“Two weeks from now,” Nez said. “Same time, same place. You’re a smart woman, Ms. Harper. Make the right choice for your people.”
The undead leapt away and took off into the night. She walked back to Oscar. The mechanic looked at her.
“Have you ever noticed, Oscar, that when people say, ‘You’re a smart woman,’ what they really mean to say is ‘But I am smarter?’”
Oscar smiled at her.
“Weren’t there some Iron Dogs guarding the station?”
“There were. Two of them fellahs. They’re sleeping under that oak over there.”
Elara sighed. “Oscar…”
“You know how I like the quiet. Evening, that’s me time.”
“They were supposed to be here for your protection.”
“I know, I know. They looked tired anyway.”
“You better wake them up. And don’t magic them back to sleep either.”
Oscar sighed. “What do I do if that undead shitweasel comes back?”
“Shoot him and let the ‘fellahs’ do the rest. These pumps must keep working, do you understand me, Oscar? Keep the water flowing.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Elara thought of fussing at him about the “my lady” bit, but she had bigger fish to fry. It was only her imagination, but the envelope in her hands was too heavy and she couldn’t wait to put it down.
Shannnon from Florida says
Am so excited for this book. Thanks for the snippet.
Shannnon from Florida says
I know it is childish but I am so excited to be the first to comment!
Sleepy says
Gotta enjoy the small things in life 😉
Ree Moreau says
I agree – YEAH snippet. Not sure if this is the special surprise for today, but I will take it as a win. If there are more surprises, well – that just means double win!
Lallcine says
What about the novella (that couldn’t be announced until 04/16)?
Natalie says
Squeeee! I can’t wait until this comes out! She seems like the perfect counterpart for Hugh. I can’t remember in chronological order are we supposed to read Hughes book before the next Kate book?
Dawn says
I think Hugh’s book is a critical read for the final KD. I think Kate and Huge partner together since the next KD is the last one, so Huge has to be redeemed somewhat before that happens.
Natalie says
I thought that must be the order because I have a feeling that Hugh and Elara are the couple arguing in Kate and Curran driveway in a previous snippet.
BryMarie92 says
Which snippet includes the driveway argument? I think I missed it. I don’t recall it.
Ms. Kim says
yea, how do I find that?
Lee says
Here you go; it’s the indented part about halfway down:
https://ilona-andrews.com/on-waiting-the-annoyances-of/
Kathleen says
Thank you, I missed this snipped to
Ms. Kim says
Also thank-u.
Jennifermlc says
The white warlock was mentioned at the end of Magic Binds, so I think they may pop up in the next KD
Laura says
Who wants to put 10 on the “white warlock” being Elara?
PJ says
Why would we want to do that? I think the authorlords already confirmed Elara as the white warlock.
Here is the huge excerpt from Hugh’s book
https://ilona-andrews.com/book/iron-and-magic/
SoCoMom says
Speaking of arguing couples i the KD universe, who would be cray-cray enough to team up with Desandra? Besides a Plum Merchant …
Ms. Kim says
At one point I thought Derek. Oh well. Perhaps a were bear?
Sarak says
Roman.
Ericka says
I think you’re right. In the last Kate book, there’s something about some ritual that has everyone freaked out, and Kate says something about how maybe the white witch could pull it off, and everyone recoils cause the white witch is such an abomination. Soooo….
Verslint says
+1 on the squee!!!
VeronicaK says
+1 on the squee!! Thanks for the smippt, can’t wait for the book!
Monica says
Also squee! And love how it’s all tying together!
Dawn says
Can’t wait for the Hugh book!!!!!! I think his character is so fascinating, so I know Elara will be complex and intriguing as well. am also very excited for the update on a certain HL novella ❤️❤️
Ms. Kim says
Oooh. Really? gimme gimme gimme
Dawn says
Yeah on amazon there is an untitled HL novella listed for a November release. And when the author lords said on their NY post that they can’t talk about a certain novella until April 16 I assumed this post would be that. But I was pleasantly surprised with a snippet ?
jewelwing says
An unexpected treat! Thank you!
Ami says
Ohhhhhhhhhh.
KathyInAiken says
Good things come to those who obsessively click on the Ilona Andrews Blog link. I knew my OCD would come in handy some day.
Ms. Kim says
lol
Cathy B says
I’m right there with you Kath6yln, I knew something good would come of the OCD thing one day.
ice says
Add me to the OCD list. Such a nice treat.
