We’re all sick of the villains, morally gray characters and the bad things we have to hear about constantly.
It’s time to switch things around and celebrate the best of the best supporting characters — they may not be the main protagonists, but they absolutely make every scene better just by existing. They’re the ride-or-dies, the problem-solvers, the comic relief, and we can trust they’ll never do things with evil intention.
While some heroes brood in the corner, these legends are out there actually getting things done. Vote wisely!
(And if you wish to revisit the results and heated discussion for the previous villain poll, you’ll find it here.)
The selection today:
Grandma Frida is the badass grandma we all wish we had. She can talk to tanks, fix tanks and drive tanks, but she also made her garage be the safe place for everyone to go when they need to pour their hearts out.
Orro is a seven-foot-tall, monstruous hedgehog alien chef who acts like Gordon Ramsay on a Shakespearean monologue spree. He lives for culinary perfection, feeding people until they levitate with joy and storming off into his Dramatic Woods. FIRE!
Leon lived his early teenage years thinking he was the only dud in a magical powerhouse family. Now, he’s an unparalleled killing machine, fueled by dead pan, sci-fi Westerns and the same big heart he’s always had.
Grendel is he a poodle? Is he an omen of death? All we know is he’s fluffy, even in nightmare Black Dog shape. His hobbies include vomiting, rolling in vomit, eating everything not nailed down, stealing our hearts…and being living proof that pets reflect their owners.
Gaston a gentleman of adventure, a spy, a gourmet smooth-talking rascal who could probably convince Death itself to take a vacation. If life were a swashbuckling novel, Gaston would be the one swinging from chandeliers mid-battle while winking at the enemy.
Andrea the sharpshooter ex-Order knight, now queen of the boudas – and she did it all in heels (whilst being a beastkin). She’s the kind of loyal best friend who brings snacks, shoots first, and asks questions if necessary.
Helen: we would fix all her ripper cushions! The adorable bacon menace who stole all our hearts also has a kill list, and is ready to defend her family with her Fangs, as any self-respecting warrior vampire princess would.
Cornelius impressed us with his ferrets, deadly frying pan skills, and pied piper song of grief. He is a proud father, a loyal friend and someone who could call on arcane animals to shred the enemy to pieces while sipping his tea. Terrifying? Yes. Lovable? Definitely.
Luther or Dr Loose Cannon to his detractors, is the scientist-magician-bestie every hero needs. His lectures, unexpected sass, hilarious T-shirts and ability to keep up with whatever post-apocalyptic Atlanta throws at Kate make him a true BDH treasure.
Best of the Best (Sidekick Stars edition)
- Luther (KD) (17%, 1,431 Votes)
- Cornelius (HL) (17%, 1,420 Votes)
- Grandma Frida (HL) (15%, 1,198 Votes)
- Andrea (KD) (11%, 892 Votes)
- Helen (IC) (10%, 812 Votes)
- Leon (HL) (10%, 796 Votes)
- Orro (IC) (9%, 779 Votes)
- Grendel (KD) (7%, 606 Votes)
- Gaston (Edge & IC) (4%, 319 Votes)
Total Voters: 8,253
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Andrea is my ride or die!
+1
ditto
+1
Hard decision between Helen and Leon for me. But Helen is cuter.
Cornelius takes a close third. Because talking to animals is absolutely my dream! 🙂
Omg I had the same thought process!
+1
+1
Ahhhhh! I can’t pic! I love them all!
+1!
Agree, so hard to pick just one. I want to pick them all.
+1! Mod R makes us make the tough decisions with only 1 choice. She probably knows the we’d click all of them, if allowed.
+1
amen
+1
+1
Same!
+1! Top three, maybe? Helen, Grandma Friday, and ….AUGH, I can’t choose!
oooh, difficult! as I’m rereading Hidden legacy, it’s Cornelius for me. Followed closely by Leon.
Ohhh… this is a hard one! I love all of them!
But Helen is *just* a hair cuter than Cornelius… ^^;;
I got an error message when I hit submit 😔 Off to tey on another device …
So hard to pick. Ultimately it came down to Cornelius, because without Cornelius there is no ferret heist.
+1
What a difficult choice. I did vote for Grandma Frida as she will literally make or fix the ride that we might die on.
They are all great, but the one I long to read next is Helen. Clearly Gertrude Hunt agrees. can’t wait for her to meet Magnolia Green.
+1
I agree. Magnolia Green would be the ultimate tree house, don’t you think?
Its Luther all the way, with Helen right on his heels
Yes, but future, grown up Helen will be dangerous!
See, that’s why I can’t really think of Helen as a sidekick. She’s the heroine-in-waiting!
+1
Hard decision. I love Cornelius, but decided on Andrea. She’s my choice in a knife fight, if it comes to that.
me too! I waffled and decided to go with Andrea after all.
I would absolutely love a side kick story about Leon. I think / hope he is the bastard son of the precog that got killed off at his own party. Leon could inherit billions! And he would find out that life can be fair. But, of course, I am patient…
I had the exact same thought!! Leon is the bastard son of the man who was elegantly killed with ice at his own party!! I hope!! and fingers are crossed!
+37k! Baranovsky and Leon are both slender and tall, with runner’s builds and whiskey-colored eyes. I believe in this with all my fluffy heart!
+1 Ha this story is my new wish!
Thanks for such awesome friends – even if they are imaginary- it’s so hard to choose!
+1 – Hard choices. I love love Cornelius, but just too much animals for me. Andrea is definitely my ride or die. I’d love to be more like Grandma Frida, at least I can fix things. Great supporting casts are what bring stories to life and I’m not a big fan of trying to make them more than that, but the Horde is right, some of these deserve their own story – or at least a little more backstory!
Yes! Luther is #1, but my second choice is Gaston. (I just love the snark!)
That said, there is no bad choice on that list…
While I agree Cornelius is the best, I voted for Luther because he is so weird and brightens every page he appears on.
+1
A hard, hard decision! Luther really came into his own with Stella’s song. But Cornelius – his animals aways steal the show! I need to vote at least three times, but will restrain myself.
My tough choice was between Orro and Grandma Frida. They both make my day. If they ever appeared together I don’t think I could take.
it. Arghhh. I don’t think I could take IT!
Damn. It was a 5-way tie for me. We need to figure out if there’s a way to do ranked voting, like some of the U.S. states have implemented. Then I would have only had to narrow it down to 3 people.
I was going to imagine a cage fight between Grandma Frida and Luther to determine the winner but then decided that Luther’s t-shirts gave him a slight edge.
I am so with you on Ranked Choice Voting!! Its the more elegant way
There should be an “all the above” button as a choice. 😀 It was so hard to pick just one since they are all great sidekicks.
However, I chose Andrea. Andrea was the one Kate leaned on before Curran came on to the scene. Plus, the hideous purple shag carpet in Raphael’s house cracks me up every time I read that scene. Who would go to Mishmar, pregnant and puking, to save her friend? Andrea. Andrea even broke out of the Keep going to lunch with Kate. 🙂
There really is no bad choice on that list. I’m still trying to choose!
I love all the supporting characters, but since I could only choose one went with Cornelius. Which to my surprise appears to be the top contender thus far in the voting. I guess other folks are intrigued by Cornelius – I’d love to learn the back story as to why he chose to not be certified as a Prime. As heavily hinted by the Records Keeper or outright certified by Victoria Tremaine herself in her comment ‘Significant my foot’ Cornelius packs a wallop.
