy a few copies as gifts this year 😅
Love seeing this <3
I preordered a hard copy from my local indie and just preordered the kindle since that’s how I read at night! I’ve told so many people about this book. I found HA through a friend, and I tell all my bookish friends about their work. I hope HA gets great sales numbers in early weeks!
<3 for the Horde!
On that note…. For those who were peeved that the signed Watersrones edition couldn’t be ordered anymore…. I just paid for a preorder of said version. So either Waterstones is playing a cruel prank on me, or they found some more books that some BDH employee had squirreled away to make their own Maggy fortress…
For someone who has not done one before, where are reviews done?
Most major online book retailers have a place for reviews and star rating. So Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Kobo etc – wherever you purchase the book from, on its page 🙂
Then there are reader spaces like:
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/231127235-this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me%5D
StoryGraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2648ab55-8c06-403f-b1e5-fe823f3295a5
Some readers also discuss books on Reddit in communities like r/Fantasy or r/RomanceBooks, and go there to look at review posts, but the above are the most common 🙂
WE RIDE AT DAWN!!!!!!!!
…NEXT TUESDAY!!!!
For the Horde!!!
I‘m not a flash mob personality at heart. But, man, this book release is keying up scenes of thundering hooves, raised swords, battle screams and a flat-out gallop for March 31st in the company of thousands of like-minded Hordlings – none of whom I know, yet all of whom I feel a deep kinship for. A very surreal, adrenaline-pumping experience of anticipation like no other!
Now I have Theoden’s speech from Return of the King in my head. Only instead of “riders of Theoden”, I have riders of the Horde.
Here is this the speech (Return of the King, by JRR Tolkien, movie version):
“Arise, arise riders of Theoden!
Spears shall be shattered, shields shall be broken!
A sword day. A red day. As the sun rises!”
Horde version:
“Arise, arise BDH!
Books shall be opened, story shall be devoured!
A read day. A great day. As the sun rises!”
😁🥳😂
It should be “here is the speech”. Mind over fingers typing and not thinking properly. 🤦♀️
Ahaha, love it!
Absolutely, Patricia! I‘m there for the rest of that speech in the BDH version!
„… As the sun rises!
Read now! Read now! Read!
Read for ruin …
… and the book‘s ending!
Maggie! Maggie! Maggie!
Forth Hordlings!“
awesome comment!
What are the chances that we get a GA edition of This Kingdom…. ?
I knw the Audiobook is in the works (completed?), but GA just elevates. That’s how I found HA and the KD series. #justiceforJulie
I’ve been talking up Maggie to all the readers (and non-readers) that I know. I’m hoping that my excitement will spill over. I also have been using a Ripper Cushions mug at work, which is a great conversation starter!
Thanks Mod R….this all makes so much sense! As a side note, ever since HA started sharing Maggie snippets with us, I (and probably most of the BDH!) have been just so excited about this series…I can’t believe it’s almost here!🥳🎉🎉🎉🎉💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Every new HA book release is exciting, but this one feels so different somehow. I feel as if I am witnessing the birth of a new series that is really going to vastly, unbelievably expand the number of HA fans and bring the widespread recognition that Ilona Andrews deserves. (This is not to say that they aren’t already recognized as being true masters who always write the BEST books!) 😁
I’m glad we are all here and can say “I was a fan long before Maggie…..and now the rest of you know what I’ve been ranting about all these years!” 😂
1 star comments if I need the deal breaker lol. otherwise I don’t usually read reviews.
New horde, old horde, all horde best! We will our best to be well-behaved, albeit chalant, horde
Iam really hopeful about this book. But we have had so much hype about it for sooo long that I am scared it is not going to be as good as I hoped. We didn’t seem to need all of this with any other book.
I’m thinking that the rollercoaster analogy applies to Maggie. We can trust HA to get us to the end of the ride safely. So, deep breathes, y’all, here we goooooo.
For the Horde!!!
I think some of this is thanks to Tor. The Horde helped along with the hype. Our excuse is that we all want as many books as we can read.
I still say Tor doesn’t know what hit them. They will come Tuesday.
Will we hear about the last special edition in the U.S. before the release date? Can’t wait to read it!
I asked this recently. Apparently they STILL aren’t allowed to tell us anything. Mod. R referred us to the books link on this site. Under the Maggie editions is a foul listing: C*m*ng S**n. As in not knowable NOW. Humph, such language!