Shannon says
+1
Sivi says
+1
I’ll be checking out more frequently as I’m seeing that good things come quickly to those who refresh 🙂
Chris T. says
Ditto. Checking about twice a day just in case . . .
Verslint says
We are the BDH F5 subdivision!
Ms. Kim says
Well, this was an unexpected treat! Thank-you so much.
wont says
More Hugh torture. Sigh. I’m trying to figure out if Hugh married a badass for strategic reasons, and then somehow falls in love. I know you can lead us anywhere, but I have such a difficult time with the ‘love thing’ attached to Hugh.
Mame says
Love[except for Roland] and Hugh was a mismatch for me as well. I was having trouble with the idea of Hugh as a main character at all.
However when I read the long snippet on April 2 although I still did not like Hugh, I started to wonder if Hugh was basically a version of ‘Adora’ who has been brain-washed for decades, since childhood. That might explain his lack of awareness which bothered me the most.
When I only saw him from Kate’s viewpoint he was pure asshole but now I can see him as a dog who has been on a short pointy chain for decades. Of course he got warped and snaps constantly.
Is anyone else wondering how they will deal with Hugh as a main character?
Still not sure if I want to read about him but I will for the background. 🙂
Eegoolina says
I like your description ( on the end of a short, pointy chain). It is always intriguing when the perspective is changed on bad guys.
kommiesmom says
I agree. It is possible that without Roland to take every bit of Hugh’s attention, that he will grow into a human being instead of Roland’s attack dog. Not necessarily a good person, but perhaps not a bad one either.
It will be interesting to find out.
In essence, Hugh is Kate’s step-brother, since Roland raised him. Hmm, that puts a different spin on things – this has all been a severe case of sibling rivalry…
HA! I gotta see this.
kommiesmom says
PS: Forgot to say – Thanks for the snippet. Loved it and can hardly wait. It must be MINE!
wont says
I’m very excited to read more about Hugh. I would have no problem with him as the main character. He was a supreme asshole with Kate, and I never felt a tiny bit of step-brother in their relationship. Quite the opposite. But, I can see your point. I saw Hugh as a strong rival against Curran. And with the situation of Kate thinking Curran had lied to her and possibly leaving her, Hugh might have made progress. I’m glad things worked out the way they did. With all the times Hugh showed what a jerk he could be (except when he saved Doolittle), I still find it difficult to see him a changed character. Without Roland’s magic behind him, who knows how he will be. But, I really want to see what Ilona has done. Very anxious for this book.
Lisa B. says
I’m still angry with Hugh and the Iron Dogs killing
Aunt Bea! It’s going to take major personal growth on Hugh’s part before I can forgive him!!!
Lallcine says
I must say, at first i wasn’t really hyped for Hugh’s book, but this snippet has officially put it on the map for me.
Eli says
Monday and Friday snippets – a new tradition??!!!
Thanks!
Christine says
Great snippet…many thanks ?
MMD says
Ooh!!! Intrigue ????
Can’t wait for this book
gingkogirl says
Shitweasel? I spit soup on my keyboard!!!
Thank you much!
Marianne says
I know – shitweasel!! Hysterical!! ?
Elenariel says
I love this Oscar dude already!
Thank you for the surprise!
strangejoyce says
Agreed. Oscar sounds very normal, per SC/NC Carolina standards. *giggle*
Kristi says
Can’t wait!!
Jane says
Can’t wait for this book.
Sleepy says
Was not expecting this but yay!!!! I can’t remember the last time i was so excited for a book 🙂
Simone says
Ooh fun – thanks for the snippet 🙂
reeder says
Ohh, what are they pumping? Water for the moat?
Sleepy says
Oh good catch! Maybe!
Lee says
Is this the Monday 4/16 announcement? Or will there be more and I should continue to refresh?
Ever hopeful, but also grateful for what we’ve already received ~
Dawn says
This is how I feel too! Pleasantly surprised at the wonderful snippet. Secretly hoping for HL novella news ?Anything they provide is always appreciated. I love their books!!
Keera says
Thanks for asking! I mean I love the Hugh snippet and I am thankful but I want to know who the HL novella is about.
Julia says
+1
BelleBok says
There is a pre-order on Amazon for a Hidden Legacy Novella #1. It arrives on Nov 6! Some of us BDH are already on the list.
Ange in Australia says
Whhhuuuttt?????? *Races off to check Amazon Australia.*
Thanks for the snippet. I’m really looking forward to Hugh’s book.
