On this day, in 2015, an innocent April Fools book-themed prank was played on an unsuspecting Horde. Or so a certain mischievous author duo thought.
It read:
Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, bowed to only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master is gone and Hugh must carve a new place for himself and his people in the post-apocalyptic world where magic comes and goes in waves. With former allies ready to tear him apart, Hugh is forced to make alliances to preserve the Order of Iron Dogs, warriors who would follow him anywhere.
Serafina Price is the head witch of the Midwestern Covens. She is powerful, devious, and smart. Her people think she is a goddess, her enemies call her Snake. Tasked with protection of her people, she is trapped between the magical heavy weights about to collide and plunge the entire region into war that human authorities have no power to stop. Desperate to preserve the covens, she would accept help from the devil himself.
They detest each other, yet they need each other to survive. How can two people famous for betraying their former allies cement their agreement without a shadow of a doubt?
They marry.
It even had a hilarious mock-blurb by the fictional Lorna Sterling, best-selling author of pirate fantasies in the Kate Daniels world, and a cover which definitely talked about Bruno.
“What a lark” the author duo thought.
“Oh, challenge very much accepted,” the Horde answered.
The title was added to Goodreads on the same day by enterprising fans. Comments and ratings started to appear. No one had read it, of course, but we knew it would be at least 5 stars. Well, except for all the people who hated Hugh and were convinced they’d do so forever, who rated it 1 star.
Librarians started being asked about the book. “But there’s no such entry in the catalogues” they protested. “If we ask for it enough, there will be,” chanted the Horde, for the Horde knew its power.
Much ink was spilled on social media. Redeem the Warlord? Inconceivable!
Meanwhile, across fictional planes, Hugh d’Ambray was going around cluelessly spouting things like:
“[Hugh] grinned, a wolfish sharp grin. “You know what I’m looking for in a partner? A challenge.”
Andrews, Ilona. Magic Rises, Kate Daniels 6
He put that into the Universe and the Universe said: “Hold my panacea.”
All these things conspired and, three years later, a certain Preceptor and his wife, slightly altered from their spoof beginnings, strolled on to the page, in all their g(l)ory.
We’ve found out a few more things about everyone’s favorite Warlord in the meantime, and recently heard we can expect the drawbridge over the moat of his castle to be lowered again for a 2025 sequel, on the 10-year anniversary of the first prank chuckle.
Hugh and Elara have always generated a lot of questions, surpassed only by the number of rumors surrounding them. In no particular order:
The second manuscript is not already written and being held back, this was a misinterpretation of House Andrews saying they know what the story will be. We are in good hands!
No one owns the rights to the Preceptor and his White Warlock but House Andrews, no publisher is holding the characters captive, no one but Ilona and Gordon will be writing the sequel.
It’s currently envisioned as a duology, not a trilogy, but until the manuscript is finished, nothing is set in stone.
All the books will take place before Magic Triumphs in the timeline, in the time skip we had between Kate books 9 and 10. What that entails for certain PUT DOWN THAT COW contexts, we can only speculate.
We do know the second book will focus more on Elara and we will get her back story, obviously answering everyone’s no. 1 burning question:
What’s up with that chicken?
The power of the horde indeed. I can’t wait to know what the deal was with the chicken.
I m still wondering what happened to the cow
I came late to the BDH party, so I heard about this after the fact. The power of the Horde, indeed. But wow. The power of the authors who pulled it off and then some.
The BDH imagination does run rampant. We can run away with the theories, can’t we?
Stay fluffy, folks. Happy April!
🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐄🐮
Looking forward to the resolution of the chicken question and to Elara’s backstory. It might also be interesting to know why Hugh felt the need to yell, “PUT DOWN THAT COW!”
HA did an amazing job with the redemption of Hugh D’Ambray!
I vaguely remember a remark somewhere about Hugh’s son being strong enough even as a child to bench press a cow.
Thank you for your sense of humor and for writing such a compelling synopsis that you made us want to see the preceptor redeemed and the treacherous witch secured in her castle.
Have a beautiful week!
Best April Fool’s prank ever! And a Sterling, as it were, example of exceeding expectations.
This! Love it.