He didn’t want to have anything to do with the world of Primes, after what he was subjected to in his childhood with Adam and how much he suffered.
What Mod R said. It’s mentioned in Burn for Me.
I used to respect the wisdom of the Horde, but now that Helen is not winning my faith is shattered 🙁
Early days, early days 😀
I LOVE Helen! The reason I didn’t vote for her is because she’s a child and to me isn’t a full sidekick for an adult yet. If it was favorite supporting character, that might be different. 🤷♀️
Not so much sidekick as “Heroine in waiting” as someone mentioned above. But yeah, I thought she’d garner all the votes. Tbh I went Cornelius but thought he was the dark horse of the race… guess not!
This poll is missing Sgt. Teddy, the pacifist bear and giver of amazing hugs!
In his absence I shall vote for Cornelius, the Frying Pan and Khakis dual wielder
+1 for Sgt Teddy!!
I’d love sgt Teddy to smack down the Russian prince shifter, and then shake his head in disappointment at him.
I remember the “dashing male secretary” description in Wildfire..🤣
+1
I picked Cornelius over Andrea because she got her own book, and he didn’t. All of them are good, but those two are the most important to the plot line.
see that is why i didnt pick andrea cause she has some main character vibes going on. as you said she got her own book, i love luther as the best side kick cause i cant see him as a main character, i would love to see him more but i dont know if i want to follow him all day like i would Kate or Dina, or Arabella .
Choose? CHOOSE?
I still think polls like this are part of House Andrews’ villain story. It’s obviously a ploy to access the energy created when the BDH implodes trying to make a decision. 🙂
I went with my beloved Gaston since “all of the above” wasn’t an option.
I was surprised Gaston didn’t get more love in the poll, as much as I love them all it was down to Dr Loose Cannon if you please Luther and Gaston, but !Swashbuckling! 🙂 Could not resist!
😂 let the imploding commence
It was so hard to chose between Grama Frida and Cornelius!
But I didnt have any gramas growing up. And I see my mom with my kids now and know a Gramas love knows no boundaries!
She still calls my 22 yr old Grannys 1st baby and will pinch his cheeks while feeding him 🤣
I have a write-in candidate: Donna Marais, The Costco Lady!
In good BDH fashion, I also think that everyone one of those side-kicks deserves their own day in the sun as hero. They are all amazing!! Even Grendel…I’m mean, Oberon has books in Kevin Hearne’s universe. 🙂
Having said all that, I voted for Cornelius. I have coffee with his ferrets daily.
+1 for Costco Lady Donna!!
+10000000
Loved her from the first bean can throw
Yikes. This was a tough one. I waffled between about 3 of them.
Grendel disrespect I tell you! He’s a fine good boy!
The bestest boy!
the best line about Grendle was Conlan apologizing for his smell
he must be truly beloved to be kept by shapeshifters with their enhanced olaffactory senses.
+1
This was the hardest decision I have had to make today 😂
As much as I adore Grendel, I’m afraid Luther is just too fantabulous to ignore. Dr. Loose Cannon arriving in three, two… 😀
At the moment, Dr. Loose Cannon (aka Luther) is in the lead with the most votes. If he still is at the end of the voting…who knows? 😀
I’m happy to see so much support in the comments for Andrea!! the other side characters might be cute and fuzzy but she’s the real bff.
I voted for Luther but I love all of these characters. I would be happy if any of them won the vote.
And thank you so much for this post. This is a difficult day and I needed something fun to cheer me up.
That’s Sophie choice… I can’t choose!!!!!!
Let’s me re-read the whole IA omnia opera and maybe I will….
Let’s start froooom KD1
(Opera Omnia)
My first choice was going to be Roman, but he isn’t on the list. At first, I thought it was because he had his own story, but then realized that Andrea had her own book. Oh, well…
I’m guessing because Mod R considers him a main character and not a sidekick? I think she’s the President of the Roman faction of the BDH (and CEO of the whole BDH).
No, it’s because I consider him the volhv of the God of Darkness, Insanity and Death, and although he tries to negotiate Cherny down from mass destruction, he still needs to do things that aren’t pure and fluffy sometimes. It’s in the job description 🙂
Fair enough. I guess he really isn’t a “sidekick” — he’s more of “a power to be reckoned with.” I withdraw my half-hearted complaint.
Wow. I mean, I changed my answers a few times, waffling on the way down, until I saw Luther and was all “Heck yeah! LUTHER!”
I’m genuinely surprised he’s second. I figured the cute (Helen) would be winning.
Looks like the dads are winning it. I’m torn between Cornelius and Luther.
Luther came to mind immediately, so I voted for him, but I do have a soft spot for Helen. I keep waiting to see her formally introduced at a vampire gathering, with her kill list. How to one-up all the other children!
+1 her kill count!!!
I had thought about that too!! 😊
Such a hard decision! They are all my favorite.
Considering how many books I’ve skipped reading for years, or permanently, because of misrepresentative blurbs… Mod R should get a side-job as a Blurb-Writer for the books coming out these days (non-IA books).
So hard to choose!! I can see short stories for a lot of the sidekicks. If they already had a story Yippee. Can you imagine a Grendel point of view story? Oh the imaginary commentary about Kate or his new bestie the Changling prince. Helen’s adventures at school or a visit with her Aunt at the inn. A cooking lesson with Orro!! Yes Chef!! Dr. Loose Cannon at the sealed ruins with Kate. I would enjoy so many of these. But I will be grateful for anything…Maggie, delayed Hughday, anything.
This is just a love letter to Ilona and Gordon: Thank you for bringing joy and pleasure to my life. I have just finished my (I don’t remember how many times) relisten of the Innkeeper Chronicles on Graphic Audio and I have enjoyed every word one more time. I love this world you have created and the characters aren’t characters for I feel that I know them on a personal level. I have been amazed at each reread or relisten that I learn something new. I know all good things will come to an end and you will complete the Innkeeper Chronicles and I will be delighted with your conclusion while still begging for more Gertrude Hunt ❤️. Thank you for sharing your gift. By the way, I love all of your work— it’s just Innkeeper is my favorite.
I voted for Cornelius because I’m in the spectrum. I don’t understand people but do well with animals.
I love Andrea and Luther, but had to go with Cornelius.
Luther lost a little of his shine for me with his persistent envy of the Pale Queen’s magical expertise. I still love him though.
Andrea has always been a favorite of mine because she’s competent, practical, and hilarious.
At the end of the day Cornelius’ bonds with animals, and his willingness to be underestimated and overlooked in the service of whatever needs doing, give him the edge for me.
ok I had to go with Luther BUT Grendel does make every single scene he is in better just by existing. and puking on your shoes.
where is the “all of the above” button? he he he
Too hard but I absolutely love Grandma Frida’s sense of humor so I picked her.
How? How can I vote on this? They are all amazing – they are why I keep rereading over and over.
In the end, I had to go with the one who shows love through mango ice cream. Because mango ice cream.
I love all these characters so much!
I just stewed about it for a minute and realized I was always in so happy and sometimes even relieved every time Luther showed up. He’s neck and neck with Kate on magical knowledge and if he doesn’t know right away he catches on quick. He was loyal to his friend who turned into a ghoul. I appreciate his fashion sense. Frankly, I’d love to know more about him.