MeggsH says
Am so excited for this book. I always liked Hugh. Well not liked- he is a horrible person. But he’s the type of horrible that was made and not born and is thus excellent redemption material. And who doesn’t love a good redemption arc. Am super excited about Elara.
Teresa says
Can’t wait for Hugh novel. I can’t wait for anything you write.
Eegoolina says
Anticipation??! Thanks for sharing with us!
Fan in California says
Ooooohooo!! Thanks for the very pleasant surprise!!!
kommiesmom says
I appreciate the snippet, but will check in later, just in case.
(Actually just an excuse to read the comments. There will be more by then)
Joanne says
Loved it!!
It’s the 16th 🙂 any news you can share?!
Jana says
Mep….(jumps in chair)! Wasn’t expecting this today. But then I wasn’t expecting cold weather and sleet either. Life is full of surprises! This was a good one. Thanks!
Char says
Has anyone seen the publishing date for Hugh’s book?
Thank you for the great snippet!
Lee says
IRON AND MAGIC (Hugh’s story) release date was announced as 26 June 2018 a couple of weeks ago here on the blog
Char says
Thank you! I was wondering because it is not coming up on the Kindle store. Great snippet!
Caro says
Love the snippet- thank you! Elara d’Ambray…. they’re not married yet when Landon Nez addresses her as Ms Harper. I’m very much looking forward to see more of Elara, from the snippets so far she’s a very cool lady.
Tina in NJ says
Or Landon doesn’t know about the marriage.
Ildera24 says
Or Landon is trying to make a point by addressing her by her maiden name
Patricia Schlorke says
Or Landon wanted to insult Elara by using her maiden name.
Too bad Elara doesn’t have Sarat (Kate’s sword Kate’s grandmother gave her in Mishmar). Landon would be running far, far, far away from Elara. 😀 That makes me laugh when Kate did that to him with Curran in the back seat.
SoCoMom says
Or this is the chapter where they do get married and this was an attempt to ….dissuade her from going through with it.
I forgot about a possible April 16th announcement. I thought it might be about Maude’s story, but seeing as how they are in NY, maybe it is about HL or another series? Either way: drooling at the thought of more stories!
Jenn says
Can’t wait for this book!! Yay for snippet… these characters are so interesting and fun…
Keera says
Thank you for the Elara snippet! But is this a delay tactic?
Jovan Welch says
Monday is official better! Thank you! And your such a tease! lol
Drew says
Oh, gosh. I just cannot wait. Where’s a time machine when you need one.
Kathryn says
I wonder if Nez is pronounced with or without the “z” sound? nez, or nee? …or neigh? 🙂
Randy says
Renee Raudman read it with a Z.
Kathryn says
That’s interesting! I was leaning the other way – thanks!
Judy says
OK, I give in. You did it. I was resisting the Hugh and Elara story but Elara is going to be one of my favorites. Hugh not so much.
Love this Magical Earth.
Elf says
snicker. Undead Shitweasel is the name of my next band. snicker.
DianaInCa says
Thanks for the snippet. When I first heard about Hugh’s book, I thought I wouldn’t want to read it. After reading several snippets I am coming around. Which makes me happy because I truly enjoy your writing style.
Patricia Schlorke says
Thank you for this surprise. I was thinking of another announcement (Hidden Legacy anyone?), but this is great.
Hugh has met his match! Love Oscar…can’t wait to read more about him. 🙂
Tink says
You know it’s a freaking busy day at work when you realize that it’s almost 8pm and it didn’t even occur to you until now to check the blog for posts. Days like this SUCK!
Thanks for the snippet!
Patricia Schlorke says
I feel your pain Tink.
Ericka says
Yay, snippet! Thank you!
BelleBok says
Thank you for this snippet of Elara. I am looking forward to knowing Oscar more. Sounds like an interesting character.
Also can’t wait to see Hugh’s character unfold and grow. From Hugh’s first snippet, I can actually see he is not a shallow villain as I initially thought in the KD books. As is usual, whatever you write has us all on the edge of our chairs: hip-hip-hooray!
Reethu says
Thanks for the snippet
Jae says
“Evening, that’s me time.”
::WHEEEEEZE::
Every time I see that line, I can’t stop smiling, it’s so great.
Cheryl Anne farley says
Worked very hard last two weeks and finally seeing improvement and feeling better, lovely treat thanks so much!
jenah says
What a lovely surprise! Thank you for the snippet, and for the word of the day. After the day I had, I can think of a few applications for it. It’s almost a fun to say as my favorite, arschgeige, (ass violin), which is the German version of a-hole.