“What chicken”? Thinking of the chicken in the Willington stories, then I got it. “Oh, that chicken”.
no no
not from the willington storys,
its from when Hugh is talking to Elara in the house in the subdivision in Atlanta. where they are arguing , and Hugh tells her he expects her to eat the whole chicken. we dont know why he wants her to eat that chicken
WE (the HORDE) want to know. we are Patiently waiting, not quitely but patiently waiting to find out about that chicken.
with much respect to the Authors
Yes I got that. It says so in the post. 🙂
So when are the Lorna Sterling books coming out?
🤣
😂😂😂😂😂😂
+100
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: it may have started as a spoofy joke for HA, but I got introduced to them because of Iron and Magic. Never heard of them before Audible suggested that book and now I own every single audiobook (GA and Audible) and every HA ebook (all series). So good work!
You started at Iron and magic?! Did that spoil things for you when you read the main series later? Did you hate Hugh retroactively? I’m so curious what your experience was like.
Although I am firmly in Camp Innkeeper, Iron and Magic is far and away my favorite single book by HA. Of course, that may have something to do with the incomparable Steve West as narrator…. I now find myself looking for his work. Unfortunately, he embodies Hugh (and Elara!) so well that it almost seems wrong to hear him voicing other characters. But he’s sooo delicious that I can’t resist!
Yup – that voice doing what I will argue is the hottest sex scene HA have ever written. Goodness he made my ears go pink!
I had no idea this post was going up! I love it!
I did promise you some posts this week, for all the important things you have to focus on 😁
I can’t believe it’s been 9 years since that post! Holy crap, where has the time gone?
Oddly enough, there have been no additional April Fool’s Day posts from House Andrews. We may have taught them too well, Horde. Next time, we should exercise a little restraint.
Mwahahahaha. Oh, I crack myself up sometimes.
Right? It’s wild how time flies. 2025 is right around the corner!
I was late to the April Fool’s joke lo those many years ago. It wasn’t until I kept reading about the rest of the Horde (I don’t think we were called that back then) calling Hugh’s story an April Fool’s joke that backfired.
When I read that, I laughed and joined in with the rest in pushing Hugh’s redemption story.
Happy birthday to Hugh and Elara!
I agree, what’s up with the chicken and why doesn’t Elara like it? We’ll find out when her story gets into our sticky, schmaltzy hands. 😀
😂😂😂
I’ve always wondered how the Horde’s adoption of this not-meant-to-be-real storyline affected the Kate Daniels books. Was Hugh meant to be done in her story, just left as a villain she didn’t have to deal with anymore? Was the whole concept of Roland manipulating a guy with good tendencies a new addition to lay a framework for his redemption, or was that hiding behind the scenes already?
It’s fun for everyone to make up their mind, I enjoy the discussion 😀
Personally, I think there were always sneaky sneak herrings.
I feel like I remember getting an answer before that the redemption arc was always planned, but just off screen and not in as much detail. I’m here for Hugh the country squire and the BDH manifesting a duo of books
Agreed, there were just a few too many weirdly sympathetic things in Hugh from the get go. I’ve always wondered when exactly the decision was made that he was going to be more. The dinner, healing Doolittle, (yes got Aunt B killed, I know), but had quite a few moments where he wasn’t exactly a complete sh*t for brains.
I feel like it’s fairly clear on rereads that something else is going on besides one dimensional villainy.
I just think that HA couldn’t write a one dimensional character if they tried. All their characters have nuance – it’s why we have so many spin-offs (Julie/ Derek, Roman, Andrea/Raphael, Dali/Jim, George/Jack/Gaston/Sophie, etc)
So true! Thank you for pointing that out. Not one character is less than stellar.
I never realized the origin story of Hulara. HA~April Fools fooled everyone that year, even the pranksters~
I am as always, (impatiently) awaiting…
Hulara? Not Elahu?
It was best! Then having into a real thing…..priceless!
Just sayin’ –
Be careful what you wish for. You might get it, *and* a sequel…
Yay!
I sorta remember the post from 2015. I *do* remember thinking ” *That’s* going to take some doing.” and realizing it was April 1 later.
You succeeded beautifully. Thanks.
I never caught onto it until the follow-up post a day or so later.
Yeah me too, that was one shocking April fools!
