Hi everyone, Mod R here.
I have a Klaus snippet for you today, the long-awaited reveal of what he needed to tell Maud when he came to her at end of Sweep of the Blade.
It’s also an incentive for us. Remember that bit about the Barsas in Sweep of the Heart?
“The Barsas stopped in front of us. Their leader, an old white-haired male, stepped forward and raised his arms.
Andrews, Ilona. Sweep of the Heart, The Innkeeper Chronicles 5. NYLA 2022. Kindle edition, page 401
Here we go.
“Barsa! Barsa, barsa, barsa. Barsa.” Each word was accompanied by arm-waving and finger-pointing.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Sean said. “Is that all they say?” “Yep. Hush, I’m trying to concentrate.”
“Barsa. Barsa, barsa.”
The leader nodded sagely.”
There’s a certain Barsa-esque (Barsumial?) tendency sometimes with the Book Devouring Horde, where we can get a bit fixated on “when’s the next book, next book, next book, next book”. Klaus is here to placate us away from that, as only an Arbitrator can.
Let’s be fluffy, not Barsumials!
We’ve had an Innkeeper book just a year ago. The next one is not yet on the schedule, so there are no official dates or updates, but there will be a continuation to the series, we will find out what happened to their parents, see Helen, witness Ripper Cushions—the whole Orro banquet.
House Andrews are hard at work on projects; we’re currently getting Roman chapters every Friday; the Sweep of the Heart release from Graphic Audio is coming to us this week and I’ll have an exclusive sample just for the Horde tomorrow. We are beloved. We just have to be a bit p*tient and chill our bosoms.
“I will explain everything,” Klaus said. “But right now we have more pressing matters to discuss.”
Oh no, you don’t. “What could be more pressing than you becoming an Arbitrator?” Maud crossed her arms on her chest. “Have you told Dina? She thinks you might be dead.”
“I have perfectly valid reasons for how I’ve handled things.”
“Valid?”
Arland gently touched her shoulder. “Perhaps we can hear the reason behind this unexpected visit?”
Argh. She waved her hand. “Go ahead.”
Klaus leaned against the table, half-perching on it. The memory punched Maud, knocking her mentally off balance. He used to sit just like this, when they were both teenagers, in their parents’ inn. It was at once nostalgic because here he was, alive and well; sad because Mom and dad were still missing; and infuriating because right now, on Earth, Dina was worried sick about him.
“Thank you,” Arland said.
“Have you set a date?”
“Three months from now,” she told him. “It will be a small, family affair.”
“I suggest you postpone it,” Klaus said.
“Why? For how long?” she asked.
“A few years?” Klaus said. “A decade would be best.”
“And why would we do that?”
“You’ve made enemies,” he said.
“Be more specific,” she snapped.
“Do you remember a monster, a long time ago, at the inn? He chased you when you were a toddler?”
“Mukama.” Arland bared his fangs.
“You told him? Good. This will make things simpler. I can’t explain the details right now, but things are connected. You, Dina, the corrupted ad-hal, and the mukama. All of it is part of one complicated whole. Should you have your wedding now, it will be invaded. There are forces out there that wish to prevent your union. The safest, most prudent thing, is to wait until all of the preparations are complete. If you give me a decade…”
“Let me understand this,” Arland said, his face dark. “You are saying that if we were to have our wedding, the remnants of the mukama may invade the planet to stop it?”
“In essence, yes,” Klaus said.
A predatory light sparked in Arland’s eyes.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” she asked.
Arland nodded. “We do have to postpone.”
“I’m glad you see the wisdom—” Klaus started.
“We need to go bigger,” she said.
“Oh yes.” Arland grinned, displaying his fangs. “Much bigger. We’ll need to invite everyone. We should be ready in 10 months or so.”
Klaus stared at them.
“We should tell your mother about the invasion,” Maud said. “Lady Ilemina would love this.”
“Oh, she will be overjoyed.” Arland clapped his massive hand on Klaus’ shoulder. “Thank you for this delightful news, my future in-law. You bring the best tidings. We shall have the grandest wedding in Krahr’s history. We will invite everyone.”
Maud grinned and swiped a quick kiss on Arland’s lips. “I can’t wait.”
Hehe, Arland has come a long way from “When I get married, I fully intend to pass all preparations on to someone else.“ I think we just discovered how to get vampire men interested in wedding preparations: promise them a monster invasion!
Always great when the groom gets involved in the wedding prep. Thank you thank you a million times thank you! I will wait patiently as I Am Sure All The BDH will wait. Because our beloved authors Cannot Burn Out. Plus they are giving us lovely Roman Friday’s and we know more stories/books are coming.