Of course our Dashing Male Secretary is in the lead (as of my vote in a very close race lol)! How could he not win all the votes? But, it was a really hard choice with Grandma Frieda, Leon, and Helen in the running too… and Orro… and really everyone on the list. OK, HA just has a way with side characters that makes us want everyone to get their own story. Could that be a thing, maybe? Andrea got one! Oh, right, p*tience. We are getting Maggie and Hugh and we are the kind and fluffy horde. We love you, HA! And Mod R for the fun poll!
orro!!!! I wanna eat his food 🍽️
Gaston is a close second tho!! 🥺
goshdarnit I hate this one! (jk) so many choices I could barely choose
Interesting. When I voted, Cornelius was in the lead, but at the time of this post, Luther has pulled ahead, by a very slim margin. Let’s see if it stays that way.
Grendel only at 6%? Is it because he can’t be Shipped with anyone? Advocating for the faithful canine companion. I mean he could get his own book, right? If HUGH can be redeemed… so can our favorite eater of rugs and fritters of questionable content? 😆
Grandma Frida all the way!!! Loving, supportive, and always ready to bring a tank to a knife fight!
yeah I’m surprised at Grendel being so low on the list. He would definitely be my second choice, as I had to pick Grandma Friday first.
I think I may not be understanding the assignment, though, people in the comments seem to have different criteria for choosing, and I don’t know what “ride or die” means. I just picked based on “favourite character” out of the list.
*Frida – lousy autocorrect!
ModR, whyyyyy do you ask such hard things of us? (pouting in my corner, so difficult to choose!)
Seriously though, thanks for the fun poll!
Something like ‘pick your favorite child’.
I picked Cornelius (finally),
At the moment, it’s literally neck-and-neck between Cornelius and Luther. When are you going to determine the winner, ModR?
I couldn’t remember the villain’s poll until I looked at the post and saw Ted Annoyinghan at the top (I might have spontaneously changed his name).
Maybe the next poll should be, whose family would you like to be a member of? I would have a really tough time with that one.
I couldn’t remember it either, and I couldn’t find anything from me in the comments. This is so unusual that I even went back to that year’s planner to see how that entry might have been overlooked. All I can see on that day is a routine dental appointment, and nothing out of the ordinary for the rest of the week. It’s a mystery how that happened.
Of course it was early June, so I might have been up to my elbows and work boots in dirt.
My vote was for Orro. I love him pushing cakes on people and his theatrical exits so much. Gaston was a close second. If I could have given my vote to both I would have.
I also loved the slew of secondary characters in Blood Heir, especially Sophia, Marten, and Luther. I am really looking to see them again.
Not fair. Where’s my Yes / All of the above button?
damn where is the select all button >_< If it were there that would be my choice because I love them all for different reasons. But…. for each series…. Luther for KD (who i ultimately chose), Cornelius from HL, and Orro from IC. Still though… *twitches for select all button* In any case since I love them all I cannot be sad at the final results.
I’m going with Luther for #1. After listening to the recent graphic audio release of Magic Shifts, I’m reminded how much I love Luther. He makes me laugh out loud!
Grandma Frida and Andrea are coming in at a tie for a close #2. I love GA’s Andrea narration, too, and I can’t wait for Burn For Me to come out next month to hear their performance of Grandma Frida! I’ve already pre-ordered.
Orro makes every scene he is in better. Pronouncements! Mango cupcakes. Even Caldenia loves him. Luther is my second choice–Wizard in the sheets!
Mod R thank you for holding things together while the crew churns out the next adventure … You are the true ultimate side kick.
I love Leon! I hope he gets his own book one day. He has such action hero potential. I love the humor he’s shown in the books and his protective instincts.
I honestly can’t choose one. I even tried to choose a least favorite and can’t. I want them all in my life.
Where is Roman???????
What about Barnabas or Caldenia?
I ended up going for Leon because he reminds me of how equally lovable and annoying my younger boy cousins are but really any of them could win it for me x
This poll is not for morally grey supporting characters like Caldenia, for example. This is explained in the body of the article 🙂.
There is no Barnabas because there is no character by that name in Ilona Andrews books 🤪
That looks suspiciously like the auto corrupt version of Barabbas. Although it didn’t try to get that one past me this time.
But what about Abraham “Bug” Levin? As Rogan’s very necessary sidekick, shouldn’t he be included?
OMG just realised I got Barabas autocorrected to Barnabas 🤦🏻♀️
I guess I’ve stopped seeing Caldenia as morally grey after learning more about her in the last book
All are deserving of notice, but some are destined for their own hero stories, (cough, Helen), or are roving agents of chaos (Gaston). I think that Cornelius rose to the top of my ranking with the line “You, dashing male secretary, put down the frying pan.” (Please forgive misquote if I didn’t get it exactly right from memory).
… I wish I had a dashing male secretary who would guard my back with a frying pan.
+1
very intense moment in HL and than… stop… reread… laugh out loud!
“you there, dashing male secretary, let go of the frying pan”
(or something like that, on memory always hard)
where is the dashing male secretary quote from?
Wildfire, Hidden Legacy 3 🙂
This was a tough one. I loved them all but some more than others. After much soul searching I decided on Luther because I love his sense of humor and willingness to go where no mad scientist has gone before. I would love to see more of him.
Now why would you do this to us? This is cruel! Cruel, I tell you!!
I have to earn my Nav pass somehow 😀
Your Nav pass is permanent after making the Horde choose between all the sidekicks mentioned and not mentioned above.
I found out about that decision thanks to Roman and Finn. 😉
I love them all, especially Helen and Grandma Frida, but Luther has my heart.
Oh my gods, what cruelty is this? How am I supposed to choose?
No. No. I cannot. I will not. All of the forever!
Even the dog Grendel beat my selection Gaston. He can do everything Brawl, skulk, EmCee, look good and look like your worst nightmare.
May I point out that Andrea had her own book, which I think negates her as a candidate in this pool?
Ok, that was hard. I narrowed it down to Orro, Helen, Luther and Andrea and got stuck. Then I asked myself, who of these four needs their own book?
Andrea already had one. Helen will get one – I am sure. So then it came down to deciding between Luther and Orro. Orro deserves a cookbook, but we definitely need a Luther novella. Or novel. 😉
PS: looking at the results it seems that the BDH as a whole follows a similar reasoning.
+1000
This is my reasoning, plus I share a love of weird t-shirts and mad scienceing.
Noooo! This is too cruel!! How can I pick between them?
They are all such good characters, so hard to choose!
Helen!
Mostly because I just finished listening to the full cast audio of Sweep of the Blade! Really I find it hard to choose! I also love Luther and Cornelius and …..
Gah! I love them all! Team sidekick forever!
This was too hard! Far too hard! There’s a reason there’s no clear winner. I went Andrea in the end because I only recently listened to her heading into Mishmar whilst pregnant, I mean I am a little with Kate on this one (what was she thinking?!) but nobody can argue she’s got your back! The wonderful Cornelius would have been my second. I am surprised by Luther, don’t get me wrong, he’s also awesome bit is he really a ‘sidekick’? He’s very much a good friend and trustworthy but he’s making his own decisions and he wouldn’t be a backstabber but I feel like he absolutely would say ‘no, because I disagree/that’s a terrible idea’ and go his own way, rather than ‘you’re a dumba*so, but I’m still coming with you!’.
This exactly!