Wow, it’s wild to be reminded of this sweet origin of Hugh and Elara. To me it a fun example of connectedness in this complicated world, how people impact others transactionally in ways we can’t necessarily fully understand. 💜🤗
I missed the original spoof, not being a BDH member as yet. Amazon kept suggesting Clean Sweep and I finally bought it, thus beginning my love of the Innkeeper world and everything else HA has written. Discovering the blog soon after just made it that much better!
I bought Clean Sweep in 2018 and promptly made a “clean sweep” thru everything else available over the next few months. I remember doubting I was going to like a book centered on Hugh, given how much I detested that character. It was, of course, amazing. Hate having to thank Amazon for introducing me to the worlds of Ilona and Gordon, but there it is. And many thanks to the BDH for convincing them the April fools joke could fly!
How can it be a 10 year anniversary coming up… what have I done with my life … lol 😆 while waiting for Hugh.
That is so crazy! I didn’t know this, I only jumped on the House Andrews train in 2020. But I seriously think Hugh’s book might be my favorite. So glad that this became a real thing!! It’s extremely special to me.
Happy Happy 😃 Yes now just the wait
While it started off with a joke, Hugh’s book remains one of my favorites. I’m excited to visit with him and Elara again sometime in the future. The power of the Horde lives on!
I didn’t realise it was so long ago! I remember the comment section going off 😂😂😂.
I knew my faith in the benevolent and talented Authorlords was not misplaced.
I admit I thought it couldn’t be done, no way could Hugh be redeemed. Until he could be 😁. In the most awesome way. You authors really rock!
And he is STILL a world-class asshole.
Can’t W*it!
Play silly games, get silly prizes. The Horde RULES! 🤣🤣
Gosh, what does one gift a former warlord on his inception day? I now need more details on cow in the air and making his wife eat a chicken. So many unanswered questions, including how many offspring did they begat?What magic combination would said offspring have, considering *cough*…their parents.I do recall that storyline but thought eh nah but then hmm maybe. 2015 wow that long ago.
I was so dure, that I’ll hate Hugh forever (but I didn’t rate a book before reading it), but I was proofed wrong.
I love him, I love his wife and I am so looking forward to the next book.
Thank you so much for filling my life with good books I ca reread and reread and reread…
wow I did not know this origin story – how cool!
I guess it’s time to start chanting *Puffles novel, Puffles novel, Puffles novel….*
Seriously, though, I was totally blown away by what House Andrews accomplished with Iron and Magic. I thought, no way… – and found out very quickly how wrong I was!
Waiting for Hugh. I think there may be a movie there.
I love you guys.
Happy April Fools Day, even when it backfired and gave us the Warlord of our dreams!
btw, I remember that day fondly.
I had no idea this was how it started! what a great story about a story! LOL!
Yasssss!!!!
I lovebit when a plan comes together *mua ha ha ha!*
Seriously, I have been curious about the chicken thing for a loooong time.
The Author Lord’s are brilliant, wonderful, tricksy beings and I adore them 😊
The Horde is very “Horde-y” at times.
I love your name!
I was one of the fooled, and as a librarian went right to the vendors to pre-order for work. Imagine my dismay to learn later that it was a prank! *So* happy when House Andrews decided to make it real, and that the result was and continues to be eminently satisfying.
😂 Can’t wait!
Must hold off on reread, 2025 is far away and I will be sad, must hold off on reread…
🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉💗💗💗
I have to admit, when I first saw that April Fool’s (Fools?) joke, I was adamant it couldn’t work. At that point, Hugh was irredeemable, and there was just no saving him. I think this was after we saw him massacre the knights. I thought there was no way back for him after he killed Maro (forgive the spelling: I only listen in audio).
Now, Hugh is quite possibly my most favorite House Andrews male character. He, Alessandro and Derek are battling it out for first place for me. I should’ve never doubted you guys. You’re truly miracle workers. I can honestly say I’ve read Iron and Magic no fewer than 12 times. I’m sure it’s even more than that, but I know it’s at least that much.
I’m most excited for Hugh and Elara’s next book. I have so many questions and so many hopes!
I need to know about the chicken 🙈
Hi Mod R,
A question from leftish field. Does IA have a continuing relationship with Arcane Books beyond Blood Heir?
Thanks!
I was sure Hugh could not be redeemed, and was proven wrong. Looking forward to Hugh2!!