Thank you! This made my day.
Is anyone else hoping we get an Irish coffee bachelor party scene somewhere in this wedding novel?
I’m also wondering if with the connection to the Inn that Helen gets her moment to show the boy who didn’t believe her that Inns exist.
Before I continue on to the snippet, I just had to come here and say- CHILL OUR BOSOMS!!! I didn’t even get to the snippet, and already I’m enjoying this post immensely. Blessed be, Mod R.
OMG!!!! You all are the best!!!! I am more excited than ever and I WILL BE PATIENT!!! 😆
I continue to think about this snippet instead of FOCUSing on work. meh. But, Klaus, at this point, probably does not even know about Dina’s incoming connection between the parents’ disappearance and the corrupted ad-hal. And we do, I love dramatic irony. So the Mukama started it ALL. mind. blown. Now I really do need to know what elaborate but ultimately unnecessary plan Klaus was building that needed another decade to execute. So while we are on this topic, and yes I am still HAPPY to wait – could I please put in a request for a Klaus is drunk and spilling the beans outtake somehow somewhere to someone on what he’d been plotting? Thanks.
Yaaaaaayyyyy! I’m literally mentally howling “Give me the boooooooooooooook!” like a deranged weirdo because this is so good. Thanks for the delicious snippet!
“Bursa. Bursa, bursa. Bursa.”
“I am Groot.”
Absolutely brilliant! I love it. Thank you for the snippet.
we did get a bit spoiled with an innkeeper roughly once a year, but we have Roman now! another year or so for Innkeeper isn’t so bad.
love the snippet!
will appreciate being able to read the books when they are released, and enjoy the blog during the in- between times. ❤📖
Man, with a promise of an invasion by their bitterest foes that wedding is going to be THE place to be for all vampires. Honestly, could use that to really get great concessions out of the different clans.
What’s that, not cooperating on ____, no invite for you! 🤣
Just a reminder to keep all bosoms nice and toasty warm. Chilled bosoms lead to colds and coughing, which make it harder to read. 😋 📖❤📖
Thank you! Love it…
Bring out the Vampire version of the Bagpipes. Great for weddings or battle.
This is going to a fantastic book. 😃😃😃😃😃
Laughing, crying with laughter 😂 Klaus has no idea just how much his sisters have changed (badarse sisters💚🖤) and lets not forget their badarse partners and friends…..I cant wait.
next book next book next book 😁😉
Oy.
Thanks for the snippet!
I’m super excited for Maggie and whatever book is coming out soon. House Andrews does not disappoint!
What would be the appropriate place to ask about the Subterranean innkeeper? I’ve kept an eye out for any info, but the last post that mentioned it was in September. Is there a good way to ensure it’s not missed? Maud’s book is my favorite so I’d love to get a copy whenever it releases.
There will definitely be updates on the blog. I have no official news, will ask 🙂
Oooh, I can’t wait!!
I mean, obviously I will, but this is such a lovely, wonderful tease!
Thank you!
OMG! Love this so much! My favorite IA book is the one I am currently reading, but Maud has a special place in my BDHeart.
Wow! my jaw hit the floor when I saw the preview for this post. I didn’t expect anything remotely innkeeper even till the end of 2024 or even 2025!! I feel so spoiled!!!
omg the suspension is getting better and better, I will channel to be Yoda calm and wait patiencely for more stories, I am calm(actually I’m not just jumping up and down chanting i I want more more on the inside),I can wait ohmmmmm
you guys just do the best stuff!, love it! There is a reason you are my favorite authors. I’ll be so happy to wait for this one!
House Andrews, you are magicians!!!!!
So That’s why George threw the Dominion into Dina’s lap! All the allies!
So this means… the wedding is supposed to be in about 3 to 4 months after Sweep of the Heart, correct?
At least in plans, yes 🙂
“chill our bosoms“!!!!!hahahahhaahha! Thank you for that— and the wonderful snippet!
Thank you!
ModR, is it possible for you to list the Graphic Audio releases or the dats of any upcoming? I keep trying to ensure I buy all of IA’s GA books but don’t think I have all of them (via Audible). Thank you!
You can search by author on the GA website and see them all at once 🙂: https://www.graphicaudiointernational.net/our-productions/authors/f-j/ilona-andrews.html
Upcoming are:
Sweep of the Heart- release on Audible 7th of February
Magic Slays- 25th of March
Released so far:
Clean Sweep
Sweep in Peace
One Fell Sweep
Sweep of the Blade
Sweep with Me
Magic Bites
Magic Burns
Magic Strikes
Magic Bleeds
Thank you so much, ModR. You, Gordon and Ilona enrich our lives beyond measure.