I do want to be Dr. Loose Cannon when I grow up. I even have the notebook!
Cruel to only pick one! Helen wins for me because she’s a child. She holds her own against the adults and generally steals the scene.
Gotta love a dashing secretary with a weaponized frying pan!
I can’t PICK JUST ONE! Sorry for shouting, but they are all my favorite. My heart is big enough for all of them. When I am reading their part, they are the best! And then I read on and the next part is my favorite. You need an all of the above button.
Thank you for all the side kicks.
Oh, arggh. Gaston, Cornelius, Orro or Luther? That’s tough. Going by my prime candidates for an entire book of their own, it’s going to be down to Luther or Gaston. They both need an entire book. I’m going to go with Gaston, so we can read about his adventures as a galactic spy AND the owner of a clothing store and haberdashery in Baha Char for swashbuckling space pirates and gentlebeings of style, intrigue and immaculate taste.
What?! Did I miss he has a store?!! If he doesn’t, he totally should!
Cornelius,Leon,Dr loose cannon,Helen❤️..let it be know that I love them all and it pains me to have to click on only one.😭
It was a three way tie, but ultimately I voted for Cornelius because he has so much more story to tell. He’s turning into a total bad*ss detective and really growing into a great man. (Hint, hint, House Andrews. A book about some of his adventures would be AWESOME.)
Anyway, apparently, other people love my top three characters, too, because they hit the top three.
Aaaargh! Impossible choice! In the end I picked Leon, because beloved family misfits should stick together 😉
Though if Caldenia had been on that list, she’d have swiped my vote. Probably too morally grey though, and definitely not actually a sidekick, so it makes sense and all, but still – she’s aspirational in some ways 😉
Thanks ModR, love the quizzes and polls!
Grendel is the dog I’ve always wanted!
Ah, but Hugh’s side kicks are all missing. Lamar, Bale and Stoyan, all hysterical when together and voiced by Steve West!
In the absence of them, surely it has to be Otto?
Aha, there’s a reason for that 😉
Standby for this Friday’s treat.
Oooo! Mod R…the princess of understatement. 😂😂😂😂😁
I really love Bale! He is hilarious!
Mod R you are awsomely, wonderfully evil. How will I survive till Friday? And those Mails only make it to Germany on Saturdays :-((
Yes, I’refreshingggg
Ooh, excellent! I can’t wait! Thanks for the evil teaser Mod R
Oh. Oho!
I am Standing! Absolutely standing. Right by. Standing by! Here! Right here. By you. For treats! On Friday!!!!!
I already felt like I had to cut a bit of my little finger in choosing between Cornelius and Luther. How possibly could have I done if ModR added Stoyan in the mix ??
It’s G’ma F all the way – she can bring her tank and cellphone filled with hotties’ photos to my family gatherings any day! And who wouldn’t enjoy a flashback short story of her in her prime fighting years, or when her daughter brought that boy home? Or dealing with the “other” daughter??
but how many of these excellent choices got to be a villain in a Disney movie?! That’s surely got to count for something! (One of the very few Team Gaston.)
It was really difficult to choose between Luther and Cornelius !!! Argh
I can’t decide! My favorites are Orro and Gaston, but I also didn’t realize how many other favorites I have!
Orro gets my vote, but this one cost me a lot more time than it should have:D
You missed one – Karat!
Karat is wonderful! I’m re(rererere)reading Blade now.
Seconded!
Andrea! Always. Girls night out chaos (in a good way) and equally fun to just hang with on a rainy weekend. Plus loyal to the max.
I voted for Grandma Frida because I sincerely hope that Leon and Cornelius won’t be permanently relegated to side-kick status and will eventually attain their rightful place as main characters. Fingers crossed.
You had to make it difficult, didn’t you? BOTH Leon and Luther! It was a tough decision, but all things considered, I went with Leon.
The deciding factor for Leon was what he did about that influencer who was killed because she decided she wanted him. He didn’t even like her, but what happened to her was wrong and he was going to make as much of it right as he could.
I would love a short story or novella featuring Leon and Bug working a case together.
I wanted to vote for them all!!
I finally put on my Big Girl Panties and voted. Cornelius – loved the way he turned that big elephant thing around during the last invasion.
Love all the others too but Had to vote.
(I would have voted for Bucky or Attura or just generally “Equine and Equine-Type sidekicks” if it had been available. I love me my horsies!)
OK, I have officially given up. I’ve been trying to remember the name of Kate’s mammoth, pied mule (who even puts up with Vampires for her) and Julie’s psycho part unicorn mare (great connection with Julie but Jeezeloueeze, she goes off at night to eat things!).
And since I am stubborn, I will not look it up myself.
Can someone help??? And thank you in advance.
Do you mean Cuddles and Tulip? Marigold was Kate’s first mule before Erra got to Marigold.
TY!
There is no mammoth mule belonging to Kate in the books. I think you’re maybe conflating Cuddles and Marigold 🙂
Not unusual for me. But at least you and Patricia reminded me there is ANOTHER equine-type to remember LOL. Many sidekicks, eh?
I’m still wondering if Bucky is Tulip’s father or grandfather. Hugh may have given Tulip to Julie for a birthday or a holiday present. Hmmm…let the rumors commence! 😀
As others have said, I would pick Helen except that she’s not really a sidekick. She is a future main character.
That being said my choice is Gaston.
That was so hard! I blame House Andrews for making them all so awesome.
Luther hands down. Andrea has her own book, so she’s a main character, not a sidekick. I want her for my bestie, and I would totally do lunch at the Acropolis with her every Tuesday.
Would live to be there, too!
Sorry: love
It was a tough call between Luther and Cornelius, but I had to go with the ferrets. 🙂
I am looking forward to the next appearance of Luther, though…..
Love Luther and Helen that being said I love them all! To be fair I must pick a sidekick from each series and that would be Grandma Frida. A really difficult choice 😊
This was surprisingly hard. I have always loved Andrea and was sure I was going to pick her until I saw Helen…and then Luther is winning when I voted and I’m not mad at it.
House Andrews really does give us amazing characters.
Honestly, this is so hard. I enjoyed reading all the comments. Now I’m going to consider who to vote for knowing my heart will break over the votes I can’t make!🤣
Can’t go past the dashing secretary 🤣
This was really tough! I love them all, had several favorites so to pick one was torture. I went with Cornelius because he is such a sweetie, all those animals (ooh cuddly) but he can also be a badass when he has to be. My next was Leon – I love how he’s her one man swat team!
Andrea is the only one on that list who got her own book. She’s a main character not a side character and putting her on this list skews the votes in my opinion. With that consideration in mind I voted for Leon.
It’s got to be Luther for me. He stole my heart with the WIZARD AT LARGE T-shirt.
Love them all, but Leon’s dinner table comments are laugh out loud funny. Always wanting to help and finally growing into that badass tugs on the emotions.
This was the hardest choice I’ve had to make is a long time. They’re all the best besties!
I voted for Helen even though I don’t see her as a sidekick. I think of her as a maturing hero awaiting her own series.
like that yes, wouldn’t it be lovely if the various kids of the Hero’s one day got their own novels, I mean we all know that would be brilliant.
I chose Orro, because he could cook for me too 😁
I’m rereading the Edge books, so Gaston got my vote this time. Next time? Probably Cornelius.
I need an all of the above choice.
Please and thank you.