Arcane are also doing Iron and Magic in the same special box, let’s not forget the birthday boy 😉.
I don’t have anything to announce officially, but surprises always happen around House Andrews 🤐
Thanks!
I remember the original post. I remember the DEEP, deep conflict in myself btwn my HATRED and loathing of Hugh and my conniving, cackling at the thought of him in a romance and my disbelief that *anything* could ever make me like Hugh, at war with my absolute confidence that if anybody could pull off the impossible it would be House Andrews. I *cannot* wait for the next book. Bc I desperately need to know what’s up w the chicken. lol
+ 1000
Yup, that articulates the complex weave of reactions I had … but my confidence in IA led the way: I knew that, if anyone could redeem H, it would be their writing.
Thank you to Ilona and Gordon for amazing and delighting us, again and again!
this was me too…no way hate Hugh…well author lords maybe could do…no hate Hugh….book out okay love him…oh west voice okay really love this book
lol I remember that lol
I remember reading the original post going “Oh? New book?? OH, New Shiny??? O.O Hmmm… Hugh, tricky to do a turn around on him but they could pull it off… his partner would be the key to it, she’d have to be equally as multi-layered.”
Then realizing it was a April 1st prank “NOooooo! I want it tho! I wanna know how he gets redeemed!”
The rest of the Horde had similar thoughts apparently. 😀
Wow, 9 years already? I, too, was one of those who could not fathom a redemptive arc for Hugh, after Magic Rises.
Well done!
Looking forward to more Elara, chickens, and That Cow!
yay giggle giggle. April fools day. well something to look forward too.
Yay! An answer to the chicken question.
Also maybe what is the deal with the cows? Did she eat their life force or is it necessary for her to use their blood to protect herself from being consumed by what ever force lives inside her?
So happy!
Argh! I just reread Iron and Magic… don’t remember the chicken or cow!!
must reread again!!
The chicken was from the main series, when Hugh shows up to help. The cow was a snippet if I recall correctly, but I think then may have shown up in a book with Kate? Can’t remember.
The chicken mystery is from Magic Triumphs, it’s some sort of bet/inner joke Hugh and Elara have, which continues an interaction we haven’t yet seen, set to happen during the timeline the sequel will cover.
PUT DOWN THAT COW happens in Blood Heir, and we can figure out who he’s talking to hehe, we just want to hear it from the carnivorous unicorn’s mouth. With details 😁
His “unicorn” — are you sure, Mod R? I was so sure he was talking to his young son…
On second thought, though, you are of course quite right that it was Blood Heir, not one of the latter Kate tales.
I was just making a joke- we want to hear about the kids from the Preceptor’s mouth 😀
I just reread Blood Heir and I think Julie’s horse is an offspring of Hugh’s carnivorous unicorn. 😀 That insubstantial horn was glowing when she got scared or angry. heeheehee
Not sure about the chicken, but”Put down the cow!” was in the first or second of the post-Atlanta Kate novellas. Hope that helps!
It was in Blood Heir actually 🙂 – in chapter 13. And the chicken reference is from Hugh and Elara’s interactions in Magic Triumphs.
🙂
For the horde knew its power indeed…hehe hehe! We love you authorlords for putting up with us.
For once, April Fools created a new fun legend. I am in awe of your juggling of your amazing worlds. I always say, you both are so very clever…
Ahh, I remember that post from when it first happened, just like it was yesterday. The best April Fools prank gone awry ever.
May House Andrews suffer many more botched jokes-turned-real-by-popular-demand in the future. 🥂
Bwahahaha the Horde knows it’s power!! But seriously, thankyou for writing Hugh and Elara ♥️
“What’s up with that chicken?” I love this entire thing, and the book(s).
This whole post just made my day. ❤️
This is what happens when someone or something is dangled in front of the Horde and then the Horde asks when the new book comes out.
Glad everyone pushed for what would become Iron and Magic. 🥳 I bet Ilona and Gordon were like “what the heck?!” with all the comments after the April Fool’s post.
Remember to put down that cow if you’re around Hugh. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🗡
We all look forward to the chicken!😂 Thank you for sharing the history. I didn’t hang out on the blog then and was sadly not a part of this beautiful horde manoeuvre. I now faithfully keep the blog tab open on my phone at all times (have done so for at least a couple of years). I will not miss any future horde endeavours!😉
*sparkly heart eyes*
Mwahaahaahaahah!