Thank you so much for this snippet!!
It’s been stressful with the crazy weather. Thank you for the smiles and laughs💗
Oh this is going to be so much fun!
This is an awesome snippet! And it’s going to be the best wedding! How could anybody top a wedding/invasion!?
YES!!!
I needed a good chuckle, and this imagery had me rolling for a good few minutes… Though, I suppose, this is just what Klaus had in mind. After all, he did choose to bring George into the Arbitrators.
Thank you!! That was wonderful and a nice treat before we get F-Roman-day!
We definitely need a mantra:
I will not ask when is the next book.
I will not go from fluffy to Barsa.
I will not lose faith that HA will feed the BDH.
oh yes. finally. wow me with big smile 😁😁😁😁😁
thank you
What an amazing surprise snippet. Thank you! I predict by the end of the spectacular invasion fail, House Krahr will finally produce a Warlord for the
Holy Anocracy. The only question….which awesome vampire from House Krahr will be selected? I’m not sure what’s going to be harder to wait for— my retirement in 2 years or this book! Patience is a virtue (speaks to self).
Picturing Arland’s fangy smile 😁
When Maud told Arland about her childhood incident with a Mukama I had images of the remnant of the Mukama fleeing to some faraway part of the galaxy. There they have spent centuries rebuilding their numbers and planning revenge. What else could you expect from a species that wants to eat children for their magic. They must live for revenge and getting their home planet back. Klaus has to have known how the Vampires would react. He is giving them warning and time to prepare.
Oh my gosh, I love this! Not only do we have Krause, but I really was wondering about the wedding. SQUEEEE!
I’m being patient, promise, but it’s gonna so GOOD!
(My kids are eagerly awaiting the GA release. Me, too!)
Love it!
Can’t hardly wait for the next Innkeeper, but I’m easy to distract. I keeping checking GA to see if the release has happened yet, even though it’s pre-ordered and should show up on Friday.
10 years is a long time. Maybe Klaus’s time is up by then and he’s hoping to attend the wedding?
This is everything. That is all I have to say.
Love it. Event of the season for sure.
Hm… Did Klaus forget to account for his sister having grown up, or is he throwing a dare out there to get the ball rolling in the direction he wants?
This might need verifying as I am not a soccer fan, but isn’t Barsa the nickname for the Barcelona soccer team ?
The snippet was most welcome ! That cliffhanger at the end of Sweep of the blade really left me hanging by my fingernails, whatnext, whatnext, whatnext (or is it whatsnext ?)
I’ve heard them called Barca. When I’m not paying attention, it sounds like Barsa. The only reason I know is I sometimes watch the English Premier League. When English teams are playing in Europe, Barcelona is mentioned a lot.
I second everyone else has said about the delicious snippet.
Since they’re inviting everyone to the wedding, first thing I’m REALLY looking forward to is House Krahr rubbing it in with House Ervan regarding Maud and Helen. I love it when karma bites your enemy in the butt.
Second thing I’m going to enjoy is the “avengers assemble” of the characters we’ve met in this series (the Horde, Seven Star Dominion, Drífan liege of Green Mountain, Clan Nuan, werewolves, etc).
Awesome 🤗
Thank you! That was a wonderful treat.
I just startled my dog screaming after reading this like a big fan girl squeeee
Innkeeper Snippet to BDH = “squirrel” to dog
Everything else just explodes out of our heads and off we go …..
(And I am not making fun of us. We are awesome together)
(But I get hot flashes so might not be able to cool the bosoms)
Thank you so much for the snippet, this was awesome and much needed.
It does answer a few things (I’ve been rereading the last few books on repeat these past months. It’s not healthy I guess?) but raises other questions.
We will be patient!
So happy to see all Klaus’s control freakishness overrun by vampire enthusiasm. Thank you so much.
Can imagine Lady Ilemina grinning.
Oh, so good!! **rubbing my hands together ** They will be the only couple wearing their armour to their wedding, muahaa. Poor Orro, the feast may be delayed. Lol
Heaven at your fingertips <3<3<3
Soooo…..
*twidling thumbs and slowly looking up through my lashes*
When is the next one???
Oh wow what a snippet 🙂 Thank you house Andrews for keeping the horde well fed! You are loved <3
Love that Klaus thought there would be any other outcome from his sister and her vampire! Like, obviously they’re going to take the chance to fight 😂😂😂
Did not see that coming… and that’s why we love you 🥰 I’m going back to reading about Kate. Her problems always remind me that my problems are small, and I don’t have to burn my blood once it hits the street. It’s the little things….