I got to Cornelius, seriously debated Grendel vs. Cornelius… and missed Luther! I don’t know if I could have chosen between them! One sings up a mischief of rats to eat your enemies, the other magics up a beautiful cloud of spore/petals to grow plants in baby-eating assassins.
Total toss-up! Though Cornelius always has a +1 (or more): Zeus, Bunny, Gus Bunnyson, and babysitting raccoons… Yeah, bonus-sidekick action!
So, so hard to choose. Thanks for making me smile.
I’ve solved the work stress problem, I’ve decided to quit and retire, I’m sure that’s a smart move as it gives me more reading time, more gardening time, and some much needed gaming time
Pleasantly surprised to see Luther in the top-2. It was a tough choice for me between him and Grandma Frida, who is an absolute hoot. But I went with Luther because I’m a scientist and he’s the closest thing to one in KD’s world. Well, him and Saiman, but Saiman wasn’t in the poll.
WHY wasn’t Saiman in the poll? I mean, sure he’s a self-centered greedy s.o.b, but he does get stuff done. And ok, we canNOT trust he’ll never do things with evil intention, but I find that a totally arbitrary criterion for being a lovable sidekick.
Mod R, I beg to differ. A sidekick with ambiguous loyalties is the best.
Because this poll expressly isn’t about the morally grey or amoral characters 🙂
Ah, sorry, I overlooked that part. What does it say about me that I like the morally grey characters? If for no other reason than you never quite know which way they’ll jump!
If it isn’t about morally grey characters, how come Leon made the cut?
He loves to kill. And if he can’t kill he wants to shoot people’s kneecaps.
“Yeah, but he only does it to bad people”
Nope. He also wants to shoot people for just doing their jobs, such as retrieving a monkey.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Leon. But his morals aren’t lilly white or even light grey.
He’d be an assassin for fun, if his family hadn’t been able to stop him 😉
This was HARD because honestly I love all these folks!
I decided that Andrea didn’t qualify as a side character since she starred in her own book and I decided that Leon WILL star in his own book (because I am willing that into existence), so he can’t qualify either.
I decided that Helen will also one day be a POV character in her own series (after she grows up, of course), so she is also disqualified.
This all honestly didn’t help as much as I had hoped because Luther, Cornelius, and Orro are all huge favorites of mine, and I have loved Grandma Frida from the moment we met in Burn for Me.
In the end I had to go with Grandma Frida because I miss my own grandmother so much and who could vote against a grandmother?
How is a proper Englishwoman omitting her Oxford comma in the first sentence? I think I need to retire to my fainting couch! (Also, Leon doesn’t need to win this poll, he’ll just keep doing funny voices as his targets’ heads explode & get home in time for supper.)
Who is the Englishwoman in question? Certainly not me, as I am not English 🙂
And I believe what I was taught: that “and” is a coordinating conjunction which links together two equal elements and forms a connection between them, and a comma is as redundant in that case as it is before “etc”.
English is sooooo fun!
Wow, I thought Helen would be number one so I went with Leon. He’s so totally cute and badass shooting. I love them all of course!!
It was a tough choice between Gaston (swashbuckling handsome wannabe apprentice to Caldenia), Andrea (bestest best friend ever), Grandma Frida (best gramma with a tank!) and Helen (fiercest cutest 5 yr old with a kill list). It was a tough tough decision! I had to go with Helen though, she is so great and always makes me smile! But it could have been anyone!
ModR, thanks for getting the BDH all wound up and thinking about things that give us Joy! You are great at these quizzes and votes! So thank you, thank you, thank you!
I also wish HA smooth editing!
It was had to pick just one!
I love all of them, but the one who has made me laugh out loud the most is hands down Orro!!!!
Love all Mod R does for us, but why is the voting already tallied and finished? It hasn’t even been24 hours. I didntgrt a chance to vote.😭
It’s not, it will continue until Friday 🙂 . Just checked the status too, it says “Open” and the count went from 2,991 to 2,993 voters whilst I typed the first sentence. Maybe you’ve already voted or try to refresh?
Gasp! Orro is in 9th place? I am betrayed!
or just reading the results wrong. oops.
Mod R, you are the best and oh so tricksy! You made this one pretty difficult to choose but it’s Luther and his t-shirts for me!
Leon forever!
I love all of them. Andrea for her feisty support. Cornelius for his kind support. Leon for his (killer) puppy vibes. Luther for his cutting humor…
I’m voting for Helen, because all the Ripper Cushions.
But… where is Tony!?! Where are Runa and Bernard?!? WHERE IS CALDENIA!!!!
And I’m assuming Derek isn’t on the list because he is a POV character…
waitaminute… Andrea is a POV character…
WHERE. IS. DEREK.
Oh you got me there, he isn’t in the list! But, in blood heir, he is more of a main character
This is the impossible poll. I really wanted to vote for all of them.
Your poll is missing a critical choice: All Of The Above…
This is the only correct choice.
Orro. Cos good food is essential for body and soul. And every hero needs fuel to keep going.
I love these polls and quizzes, thank you for the work. I just did a search for “quiz” because I thought there had been a “what house are you” quiz for hidden legacy, but I couldn’t find it… am I just dreaming that?
It was soo tough!
Struggled in choosing between Grandma Frieda and Luther. What a decision!
Andrea will help you bury the bodies, no questions asked.
I had a hard time choosing but at the end it was between Luther or Gaston, so I picked Gaston. Simply because of the sass and his choice of shirts… but Luther’s t-shirts wasn’t far behind!
Hard decision between Orro and Cornelius others from the poll are great and i love they, but this to make a lot of diffrence with their presence
Seriously, I can’t choose! I love all the choices you gave! I am greedy and selfish I want and need them all!! These characters are like precious jewels , decorating a diamond necklace. You all are geniuses!
This is truth!
Every Orro Scene makes me smile!
I need to reread inkeeper. He is the awsomemest (Yes I made up a word) caracter EVER.
Orro and Gaston combined is so much fun 🙂
Im voting for Conlan. I just love that kid to the moon and back!
They’re all great – fully rounded characters well written! It was a tough choice between Cornelius and Luther.. but Cornelius wins for me!
It was going to be Grandma ……but Helen is a lot cuter & the other end of the age scale. ❤️❤️but I wanted to vote for ALL of them
When I read the first few lines, I immediately thought “Cornelius”!!
Initially I was going to vote for Grandma Frida, but as I scrolled down…..so hard! I went with Helen, but it really was close.
Leon and Cornelius are my favorites. Hard to choose but Leon is hilarious.
Very very tough. Almost chose Grendel, but Luther’s t-shirts gave him the win for me. Now I’m picturing Grendel in a range of doggy t-shirts 😂
Now I’m picturing Grendel EATING a range of doggy t-shirts. And then puking up random pieces of various shirts, along with unidentified stuff.
Andrea had her own book, she isn’t a side kick anymore 🙂 Andrea is a hero.
We / I love all the side characters. It is the gift of House Andrew’s that all the side characters are well developed and fabulous people.
If I could chose more than one I would still be here all day. Thank for a wonderful cast of people in all the stories. 💯
Where is Barabas in this list? He’s NOT THERE! Why not?
Hard decision between Luther and Cornelius.
I chose Cornelius because of his loyalty to House Baylor and because I think there’s a lot more to Cornelius than we already know.
If “Vicky baby” had been on the list, I’d have chosen her.