Karen Eckardt says
Thank you! I am looking forward to Hugh’s book. I looking forward to Friday for the next Arland and Maud.
Thank you for all stories that you give us. It means a great deal to me!
nickole195 says
Love love love, cannot wait for this book. Hugh is a character, all these insights make me want to know him and his group more, elara is just one more amazing facet to this story – thank you?
Ramona says
Whoa! Just heading to bed and thought I’d take a look and – Snippet! Thank you. What a delightful way to end the day.
Hat says
I’m still trying to decide if I like Hugh. He was such a douche when dealing with Kate.
Nevertheless, the Authorlords have written, what choice do I have but to let my heartstrings be tugged and jump on the Hugh bandwagon.
Zuzana says
I need the book. Right now.
Bibliovore says
+1 Take my money please.
Joy says
Me too. I’m literally making grabby hand motions.
Gah! It’s so fun to look forward to it tho!
Marianne says
Thank you for the surprise snippet!! Hugh was such an awesome villain, I can’t wait too see what you do with him in this new book! ?
Marianne says
PS
Besides Elara, and now Oscar too, I can’t wait to get to know the characters we will be introduced to in this book! Weeeeeeeeeee!! ?
Bill G says
Cool.
Pat Crouch says
I’m still not ready to like Hugh yet. Or the iron dogs. I need closure on Kate.
Donna says
Totally agree. He needs to make restitution for what he did to Aunt B and i can’t imagine what would be adequate.
Cristina says
100% Ditto
strangejoyce says
200% ditto. I got teary-eyed when aunt B was killed.
Zanne says
You delightful tease! I can’t wait to see how this relationship develops and if/how it will effect Kate’s potential request in Magic Triumphs. ?
Debi Majo says
What a wonderful way to wake up this morning! Thank you?
mdy says
I am really looking forward to this book. I can’t think of anyone else I’d want to see get taken down a peg (maybe even a dozen pegs) in the KD universe than Hugh. If what emerges on the other side of that story arc is a man worthy of a great partner, then it’s going to be one heck of a ride.
Joan says
Aunt B … sad, BAD … someone must pay
Hugh …. can’t help liking him and wanting a HEA, even after everything …
But I trust the Authorlords to tell a riveting, fantastic, utterly brilliant story
So I’m 100% behind this story/series
xx
Mary says
Great!. So glad you guys get bored and start other projects. It’s like being at a mental tapas bar, always a new and different treat to tease the mind.
Lauryn M says
Sweet!!!!
Signe says
The twists and turns that you two create. How marvelous. Thank you so much. Great way to start the day.
Thank you.
Ronette says
Call me Pavlov. The mystery of possibly receiving one of your snippets each day, exploring the treasure trove of comments that follow said snippet, or finding something completely unexpected on here has me now checking at least once a day (and most days, many times). I swear my heart rate elevates as I do. It’s wonderful and fun! Thank you!
Joan says
+1
Judy B says
Awesome surprise,,, thank you
Diana R. says
Tease…tease…tease. A wonderful little snippet. Thank you.
Tiger Kite says
Did I miss novella announcement? I don’t tweet so, um, maybe…
Joan says
Hugh book – coming out before final KD book this year … sounds like Kate will be getting help from Hugh + Elara, maybe ? ?
Then … Hugh + Elara Series … sometime ?
Innkeeper 4: Sweep of the Blade – Maud + Arland (and Helen) novella/novel ?
Hidden Legacy 4: Nevada + Rogan novella – maybe ??? ?
SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE ?
Tiger Kite says
btw thanks for Hugh snippet (it was delicious).
Gail K says
Thank you for snippet, Agree we arelike Pavlov’s dogs, always looking for treat.
Because they are surprising,awesome treats. And we never are satisfied.
Still on the fence with Hugh. Aunt B and Christopher, two victims that will need major refoms before Hugh transforms into “Hero”. And Iron dogs, also need reformation.
I realize that mostly everyone deserves a second chance, but his crimes were deadly,cruel and at times just petty.
You write just strong characters, and incredible scenes that at times haunt you with pathos and reality.
They make an indelible impression on you and that is a testament to your writing skill.
The characters of Kate Daniels are ” Real People, you think about Kate raisng Conlan, how is George’s arm growing, how is Julie doing in school.
So, Hugh will be an battle for redemption in my mind.
Thnak you ,
Lisa says
Why does he need to be reformed? We weren’t promised any such thing, only that he would remain interesting. Let Hugh stay the villain he is, maybe with a tiny bit of personal growth, so we don’t hate ourselves for loving him anyway.
