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Happy Birthday to THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME and Spoiler Thread

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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is here.

Happy release day to the first volume in the Maggie the Undying trilogy!

Here are some of the retailer links for your convenience. This Kingdom is available in ebook, audiobook and hardback formats. The UK release will be on the 2nd of April.

A Letter from House Andrews

Dear BDH,

This Kingdom is finally here.

You know we don’t do feelings, because we are professionals and all that, but this release is unlike any other we’ve had. So much time has passed between the first clumsy idea of Maggie and today, filled with work, pressure, and sheer effort.

It doesn’t seem real.

Any time you do something different as a writer, you take a risk. And this one is different. It’s an entirely new world, completely unlike our own reality. We filled it with fantastic creatures, strange magic, and archetypes: the Golden Knight, the Noble Assassin, the Fire Mage, the Mad King. The side characters are heroes of their own stories. We wanted to condense the essence of what makes fantasy books… well, fantasy.

We hope you’ll enjoy a plunge into the world of Rellas. It is our sincerest hope that it reminds you of why you love fantastic worlds and the strange people who inhabit them.

And now House Andrews has made us all emotional compromised… release day without treats? Not on my watch.

The unbelievably talented Helena Elias has another character reveal for us.

You’ve probably met him already in the Garden of Soft Blossoms…

The Man from the Garden. Click to enlarge – those eyes are worth it

Now that the book is out in the world, this is the place to talk about his secrets and everything else in Kair Toren. Reactions, theories, favorite moments, things you need to scream about, whether you’ve just started reading or already devoured the book – we’re here for all of it.

I’ll also be collecting your questions for House Andrews, who will answer them on the blog or in the Zoom release Q&A we’re planning in April.

This is your official This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me discussion thread.

Attention!

There are spoilers in the comments below.

There is one specific plot twist in Chapter 23 we’re asking you not to discuss just yet until everyone catches up. Thank you for your cooperation.

New Here?

If you’ve just discovered Ilona Andrews through this release and you want more, welcome! You’re surrounded by people who understand exactly how you feel.

There’s a Start Here button now on the homepage just for you.

Reading guides, series breakdowns, freebies, quizzes, and so many wonderful adventures await you.

See you in the comments.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Happiest of book birthdays!!

    Thank you House Andrews for giving us another incredible world to enjoy.

    Maggie is delightful beyond words and I may have read it 5 times in the past 5 months. It’s that good.

  4. I stayed up too late reading once it showed up on my kindle at midnight! Now work is getting in the way of continuing my adventure ☹️. Wish I’d taken today off!

    • I made it easy, I got myself laid off today so I can go read without any work issues. Woot!

      • Good job finding the silver lining!! Good luck with your job search … once you finish reading. 🙂

      • Just saw this – good luck to you and wish you both happy reading and productive job-hunting!

      • I had shoulder surgery to make sure I had time to read. may we both recover soon!

      • Blessings for job and surgery recovery for all in need. (I’m sure you have all finished your first reads.)

  5. Happy Book Birthday to Ilona and Gordon! I have already started on the book, and it is gripping from the very first page!

  6. Happy Birthday Maggie!! We are so glad you are with us!! One of us!

    Congratulations to House Andrews! You guys continue to amaze. Thank you so much for everything you do.

    back to devouring….

    • I love it so much but a cliffhanger?? I count on House Andrews to not have cliff hangers, the pattern is finish the books story but not the series arc. Then we the BDH are totally 100% chalant until the next book.😂 A true cliffhanger should be a crime. Alas, I may never trust again 😭 😭

      In all seriousness, how is it so good? 1000/10, magnificent ❤️❤️

      • Double plus 1, and yes that ending is true cliff hanger ROFL and I will never trust my authors to not get jiggy with ending again…suspense yes, cliff hanger usually not..

      • Yes, the cliffhanger is a big bummer BUT now, if Maggie killed Silveren, yet we see him alive on the cliffhanger….we now have 2 undying characters….right? That will brings a bucketload of questions.

        • I wonder if Silveren was the author in Maggie’s world and has been able to go back and forth himself?

              • I am glad others have twisted minds, because that’s where my mind wandered…

                The last chapters made me question it though.

                I am upset about the cliffhanger. I like a book ending with an OK, for now. Not – Gee, you now have to wait until we write the next installment, have it go through the editorial and publishing process, and then perhaps wait on yet another cliffhanger.

                I can only reread it so many times. Hee.

          • yes, the fact that he can’t die is an indicator that he is LaTour. But I don’t think he can go back, that’s why there’s been no Book 3.

            • agreed, I’ve been thinking this for a while especially wasn’t it him who said that things don’t happen the way they’re supposed to when she’s around and he asked where she was really from.

              • This is a great point. I was thinking this was another reader at first, but the fact that he was an actual character from the book threw that theory out. I like the theory that it’s the author to a point, at the same time all that pain that Silveren felt from his mother and fathers death was so raw…. Not sure!

              • Ok, yes, but: Silveren was pulling Hreban’s strings, to get him to do the dirty work so Silveren could have his revenge and Maggie keeps interfering with that.

              • I think he tried to use the “voice” on her when they met in the garden the very first time and she is immune. I think that is why he’s so intrigued by her.

                • That does seem likely but I thought he (Silveren) was surprised (so maybe not many people resist or he hadn’t tried it around Maggie before) when Lute broke out of the trance when Maggie called him- so did Maggie’s “sharp” voice break the spell, is the spell generally sensitive to interference or does Lute himself have partial resistance? Hmm, this became a long sentence, sorry 🙂

          • I was wondering if the author was going to show up. If Rellas is a real place, then how did the author know enough about it? But on the other hand, the author gets into everyone’s head, so hmmm….

      • I didn’t really take it as a “cliffhanger” since we know Maggie will survive and we already know Silveren has an agenda. I saw it as a tasty plot tidbit to give me something else to think about while we wait. Also, if he came back in book 2, I don’t think it would have the same impact as it does here.

        • I was trying to make Maggie last more than a single day. I just finished the book. The scream that I let out disturbed my husband. 🤣

        • I was thinking that he might be the author. But then Maggie isn’t a character in the book, she’s herself.

          Even if he’s undying it doesn’t entirely make sense for the author to be Mirabor. Unless he’s parading himself as Mirabor to keep the timeline flowing?

          Also any theories on how Maggie came to be in Kair Toren?

          • He could be the author, and the first 2 books were his playbook. Third book never released because Maggie disrupted the plot?
            I’m rereading, now, to catch all the hints for the plot twists! So good!

        • I concur. It’s a hook, since the main quest of the first book is resolved.

          A cliffie is when it’s not resolved at all and you’re left hanging high and dry.

          This said, I might have yelled a loud NOOOOOOOOOOOOO when I arrived at the end.

        • Everard is going to lose his mind and go full on scorched earth when he finds out she was kidnapped. Bellen/Arvel might even team up with him to get her back safely.

          As for LaTour, I keep thinking that he is the person who got Silveren out of the burned house’s rubble. Who would be there looking for him DAYS later? Only someone who knew he’d be there. That person could have easily taught Silveren what was going to happen and then shaped his grief into the burn down the kingdom revenge madness. I think LaTour originated in Rellas (where he was in love with Silveren’s mother), woke up in Maggie’s world, wrote the books (to get $$ to live), and then was returned to Rellas.

          Just a few ideas.

          Last, but not least, does anyone else feel like there should be a character list and a glossary? My first experience was with the audiobook, and there are so many similar “S” names, I had to write them down to keep track of who was who! Perhaps it’s just my AuDHD brain.

          My love for the book was not impacted in any way, though!

          • I had the exact same experience with the audio book. I couldn’t keep track of who was who with the S names. It made some of the reveals less impactful. plan is to relisten when book 2 comes out.

      • Strangely, the cliffhanger didn’t torture me as much as cliffhangers usually do!

        I think because so much of the action the book was building towards DID get resolved at the end, I felt more ok with the twist cliffhanger. It was setting the stage / giving us a peek at the next era of conflict to come in book 2.

    • It was more of a dursan-hanger…

      I second the idea that Silveren is somehow connected to the author. That was my first theory about the Man from the Garden before he was identified.

      If he is connected to the author, does he recognize the hair ornament?

  7. I loved the book. The humor was great. Both potential love interests were jaw dropping. The stelka and the fish made me laugh.

    But that cliffhanger ending was so “scream inducing”. I turned the last page and went oh no, it ended there. NOOOOOOOOO…..

    • Happy book birthday! Devoured it as usual (the cliffhanger ending!!!) and rereading it now. The intrigue is so spicyyy

      The w*it begins for the sequel

      • I did not want to rush-read it. Knowing we would have to w*it for the next book.
        I told myself to take the time to read it slowly and nourish it. Silly me.
        I’ll be starting the second read tonight. Give my heart a chance to play catch up

        How amazing is jt though? And how the heck is he not dead??? How?

        PS love the Selka

        • ch 25. hafia blooms. “They’re medicinal in nature. They help to stem the blood flow from open wounds.”

          • This is what I thought, they have things to stop the bleeding and they have healers. The bonus scene with Sol putting a dagger into the guy’s liver and it said if he found a healer quickly enough he would live.

    • +100 that wasn’t a cliffleaner, that was a big cliffhanger and I did scream. So sequel sequel sequel!

    • I LOVED this book, I love all your books, and I read obsessively until I finished it. You guys are incredible writers. I was lost is this world and its characters in the best way. You have a knack for making everything feel so real and so layered. Just brilliant… thank you for continuing to work so hard to bring us such joy!!