Fear the Horde! 🙂
Wow- was it really that long ago?
Happy Birthday Redemption, Mr. Warlord, woohoo! So glad this joke turned into a real book… it’s one of my favorites.
Off-topic, Ilona and Mod R, have you seen the Nora Roberts blog from over the weekend? She had to go off on some readers again (I remember a similar post from Ms. Roberts that Ilona had posted a while back…)
https://fallintothestory.com/big-giant-wow/
I can’t imagine the scale of the issues they are dealing with. Thank Cherny for the ever-fluffiness of the Book Devouring Horde!
Mod R, I am semi new to HA & the BDH (what is a new member called, anyway?). I’ve read All The Blog and I love it, but can you explain how ‘fluffy’ became a thing? -My imagination has a Horde of fluffy kittens mobbing HA & purring away as they try to work but I think I’m not quite getting that right
Oh, that’s my fault 😀 .
There’s an old comedy sketch featuring Stephen Fry in which he says, amongst a whole host of sublime verbiage:
“To be gorgeous, and high and true and fine and fluffy and moist and sticky and lovely, all you have to do is believe that one is gorgeous and high and true and fine and fluffy and moist and sticky and lovely.”
I once paraphrased it for the Horde: “Because we’ve been a p*tient and fine and fluffy Horde” or somesuch and the fluffy stuck. We are a devouring horde that thinks fluffy thoughts. Kittens R US, indeed. Ahem. Who would dare to say anything to the contrary? 😉
I can’t find a legally streamed video of the sketch for you- it’s from the 1987 pilot of A Bit of Fry and Laurie, but here’s the full text: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/123819-i-think-it-was-donald-mainstock-the-great-amateur-squash
🤣🥰🥰🥰
This is Fabulous! And so very fluffy of course. Because it believes. Thanks muchly!
Mod R, House Andrews must fire up their computers each morning, check their email and blog and say “Employing Mod R was one of our smartest recruitment / business decisions ever!“
Not only do you wrangle the BDH comments on the blog, patiently answer questions and provide the link to the answer / previous blog post but you also provide entertaining blog posts and quizes to keep the BDH happy so House Andrews can concentrate on writing their wonderful stories.
I’ve been a keen BDHite since I read (on SBTB I think) about a free serial on the Ilona Andrews website and came here to check it out. By the time I read the first 10- 12 episodes of the first Innkeeper I was hooked !
I remember the original April Fool’s Day post announcing the book and resultant clamour. I was one of those members of the BDH who was implacable in my hatred of Hugh for killing Aunt B and only read the book because of loyalty to IA. Having read it and listened to the audio book twice, I have come, grudgingly, to admit they redeemed him and I look forward to book 2 whenever it comes along ( no pressure, IA, your health and sanity must come first).
So thank you Mod R for this delightful reminder of an April Fools Day joke that took on a life of its own.
Awww *hugs*.
I couldn’t have said it better Frances! Mod R, this post was just perfect!
I remember when the joke post came out but can’t believe it was 9 years ago! 😳
And thus HA learned that Horde was mighty and any hints of stories in the future should be avoided… or did they??? ::insert dramatic music here::
Y’all have the “bestest” humor! That is a word by Jeanne Robertson. Anyway, I am so super excited!
“Iron and Magic” is one of my favorite books! I didn’t know it started with a prank 🙂 I am very much looking forward to the sequel. Thank you House Andrews!
I remember the post and thinking after the joke was revea!ed that it would be a good book even if it was a prank. I don’t remember it being 10 years ago!!
Only 9, although that might not make it better 😉
I remember reading the original post and getting super excited about it and bouncing around…. then I found out it was an April fools joke and my bubble popped lol. I know that many disliked Hugh and didn’t think he could be redeemed but I’ve always kind of liked him…. what can I say I’m partial to the bad boys 😃. Kind of crazy that it’s been this long since the original post though.
The path to the final chapter of Iron Covenant is a saga that deserves its own story (or, at the very least, its own blog post).
One should not expect anything less from the Preceptor of the Iron Dogs. He was not born into this world to make things easy for anyone, not even House Andrews. 😉
Ha ha, still my favourite April Fool’s ever! Fab book, cannot wait to hear Elara’s backstory!