Tina Marie says
I agree! He doesn’t need to be a hero; we have that with Kate & Co. I think most of us have fallen in love with “the bad guy/gal” enough that we could relate. Either way, I can’t wait for any and everything from our favorite authors!
Elisabeth says
Hugh was such a villain in Kates books. But how could he have grown a moral compass with his upbringing? He lived and breathed for the approval (and whatever else) from Roland. Everyone else was more or less a pawn in the game.
Now is the first time he is responsible for his own. Let’s see how he develops. I highly assume he will never be an angle but he will find the “right” path.
I am currious how a meeting of Kate and Hugh will be. Killing him will not be an option as I’m quite sure he will not stay villain-ly at the end of this book.
Looking forward to it. Thanks for the snippet.
Joan says
+1 ?
Carter says
I know there are some concerned about being able to ‘redeem’ Hugh but for me I don’t see it that way. Every character stars in their own story. For Hugh, Kate could have been the villain, if you’re looking at perspective. I’m not so much interested in seeming him right previous wrongs or find redemption per say but focus more on just moving forward with changes that simply happen through the process of experience and the people he is with. And I don’t know that Hugh is someone I want to really be ‘good’. I think he’d lose of what makes him an enjoyable character if that happens. Personally I’m excited to see how he handles the current situation as he is and the impact that has on him.
Joan says
Agree ☺
Omar Mtz says
WHAT IS SHE?????
Thank you for Snippet !!!!!
Mars says
Question just what is to be transfer and why the white warlock? Is it the ruling of the city or is it the power from the claiming.. huh huh what is it if you please?
Nanik says
Thank you! What a delightful surprise!!!
strangejoyce says
Hmmm….a “heavy” envelope….perchance a message from Kate or Curran? Requesting assistance for final war with Roland? Enemy of my enemy and all that.
Will there be dragons appearing in KD10 or here in Iron Covenant series? And what’s up with the “divine”, mystical creatures—-shimmery Bucky and that cat thing that Curran ate when rescuing Saiman?
Things are mounting up in a huge way for KD world. LOVE IT!!!!!!
strangejoyce says
And what is in those mysterious barrels that Hugh asked about when he became “unstupored”? Barrels of undead blood maybe? Hurry up and get here already June… *sigh*.
strangejoyce says
Or the envelope contains an offer/contract from Landon (Roland) that she has two weeks to decide to take….
KR says
I cannot wait for this!
Heather says
Yet again super hyped for this book. I don’t want Hugh to be redeemed I want him to find something besides Roland that he wants to protect. Roland blew his mind as a child. Godlike figure saves you and then trains you .all you want is to please him. To fall out of favor like that is a crucible. It changes your life motivations. Your goals can finally be about what you want not theirs. I think Hugh still needs to be ruthless just in Elaras favor. Love y’all
strangejoyce says
Totally agree with you Heather. I think his past will never redeem him as far as I’m concerned. But if he turns that fervor and zeal to work in Elara’s favor (against Roland) then I won’t dislike him as much (possibly). Can never ever forgive for aunt B and Mauro.
Zana says
Question! Is this Hugh book available for pre-order on Amazon? I’m not finding it and I thought it’s timeline for release was sometime in the summer?
Josefin says
Hi
Where does one pre-order this book? My Kindle seems to Think it dosen’t exists…
Mousewynne says
I’m certain the AL will find a great way to handle this but I have to say that the whole “bad guy redeemed by the love of a good woman” trope usually just makes me gag.
I’ve read the long excerpt they linked to a couple of weeks ago and frankly I think Hugh’s “redemption” if you want to call it that is more linked to his sense of responsibility for the remainder of the Iron Dogs. Everything he does in those chapters is aimed at “rescuing” his men and that is something that I truly appreciate.
Jenni says
Is it possible to preorder this book? Can’t find it in iBooks or kindle…
TJ says
Shitweasel? Heh heh heh.
Yeah Hugh, still got a hate on for him, but will he finally decide to be his own man insteada Rolands wardog??–“sit, heel, kill! Good dog!’ Anda course what kinda man will he be?
And just whats up with the chick and her ppl anyway? Hmmm, definately intrigued…
Aw who am i kidding, of course i’m gonna buy the book!
Christina S says
Does anyone know if the book is available for preorder yet? I can’t find a link on the blog, and searching Amazon gives me no results.
Help appreciated! 🙂