Ilona and Gordon are currently deep in the Maggie 2 rewrite cave – which, for everyone who asked for ferret directions, lies somewhere beyond the Merch Mountains, through the Vellum Vale. All those air vents are sensor-trapped, don’t even try it.
I’ll soon be off to watch the partial solar eclipse visible from the UK today, so you will be left in Steve’s (not-so) capable hands.
And speaking of accidents waiting to happen, eclipses always make me think of magical loopholes. I just know that there’s a careless wizard or fae somewhere who has absolutely worded a curse to allow for respite whenever there is a day without a night and a night without a day, a la Ladyhawke. Tsk, tsk. Keep your supernatural contract lawyers on retainer, people!
But we know not even an eclipse clause could break the Horde’s book-devouring enchantment, so before I go, I have a few updates:
No DragonCon This Year
House Andrews will not be attending DragonCon in 2026.
We are aware there is a DragonCon webpage circulating which appears to list Ilona Andrews among the author signings this year. It is unfortunately an older page that was not archived correctly.
Hope everyone going will have a great time, but please do not purchase tickets specifically in the expectation of an Ilona Andrews appearance or signing. There will not be one this year.
I have heard your great suggestions, and will have an appearances page made for the website now that there are a lot more opportunities to see House Andrews out and about.
A Note on Special Editions
Whenever an officially endorsed Special Edition of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is confirmed and announced publicly, there will be a post about it on the blog and in the newsletter, and it will also be included on the Maggie Featured page, which is on the home page of the website.
If you happen across a preorder in the wild that has not been announced on the blog or included on that page, it means House Andrews have not confirmed it. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s illegitimate or a scam, but it does mean that if you choose to order independently, you should please do your own due diligence regarding the seller, payment protections, shipping, and returns.
On my own end, I promise I will come running with the shiny news as soon as I’m allowed to tell!
Beast Business Audiobook
Speaking of things I can news you on: I do not currently have a release or preorder date for the audiobook format of Beast Business.
The audio files exist. There will be an audio format release. House Andrews are as committed as ever to make every single book as accessible as possible for everyone.
There are unfortunately complicated distribution-business decisions happening behind the scenes, the intricacies of which are above my pay grade and brain power at the moment. A lot of very dedicated people are working hard on sorting everything out and release and preorder information will be shared as soon as those details are finalized.
This requires me to use language that may be distressing to members of the Horde, and sensitive readers should look away now: I’m afraid there will be a d*lay and we will have to continue to w*it.
I KNOW! Believe me, I know.
And with that, I am off to see our old friend, the Moon, very much getting in the way.
If you too are eclipse-watching today, please remember to use proper eclipse glasses or another safe viewing method. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.
If once upon a time you were falling in love, but now you’re only falling apart, that is an entirely different kind of eclipse and, regrettably, the special glasses will not help.
Stay safe out there, Horde!
Enjoy the eclipse!!
Astronomical First! 😀
O. M. Bob, first?
A Lunar Miracle!!🌒🌕🌘
LOVE the Ladyhawke reference! Grew up watching that movie over and over as a child at grandmother’s house “for the big horse” 😆 (I was 3)
W*it and D*lay in one post. My BDH heart can’t handle it!
Please remain calm through these trying times!
Mod R you are a treasure!
+100
Mod R is the best. I bet you’ve been saving up that Total Eclipse of the Heart reference for a while! Hope you had fun and cheers!
My thoughts exactly
Interesting safety tip: a welders helmet set at max darkness is perfect for eclipse viewing.
That’s good to know. It makes sense since welders to have to see through a lot of sparks.
Thank you for the updates Mod R!!
enjoy the eclipse!
Thx for the update! And I just love the Ladyhawke reference—one of my very favorite movies!
+1
+1
+1
Ditto – it’s also the first time I feel in love with Matthew Broderick!!
Agreed – one of my favorite movies, done with a soundtrack done by one of my favorite musicians. Very special to me.
Ladyhawk is one of my favorites too!!!
+1
+1 😊
Yep, yep, yep!! Biiigg Ladyhawke fan. Rutger Hauer in it and Blade Runner, was hawt!
+1 Ladyhawke is so good! Perfect movie for Horde members 🙂
Enjoy the eclipse, Mod R! It doesn’t look like Texas is going to be in on the eclipse party today. I have seen my share of solar eclipses. One time the sky turned a deep gold, then red, before going black. It also got cooler since the sun wasn’t beating down on us.