    • Maggie was amazing!! I screeched so many times while reading it. Congratulations to our authorlords on a successful release! I am definitely looking forward to the next book! <3

  8. Is the Man from the Garden the author of the Book? Or did he also drop into the book and know the plot? Decided to become the kingmaker? The first meeting in the Garden was very interesting…
    Also, great job House Andrews on the plot twist on who the main love interest is, I almost fell out of my chair when it happened!

      • Same! My friend and i were reading together and she was ahead and said about a plot twist halfway in she didn’t see coming (I was only couple chapters in) but I messaged her and said “is the plot twist that it’s Sleepless Duke?” And she said “do you want me to spoil it?” I said “nope, I just want paper trail”

    • I also had that thought. I think he might have been the man chasing her into the Garden. I’m also wondering if Maggie is the only undying person??

      • I do wonder who was chasing her and why! Very spooky.
        Too many hot guys to count in the entire book!

      • My thoughts exactly about Maggie not being the only undying character.

        And do you think the author never had a chance to write book 3, because he’s right there with Maggie in Kair Toren? If so, have we met him yet?

      • I think the guy chasing her to the garden is a possibility for the author too. I’m curious about Maggie’s magic and the undying thing. Is it a new power/family type in the world? Or was the author of the same family?

    • I don’t think so – the identity of the man in the garden is revealed. But I think the author (LaTour) is in Rellas too, or maybe in the Crimson kingdom – that is why there was never a third book in Maggie’s home world.

      • Agree, is the author a side character we’ve seen, or one yet to see?
        are we living through book three right now as it might be an other POV book but from a completely diff character. this was so good.

      • Yes, maybe the Crimson Kingdom kidnapped the author, and that is why he can’t finish! Poor author, captivated by his narrative.

        Seriously, I could see the third novel needing to expand into the enemy kingdom and him getting stuck doing research. Ha!

    • I though man from Garden was Silversten the son ?? of a noble house or even King’s house who watch Mother be executed… and he controls the dragons with his beautiful siren like voice…

    • That plot twist! I literally jumped out of my chair and did a fist pump! Now I have to reread the book and see what other clues I missed 🙂

    • It was so funny because I just wasn’t feeling it (their relationship) when it was supposed to be what’s-his-name, and then once we realized it was the Sleepless Duke and he stopped trying to be someone else… that’s when I felt their relationship actually clicked!

      • They definitely foreshadowed Maggie’s attraction to the real man. They even had a name for it: “The demon from the basement.” His ruthless, scheming, deadly side is written as a turn-on for her, before she actually understands what it means.

        It’s why they are well matched. They both have those sides to their character, albeit his is a bit more obvious at the start. Its that balance of compassion, courage, heroism with those darker traits that make them well suited.

    • I think the “man from the Garden” actually showed up even earlier — I suspect he was the cloaked man who started chasing Maggie on the street after she received coins from Everard right outside the Garden.

      Remember this cloaked stranger chased her and she sprinted up to the Garden door to get away from him? She never mentions it again and I thought that was interesting.

    • Second sentence of the post, emphasis mine 🙂:

      “Happy release day to the first volume in the Maggie the Undying trilogy!”

      • First, happy release day, and congratulations to HA. I truly hope your effort and talent is rewarded with the best reception and sales for this book/trilogy.

        Second, I’m piggy-packing on Rosemarie’s question above to ask a related question for the Q&A session.

        I remember that, when HA first announced this project, they said they had originally envisioned Maggie’s story mainly as a duology. And shortly after signing a 3-book contract with Tor, they weren’t yet sure if they’d expand Maggie’s story to a trilogy or leave it as a duology + spin-off.
        So all these years later, I’d very much want to know how HA have evolved the initial plot to fit it to a trilogy. Did book 3 of the trilogy result from altering or expanding or shifting the events originally envisioned for book 2 of the duology, or is it a continuation beyond the originally planned endpoint of the duology?
        And an alternate question: The pivotal moment when Maggie presumably decides whether she wants to stay in Rellas or return to our world will happen in book 2 or in book 3 of the trilogy?

        Also, will Maggie use her modern-day knowledge to make other things in the future (like the soap)?

        Thank you. Looking forward to the Q&A session.

      • Will it be a trilogy? After that cliffhanger ending, maybe they are planning on only writing two of the books, and then just nothing…

        • just like the story itself!!!!
          also with the easy it ends, there could even be a redemption arch added in. I mean that achieved it with Hugh, so….

      • I am worried like Adrian, there will be only 2 books! (But a complete story). I know they wouldn’t do this to us but foreshadowing!

        Flew all day and read the book on the long flight to Asia. Loved it!

      • A trilogy!! Please don’t be messing with us, because Maggie’s Latour book series supposed to be a trilogy, but only 2 books were published – just sayin’

        I loved it can’t w*it for the next one, I’m going to re-read now….

        I’d like to get a special edition, are the US ones out?

        • It was supposed to b 2 books. Now it’s a trilogy. But HA has a significant chance of finding more to write about in this world, so by the time they finish the 3rd book, it seems likely there will b more. I like our chances!

          Do we know if they were able to finish the initial draft of Maggie2?

          • It wasn’t supposed to be 2 books – this is a pervasive Facts Be Damned rumour heh. What House Andrews said from the beginning when the manuscript for book 1 first sold was:

            “We have sold 3 books to Tor. We don’t know yet if it will be 3 Maggies or 2 Maggies and something else.”

            That “yet” [bold, underscore] is because a long period of edits with the publisher editorial team was starting and the drafts for the sequels work had not yet begun.

            But at no point did they hard specify a duology and now breaking that limit 🙂

        • We need to convince them to start a couple of short stories in the world, then we’ll get more novels

          • Sounds like a solid plan to me! One problem: the only possible answer to any question of which character would the BDH like to see featured in a ‘short story’ is: ALL OF THEM! We want more about anything at all from this new world. Everything!

          • Omg, I was literally thinking just that, that maybe one day ten years from now, long after the original trilogy is finished, they’ll decide to write a quick short story set in Rellas and we’ll get a new trilogy 😀😀

    • This is what happens when you wake up in a new time zone. Congrats on the book. It’s absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait for the event in St. Paul!

  11. Happy book birthday and welcome Maggie!

    Truly the BDH is so loved!!!

    I too stayed up for the midnight drop. I’ve never been more glad to be on Spring Break.

  12. We broke kindle, again!
    Last night midnight came and went on the east coast, no Maggie, I w*itied with a bit of chalant.
    Central time flew past the same way, chalant went with it, checked my preorder, was informed there was a problem with my down load or purchase!
    Hit repurchase, was informed I had already purchased, (of course I had!) and download was pending, and pending…
    I have it now, food at the ready, clear path to the bathroom-no tripping hazards.
    Will surface around 4pm to go see HA.

    • Had the same problem, finally got it between 3-4am. What with life, I’ve just finished my first read. So, so good!! And watching me read it has convinced my husband that he should read it! The winning point was that Maggie is set in an entirely new world. (Happycatdance) I can’t wait to discuss it with him!

  13. Happy Book Birthday!! I was hoping to spend the day in Rellas but life has intervened, as usual. 😄
    Looking forward to celebrating 2 more, hopefully not tooo far in the future! 😉

  14. Happy book birthday!!
    I’m so glad I ordered it in hardback as it arrived yesterday & I could start reading it early, I devoured it as that’s what we do here &
    It was amazing, just like all your books are!! I’m just about to start my 2nd read through & I’m eagerly awaiting for the audiobook to release on Thursday.

  15. Omg I have been WAITING for this thread! I received the book early from Waterstones and have had no one to discuss it with. Spoilers incoming.

    I wonder what path the romance is going to take with Arvel. Seems like she’s already pretty established with the main romance and so I doubt Arvel will have the slightest chance.

    Do we think Silveren is redeemable? I do feel for him, his father and mother were both murdered unjustly and I understand why he holds a grudge. He’s just taking it too far with wanting everyone to burn for it and not just those who caused him pain.

    It’s also a bit of a shitshow in terms of who can take the throne. There are no decent candidates from what I can see, unless the second son is putting on an act just for survival.

    I cannot waitttt for Maggie to grow into her power. We need a mage training her, preferably Isadau (I think that’s how the name was spelled). Can’t wait to see her flying around on a drezmur as well! So much potential for growth.

    I found the Duke YUM from the very first scene when he rode in on Villain. Like, what kind of name is that for a horse? I love it. I love that we know he actually likes her but she’s not convinced.

    I want extremeeeeee yearning in book 2 (which will happen cause of lack of proximity but I wonder if it can happen when they’re around each other considering the romance seems pretty established now).

    Absolutely loved the book, always love anything IA and can’t wait to see some thoughts from everyone else!

    P.S. I didn’t see any of the plot twists coming, call me a dumb diddy!

    • Umm, I don’t think there is the slightest possibility of a relationship with Arvel? Maggie has zero interest in him. I thought him funny and endearing when we thought he was Bellen but turns out he’s just a bellend 😒😅

      • Yeah no chance there.

        And loooool absolutely such a bellend. It put me off when he came to the office when she was being interrogated and kept bellowing. I can’t stand a man who shouts.

        I’ve not read a proper love triangle in ages and I usually hate them but I guess a tinyyyy triangle is what I was hoping for. I know it’s not a trope IA loves though so makes sense.