I hope all b revealed on the release day. I really wanted to plan ahead, but I’m not sure the publisher fully appreciates our Horde’s need to have all our books in a row before the book birthday. And check and recheck orders. Otherwise they obv would have snippets and other treats dropping like an Advent calendar. A small treat everyday! Maybe for this last interminable week. But we do understand that HA is currently writing, and must not b disturbed. Which is why pacifying the BDH should b the publisher’s job, guided by Mod. R, ofc. Because she knows what we like.
I will try to be better about reviews. I am, frankly, horrible about doing anything more than a stars-only review.
Partly this is because I read SO MUCH that I hardly have time to write reviews. The other main part is that I am unable to express in words what love about the books.
Nice! I have actually done most of the stuffs! I do not give reviews but I do make lots of recommendations to actual people. I was the 3rd person who requested our library get This Kingdom! I have never been such a low number! I will borrow, read and it despite having preordered it and asked after it at all the bookstores around me. I do really appreciate that you do not close the unless you have to. Thank you.
For the Horde!
I found Ilona through anthologies with Jim and Dali’s short stories. I liked the stories, the characters felt familiar but I felt like I was missing something, like there was more to the story. I did some research and discovered Kate. In less than a month I had caught up and found the blog around September or October of 2013. I’ve been a little obsessed ever since, Horde before the Horde was a thing! This is one of my favorite places so thanks for that.
I have been hyping this book to anyone who will listen and I can’t wait!!! I took the day off to read because I want to be able to wallow in it.
Squueeee! FOR THE HORDE!!
PS. I also read the 3 star and 1 star reviews to get a better idea of a books “real” reviews.
I love this blog, but I will admit to a bit of whiplash. I am an avid mmorpg player and one of my favorite games has the tagline “for the horde”. So, my streams are getting crossed in the most entertaining way.
See you in Azeroth!
Only 5 more sleeps! Time off work has been booked so as to maximise uninterrupted book-devouring opportunity! Already struggling to fall asleep at night as anticipation explodes…
i wish The House Adrews all the best !
i only hope that we will have Soon the next Book from the Hugh Serie…
take care of yourself in this stormy Times
For the horde !!!
For the Horde!!!
I’m so excited!!!!!
So excited for Maggie! But for once I pre-ordered the French version (soooo gorgeous), need to w*it until June… I may just buy the ebook version until then haha
I really like the new book, Maggy, and all about it I am counting days to March 31.
But, please, please, could you go back to Hugh and Elara?
All the best
Wasn’t Maggie the book that HA was told wouldn’t sell well and they they got offers from everyone? Or was that The Inheritance?
That may have been Puffles (?), the dragon. After the idea was shot down, a whole bunch of dragon-focused books came out.
Yes, Maggie is book idea they thought wasn’t marketable. Until we all enthusiastically told them we would definitely buy it. Or their grocery list, and anything in between. I think it is lovely that they are dedicating Maggie1 to the BDH!
For the Horde!
I remember when we discussed, mulled, and voted on becoming the BDH. That was fun.
Your “For the Horde!” gave me a nostalgic feelings for my Warcraft III days: “my life for the horde”
So we all understand the mission? And we all got this hint?
“New readers discover one series, and then go looking for everything else. That’s how older series find new life, stay relevant and *ahem* continue.”
Mission – review after the first read!!! Review EVERYWHERE
Why? Because the other series will get another episode!!!!!
HUGH HUGH HUGH!!!!!!!!
Bring on Day zero!!!
I need to wait until Thursday 2 April for the international release.
Fortunately that’s the Thursday before the long Easter weekend.
No eggs, bunnies or chicks for me this year.
Just Maggie on Sat, Sun, Mon
Sorry u have a longer w*it! I have to travel for the holiday and help prepare, so I’ll b doing my first read as quickly as possible before we go. I really hope I can finish in time, as trying to read while spending time w our nephew is just not doable. Normally I read from the beginning, but since Mod. R told us that the extended sneak peak is identical to the published book, I’ll try to reread that just before the book arrives. ((Hugs to all our BDH members who will experience d*lays. Shudder.))
“… because life is short and the news cycle even shorter.” (Thank the Goddess)
Well said! Thanks Mod R
For the HORDE!
Have preordered my BN copy and looking forward to getting my Owl Crate copy too!