Sensors in the dryer vents…hmm. Maybe we can get Steve to…never mind. Mod R is glaring at me. 🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Mod R sees all, knows all.
Lovely update, as always. Thank you! 🤗
Enjoy the eclipse! May the clouds be few and the viewing be clear.
Have fun storming the eclipse!
Enjoy the Eclipse!!!
Thanks for keeping us updated, Mod R!🙏
Grabbing my eclipse glasses now – and also hoping to catch some of the Perseid meteor shower later on!😎🌠
Loved the 80’s reference, Total Eclipse of the Heart. I love that song!
+1! Love that song!
Mod R, you so often make me smile and laugh, just like with this post!
You have a wonderful writing talent yourself. 🤗
+1
I was coming here to say exactly the same thing!
We have the same initials, so I’m tagging on to yours to agree 💯% Mod R Rules 😃
+100! I was just thinking, that I would also definitely read a book by ou lovely Mod R, if she ever chooses to write one 😍
I just saw a picture of y’all’s eclipse. Looked beautiful!
I am so glad that House Andrews vets voice actors, since I have just endured a masterclass of how an AI reader can ruin a story. I’m OK with “nggh” being pronounced “engeegeeaitch” or context mispronunciations like tear(teer) vs tear(tair). But this “…” being pronounced quote dot dot dot quote drove me nuts. And this happened during every conversation, along with quote dot dot (word). 🙄
Sorry, just had to rant.
Have fun eclipse watching! Sometimes there is just weirdness in the business world, sorry for the problems that inevitably creates!
I got to see the results of a total eclipse last year(?), the year before (?) in Toronto. Eerie and beautiful at the same time. Dark in the early afternoon. Birds quieting in the trees.
My nephew was out on Lake Erie and actually saw the eclipse and took pictures, which he sent us.
Even though we know the science, we all still felt that frisson of the world turning upside down.
Happy partial Eclipse day for all those without cloudy skies!
(And hope it gives a boost to the Maggie 2 Edits for you)
Mod R, you are so awesome! Thank you for the updates. I hope the partial eclipse is visible and fun for you.❤
Blessings of clear thinking and inspired rewrites for Ilona and Gordon. I hope your cats/dogs will intervene whenever you get too bogged down and need a break. ❤❤
Ooh!! Total Eclipse of the Heart!! Cue turning car radio volume to 12+ and singing along!! 80’s angst for the win!! 🖤
I just love when the Moon vibe is basically “Hello! I would like a little sunshine on my backside, thank yoooou”
Bring on totality!
Love your wit, Mod R!!
Special message for Mod R. The Perseid meteor shower is currently active. When the eclipse occurs you may be able to see those as well.
I don’t know what to do, and I’m always in the dark…😂
That was so throw back, we should all break out the 80’s parachute pants and hairspray!
Thank you for the updates and enjoy the moon, watch out for werewolves!
Oh wait, it’s an eclipse of the moon? So no werewolves?🤨
I agree that d*lay and w*it are words that need to be edited for the algorithm. But will accept their use this time (and every time cause I am chalant, but am I?? Who knows, I an Horde).
Enjoy the eclipse! I’m going to be in Tangier for the big one next year, looking forward to it!!
Your last quip is gold.
Haha… w*ait? De!ay? We don’t know her! Also, love the lyric nod you slipped in there at the end 😂
I received my vellum order and it’s gorgeous! I know it must be a huge PIA to send these out to all the faithful, but I (and undoubtedly countless of my brethren) are grateful for these beautiful ‘extras.’ I was so stoked, I immediately sat down and started re-reading TKWNKM for the (clears throat) sixth time.
Thanks so much for all your hard work!
I saw the one back in 1999 on a boat in Torquay. It was on my brothers birthday so was extra special for him. My parents new it was happening so planned the trip down. It’s amazing how it’s daytime and the next it’s complete darkness.
Back then we had glasses but for this partial eclipse I was in my garden with a colander. My brother went to watch it with a friend in the park and a nice lady shared her glasses with them. We both had a great time, though my arms ached a bit from holding the colander up so long but I got to see loads of little eclipses so worth the pain.
Couldn’t see the meteor shower though too much light pollution.
Out of curiosity, if I never got my vellum order, who would I contact?
Thanks in advance!