        • Yeah, I don’t see him having a chance. I do wonder though if Maggie’s suspicions about the motivations of another character aren’t actually more accurately attributed to Arvel’s motivations. *If* he is sincere in his expressed motivations, then I will just have to hope he can find his own Maggie in time, because I don’t see him winning this fight.

          It may be Arland all over again.

          • Agreed! He’s everything she thinks the **** is. I wonder how her relationship is going to pan out with him (the MC) in the next book.

            Also enjoyed how the romance wasn’t a massive part of the book and the rest of the plot was more important.

          • I’m pretty certain Arvel set up the interrogation by the City Watch so he could have a reason to “rescue”/kidnap her. I’m surprised she didn’t call him on it.

            Looking forward to starting the reread knowing he was playing the bodyguard the first time they met.

      • No chance for Arvel. Does anybody else think that Sol by bringing her into the family played a bit into the Dukes hands? Seemed to me that their talk alluded to this making her respectable enough to pursue. Sol seemed a bit peeved even though he got what he wanted

        • YESS that’s what I was thinking too!! I was like… this is going right over Maggie’s head, but it sounds like he intends to lock this down?? 🤭😂 love a man that knows what he wants lol

          • Same here! Also gives her more even footing which she is sorely missing given the unbalance of the world! Also I love that we’ve made Sol into a clear platonic friend, he is fascinating but a different ship has sailed for me. (lets be real, I believe in all ships). Also Sol was so focused on his family he missed where this could play into the Duke’s plans too.
            Any one else think perhaps Duke was applying pressure to help make it easier for her to justify Sol’s plan too? Like he knows at that point that she is interested but something big is holding her back. He was too pushy in that scene when he has been so respectful of small boundaries everywhere else.

            • I don’t think that Sol thought before, that this would help the Sleepless Duke. Everard also tells him, to remember (when the marriage will Happen) that Sol forced his hand. I think this is more to warn Sol, that the power balance with the Demarrs in the middle between Selva and Sauvaric will change, as, when Everard marries Sol‘s Cousin, they are aligned also officially. I think both had their connection hidden and liked it hidden – and I am sure if she would have chosen differently, he would have found another way.

        • That was a great scene. It seemed very clear to me what the conversational subtext was

    • Okay first of all I shipped the Duke SO HARD when we got the pre-release because I thought how cool would be be for Mr Mcbroody pants who secretly has a heart of gold to be the main squeeze and *eeee* my ship sailed!

      So I’m team Green all the way. Arvel is way too pushy. He sees Maggie as this woman who can understand his position and isn’t cowed by him or his rank and it drives him nuts. I don’t think he actually cares about her.

      Silveren might be redeemable but I’m not sure they’re going to take it that way or not. He still doesn’t know Maggie’s true power yet and honestly the next two books are going to be quite interesting since she’s thrown the timeline of events completely off.

      I don’t know about the succession or anything yet. I think Sauven is good where he’s at for now. One of the sons may yet prove their worth or may marry someone capable who knows?

      I want a more detailed map of the larger realm on the next one. We got a great one of the city but with potentially moving further afield and all the duchies and areas they mentioned I’d like to know more.

      I wonder if Silveren will even get a chance to get away with Maggie or is you know who on a drezmur will ride after them? Eeee I can’t wait! I’m so glad they’re already working on book 2!!!

      • Good call on the maps! Give me maps and maps and maps I can explore while waiting for book 2…

      • Maggie just needs to jump off once Clover is safe. Since her superpower is not dying. She has already been tortured to death once, don’t want to see that again.

      • I think Everard will become king, cause he’s a good leader 🙂 and I think we’re going to find out that Solentine is Everard’s bestie. AND totally think Maggie will somehow get closure for her family in the non-book world. HA isn’t mean enough to leave her hanging indefinitely. Also I LOVE the selka and Maggie’s patience with the fish fairy.

        • Agree! I do hope her non-book world family is okay. And the selka is so friggin cute. I really enjoyed the fish fairy! Gotta have some small levels of chaos from the small critter in your household~!

              • That was my original thought too, unless her family is in on the whole “Rellas” thing…

                • I’m leaning towards that, because the happiest of endings is for her family to join her in Rellas. It is obvious to me that Maggie belong Rellas, not Earth. Outside of her immediate family she doesn’t have anything keeping her their. In Rellas not only does she have many friends and (found) family members, but the Kingdom itself needs her. It would also be hard to return to after all the trauma she’d endured which no one in that world could understand. My theory is she is Silveren’s sister, sent to the other world as a baby with retainers of the family who raised her. The undying gift and the universal translator may be powers from their maternal line.

                  • I also thought they Must be related, with their similar Powers. This might explain it – but she also had a brother on Earth… hm…

          • I actually think the stelka might be Adrian LaTour. What a twist to make him female and an animal. That stelka sure does stick close to Maggie?

            • This is a very compelling idea. Why did the stelka show up everywhere Maggie went initially? The authors have even given us character descriptions from Sushi’s point of view too. Definitely food for thought.

              • Stelkas are attracted to magic and Maggie has a lot of that- other magical beasties are attracted to her too:)

          • I propose a full family meet-up at Dina’s Inn. Sleepless Duke/Arland/Sean/Maggie’s brother fight it out until Maude kicks all their butts.

        • Not the king’s second son? I figured the mildly incompetent womanizer/drinker would be even more of a protective role than the book implied (and it already said it was a bit) to keep the king from seeing him as a threat to the awful first-born, and he’ll end up being really competent and at least reasonably non-tyrannical. Then they can put him on the throne and Everhardt and Maggie can go to Silvas, and maybe fix all the problems in the neighboring empire. 😆. Unless Silveren does turn out to be redeemable.

      • I see Arvel becoming a sort-of villain. He’s the guy who doesn’t care about his live interest’s boundaries, which is so scary.

        • 100%! And he dumped her into the deep end of politics without truly verifying she could make the leap.

          • Yep, that was shitty and inconsiderate, but Arvel is the golden boy of the kingdom. He believes he can do anything, including protecting Maggie from any and all consequence of her taking center stage. The man has never failed, and the idea he could is inconceivable. In his mind this is a big romantic Cinderella moment. What woman wouldn’t want to be the belle of the ball, the envy of all? It’s definitely emphasizing he doesn’t understand her, but its not maliciously intended.

        • I doubt he’ll be a villain. He’s Arland with Dina. He met an impressive, kind, and mysterious woman, and become infatuated with the idea of her. His position is isolated by virtue of his status and he’s lonely. Is he arrogant? Yes. Is he being particularly considerate of her wishes? No. As far as boundaries goes, he’s definitely pushing the envelope using social rules to hard sell, but he hasn’t actually refused to release her, stormed her residence, or refused to leave when asked. The main love interest is the one who pushes himself into her carriage kisses her, and then tries to put her on house arrest. I predict Arland will get into a pissing contest with the main love interest, before getting his ass humbled by Isadau who will blow him away. He’ll remain an ally to Maggie, and eventually a grudging respect and friendship with his former rival.

          • I also had total images of Arland.
            I like this idea of Isaiah and Arvel.
            Now I wonder if we will hear more about Tillmar and the Redeemers

            • I mean blonde chivalrous golden boy knight sought after by many looking for a woman outside his default dating pool, courting a an impressive, kind mysterious woman more into another guy. He suddenly meets pretty powerful red-head who was rescued by and is loyal to the woman he was originally courting and has a loser man in her past that has hurt her and left her with trust issues.

              Inhan and Galiene I’m less sure is an an endgame situation, but I am very interested in finding out about their dynamic. Also I think there is a line about Galiene ruling over the Garden like a queen, and I wasn’t sure if that was some foreshadowing…

                • Oh, oh, any chance the beautiful musician from that first night in the garden might be Inhan? He could be pretending to be a wastrel spending all his time in the garden while in reality he’s practicing his talents.

              • Oooo, good catch! Queen Galiene does have a nice ring to it. And while she accepted Inhan mainly to protect her daughter and herself, one certainly hopes she will come to b genuinely fond of him. The current King and Crown Prince r pretty terrible for the kingdom. Inhan is the only reasonable option that we know of, without jumping to a different family.

                Ofc Arvel thinks he’s first in line, but I’d argue that the Sleepless Duke is the most powerful. Although it is unclear if Ramond would even remotely want to take on more crap to deal with. And I do doubt Maggie wants to b Queen.

          • I like this theory.

            Also does Arvel’s family seat have a port? Olyemda or whatever her name is needs a convenient husband/port combo.

            • I was thinking that maybe our cunning Duke can make other arrangements, like a trade deal with the Gorynians before the port is destroyed, so he won’t have to marry her, but sure, I won’t stand in the way of any princess’ s romance ^^

      • Yes, I’d like a bigger picture of the continent. The city may was good, but there’s more territory to cover.

    • As far as Silveren I think he is tragic, but I don’t think he can be saved. I do wonder about his miraculous recovery and its potential connection to Maggie. Also the fact that Maggie can disrupt his magic. Since we are clearly dealing with travel through space and time, my pet theory is Maggie was born in Rellas to the Sauvics, hence her abilities, and brought to Earth in the past with the author (Matheo) through the magic of an ascended Isadau.

      I think Inhan is going to be the choice. He’s pretended to be less than he is to survive. Arvel is also possible, but since he is giving Arland vibes, I think he’s ending up with Isadau, and I’m pretty sure she’d hate being queen.

      • oooooh Matheo as the author? hmmmm didn’t go there I thought of Silveren as the author. thanks for the alternate perspective.

        • Same here but I think Matheo makes more sense now!