I remember that April Fools’ day!!!
I was amongst the outraged… The nerve that Hugh would have a wife, a home and a resemblance of normality!!
He he he … what did I know?
The only thing I know is that I am anxiously waiting for anything that the Ilona Andrews team brings!!!
House Andrews is the best because they listen to the BDH!! I can still remember Ilona bemoaning the fact that Hugh can’t be redeemed and they had zero plans to write a Hugh book, and yet.🤣 I also remember BDH comments that went somewhere along the lines of “it’s your own fault for making Hugh so hot, so now you need to write a book about him”
I LOVE CHICKEN, baked or served just about any other way. Soooo looking forward to it. So proud and blessed to be part of the IA Horde. 🙂
The book about Hugh and Elara is one of my favourite. It’s a really good redemption story. I’m patiently waiting for the 2nd installment.
Have fun writing it 😄
We can’t wait! We want to see how Julie finds them . And the deal about the chicken. Thank you House Andrews!
cows & chickens, the most pressing questions,lololol 😂
the horde is hilarious, the house andrews are awesome 🤗
:-)😄😄😄
9 years???? I remember reading that post when it came out… I am old… 😅
Wow, can’t believe it’s been almost ten years! I remember the original post and was so excited to see how they were going to tackle that plot twist. And I can say with all my chest, they pulled it off. Still patiently waiting to know more about Alara and that chicken! Much love to House Andrews for keeping us in amazing book abundance, and to the BDH who never even contemplated having one single ounce of chill 😹
I love the BDH so much because Hugh is one of my favorite characters and I LOVED Iron Covenant. It was beyond my expectations. Hugh is probably my favorite male character from all of IA’s catalog so thank you, thank you, thank you!
I remember that April Fools post well (and in denial that it was 9 YEARS AGO!), so happy for the news last week about Hugh 2, duology sounds great, thank you HA for this side project that almost never was!
I am sure I’m not the only one, but I must have misinterpreted something I read in the past. I was under the impression that Hugh Two was written and being held back by a publisher due to the Russian war. Also that it was too dark for the time being.
Don’t know how I became so misinformed. I thought it was true. I guess rumors are started that way.
Glad Hugh is not being held captive.
We all look forward to more of HA’s stories. Thank you for the update.
Hope your health improves. The best to you all
This.
This is the reason I joined Team Andrews so very very early on.
My face is still smiling.
Looks like the horde did the ultimate pranking, lol. Happy day after April Fool 2024. I loved Iron and Magic btw and their appearance at the big battle nuking Roland. Super excited for the next tale. Thanks for all the great stories. Like they have given us years of joy.
I know it‘s blasphemy, but the chemistry between Kate and Hugh when they were sparring in Magic Rises put him in the complex and redeemable corner for me. Curran was being an uncommunicative, patronizing dick and Hugh was hot and bothered by the fact that Kate was a match for him.
A capable man excited about a partner and a challenge is no simple cardboard villain and damn attractive. Look forward to seeing more of him and Elara.
i was late joining the BDH and missed the april fools day prank. but i can totally imagine the ravenous hoard that we are responding like that scene in finding nemo with all the seagulls yelling MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE!
It would be seriously funny if mr I hate that Effing Alpha ended up with Cat, one he absolutely not so secretly adores. My dad the cat dis-liker ended up with such a Buddy. 🙂
Also “Have Fun Storming the Castle!”
I don’t remember this prank. I think I might have been a hordeling at the time and not as frantic about the books.
This continues my dopamine hit every time I hear Steve West in my head, in Hugh’s I’m-not-yelling-just-projecting bellow, “PUT THAT COW DOWN”.
Because if I’m extra lucky and the stars align, there’ll be an audiobook, too, and then everyone can hear the glory.
(I like some of the full-cast audio performers, Jim especially, but I really love the solo performances of the Kate Daniels and Hugh’s books. They’re some of the better offerings out there if you’re not sure on audiobooks, and of them all Hugh’s is without a doubt the best.)
I started losing my vision due to some medical issues, and while we’ve managed to stop the progress, it’s irreversible. It’s not enough to bother me most of the time, but reading gives me a headache after a little while — and I used to be an add-hot-water-to-the-tub-twice bathtub reader. Between this and living alone during our plague years, Audiobooks kept me company and let me keep enjoying the authors I love — and let me find a lot of new ones as well!