First, you should please read the update on the front page of the store, which states that fulfillment will take 4-6 weeks and not all orders have yet been shipped https://ilonaandrewsstore.com/password. Thank you for your understanding 🙂
If you believe you should have received your order by now or there are issues with it, please get in contact with the store customer service at storeadmin@ilona-andrews.com 🙂
Ilona mentioned signing cards for a special edition, will there be others or is the Midnight Whispers one the last one for now ?
Last for now, afaik 🙂
“Ilona and Gordon are currently deep in the Maggie 2 rewrite cave ”
I have been BDH for too long (no, of course that’s not possible, but read on — then you figure out a better description!)
I read the above and my first thought was, “Waitaminnit! That means they’ll find out how the next part ends before we do!!!”
I apologize for my brain. I’m going to lie down for a bit with a cold compress on my forehead, followed by calmly going to bed early. I’m sure I’ll be more sensible tomorrow…
The “Waitaminnit! That means they’ll find out how the next part ends before we do!!!” made me laugh so hard right now.
Of course, HA will know before we do. They’ll know the whole book, and if they’re working on Maggie #3, they’ll know the start of that too. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I know that, Patricia, and you know that. My brain, however, has a mind of its own. 😉
This is so hilarious! Sometimes I randomly wonder how characters are doing like they’re people I know. I so get this thought 🤣.
Wish I had seen this yesterday.
Was out for dinner in Kings X and totally forgot the eclipse was happening until lunchtime and there were no special glasses to view it to be had. Ended up trying to watch it through a shop window reflection.
Also thanks for the ear worm at the end 🤪
God, I love total eclipses. They are such an amazing experience— otherworldly and sci-fi. Enjoy!
But who is Steve?
Steve is a long-time Book-Devouring Horde parody member (the *most* of all of us proud members of the BDH).
Famous for, among other things: storming Nav; shouting a phrase from a popular video game, instead of power words, at a Kate Daniels luncheon; and arranging to replicate the ferret heist from Hidden Legacy to get the Horde an early look at one of House Andrews’ (then) works in progress.
I hope this gives a little bit of insight into why Steve is unlikely to be left in charge of us!
Sad about any Beast Businesses audible delay. Happy for the Ladyhawke and Total Eclipse of the Heart memories. Good times those ‘80’s were. Thanks for the update ModR!
It’s a Total Eclipse of the Heart! Hope you totally enjoyed the eclipse. We had one in Oregon several years ago and it was amazing. I can understand why people travel to see one.
Thanks as usual for the updates…even if I have to d*lay and w*ait!
Thank you for the updates Mod R – hope you got a good view of the Eclipse 😊 (also loving the song and film ref!! actually.. I never read the book version of Ladyhawke….. *goes off to search for one while we w*it* )
This post made me smile.
I think you underestimate the amount of ferrets we are willing to sent
I love the x gen references !! happy moon viewing where you may be!
Okay so I’m a bit late who know how or why I missed it… .. I have been lamenting what to read since I thrice read TKWNKM. So I’ve re-read Hidden, and Edge… and for SOME ungodly reason I hadn’t actually read the 3 and 4th books of Edge… don’t ask me… ANYHOOTS, the final Edge book gave me the hit I was looking for (I can see hints of Maggie)… so once that was done, I thought hmm Innkeeper… and how did I miss who was in the 2nd book… probably because I hadn’t read Edge prior to Innkeeper… any ways I’m now back in my book happy place, and Innkeeper has taken on a whole new life for me…. pretty sure Kate will be next once I’m done with Innkeeper… then I’ll probably start all again till Maggie 2 is released… I think Maggie 1 has broken me for any other author.
Mod R, I loved the “Total Eclipse of the Heart” warm on Thursday (tho my mind initially substituted the tune for “Holding out for a Hero” until I realized my lyrics weren’t matching up), but now, Saturday, I just read that Bonnie Tyler passed last month and they just held her funeral procession in Wales. Now it seems even more obvious why you would have that song on your mind! And the universe does have a sneaky sense of humor, doesn’t it, with the correlation there? Or perhaps it was the funeral planners with their tongue in cheek scheduling this weekend – well done!! Sad to see her, an 80’s icon, go, but what a way to send her off!
I’m currently on leave and doing some wall paint and house work so I’m re-listening to the whole Hidden Legacy series. I’m already on Catalina second book but I thought I wouldn’t have to wait that much for Beast Business, so this is putting a wrench in my plans… Well, I’ll have to re-listen to the Kate Daniels series to occupy myself while. 🤷