          Also I don’t think a monarch is the next steps for Rellas, I think they are at a point where they could move to a democracy or something more similar. Because that would be messier and aligns with disrupting the current system that is set up to be abused.

          • I like it! Once Maggie deals with her current situation, inciting democracy would b a fun pastime. And, hey, she DID study political science.

            Matheo is an excellent candidate for our mysterious author. But I wonder if his power lets his watch a scene like we watch TV or if he watches by riding along in someone’s head and hearing their thoughts?

            • Good question. Something about the way he talks about his gift showing him Hreban, then changing over to Maggie reminded of how Maggie describes the writing style of the author. Also knowing what Hreban is thinking/knows about Maggie. Other pieces of information might be overheard, but Hreban discussing his theories and thoughts out loud? I’m not sure I can picture that. My guess was that even if it starts as present remote viewing as the ability develops so eventually he can sees into heads and is able to even remote view the past, like a certain boy with a dog.

              • I like this theory too, but another question that bothers me is how would he know the how events happen without Maggie there (as she is not in the books)? If it is a fabrication with some deliberate mistakes (such as a certain somone getting killed by falling of his horse and no longer around) it would be really difficult to do it accurately with all the bloody gory war-y details of Rellas falling apart… on the other hand, it would go together with ‘the timeline trying to reassert itself’

                • My theory is that we are dealing with time travel. The author recorded what happened the first time around without their intervention. I think an archmage has to be involved because of those two theoretical level mages. My guess is time and space. Some one is helping change the past. Someone who perhaps can see not only what has happened, but all that could have happened. The kingdom is saved because they make two changes. First they convince Reynald to reach to his old friend, setting him on a course that kills him and brings Everard to the capital. Second, they bring Maggie to Rellas. Everything falls into place because of their alliance. I have this idea of an older Matheo traveling back to speak to his father. Telling him if he goes to Everard, his son will thrive, the kingdom will right itself, but he will not live to see it. I see Reynald agreeing to that in a hearbeat.

                  • Time travel is also an option. I wonder if we’re going to find out why Maggie was ‘chosen’

                    • Time travel is not an option 🙂

                      Isekai is not the most strictly defined genre out there, granted, but a sine qua non is that the character actually travels to *another* world, not ours in a different time period.

                      It’s the nature of the portal 🙂

                      Outlander- not isekai. Narnia, Alice in Wonderland – isekai.

                    • Mod R–I’ve read multiple isekais where the MC turns out to actually be originally from the world she is transported to. Sometimes she lived there in a past life. Sometimes she fell unconscious, lived a life on Earth, then woke up in her original body. Sometimes her life on Earth was actually a dream or vision, and reading the story there was her subconscious or a deity preparing her to come back. One time in a BL, the hero was so traumatized by his first life, he created an imaginary world without magic (Earth) and escaped there before being forced back. There are so many awesome variants of this.

                    • Isekai literally means “another world”. There are many works of speculative fiction involving time travel or reincarnation. But the isekai genre very basic definition involves a different world travel, not simply time and space – or works where the hero is not from Earth and then we are the “other world” for them compared to their origin one, which seems to be what you’re referring to 🙂

      • I think Maggie is the author. Its one of those timeywiney things. She reads books 1-2, gets obsessed with world. She is “undying” because is literally in her own creation. She knows the languages because she created them. She remembers everything because she wrote it, in another timeline.

        Thats why book three isnt written yet she had to go there, experience it then write it.

        I know there are holes in my theory, but it kinda tracks

        • For now, Maggie being the author in a wibbly wobbly timey whimey, causal loop, “Blink” sort of way, is my theory as well.

          Adrian Latour (Adrian the Tower) is obviously a pen name. Just because the first name of the alias is Adrian, doesn’t mean the author is male.

          Also Maggie being able to write out whole chapters of the book, suggests she could be the original author.

          I won’t be heartbroken if Maggie is not Latour.
          I would feel a bit cheated if whoever turns out to be Latour has never been to Kair Toren.

          • Maybe Arvel is the author, and he chose Maggie as his love interest, and she’s not cooperating because real people aren’t archetypes. And the rest of the characters aren’t cooperating because every character is the MC of their own life.

        • That might work if she’s the only “undying”, but not if the antagonist also resurrects. I do enjoy throwing theories around:)

      • Hmm, I think it is a fact that Maggie can resist at least some of his magic, because he wasn’t expecting Lute’s blade- if he had, he would have turned to face Lute. However, I’m not sure that resisting specific magic means you have the same magic.

        I guess Maggie might have been adopted in her old life as well, so might have been sent from Rellas as a baby; maybe to keep her safe until her magic developed. I’m still rather attached to the “mage as the author” theory, but let’s discuss more. People (Ramond and others) say they’ve never heard of anyone coming back from the dead, so it would be odd if two people (even blood relatives) displayed this magic at the same time. It would also be odd if this were a talent running in the royal family but none of the power obsessed Machiavellian members of the eight families had ever heard a hint of it. If Ralimbor didn’t have it but his wife did, then why wouldn’t she raise her son herself since both of them were presumed dead?

        So I’m also still rather attached to the theory of resurrection as a gift from the portal (or the mage that sent her through it), which would mean that no one else has it or the people (like the hidden sort-of-prince) who have it have also been through a portal.

    • Is anyone else wondering if Kaiden was supposed to/is going to become the thief River Fog? His backstory matches…

        • but River Fog was responsible for digging the hole, right? since it exists when Kaiden is a captive I don’t think he can be River Fog

  16. Absolutely loving it so far!!! Since I’m not an Authorlord, I get to have all of the feelings. Congratulations on the release, and thank you for an amazing story!

  17. I had the Arc since December. Devoured it. Didnt see any of the plot twists. Felt like I need a dictionary and flow chart. I waited for the release and now Im listening to audiobook. I do wish we could get audiobook not from audible but apparently if you use the credit for presale and then cancel audible you still get the book. So Im very excited for the reread and relisten. Anytime that someone mentions that House Andrews doesnt do cliffhanger I cackle. I loved it and I look forward to diving into the muddy waters again.

  18. Yay and Happy Birthday 🎈 I tried to wait until midnight but unloaded a truck full of hay bales and my eyes and body said no way! So I ordered the audiobook ages ago and in a few hours am off to the bookstore to pick up my hardback! Thank You House Andrew’s and the BLH!

  20. Happy Book Birthday! I am telling everyone to read this Kingdom. my bus driver, nurses etc. Congrats House Andrews.

  21. Happy release day! At the same time it seems like it was a long time ago, but also somehow yesterday, that you guys started talking about Maggie and how you would try to sell it to a trad pub first, then self publish if that didn’t happen. And now look how far you’ve come. I’m so happy for House Andrews, and proud, and I can’t wait for more people to discover you guys through this book. You deserve all the (more) success coming your way

  22. Congratulations to HA and happy birthday, Maggie! So excited to dive into the Kindle version while I save up to select my favorite pretty one. <3

  23. I can’t believe we’re here already! I know we’ve been w*iting for quite a while. But at the same time, it feels like it went by in a flash. Here’s to hoping the w*it for Book 2 goes by just as quickly. Congratulations, House Andrews!

  24. Amazing world. Amazing story. Can wait to reread many times. But what the heck is up with that absolute cliffhanger?

    • Ilona has been ebiiiiil reacting up and down the Facebook fan group on all the posts mentioning how HA don’t do cliffhangers for weeks!

      And no one knew! And I couldn’t say anything! Won’t somebody think of the poor Mod R who had to keep this spoilers for years 😛

      • The kingdom won’t kill me, but the cliffhanger is giving it a darn good try. So much for even trying to patiently wait. 😉

        • +1
          This!! Need your quote on a t-shirt, along with “we ride at lunch break” 😀
          I know the Horde is loved. I just read a massive (!!) book showing how much we are loved, after a generous sample (avec map!) released early, and so much art and even a bonus scene. But I’m still ~emotionally compromised~ and unreasonable. Don’t mind me, I stayed up too late reading… And I’m going to reread, shortly…

          • Good job Mod. R!

            I would go with: ‘We read at midnight!’
            But then Amazon was 3 1/2 hours late. So I guess it should b : ‘We read at midnight. Or whenever Amazon gets their stuff together. Ugh!’

      • I feel betrayed, and since its by traditional publisher the wait to the 2nd will be ridiculous. I will try to reread without epilogue in a few weeks.
        Still love the authors and understand they chose to innovate after lots of books (took never say never to heart), but feels, the feeeeeeeels

      • Your are heroic and character. I said very little about the book itself on this post because I hate being a spoiler. I inadvertently did so once on a TV series and felt SO BAD. It’s a total Roland move so many many thanks for your discretion.

      • What does ebiiiiil mean? Google won’t bring up anything. (I’m a 20th century reader, my niece is out of town, so can’t ask her)

        And Congrats to House Andrews on the book. I have not laughed out loud so many times reading a book since Terry Pratchett. I saw somewhere there was cliffhanger ending, so was ok with that.

  25. In Iowa (central time) got the book at 11 pm and just started to read. You know, just a bit. Before bed. Got thunderstorms and massive shivering dog on my lap so enjoyed it until 3:30… until dogs demanded breakfast at 6am. Blearily reading as more storms roll in… more tea. Need campfire tea. Or Otrokar tea.
    We are the Horde!

  26. First of all Happy book birthday !

    I was lucky enough to receive the physical book in advance so I sat on my questions and had to contain my happiness but NO MORE !