I remember seeing the occasional Kate Daniels book on the shelf of the (used) bookstore I worked at, but feeling leery of the darkness implied by the cover art. Then I snagged On the Edge, found the blog and started reading the Innkeeper serials. I quickly realized why I almost never saw Ilona Andrews on our shelves – they kept getting bought as soon as they arrived! I was there when we became the BDH, and found a fellow Horde member at my last job before I retired. Lexi, I hope you are just as excited for Maggie as I am, and I miss our early morning discussions about the latest blog. For The Horde!
Random question that I’ve been wondering. I know IA’s stance is order however is best for each of us. BUT, does it make a difference on those metrics if we pre-order or purchase on release day? I pre-order so I don’t forget and it shows up just as soon as it’s available, but would help in anyway if it was was done on the release date?
Thanks for indulging all the fluffiness, Mod R! 🤗
Both preorders and release day/week purchases count towards release-week numbers, so they both contribute to visibility and momentum right when the book launches.
The main advantage of preorders isn’t so much metrics and bestseller charts, although they can ofc signal early interest in a book – but in making sure the readers don’t forget about the book and miss it 😅.
Something I cannot confidently comment on is reliability of each retailer when it comes to strict counts of orders that are fulfilled before official release date. That’s very much information I’m not privy to.
Thank you! 🤗
Have been a fan for years. Started on an Innkeeper book and loved it so much today I own all HA ebooks, audiobooks and Graphic Audio and read/listen repeatedly. Just received my Kingdom hard copy from Blackwell’s and love it! So pretty too!
LOL My pre-order is in, will be read at BDH speed and post review AFAIC… Then I’ll be back on here saying BARSA BARSA BARSA! ZenHugs
(but I still have an inclination to hold it hostage for More Elias and Adaline, roflmao)
+1000
I recommend you all the time in my FB Fantasy Fiction group, and usually get thumbs up from other fans.
I know ive said this before but again and again, thank you for these little peeks behind the curtain!
I am always fascinated about the the goings-on in the publishing arena/world.
I also like the insight into how authors structure or craft their stories that we sometimes get from the dynamic duo!
cant wait to listen to the new adventure.. only a few days left!!
Thank you for seeing us, ModR! I feel beloved.
Your post raised so many thoughts: on series and sequels, on reviews, on thunderous battle cries.
On series and sequels – one of the things I have come to appreciate most about HA is that they can both provide a satisfying resolution AND plant tantalizing seeds for the (eventual) continuation. So, while, of course, I want the sequels right away, I can (gasp!) w*it for them, without feeling the anxiety of an actual cliffhanger. Yes, I‘m talking about you, Hugh, Roman, Breach Wars, Innkeeper, Maggie …
On reviews – like the rest of my fellow, ARC-less Hordlings, I have as yet only read the extended preview of Maggie. And, even with just those 7 chapters, there was a complete and satisfying story arc, as well as a massive hook for what is to come.
The preview introduces the world and key characters, but most importantly, it tracks Maggie coming into her own in Rellas. Maggie arrives dazed in Kair Toren, and proceeds to find her strengths, claim her identity and chart her path forward. Though we leave her in a tough situation, we know from what we‘ve read in the last 126 pages that she and her allies will handle it. Of course, we are still vibrating with anticipation to know exactly how.
I‘m incredibly excited to read the rest of book. And, I already know, it‘s exactly what I need right now. Not just escapism, but affirmation. Not just the simple triumph of good over evil – with lots of masterful action, romance and humor thrown in – but the triumph of agency, resilience and compassion over daunting odds.
Only 4 more days! For the horde!
That’s such a great review, seriously awesome!
Just to clarify though – the goal of reviews is to help visibility, and new readers discovering an author, so they’re most helpful when posted in places like Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph, Facebook reader groups, or other social spaces where people can discover the books.
In BDH spaces like the IA blog or BDH Fb group, we’re already here because we love the authors and the stories, so those reviews don’t reach new audiences in quite the same way 🙂
Yep. I get how it works.
Posted on Amazon Germany for the extended preview.
Breach Wars, Breach Wars, Breach Wars—-I really need me some Breach Wars.
The sad truth is our beloved authors burn 360 degrees around the candle, writing and editing, editing and writing, and while I want/need what I want/need, I don’t think it is conceivable that they can write enough to get it all done. *sigh*
On the upside, I have successfully turned my DH into a reader of All Things IA.
I’m working on my DH. What did u start him on? Any tips?
For the Horde!
I’m fairly new to this blog – maybe like 8 months? But I keep forgetting what BDH stands for lol.
I’ve also read every one of your books I can get at my library and have bought my favorite series. I’m eagerly waiting the new release and will of course put up a review asap!