Villain, hero, whatever you may call her, she’s my #1 not-main-character.
I’m afraid what she’ll do to me, should I call her “supporting”.
This is sooo hard! I went with Luther because he was the first (in my reading chronological order!) but it hurt me not voting for Cornelius as well! I’m so glad to see they’re head to head!
I want to vote twice! Hard decision. Orro is such a close second!
I struggled to pick only one… all are perfect but I chose Luther because he made Julie so happy when he instantly recognised her even with all the changes.
Cornelius gets my vote! Quiet competence. He doesn’t showboat, he doesn’t brag, he shows up when/where he is needed and he gets it done.
Really, they’re all great. It’s the thing that puts your work into the stratosphere. Your character development is so wonderful and we really get into everybody’s lives.
Ah, well; my choices hit the bottom of the list. So be it. But I felt I had to go with someone who wanted to be the apprentice to Caldenia, the Most Wanted of the entire ICverse. And then Grendel, the klutzy poodlish mutt. Who transforms into a ravening beast? My sort; both of ’em.
As a proud member of the Facts be Damned and Gaston groups I have thought about each character and what I know of them. I have followed Gaston since we met him in the swamp and his mother’s arm was cut off. We have watched and read about Helen since she was born. Andrea has her own book. Leon has been written about and we know how he developed into the person he is. To cut to the chase we do not know how Luther came to the point where we met him when Kate needed to know about the ghoul. That’s same as Frida. We don’t know her history. Orro is Orro the master chef. How or why did he get to the point where he didn’t taste the soup. Those three are the ones I have considered as needing more words written about them and their history. If the three I want to know more about Luther first.
I was hoping for Derek (understand he could potentially be considered a main) or Bug, but given the options, Grandma Frida is still a good choice.
“Dashing secretary” was the perfect comic relief in that scene, so Cornelius. But that’s because Leon and Helen need their own stories in full.
They’re all amazing! Currently re-reading the Hidden Legacy series and I love them so much! Quick question, is there a plan for a re-print of the second half of the series? I love the design of the Nevada trilogy reprint so much!
There is no official news on that at the moment, I’m afraid 😟 . It’s all up to Avon and their schedule.
Oh why oh why may I vote only for one of all these wonderful beings??? Selfishly I choose Luther hoping there may be one fine day a – dare I say it??? – novel…
There, I said it. NO PRESSURE, no pressure AT ALL.
Humble thanks to HA for all they choose to gift us with. It is always pure joy! Hugs all around
This was too difficult! I love them all!
I think these need to be done in rounds and playoffs – picking ONE amongst all of the characters I love so deeply – so hard!
I couldn’t decide between Helen and Oreo 😩
Otto FTW this time 🙌
Oreo? Otto?
Send help.
I meant Orro*
This was awful for me!! I love so many of them!!! I went with Cornelius but really it was a coin flip between him and Luther.
Really want to vote like 4x. I love them all
an unfair poll, I really needed to vote for 3 out of that list…
Thank you, House Andrews, for making me smile this morning. So lovely to be reminded of so many awesome characters! It was much needed. 🩷
I voted for grandma Frida, but I really like all.
This is an unfair use of power because I pretty much love all these sidekicks and would definitely read stories with them as the main characters a la Roman.
PS would also love to read more Roman stories.
PPS sorry don’t mean to be demanding
How am I supposed to choose? I was not expecting to have a nearly existential crisis today, but here we are. 😆
I didn’t get to log in yesterday but I hope I can still vote. I voted for Grandma Frida because:
1) I want to BE Grandma Frida because….
2) I HAD a Grandma Frida (and I miss her so!) and…..
3) Yesterday was my Grandma’s birthday! I always think about her even more on March 4th and I can just feel her love and warm hugs.It’s been years, but those feelings and a Grandma’s love NEVER go away! 💕💕💕
Here’s to all the Grandma Fridas out there (especially in the BDH!) 🥹💕💕💕💕💕💕
They are all great in their own different ways. It was hard to choose.
“No one wants to see how the sausage is made”
-Grandma Frida (the bestest sidekick)
Aw, no love for Gaston? Ah well, it’s very difficult to combat Grandma juju. I think even Luther would sit and behave at Grandma Fridas raised eyebrow.
Also, 💖 that Grandma’s in the lead 😁
Very hard to chose, but Luther had to win because he has helped Kate and now is helping Julie/Aurelia. He is smart and funny.
It was between Helen and Luther. I had to go with Helen! But I do love Luther!
Orro, I just love Orro. Good good solves all problems.
good = food Le sigh
It was hard for me. I love grendal but I also love grandma Frieda and andrea!!
Also Keelan. More Keelan.
I agree. I am love getting to know new supporting characters like Keelan, Troy & Owen, the Agers, Issac, Namtur, Marten/Deira, Stella David, Andora, Finn, Michael (new-ish), the Dushegubs, and Donna Marias. So, so many!! I love them all. I also love the character development that has been occurring on some existing characters like Caldenia, Linus Duncan, and Victoria Tremaine.
Love me some Keelan too!
Not gonna lie I hate to pick just one. there are ao many good supporting characters. I think this is one of the best indicators of good writing. the ability to intrigue readers with the supporting cast. 😉
I had to vote gor Grendal I mean he jumped through a window and knew Kate was in trouble. That’s loyalty to plus I love dogs and grendal is a special dog!!! I loved all of the characters to very hard to choose but dogs!!!
I truly love them all. I know it seems indecisive but maybe next time we can have an “all of the above option”.
I wanted all of the above, but narrowed it down to Grendel, Helen, Andrea and Luther. And Grandma F. Then went back and read definition of sidekick in the question. Decided Grandma F doesn’t have enough screentime to qualify, even tho I really want to pick her. Helen is a child, and therefore limited in some ways. Also, having a kill list seems disqualifying. But I own Ripper cushions, so it was hard not to pick Helen. Luther is maybe too much of his own man to think of as a sidekick. So down to Grendel or Andrea. Finally picked Grendel based on longevity. He’s been in Kate’s life on a daily basis for longer. Once Andrea becomes Queen of the Boudas, she’s really got too much of her own stuff going on to sidekick very much. But even when Conlan is more than a decade old, he’s got Grendel with him. (Sidekicking for her kid surely counts.)
But there’s such a wealth of amazing side characters, I’m in awe that Mod.R could even pick out the ones to b in the poll! Also, I feel like Mod. R could legit claim rereading as work related research time. Thanks for the fun poll!
This was SUCH a hard decision, because I love every single one of those characters. I just have a soft spot for Frida because she’s such a rare bird: a heroic old lady who fixes tanks. Plus, I’m only about ten years young than she is, so it’s good to see an old lady kick butt.
If Grendel looses, something is wrong with the universe.
So tough to choose! They’re all so good.
I chose Orro, because I would love it if he existed somewhere beyond our minds, but I could easily have chosen Gaston, Helen, Andrea (kind of in her own category as she’s the star of her own book), and any of the others. It’s like seeing old friends when they show up.
You made us chooooose!
I picked Cornelius, but Luthor came a close second! 🙂
Voted yesterday for Andrea based on my perspective of having my back in a ‘situation’….
If, however, this is a subliminal ploy for who may get a side story in addition to Roman – definitely Luther – all the way!
Overthinking is my super power…..
Sending peace and safety to House Andrews, ModR and the Horde and all those you love!