    I’ll try to not reveal any spoiler but here are my questions:
    Is Latour a threat to BDH if we don’t behave ? 😉
    I also wanted to know if you had always planned Reynald story as is ?

    • I know! I wish more of it was in the ebook even though the eink won’t do it total justice

  28. So goood! Thank you to local bookstores for handing out a weeee bit early. Finished at midnight and wanted to start right back from the beginning. As a fantasy reader and a devoted IA fan, this was the most perfect book.
    I loved how we started with Maggie having to rely only on her knowledge and wits, no special powers for this portal fantasy, and then how they started dropping hints that she must have her own magic after all.
    I’ll hold off on talking about the other plot twists but they were just … *chefs kiss*

    • Also… the w*it for the first one may not have killed us, but the w*it for the second one sure will. EVIL!!!!

        • Image in my head now: new HA book published(clock ticks over) and BDH respawns, wherever they may b. Because we r Maggie!

          Awesome!

  29. Happy book birthday and thank you for a very enjoyable first read of many!!

    What shall I say except I love it 🙂
    Thank you House Andrews for creating another story and to all the team around you for making this amazing fan space around all stories and connecting us.

  31. Happy book birthday!! I was away on a trip so am picking up my copy I ordered at my local bookstore today! So looking forward to diving in.

    What an accomplishment House Andrews!

    • Following up : I may have jumped up and down when I picked up my book and swag at Copperdog books in Beverly. I am normally quite reserved, lol. (Disclaimer: No 17 year old daughters who were standing by were harmed during this uncharacteristic display of parental emotion in a public place)

      My book came with art and an adorable sparkly keychain. Also — the bookstore said they got a lot of orders!!

      • Your daughters were probably thinking possible two things. “I don’t know this crazy lady” or “We’re with you mom!” 😂😂😂😂😂

  32. Happy Book Birthday! 🥳🎉🎉🎉

    I knew this book was dedicated to the BDH ever since this was first posted in the blog, but I have to be honest: I teared up all over again when I actually saw that in print. We are a very blessed horde, for sure!!!!!! 🥹💕💕💕💕💕

    • We are so spoiled. That dedication…no words can really describe what I felt when I saw the post. Then to see it in print for all the world to see…sigh. It made me feel like I’m in front of the fire drinking the Khanum’s tea and sighing every few minutes. 📖🥰🫖🍵

    • I was surprised at how happy seeing the dedication made me. The I told my husband that the book was dedicated to me. OK, and the entire BDH, of which I am one. (I have the t-shirts. And mug. And ripper cushions cushions…) And then brought my iPad over to show him. And now he’s decided to read it as soon as he finished the last bit of his current rather blah book(not HA).

      • I think this is completely valid.

        I, too, am “I HAVE A BOOK DEDICATED TO MEEEEE”

        mumble “and several thousand other people” mumble

  33. I can only say, per directive of Mod R…

    Chapter 23 – OMG!

    Wheeeee! What a ride so far 🙂

    Started reading at 11p (CST), finally called it at 4:30ish this morning.

    *Blinks slowly* Slept for 3 hours and then…

    Coffee – Barsa – Coffee – Barsa, Barsa, Barrrrsa!!

    Getting ready to start Chapter 34, House Andrews is the most awesome writers ever!!!

    Might I have some more please?????

  34. Happy Book Birthday! and Arrgh! I forgot today was the day and just happened to see it in my kindle… now do I ignore the meetings I have this afternoon and read or try to hold off until after work and call in tomorrow? Decisions decisions!!

  35. Maggie is just so beautiful in so many ways!
    The imagery, for example,
    “The shading canvas stirred in the wind, as if the teahouse were a ship and these were its emerald sails.”
    A perfect, complete, vivid picture.
    HA for the absolute win!

  36. Finally! I gobbled it up, it is probably my favorite book yet and I would not have believed this to be possible. The cliffhanger! *cries* Now I have to re-read it…

    • This makes me so happy to hear 💛

      Not about the cliffhanger tears hehe, but it does genuinely feel like House Andrews have levelled up with this book, right? Not just me? And I had no idea it was possible either.

      • This is going to be very high on my list of fantasy reads, definitely a favorite. And House Andrews have absolutely leveled up with this one.

        But is it ok to say that hope they still get time to do smaller worlds and cozier books? Not that any of their worlds felt small to me before this. But HA’s other content are my absolute comfort reads. I go back to the audiobooks I have of theirs when my ADHD brain needs stimulation while I do some other task, or when I’m stressing over some life thing and just need something comforting to get all the worry in my brain to shut up.

        I love TKWNKM, but the world is so big and the drama so huge, I don’t know if it will ever be familiar enough to be that kind of a read for me. Even if I read it 20 times – which I might very well do while waiting for the next one.

        • The other series have not been abandoned :), House Andrews understand how much everyone loves those stories and there will be updates soon.

          Right now the focus is on This Kingdom, and supporting it helps make future projects possible. Let’s keep this thread on Maggie so everyone can enjoy the release 😊

          • Apologies, didn’t even think to consider it that way.

            Absolutely, This Kingdom deserves all the attention and praise.

            Said it elsewhere in another post, but I devoured this one as quickly as I could today, it was so good!

      • The thing is, I really, really liked the book until Chapter 23. After that I could no longer put the book down. And then Chapter 40 happened. I mean, this makes so much sense for Maggie, who has read the book but has not been given fotos. And the predictable becomes unpredictable again. I am so, so, so invested. I may or may not have printed the artwork, put it on the wall and gazed at it longingly. Cough.

        • I actually suspected the character twist in ch 40. He was just too good looking for a regular guy when she first met him. After the twist in ch 23 every person we met was suspect, lol!

          • Ditto… because of the art that had been posted. I kept wondering where Reynald’s was…
            And then I put the pieces together before Chapter 40… so that was less of a surprise.

            • Same, I kept waiting for Reynald’s potrait!!

              And I guess I was one of the very few to actually enjoy the cliffhanger. Made the ending very satisfying and thrilling for me!! So much to look forward to in the next book.

      • Yes, Mod R, House Andrews definitely levelled up their writing with This Kingdom.

        But I’ve noticed that with many of their books. All the Maggie suggestions on the Start Here page were level uppers, and a bunch more qualify as well. Just like they follow their characters’ growth over the course of each series, so too do their skills and insights into their characters and their readers visibly improve from book to book. But then, the BDH is startlingly full of readers with serious professional and personal skills, a group perhaps more able than most to recognize the subtleties of the feasts set before them. I learn something new almost every time I read the comments for a new blog post here — I can see that I’m a better reader for it. <3

      • Love love love! I agree, i didn’t think it was possible to level up, but the author lords did. and there are so many Eastern eggs – it needs all the rereads.
        And so much wit and humour when the story is grim and intense so much of the time. I laughed when I read “my mouth was a poem in enamel to Crest 3D White”. How are they so good? Fangirling hard here (like Maggie when she thinks the knight was scared she would fangirl rush Arvel)

        Can’t w*it – have to reread until then.

      • my greatest act of self control in decades… I made myself w*it until Friday to start so I wouldn’t have to worry about sleep.
        Worth It. love this book.
        No screaming with the cliff hanger. just a single, forceful curse word.
        in regards to Latour, I’m leaning towards Inhan, or even Sauven during his more lucid periods. mostly because while there are other towers, Eagles roost seems to be THE Tower and Demaes is too caught up in his own power to worry about the Kingdom.
        I’ll be starting 2nd read through shortly
        Thank you HA for another wonderful world of characters.

  37. The story is SO good. Finished my first read, about to start the second.

    I realise it may not be a HA decision but can I please suggest/request a This Kingdom notebook for merch. Something hardcover that has the maps, character list, art and space for me to keep track of all my theories and details on who everyone is.

    I have the ebook, will get the audio to catch all the things my excited read missed. And will buy a hardback but am already planning to add post its to make notes.

    A matching notebook for this purpose would be amazing.

    Congratulations on a fantastic new story and world. We are The Horde of the Kingdom.

        • Best idea ever. A central place for art, character listings. A place to write out theories and “What Do I Know”. And art and where did I read that? it would be great fun.

      • Ooo hehe I have my notebook open in front of me, (preliminary scribbles, not pretty ones like the above) and I had just written down “Can we have a coloring book?” Depending on who the art belongs/is licensed to, this could be tricky, but a coloring book of the characters, the map, the architecture, the fantastical creatures (Honey, the stelkas, lorsse, dursan, etc)! I really want to see fan art of all the creatures.
        Aside from physical media, a cast list/glossary or fan wiki or something would be really useful keeping characters and titles straight, especially for a sequel!

        • I absolutely second a cast list! I was occasionally lost on who’s who and even a Kindle “search this book” stopped being helpful. Is there a wiki?

      • wow this is so cool. my handwriting isn’t lovely enough to practice marginalia. hopefully any new merch (as well as old merch) can be shipped to the UK. re the ongoing VAT issues 😭

      • I think the guy chasing her to the garden is a possibility for the author too. I’m curious about Maggie’s magic and the undying thing. Is it a new power/family type in the world? Or was the author of the same family? dont think Maggie was the author, she would not have been surprised by Arval.

  38. First – thank you. Second, OK – Questions:
    1. Did the Duke know that he had been responsible for the lucky coin? Seems like a no.
    2. That first chase to the Garden – also random? I am thinking yes.
    3. Do we ever get to meet the author? Have we met the author?