Book Devouring Horde. That’s US.
Thank you for the reminder about supporting my fav writing duo. I’ve just moved to a new state and their library has all three versions of the book (audio, ebook, and hardcover) available to check out (34 on 6 copies). Planning to buy the audio, but like to be able to read/listen to books these days so I’ll buy and wait until I can also read.
This is a new subgenre for me and seems to be similar to The Wandering Inn series which I’ve read part of book 1.
Is there hope that the book will get on the NY Times Best Seller list? I know it’ll be up there on Amazon.
Reviews. Got it. Will do the moment I get the book!
However, since as a member of the BDH I am required by code to be pedantic… your “Release Schedule” page needs some love… “Beast Business” has been out (and I already read it twice) and is of course part of Hidden Legacy.
Also… “Finished for now” seems like the most frequently challenged statement on any of your series here on the blog. The day you announce the first Arabella book you’ll get 25,000 preorders, mark my words…
It’s better for pedantry to bow to efficiency and good use 🙂
The Release Schedule page keeps recent releases at the top for the first couple of months, so that readers get a chance to discover new developments if they’ve been out of contact for a bit. Life does happen.
There are books/authors I just automatically buy when they come out/preorder. It’s you guys, Jeffe Kennedy, Grace Draven. I’ve never been disappointed yet.
I didn’t “hold off” reading a series til it’s finished, but I do have a trilogy (within the same world) by Jeffe sitting in my TBR waiting for me patiently. Mostly because I’ve been sucked into other things and been a busy bee. So I’ve preordered each a do haven’t reviewed yet which is bad me, but I did buy and preorder so I like to think I did okay.
I feel like I need to get my shit together and get a library card (also to support my library) but I live rural and never remember it when I go into town 😅😅😅
I discovered HA 2008 – 09ish. Kate #3 had just been released. Was hooked and caught up on everything available at that time. Have kept up with all new releases and have never been disappointed.
Found the blog in 2020 and it was a lifeline at that time. As were the Blood Heir and Sanctuary serials. Unending gratitude and 🤗 for that.
I have done my best to clear time to fall into This Kingdom on the 31st but I know it will be awesome whenever I read it!
For the Horde!
I just want to say that I am reading the Reactor serial for This Kingdom, and I am totally fascinated by the concept and the book. Can’t wait until next week!
Far be from me to complain, however… ! Why are there never any book signing or visits to the Southwestern states? Why are are you dissing Arizona, Nevada California? I would drive to any of those states just to see the leaders of the BDH. Please consider those of us out here suffering in the desert.
For the Horde!!! *charges randomly for a very short distance*
I would probably guess that new readers are fallouts from the “romantasy” genre, they’ve gotten lost in the dearth of and overpopulated “popular right now” genre, with every new author writing it. And then they stumble on the King & Queen of urban fantasy writing….. and realise what they had before was the Temu version of what it should be. You guys write the best mind movies out there…. I honestly would LOVE to see you do a Steampunk! that is a genre that I adore, if done right!
Easter weekend, I’m supposed to be clearing out the garage but… we know that won’t happen!
This Kingdom here I come!
I have the day off! March 31st, March 31, March 31, I keep chanting, March 31!
I will have everything done and ready. I will put comfy clothes on, make sure my seat has the comfy blanket, turn off my ring doorbell and silence my phone.
I’ve bought my loose tea preferences, the delicious snacks are ready.
I have my Venapro on standby, and will notify the peeps that matter, I will be MIA.
Oh Maggie where are you? Soon my precious, soon!
I never care for reviews. just because someone likes/dislikes a book doesn’t mean I will feel the same way. Many times, I will read a book with bad reviews just to see if I agree lol! But there is no way I wouldn’t love an IA book since I have read them all and loved them all!
All I can say is I’m so excited and thank you. There’s no other author(s?) for me. House Andrews gets annual rereads from me, multiples rereads. There is no other author or House who gets that kind of attention. They are the best. My one House to rule them all.
Happily, I booked my 11-hour flight on Mar 31, which means a glorious day of uninterrupted book devouring with no calls and messages!! Chalantly hopping around waiting for the drop!! Squeeeee…
I try to support my favorite authors in as many ways as I can, and IA tops the list. So I tend to buy the ebook, audiobook, and read from my libraries as often as possible even though it’s all in my personal shelf. I will challenge myself to review as well as rate all the books.
FOR THE HORDE!
For the Horde!!!! 😁⚔️😁✊🏻