Come on! How can I pick more than one? It’s stressful.
It’s between Helen, Cornelius, and Luther for me in that order. But I love all of them. With my Rippercushions mug sitting next to me I think it has to be Helen. So much fun! Thanks Mod R!
Also Mod R did you vote? What about House Andrews? Would be fun to see how they would vote!
I think I’m in love with Leon, but I had to vote for Cornelius. He doesn’t bother talking the talk. He just walks the walk. His formative years certainly shaped him to step in and take care of business when the time calls for it. Without a warning shot. But if he had his druthers, he’d just have peaceful and quiet family time.
Didn’t he give Linus a warning shot?
Gaston, who doesn’t love poetry in French!
It was a toss up between Luther and Leon. Luther won due to his sass, intelligence and artisanal chocolate and possible involvement with a famous author of romance fiction.
I can’t choose because I love them all. And in my mind that’s an excellent testament of the quality of your writing. I will say that Beast from the Innkeeper Chronicles is an unmentioned favorite.
I STILL want a Ripper Cushion… I am not a decorative cushion person at all, I think they get in the way pretty badly and serve no function other than to get in the way. I still want one!
Team Orro here- I love a good dramatic declamation whilst the souffle rises.
Helen’s all kinds of fun but I feel like she’ll have her own hero arc once she gets a bit older; Orro is at a good place in his life (for once!) and deserves a little love.
Too many good ones to choose from!
This is so hard because I love them all! Luther and Leon are hilarious. Grendel always shows up when you need him. In the end I have to go with Cornelius, because who doesn’t love a good ferret heist.
Ugh, only ONE????? this definitely qualifies as abuse of the BDH
I’ve always felt that Cornelius is actually a Prime. He deliberately ranked as Significant, I think, to give himself a quieter life. I find him fascinating.
As the daughter of a single dad, Cornelius has my vote. Quiet, thoughtful, driven, empathetic and absolutely gets the job done.
This is so hard because all of these side characters are rid or dies. Although I think that since HL is my comfort series that I keep going back to (specifically the audio books of Catalina) the HL side kicks just came to mind first before I even saw who was nominated!
SO so hard to pick just one (but I did). I like them all! ❤️
I truly do love every single character named! That is why I have revisited EVERY SERIES at least 1 time per year.
Thank you soo much for many thousands of hours of Joy! and so many amazing characters to love! And Long live the EDGE!
Honestly, I love them all, but Grandma Frida got my vote.
I couldn’t pick so I voted for the under dog 😊
Orro is the best! It’s hard enough feeding myself and liking it -imagine feeding the snobbish and becoming the best Galactic Inn ever! No pressure. lol – such a great series!
First thought:
I can‘t choose.
Then i tried to imagine the stories without these characters.
Cornelius won, because i really love the stories with all the animals.
His and the ones, the Baylors are saving.
But it really is a hard decision.
Orro and his FIRE, Grandma Frida taking photos with sneaky commentairs or beloved Helen…
So very hard…
I choose…Beast!! Not on the list but cute, lovable and very portable killing machine disguised as an adorable Shih Tzu. What’s not to love?!!
Yes to the yes, you are absolutely right. We need more choices but specisl lists. I would love to have a POV by beast
Now you did it. I have to go back and read all the books again because I hadn’t realized how much I was missing all of these characters.
That was soooo difficult! I sort of felt Orro in my heart but I live for any mention of Grendel in the books. I would buy a fullprice IA book with three words in it as long as one of those words were Grendel. No, Im’m not joking. Yes, I realize I’m maybe I’m a sandwich short of a picnic in the old brain but… there it is 🤣
I love all of them, but Leon has a special place inside my heart. 🩷 Cornelius came a close second. he is an exemplary father and der Rattenfänger von Hameln 😎
Too hard! I really tried to vote for more than one. Grandma Frida won by a silver hair, everyone else was a close 2nd.
I object to having to choose between Grandma Frieda and Luther.
I love them all. It was a painful Choice, but I had to go with Luther, because he was the first one I fell in love with of the choices. however they all have a piece of my heart.
This is a TOUGH choice. By a small margin, Leon! He loves his family so much he decided to be a Dark Horse for them. Leon has been critical in so many dangerous situations, and I absolutely LOVE his humor. I hope for a book on him as much as I want Arabella’s book (yes, I want it THAT much).
I went with the “Who are human beings, balanced and wise, who would have full lives outside of the MCs?” it narrowed it down to Frieda, Cornelius, and Luther for me. Leon is still growing, Helen is a kiddo, Andrea is wrapped up in all of Kate’s stuff, Orro is refinding his mojo, etc… And I like that Luther has enough of his own thing that he actually changes jobs (I think I remember that right) at some point in KD-land. they’re all a bunch of fun though. Frieda was a close second because women in STEM ftw, but Luther has a whole world outside of Kate and just peeks in on her.
So many good choices. As I was reading the list I saw Orro and decided that was my choice, but then I saw Helen and changed my mind. Next was Gaston. Now I had a dilemma. I went with Helen because she is my favorite character, but I am not really sure I see her as a sidekick. She is a force in her own right. Maybe I should have voted for Gaston. He is a true sidekick. As others have said, House Andrews writes fabulous characters and they all deserve to win.
Most of the entrants do not meet the definition of “Sidekick” as in goes through most of the adventure by the protagonists side.
Andrea definitely fits the bill.
The answer is just ‘yes’. My love is boundless.
Please explain why Andrea wasn’t Kate’s matron of honor.
Kate had a Russian-style wedding.
There are no matrons of honour in Russian tradition, it’s an American invention, and Andrea was not a “maid” any longer, since she was already married 🙂
It is so hard to choose I mean they’re all so good!
Love the Innkeeper Chronicles. Need more of Helen AND Orro!!!
If manipulated by a magic person make a villain exempt from evilness
Then it follows any character who’s motivated by what is good in their minds is not a villain
Jim protects the pack
Ted motives are what he believes is right…
all have an r cause including Roland who just wanted to make things better as he sees it.,
Argh! What a choice, I love them all!
So hard to choose loved them all!
Andrea she was so brave!
I was torn between Andrea, Grendel, and Orro but had to choose Andrea, how can she be so low in voting?
Loves his wife, loves his kid, willing to have people think less of him if it will keep them safe and then willing to go all the way to avenge them.
Cornelius. Because while the others are great friends he is the kind of person you want your kid to marry.
That’s quality rationale!
I can’t decide as they are all great characters. It’s like being asked which of your children is your favourite!
Tough one! I wish I had more than 1 vote. I picked Cornelius, but I kind of wish I had gone with Grendel or Grandma Frieda…
This was hard. Cornelius talks to animals, but Grandma Frida talks to tanks.
Making me choose between Dr. Loose Cannon, Ripper Cushions, and FIRE! should be illegal.
I feel like Joey on friends: “Sex or food? I can’t pick! I want sex, on a sandwich!”
I can’t pick a character, I want an adventure with all of them!
I can’t believe you are making me choose! Checking the blog was supposed to be a relaxing pre-going-to-bed activity, instead, I’m all emotional thinking about all those amazing characters. How am I ever gonna sleep now?!?!?!?!?!?
By which I mean Grandma Frida rocks 😊
I also made the mistake of reading this before bed! 😂 And now I’m swimming through the comments instead of sleeping… lesson learned.