    • 1. Yes, because of her saying the thing about having met the Sleepless Duke, and then connecting with her story about the coins. She didn’t get a good look at him, but he saw her, looking like crap, but it hadn’t been that long, so with those two pieces of information he knew. Also she knows he knows, because when he offers it back its meant to be a slap that she doesn’t want it anymore.

      2. Yes, random I think

      3. I think, given the POV nature of the book it has to be Matheo, with the far-seeing. I know he died in the books, but perhaps he nearly dies instead and lies in the book. I think an ascended Isadau has to be responsible for sending him, and possibly baby Maggie back though time and space.

    • I think Silveren is the one chasing Maggie to the Garden. When he meets her in the market, he says she looks like a beggar and then a servant, but when they have their first conversation in the garden she’s already had her bath. It’s possible that he just saw her when the butterflies swarmed, but to me it makes more sense that he was the one chasing her through the alley. It would also explain why he says that they are both pretending to be someone they’re not.

      If it’s not him, I think it’s got to be someone meaningful–maybe Matheo maybe our mysterious author–based upon Chekhov’s gun.

      • I think it said she didn’t like the look on her pursuer’s face, so I don’t think it was Silveren, since she would have recognized him later. I think the butterfly thing makes more sense, meaning he was already in the Garden. A beggar arriving is weird enough. A beggar arriving with enough magic to cause the butterflies to react like that…super intriguing.

    • The first chase to the Garden, possibly the Butcher spotting a target of opportunity? Given the eventual backstory, he does act on implulse at times.

  39. that was fantastic!

    I never thought I’d disagree with Mod R but this is definitely more cliff hanger than cliff leaner.

    Bring on Maggie 2!

    • It’s so funny cause I saw the cliff hanger comments and was all about to say HA doesn’t do that. I’m sure it’s just a little open ended to get us invested in the next book… but! Plot twist is on us! IRL, in a portal book, our dear authors flipped their own script. 😂

  41. It showed up from Bookshop.org a day early on my actual birthday and I may have stayed up a wee bit too late to finish it, but no regrets! I had tea, candles, fantasy mood music, and windows open on a lovely thunderstorm. Best b-day ever!

    Side note to Mod R: I don’t know if spoilers are ok for the announcement post above, but if not you may want to update the file name for the amazing artwork for the Man from the Garden as it shows his name which is one of the later big reveals.

    Loved it, love the art work, looking forward to more at HA’s own sanity-preserving pace! (Also/however if book 3 is a lie like the missing in-universe series book 3, I may lose my Team Facts Are King chill. I will repeat to myself: The Authorlords are kind, they have reasons for what they do, I will be chalant, April Fool’s Day isn’t until tomorrow and surely by now we all know better than to tempt THAT fate…)

    • HA knows what happens when they decide to do an April Fool’s joke on the BDH. It becomes a book. Looking at you, Hugh. 🤣🤣🤣😎

      • Holy holy! I was so wrapped up in 3/31 being The Date I didn’t even think about what comes after – duh! OK, this being a trilogy might be a really good April Fool’s joke…..especially since then the BDH can make it so!! Bwahhhhaaa!

  42. Happy book birthday.
    Just 2 more nights, only 1 if I manage to stay away on Wednesday, until the international release.
    Usually the books become available at midnight local time.

  43. I felt every. day. of this past month, between the sample and the publication. I literally threw my phone across the room and screamed when the sample cut off. Good job.

    IA is always an auto-buy for me, so there was no question I was going to get the book. Woke up at 3am, and it was downloaded onto my kindle, lucky me. I tried to read slowly, but have just finished the book (1pm), and now I need the second one. On publication day, I need the next book. My husband is laughing at me.

    OH MY GOD…. what if they do the same thing the book author did and just NEVER PUBLISH A THIRD BOOK????? On the one hand, that would be an *amazing* mirror, and on the other, they just might kill me.

    I’m going back to read TKWNKM (that’s awkward) again. It won’t be the last time.

  44. Bought the audio book at 7 AM this morning. Want it to last longer so I figured I’d try audio. Looking forward to it!

  45. I can’t believe I’ve been up for 4 hours and just remembered it was release day. In fact, I can’t believe I didn’t set an alarm for midnight so I could buy it then. But I have it now!

    I blame the horde of ants I found in my cats food yesterday morning. Instead of the many other things I had planned on doing yesterday, I spent the evening crawling around the baseboards sealing potential entry points. Welcome to spring.

  46. I know when is book is good when I am so completely engrossed, I lose track of time. I received this book last night and although I was so sleepy, I wanted to get started. 2.5 hours later….I could not wait to get up early so I could get a few more pages in before work. This book is a work-buster.

  49. I loved this so much.

    But no, just no, don’t tell me the third book won’t be until more than 10 years than the second one. No no no.

  51. Do I have 3 editions of this book?
    Yes.
    Do I want a few more?
    Also yes.

    Happy reading everyone! What a terrific book!

  52. I am so glad spring break lined up with the book release. I just sat here and read all morning.

    The twists! The reveals! The drama!

    And then, the end. Already can’t wait for book 2.

  53. I am literally reading no comments because I don’t want spoilers. I am here because… to pay what I deeply hope Ilona and Gordon will take as the high praise I mean it to be.

    This doesn’t feel like an Ilona Andrews book.

    I have read every word they’ve written that I have read before it got archived or is still here or in print. I have saved snippets from here in case they someday get archived. I LOVE their books or I wouldn’t be here on the blog.

    I also can list more than one instance when humor has been repeated across series, and since I love their books, and have reread and reread, I do notice. Despite Hidden Legacy, Kate Daniels, Innkeeper, Edge being radically different worlds, the voice has always been the same. A beloved voice. But the same beloved voice.

    This is fabulous. I decided to read Chapters 1-8 again and not skip straight to Chapter 9, and I had a ton of appointments today, so I’m only on page 98. And if the authors’ names weren’t on the front, I’d think I was reading someone new. There have been a couple places (that I couldn’t name right now) where the “classic” IA voice comes through in a turn of phrase, but otherwise I truly would not think this was an IA book.

    Ilona & Gordon were already on my “trusted author” list for the comfort and familiarity of their voice that still manages to surprise. A trusted author is one I will read even if the “back-of-the-book-blurb”+ sounds truly terrible because I know it doesn’t represent the book.

    Now they are on my trusted author list because they’re capable of giving us something completely different and *still excellent*. I am blown away.
    ___
    +in quotes because in the age of e-books, it’s not exactly on the back of my Kindle.

    • I feel this so much. I loved this book with my whole heart, but it did have a different voice. A gloriously new voice. One I adore every bit as much as their previous work.

      I can’t wait to see what the new members of the Horde think as they read the back catalog.

      • I feel the same. This story is , as advertised, and step away from the usual. It is still a great and beautiful example oh what a powerhouse like House Andrew’s can accomplish.
        plus the notes of themselves peeking out.
        1. Unusual “pet”
        2. Exceptional bossy quirky sidekick. Really, Clover is the best lady’s maid ever, and I also read Regency Romance.
        3. Your welcome is withdrawn. It’s like Star wars “I got a bad feeling about this.” I just know at some point it will show up.

        • ‘Your welcome is withdrawn.’ Made me think of various vampire-related stories. And love Sushi(need stuffed animal version!) , but the bad-tempered tracking bird was amusing, too.

          I swear Sushi is half cat. We had a cat who tried to bring a fresh-caught mouse in the house when my dad was really sick. Such a dirty look when I refused to allow it inside! But then the cat went and found his toy mouse and jumped up to lay it on the bed at my dad’s feet. Extra dirty look for me at this point. I could almost hear him saying, ‘You’re terrible hunters, so I caught u fresh meat, but this one(glares) wouldn’t let me bring it to u.’

    • I agree completely! There were times where I was shouting out laughter that was “hey, I recognize that humor, that’s HA right there!.” Like when Lute says “Hey, Maggie? Survive, get paid.” Such a guild thing right there.

      And then there was Maggie’s own distinct personality. I did NOT feel like I was hearing Kate or Nevada or Dina in my head. But boyo, do I love her as much!! Have since Day 1 ….how many years ago was that original snippet, anyone remember?!?!?

      I am so amazed at how HA has expanded our world with this book. I knew if was gonna be big, and they did not disappoint on any page!

  54. Happy Book Birthday!!! 🥳📘🎉

    It is amazing! 🤩 Now that I know ALL the plot twists, I have to read it again (after I get some sleep 😴)

    The plot twist in Chapter 23 was definitely OMG!!!, but so was the plot twist in Chapter 40!! 😱 I burst out incredulously laughing as I read it.😅

    This world is HUGE, thank you for creating it and sharing it with us. Can’t wait for the sequel! 😆⏳️📚 💜

  55. Happy Book Birthday! I can’t wait to pick up my copy from my local bookstore after work today and start devouring it!

      • I literally had to put the book down and walk around the house for a bit to wrap my head around it. Without spoiling it for my husband, whom I have successfully convinced to read this next. Once I could make actual words, I went with: holy ‘cats! I did not see that coming!

  57. Happy Book birthday!
    I had the day off and I couldn’t have spend it better 🙂
    This book hit all the right button.
    While the chapter 23 twist was wholly unexpected, I was relatively certain of the reveal in chapter 40, from the first time we saw the character’s face.

    I have a question but it is very spoilery:
    In the final scene before the epilogue, am I correct in my interpretation that the two minutes were not over yet? And he still saw Maggie as herself?

    I have heart eyes as a reader but honestly think Maggie’s attitude is very healthy in analyzing his motivation!