Before, I’d often read a book and then later listen to the audiobook as I would notice different things depending on which format I used. I still try to read, but most of my reading spoons get used up for work and email.
Basically, thank you for being willing to commit to this glorious joke, and to keep going with it and the fantastic stories you tell.
Bucky is almost a little too on-the-nose (or horn?) with a Redeemed Hugh, but it only makes the pair of them funnier. I love all of it so much. I re-listen to this a couple of times a year, because the constant going-to-strangle-but-ooh-your-hair is such a constant delight.
Thank you from a happy devourer. Open mouth, insert book. Roland-mancer Fridays are something I get to look forward to every week, as well!
Woohoo! Can’t wait (well obviously I can, but don’t want to).
Yay!!
Will we ever read about the first meeting between Hugh and Julie?
This particular Horder would love to find out.
ditto this ask! I’ve wondered a lot about that.
You have treated Hugh very well and I am ever grateful.
Honestly, you guys are amazing.
I am chuckling all over again. lol PUT DOWN THAT COW! bwahaha I keep imagining a little Hugh and mini Elara making off with a cow for some magical hijinks that may or may not involve the moat. I was one who was totally convinced I would hate Hugh forever. I did not care if he had a book or not and figured I would probably not read it. (gasp) Well I read it. And between that and other guest appearances I changed my opinion. He is, as most excellent villains, a complex and multi-faceted character. And unlike Uncle Stupidhead at the Order of Merciful Aid, I actually like Hugh, as he appears now. He’s a good ally. I am looking forward to reading The Warlord part deux.
1D villains are BORING. boo hoo. bring on the hugh’s of the bookuniverse I say!
Well Uncle Stupidhead is dating a wolf shifter (the Alpha no less!) so I think, in the medium term, the Merciful Order will eventually be reconciled to shifters as equally valid sentient beings.
this post made me cackle xD
I love the hugh books so much because they balance the g(l)ory with crack humor 😀
i sadly, was not there for hugh spoilers in live chat but maybe that’s for the best. it’s kinda fun to read the juicy tidbits in the context of the whole story. I’ll just have to see if all my theories turn correct 😉
I have been waiting a long time for this sequel and totally looking forward to it!!
Yes!!!!!!!!!! I just reread the whole Kate Daniels Universe and I NEED book 2!
This was the first time I realized just how much House Andrews loves their Horde. We just told them we wanted it, and they said, “Okay.” And then they wrote it for us. And it was every bit as good as any of the Kate books, and we were so happy.
Great info. Thankyou. I know I will buy an audio copy at least! Thankyou for all your hard work House Andrews!
and I cannot wait! It was a glorious April 2015!
Sidenote: whatever did happent o the cow?
Thank you!
I’m coming to this late. My mom died a year ago on April Fools day. It was a horrible week. TO bottom line it, Mom was in the hospital for surgery to run a different vein to her leg Wednesday. She had severe senile dementia and very short term memory – a 5 minute reset. So she was unable to understand what was going on. Thursday. Surgery didn’t work and they were going to amputate her leg on Monday. Mom had a DNA so had them pull out oxygen tube. I checked on her, expecting to hear that she was about to die. They took out the tube but substituted a nose gadget that forced oxygen into her lungs, sedated her and were planning to continue on amputation as planned. WE RAISED HOLY HELL. Friday afrernoon, got her transferred into hospice. Saturday 4/1 she died at 2 a.m.
Spent this week in a miserable daze. Roused myself today and checked on H.A. I knew but had forgotten the April Fools Prank. I HATED HUGH but bought and read the book anyway. HA achieved the impossible. Not quite ready to admit to more than admire and respect him. (ok, I like the guy.) Even if you don’t make your goal of 4/1/25, I am reminded that a great thing happened on April Fools. Am going to reread Hugh and make it an annual event. So grateful for the smile on my face.
Quietly chanting *trilogy trilogy trilogy* over here.
Iron and Magic was the first book by the Andrews’ that I ever read. I immediately devoured everything else and I have been impatiently waiting for the follow up. I am so excited it is finally happening even if I have to wait another year. <3