Of this list it’s Helen for me. I can’t wait til she gets her own story. Too cute. But I would love to vote for Helen’s grandmother, stepfather, aunt/cousin (with the red hair). I love the violent ones who are so charming. Of course.
was trying to decide between Luther or Cornelius – looked at the results and they were tied at 1162 each! guess who I nudged? 😉
I cannot believe you made me pick! They’re all favorites. I got so overwhelmed with fangirling, I forgot my actual favorite was on the list and voted wrong.
As if there can be a wrong HA sidekick.
Where’s a fortress of solitude when I need it…?
There should be a separate vote for animals: pets, reliable helpers, rides, etc.
Separate categories would be helpful!
Why is it IC and not IK ?
Because it’s Innkeeper Chronicles and not Innkeeper Kronicles 🙂
Not wanting to make an impossible choice harder, but what about PUFFLES!?? Who among us would not pick Puffles?
This is delightful & thank you for reminding me how much I love all of these characters! It was a tough tough choice!
Can we redo this as a Single Transferable Vote instead of First Past the Post? I’m firmly in the ‘It’s so hard to chooooooose’ whine.
Congratulations! You broke my brain. And I haven’t had coffee yet because I’m too busy scrolling the comments.
Do I have to choose just one?
Grendel is always waiting to help his people with no treats required
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The authors do not use AI or endorse it. Why not practice to develop your own creativity and style? 🙂
My perspective was “who do I want to see the featured character in a future book?” For me it’s a tie between Leon and Helen, followed by Cornelius and then Luther.
All of them, please and thank you.
Luther came SO CLOSE!! Although Cornelius is a great choice, I just think Luther is funnier.
I adore Gaston, but he’s morally grey as any good swashbuckler should be!
So I voted for Cornelius, who has and gives warm fuzzies.
Why no Doolittle, though? There’s a 100% comforting character, even when screeching at you to drink your drugged sweet tea!
I’ve got to say I’m surprised by this poll. Let me start by saying I love all of our choices, and I ‘d enjoy spending time with any of them, but the poll was for best sidekick. I looked at it as who would I want at my back in an apocalyptic situation, so let me break it down.
Helen is a child, natural aptitude notwithstanding. Grandma Frida comes through in a pinch, but she’s getting up there in years, and I would rather she be in a protected position with Helen. Orro is awesome, but I’d want him holding down the fort and keeping everyone fed and happy. Grendel is a fantastic dog, but as such, he can’t weigh in on potential plans. Leon is coming right along, but he still needs more experience before I could trust his judgment as much as I’d need to. I think Luther himself would argue he’s main character material and no one’s sidekick even though he’s happy to pitch in whenever necessary. Cornelius comes close to the mark, but he’s a single father whose little girl needs to be his number one priority. She doesn’t need to lose another parent because he’s covering my butt. Andrea is a close number two, and she made an awesome sidekick for Kate for many books, but times have changed. She’s part of the alpha pair, and she has an entire clan to look out for in addition to Baby Bea.
So that leaves one clear choice for me even though he was mostly overlooked in this poll…Gaston! He’s got all of the skills, he’s pulled George and Jack out of the frying pan numerous times over the years, and he’s the protégés of William, George, and potentially Caldenia herself. Plus he’d be a hoot to hang around with. So give me Gaston all day everyday no matter what the world threw at us!
Just read the ferret heist bit again. I can’t even 🙂
I love that Cornelius, whose entire life screams “I’m not important, don’t notice me” (because he of all people understands the power of being underestimated), is the winning sidekick. The Horde has spoken!
this was so hard to choose just one!
Luther! Who doesn’t want to be a wizard at large.
I bought a poodle because of Grendel. My husband read the series 1 year later…. “this is why we have a poodle isn’t it?”. LOL, what can I say?
honestly Luther and grandma have main character energy, they just haven’t shared their stories. Grendel is the most legit side character…. basically I want a main character story for everyone else 😁
At this point the lead has changed between Luther and Cornelius at least six times.
I feel like Cornelius has earned the win. But Leon! So. Much. Potential!!!
Your poll is broken it would only let me vote for one person, I need to vote for several. 🙁
I just re-read the Hidden Legacy series again and am so fond of Cornelius. We all know he’s really a Prime, right! 🥰
for me it would be a choice between Runa and Bern. Both are very loyal and I love them so much
I voted for Helen, because there would be “ripper cushions” if she doesn’t win!
On the other hand, I now have a beautiful golden doodle who looks nothing like one, has eaten socks, my albuterol inhaler, a squishy fidget toy, parts of sheets…and she smells like 24 hours after her bath. I have way more sympathy for Grendel!!
Got to go with Gaston, chiefly because that’s my brother’s name, LOL. And well, you know, the song? No one fights like Gaston, LOL…
GRENDEL IS WAAAAY UNDERAPPRECIATED!
Helen – she is too cute with her strong feelings on right and wrong.
How can you choose???
The descriptions of each is making me run back to my bookshelf so I can reread each and every one so I can squee over each of them! 😂
I’m ride or die for grendel and can’t believe he didn’t score higher! (Although I guess owning a standard poodle as a child may have biased me)
Luther is a pretty good second choice though, I guess 😉
Gimme a minute, I’ve got it narrowed down to 5.
– Gramdma Frida, because total badass, AND learning to knit for her grandkids
– Orro, because dama queen and food how can you resist!
– Helen, because willing to take on Arland for bacon and ripper cushions, the cool kid
– Leon, because, funny, badass, maybe BPD, but that big heart!
– Luther, because humour and spells
– Cornelius, because quite kind intelligence and animals!
Sorry make that 6, this might take a while…
I think Her Grace from IC should’ve been on it. Her machinations have won the day too many times.
Yesterday (Friday in Germany) I have been refreshing the poll every hour or so, because the lead was constntly changing between Cornelius and Luther. Love them all, of course, but have been rooting (?) for Luther.
Btw is the poll closed or not? Just wondering…
Dear Mod R that wad genius! Looking forward to your post on Monday.
If he wins I will need a Sorceress at Large T shirt.
I voted last week, and I have to confess that I didn’t vote for Gaston, but I’ve been thinking about his last place in this poll all week and now I’m #justiceforGaston. Maybe it’s because I’ve been listening to the Graphic Audio of Sweep of the Heart and Wyn Delano does such a fantastic job brining Gaston to life!
Bummer. I check the site once a week on Saturdays. Didn’t see the poll until the 8th. Voting is over!
Grendel for me , sorry I’m late to the voting ,crochet got in the way
No, I cannot vote for one. I vote for ALL and MORE!!!
Am I the only one wanting a Grandma Frida?
wow this back and forth with Luther lol
Grandma!!
Its between Luther & Cornelius for me.
Regarding the poll – you (wisely) did not give us the options of “All of the Above”
Where’s Caldenia? I vote for Caldenia. She’s always there at just the right time with just the right advice…although pretty sure she would be angry to be called a sidekick🤣
Did I miss it? How do I vote?
Wow! These results are a surprise to me!!!
I guess I have different warm feelings than most, but for grandma Frida and Helen we’re probably at war for the top spot, with Oreo, Leon, and Cornelius vying for the next spot. Of course I love Andrea and Luther and Gaston and general too. But you know, special place in the heart and all. Luther though? So fascinating!!
I’m afraid the poll closed last Friday, but we will have future ones! 🙂