  58. 15 minutes into the audiobook and I already see myself… “but that very first series is my special treasure…I have been reading those books for the last 10 years… a favorite character of mine was left standing on a box with a noose around his neck for a decade…” #KD #teammetalrose #HLArabellatears #Hugh
    All kidding aside, I’m looking forward to this ride. Thank IA and Happy Birthday Maggie! Always fun to go on an adventure with the ever so Chalant and Fluffy Horde, and Steve.

  59. Happy happy book birthday to HA!

    Haven’t gotten very far as yet, but oh, how I’m enjoying the journey. It’s so much damn fun! The new art is sooo good! Thanks for sharing!

  60. Happy book birthday! I will now abandon this post until my special edition arrives, so more waiting for me I’m afraid…

  61. Hey ModR – Do you have an estimated date for that last US special edition? This may not be the usual approach, but I’m waiting to purchase until all of the Special Editions are posted. Thanks!

  62. The navy blue truck just delivered THE BOOK! I had to treat myself to the beautiful hard copy. Just had to share my excitement with the hoard before diving in! Not sure when I will be back in this world! Later!

  63. I’m not reading the comments right now but need to post this. Is anyone else scared to start because they know it will end? I want to be soaked in the story and live there forever. I’ve never felt this way about a book before. After reading the free snippet (can it even be called that? So large for a snippet), I’ve realized this is something to savor as the first read only comes once.

    • You’re not alone! Been there, stared at the new much anticipated book while making up excuses to d*lay starting it. But I couldn’t w*it any longer for Maggie. I think reading the huge sample, followed by Reactor’s chapters 9, then 10(while w*iting for Amazon to come thru) actually helped push thru the reluctance to start.

      If it helps, there r a couple points during the first read where I deeply wanted the second read to start so I could see how certain things looked now that I knew things like chapter 23.

    • +1000
      I postponed reading the extended preview, then got sucked in. Then I tried to hold off after release day to save the book for vacation in a few weeks. I read the Clover and Shana bonus and gave in.

      Just finished today and OMG!
      Thank you HA for another fantastic ride!!

      • +1000

        I too was holding off until a future vacation, but the Clover and Shana bonus won me over.

        And the bonus of buddy with golden-haired advisor: super!

        Please, may we have some more? 🙂

        I too was completely surprised by all twists and identity reveals, even though I have read everything IA ever published on blog and books.

        Wonderful laughs and dialogue! Super plots and character development!
        Oh, the stories!

        So much joy and comfort reads. Thank you ever so much, Ilona and Gordon!

        Please keep writing: we adore your work!

        • Plus I agree with everything Jen posted about Doran: very insightful.

          He is like Arland. Probably will end up as a friend.

          Not mean, just shaped by context.

          If the male MC became unavailable — like if the port-army thing became unavoidable,
          then I think she could also become very happy with Mr. Archery.

          I do not attribute badness to him:
          I think his heart was truly won on the day she spoke of her father’s experiences.

          (So insightful and compassionate. I love love the way IA humanize and advocates for veterans. Thank you.)

          FYI, I still cheer for the male MC — the hair clip made me smile and sigh so sweetly!

          I just see Mr. Archery as having good qualities too.
          I hope he finds his sunshine and safe harbour.

          (Hearts and hugs)

  64. Happy bookday birthday. I bought both the ebook and the audio book so I could read or listen to it throughout the day (even at work). Yes I know, but it’s Maggie and I have been waiting for her since that very first snippet.

    Thank you for this treat.

  65. One thing that I really noticed was the anti-climax of the soap. Maggoe spends so much time making soap, and as far as I can tell sells exactly one basket’s worth the whole novel. Somehow Robert Burns’ most famous line comes to mind….

    • I mean, she has been there for 2/3 months, not much time to establish a business, especially considering everything else going on (that is more urgent) and that she has to get a permit/etc… That said, she definetely got the first steps going and she has already signed a contract with the Garden, selling her soap (something that will help a lot in making her soap be known by nobles and, given that they will have already tried it there, make them want to acquire some for their own household given the much better quality of her soap)

      • actually this bothered me too. I wanted to see her get a license for it at least! if it falls to the wayside in your trilogy I’ll be disappointed.

        • I don’t think it will vanish. I just think that at first, she needed a new identity for the license, then it probably was better for her to wait for Solentine to return to help out in getting a licence/etc (I would expect it to be easier/faster with him around)… At that point, waiting 3 weeks wouldn’t make that much of a difference. Besides, her not getting a license was somewhat relevant for the plot and she really had so much else going on and that she was worrying about.

          But I think next book she will fi ally get a license and actively start her business soap. Book 1 was her trying to make soap, experiment and start to settle on a recipe, making samples as well as start selling it. But Book 1 is just 2 months,really not that much time to set ut a business from the ground up (from deciding the product, test it, etc…).

          Second Book will probably focus a bit more on her finally starting to sell her soap as well as starting to establish her business. But I doubt it’s going to be ignored. How much “space” it gets in the story will probably depend on how much it affects the plot, but I do think it will still go forward and have it’s own space in the story. That said, the Demarr are said to need money, and her new mother will have already tried her soap samples by now and realized how good they are, so they are probably going to help and support Maggie’s business when they realize how much profit it can make (given that it is cheaper to make than standard soap and that it has better quality).

              • Yes, me 😀

                The Demarrs are my favourites, Rumian of the Perfect Timing is my favourite, I want more badasses who immediately have her back for found family!

              • Yes☺️. I also wish she might travel and see the family estates, not to mention Selva😀.

  66. I haven’t finished reading it yet, so I will not read the comments, but I just wanted to say this book is amazing! I am having so much fun with it. Thank you, House Andrews!

    (Also, I love the UK covers and pretty page art. And the Helena Elias illustrations are terrific. Mod R, any word on the mystery upcoming US Special Edition?)

      • Held out for 5 days and then devoured. The first plot twist shocked and disappointed me, because I REALLY liked that person. After that I read warier, so was not so surprised by the like turns. There’s so many threads to pull in this world! Amazed that so much revolves around the king that we don’t even meet. Thank you HA for another book that takes me out of this world so thoroughly.

  67. Happy book birthday!! Squeeeeee…. My signed edition of the book from Waterstones arrived today and it’s utterly gorgeous!

  68. I stayed up way too late reading in bed on my phone while giggling in excitement. I made myself put the book down at the 50% mark. Oh what a place to stop. Couldn’t fall asleep for a while from the adrenaline! I love love love it and I would like the second book now. That ending was a barbed hook to the heart. I need more please!

    • Been there, may your adrenaline fade and your sleep be filled with awesome book adventures

  69. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!

    I opened my Kindle* library on my phone, looking for something to read at lunch, and there it was! I’ve been ever so chalantly waiting, refusing to read the preview or track the exact release date, all for a lovely surprise on a spring day. I got to read the first chapter before I had to go back to work; sigh. I will be savoring this book. Worth it!

    * Kindle device, but I bought the DRM-free book from Bookshop, not Bezos (and will keep a copy on a device that can’t be digitally robbed). Pretty painless overall.

  70. I took today off and plowed on through it, about 12 hours ish.
    Amazeballs!!!
    Now I can’t wait to read through it again and really pay attention now that I know the plot twists!

    Everytime I came to a scene that had been released previously I felt that warm fuzzy feeling from a well loved millionth re-read. it was really cool to have that feeling alongside the bright shiny newness!

    Today’s release really helped me. Today is the first anniversary of my father’s passing. He loved books so much.

    • That’s such a special feeling to share with him. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and it made you think of those you love 🥰

    • I could not take any days off this week due to the Texas Library Association and some others taking days off. but it is a long weekend and I have time off at the end of April.

    • My condolences on your father’s passing. I understand wanting to bury yourself in a really, really good book (like this one). My mom loved books too. When she passed, all I wanted to do was read.

      • My condolences to you both. Glad that you too found these to be comfort reads.
        Me too, for similar reasons.

        Indeed, reading is a joy passed through generations, along with the wisdom we accumulate thus.

        Thank you again to Ilona and Gordon, who have given us so many insights, and helped us to understand and treat others more compassionately (especially veterans).

        I am 1000 percent in support of “hire veteran” policies and programs:
        I always was, and even more so after reading IA books.

        We should have these in more countries.

        Take care of the people who gave so much to serve and protect.

        America is a leading light in this, as in many great things.

        Thank you.

  71. I am a fluffy member of the BDH and just finished my first read of TKWNKM.
    Just one word: Sqeeeeequel please!!!!!!

  72. Happy book birthday to HA! I have immersed myself in the book today as much as was possible during month-end (need to work to buy books), have just finished and will start a reread soon – new world and new names have to be worked into my menopausal brain by repeat exposure (do all the flying creatures names start with D? or am I just confused?).

  73. I will be waiting patiently for the go ahead to talk about that plot twist in chapter 23…anyone else getting a sense we may bump into Latour (mysterious author of Rellas) in Rellas?

    • Throughout the book I wondered if we would meet them, and if the reason why there’s no 3rd book is because they got pulled back into Rellas.

      • That is one of my theories as well (that Latour went back).
        Another one is that the 3rd book was not meant to happen, as in – give the fandom sth to obsess about, then choose a suitable hero among the ones that are still obessed 10yrs later, so they are well motivated to rescue the kingdom.
        And a third one is that the time is not quite paralell between the 2 worlds and Maggie going to Rellas messes the time-space continuum and disappears the author before the 3rd book is written.

      • I think we’re going to see the author in the world at some point and/or that Maggie’s actions are rewriting the books, and if Maggie is able to slide between worlds via the High Mage or the Lady Mage, she’s going to be the one to write/deliver #3 and then settle into her HEA. Or that she herself is the author via Timey Wimey magic and is actively rewriting the story to make it better to her instead of catering to the Evil Editors.

        Part of me wonders if the thing in the river or Sushi are the transformed author.
        The mad King or an advisor of his that we don’t know about yet being the author could also explain some of the paranoia and madness.
        The High Mage would also be a good candidate for hidden author.
        I did originally assume that it was the Man from the Garden, but since THAT reveal, he’s off my list.

        I look forward to my first reread once this week’s work is done in order to look for more clues so I can go back to my home camp of “Facts are King” instead of wandering around in the camp of the “Damned”. ; D

    • My theory is we already met him! Quite strange that Silveren had such a complete personality change that people keep commenting on it and his resurrection at the end sure sounds like Maggie’s undying power in Rellas

      • I don’t think he had apersonality change though: he was simply hiding from Sauren and keeping a low profile. But he was already in charge, Ramond saw him manipulate generals to decide on a battle plan and make it seem it wasn’t his idea. He also made sure to speak little so his honey voice would not be noticed.

  74. I just saw that my Library has the e-book version of this book and already has 87 holds on 5 copies on the e-book and 74 holds on5 copies for the e-audio. No physical copies yet.

    • Somehow I got lucky enough to be first in line at my library (!!). I don’t remember what the line was when I returned it, but the current waitlists, 10 days after release:
      ebook: 42 holds on 4 copies
      audiobook: 30 holds on 5 copies
      physical book: 11 holds on 5 copies
      I think the local chapter of the Horde is alive and well, hehe. I’ve put it on hold again because I want to reread, but I did return it asap, because fluffiness. This is on par with really popular novels at my library that get a boost from a TV show. Very exciting!

  75. This was so satisfying. Like, when you pat your tummy after a rich, delicious meal. I could feel the book-nutrients nourish my soul. Thanks, House Andrews, for gifting us a whole new world to get lost in.

    But the cliffhanger! Mod R, you deceived us.How may I trust you ever again? ‚Mod R the Deceiver‘ shall be your name henthforth.

  76. Day One of the release and already on Amazon:

    #8 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
    #31 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
    #77 in Epic Fantasy (Audible Books & Originals)
    #473 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)

    • I posted in the morning and now this evening, see how quickly the stats change.

      #2 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
      #11 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
      #39 in Epic Fantasy (Audible Books & Originals)
      #184 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)

      • April 1 – one day after release: Amazing.

        #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
        #6 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
        #29 in Epic Fantasy (Audible Books & Originals)
        #121 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)

  77. Congratulations and Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! For Maggie’s book birthday!
    Thank you, Ilona and Gordon, for delving into this genre and delivering a grand slam home run!
    Thank you to, ModR, for continuing to shepherd/corral/wrangle the rambunctious Horde!
    The page with all the series synopses is primo! They made me laugh and are spot on! (If, somehow, in my inattentiveness, have missed that page previously – I apologize.)
    Thank you to the Horde for always holding space!
    Welcome to the new Hordelings joining!
    The artwork is amazing!
    May we all find peace, health and safety in this moment!

  78. aaaaaahhhhhh!! kindle release is the 2nd April!?!?!?!! I’ve pre-ordered it and still have to w*it 😭

  81. Did I stay up to an ungodly hour to read this?

    yes yes I did

    Do I usually tend to be very hit and miss on high fantasy books but this one sucked me in?

    Also yes.

    Am I gonna reread it shortly and look for all the clues that hint at aforementioned plot twist in chapter 23 that shall not be spoiled and kick myself for not noticing?

    very much so.

  83. A line from a certain TV show that might have set the isekai trope on its course comes to mind: “to put right what once went wrong”.

    I do love this book.

    • Still reading comments on April 2… So much fun.

      Thanks for the reference. I love that show.

  84. Not reading the comments yet because I’m still reading (damn life getting in the way) but sooo good so far! Just wanted to say Happy Book Birthday! Congratulations!! Mod R, love your avatar!!

  86. I WAS RIIIIIGHT. I read all the signs and almost gaslit myself into thinking I was making things up, but I was RIGHT 💃🏻🎶 called it in the preview I feel so validated rn 😎

    Just got past 50% and I’m still kicking and screaming in excitement.

    • I came, I saw, I devoured. it’s almost 3am now but I had to finish, this book had me in a choke hold.

      This book has catapulted itself to top shelf. I’m not sure it can top Kate, but it’s damn close!

  87. happy book birthday
    I just have one question
    now that I am done reading this
    what am I supposed to do with myself

      • I’ve never had the urgent to instant reread immediately after finishing the book. But I am with this one! SO MANY details and Easter eggs to enjoy!
        I was cackling at “I need a knight. Six Five, blue eyes… Trust fund” reference.

          • Yes, ofc hehehe 😀

            I also privately spammed them with Shoes, Private Yachts, Caviar (Nicola Coughlan) last summer lol, I think I even got away with pasting it as the background song on a post on the Ilona Andrews Instagram.

        • 🤣🤣🤣 I laughed at that line too and then I promptly played the song on Spotify!

  88. The cliffhanger! Why?! I need book 2 now!
    (Loved the book, love the characters, Solentine is the best, but not as cute as Sushi, and I really want to find out what happened to Latour, because something had to have happened to the guy, right? Right?!)

  89. Just finished. So great. I’m trying really hard not to do a swear!!! I think I’ll eat and start my first reread. Praying for p*tience. Lordy!!!!

  90. Whoa! Those eyes made my old lady parts stand up and notice! I know…TMI. Sorry, not sorry…

  91. Happy Book Birthday!
    I haven’t finished it yet, finished part three just before this. I’ve been reading in sections, the taking breaks to be responsible and take care of IRL things.
    Is responsible on the list of Horde curse words with w@it and P@tience? It really should be, keeping be from spending all morning inhaling this shiny new book.
    To those like me who haven’t finished yet, the w@it won’t kill us (we hope). To those lucky ones who’ve had time to fully devour, I say Barsa Barsa Barsa.

    • Holy crap. Chapter 29 hit hard. Not going to give any details, even though it’s not one of the plot twist chapters. Just, Wow.

      I tried to come and comment right when I finished the chapter, but the website had crashed. Hope it didn’t cause HA too many headaches when they are busy with the book tour.

      • Ilona and Gordon are at the Austin signing 🙂

        I sent them an email that we are all good and restored now. Thank you for your patience.

  93. Read the whole book. This is officially my favorite Ilona Andrews book. Best plot, best FMC and MMC. Possibly also best villain. Can’t w*it for the sequel.

  95. I read it once and now have to read it again. I feel like now that I know what when where how and who. I have to re read to better see interactions!

  96. Not sure if this question has been asked. I will make it as non-spoilery as possible:

    In the epilogue there is this line:

    If you break my hold on her, like you’ve done with your guard…

    Is the guard he’s referring to Lute?

    And the website was down briefly just a little while ago. Did we as BDH accidentally break the site?

    Thanks!!

    • I blame Steve.

      The lovely people at WP Engine were very prompt and helpful and got in back in less than 20 minutes 🙂

      • They sound great!

        And thank you for everything that you do for us. You are incredibly amazing!!! 🤩💜🙏

    • I was also wondering about that line! Like who is he referring to?!? It’s such a good mystery and makes me think she has more unexplored magic.

    • I loved this line, plus some other little snippets we see that show she’s very powerful magically, can’t wait for her to explore that more in book 2

    • Yeah, I think he is referring to Lute.

      I think *he* is referring to the moment after she visited clan Harzi.

      (I won’t specify because I’m not sure how spoilery we can get)

    • Yes, Silveren puts the voodoo on Lute, which Maggie breaks by calling out in alarm. Her ability to do so could point to a weakness in the magic, (real loyalty trumps commands by the Call) or Maggie could have Sauvic-like power.

  97. I have just reached halfwayish through the book. I dropped my Kindle, said “you mfers” out loud to House Andrews, texted half a dozen “I cannot even” gifs to my reading buddy, then went and folded laundry until my heart rate started calming down. I’m starting the book again from page 15. I have to try to wrap my brain around this before I finish the book. I still. Cannot. Even.

  98. As a longstanding member of the BDH I w*ited! I was p*tient! I tried to be chalant!! Then I stayed up all last night reading TKWNKM and absolutely LOVED it. Am at the propping-my-eyes-open-with-matchsticks stage at this point but wanted to congratulate HA on managing to make such a big world feel so accessible, all the characters fairly leapt off the page. Stelka = Fish = Sushi was too adorable. GRRM eat your heart out, and here’s hoping we don’t have to w*it 10 years for Book 2 😉
    PS Thanks for always being awesome Mod R but particularly during release week, I spit-take’d several times your 4 Sleeps ’till Maggie post. More like Nav did us, indeed.

  99. They dedicated the book to us!!!! 😭😭😭💚💚💚 Happy book birthday HA and Mod R!

  100. The CLIFFHANGER!! WWWWWHHHHHYYYYYY!!!! I loved the book! The rich world building, the details of the dress, the description of the dursan, the new brother, Maggie’s loyal people, the audacity of Arvel, the hairpin gesture, sushi!! All of the love and fun this book brought to my day. I can’t thank you all enough! And that’s just my first read through. I shall return again after a more attentive study to converse!!