I soooo love this snippet! Can’t wait for the next bit to get my eyes on, honestly. But I’ll do the despised thing and don’t bother House Andrew, I’ll not pester or sulk and be p*tient.
That reminds me, I just stumbled upon this: https://www.luisapreissler.de/blood-heir-ii
I’ll not pry, not whine or demand (I can’t even imagining myself demanding anything at all IRL) but I’ll hope.
Hi Faye,
That is an image of the Blood Heir special edition from the Arcane Society Ilona Andrews box. You can see more details here https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/peek-at-special-edition-of-blood-heir/
For anyone interested, there are a few signed special edition boxes left https://arcane-society-shop.myshopify.com/products/ilona-andrews-box-signed-preorder
I am a horrible fan. Really, not just of books but if anything and everything. I just don’t, well, fan. This venue is my only fan activity, because I’m a bad person. I want more of whatever’s I’m a fan of, music, books, movies, tv. Thank you for these updates and content, congratulations on assuaging the ravening horde!
LOVE IT!!! But no fair, such a tease. I’m 67, please don’t make me wait too long, I don’t want to have to pray that I can take my Kindle into heaven (just in case, wonder if they have internet). (heeheehee(evel snickers)).
So. Given how carefully our authors pick the names of their characters, I went and looked up the meaning of the name Klaus.
Klaus
Klaus is a boy’s name of German origin, meaning “victory of the people.”
👀 👀 👀 Can’t wait to see how that comes to life in the next book, especially since I had previously looked up the meanings of these names:
Matilda
Matilda is the Anglicized form of the Germanic feminine title Mahthildis and means “mighty in battle.”
Maud
Maud or Maude (approximately pronounced /mɔːd/ in English) is an Old German name meaning “powerful battler”.
Dina
Dina is a Hebrew name that carries the meaning of “judgment” or “vindication”.
Sean
Sean is a gender-neutral name meaning “God is gracious” or “gift from God”
Arland
Arland is a Gaelic name meaning pledge or oath.
Gabrian
Gabrian is a Hebrew name meaning God’s able-bodied one.
Alas, I never did find the meaning of the name Roburtar, so if someone knows, please share. 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing these; it gives insight to the choices made by HA. Some names may be variants of others – Roburtar could be from a name generator, or could be a variant of Robert. It’s a different universe, after all.
very thankful for a fantastic surprise gift in an emotionally difficult week.
Mauds and Arlands idea of a nice Wedding surprise is hilarious and I definetively need to re-read the Innkeeper series with Klaus’ info in mind.
Thanks again, I love the Roman serial very much, and this snippet here is the icing on Orros cupcake.
I love innkeeper the most, I love this snippet!!!
Simply sitting back and grinning hugely with soft chuckles.
This is amazing! Such a great treat and pick-me-up that had me laughing out loud! I recall House Andrews saying they didn’t care for Sweep of the Blade and were surprised by how fans loved it — I adore Maud. I wish I had 1% of her competence and kick-ass-ery. I’m drinking from my Ripper Cushions coffee cup this morning and am now raising it to salute you! Cheers!!
This is brilliant.
I read through the comments to make sure this hasn’t already been said (Mod R, I hope you are well compensated for your job. This is a verbose lot of people!) My first thought on reading this snippet was my favorite “Jaws” quote:
“You’re going to need a bigger wedding.”
Thank you for this taste of the good stuff! 🙂
House Andrews are extremely generous, in all respects 😀 . I have the best job!
And the Horde is better off with our favorite wrangler. 😀
She’s the fluffiest of all the fluffy out there.
So exciting!!! Cannot wait to learn more in the future. Such fodder for the imagination!
Also, thanks for the Barsa snippet. That exchange always reminds me of “I am Groot” lol
“Klaus stared at them.”
I laughed out loud because he was so unprepared for their enthusiasm about a monster invasion!
Why must you tease us with such goodness?? 😮
… thank you, btw. 🙂
Ha, Ha, Ha! Perfect! What a great lead-in to the next story in the Innkeeper Chronicles.
😀
How absolutely wonderful! I shall look forward to the vampire wedding!
As soon as Klaus added ‘a decade’ I was pretty sure he was manipulating.
“Go Bigger” = What An Awesome force we can just happen to have here.
I miss being able to have things in hardcover.
I had exactly the same reaction. “A decade” sealed it for me –> he’s manipulating things.
Or trying to…
Have reread this several times now. And am wondering if allays realllllly wanted them to have a big wedding. Is this part of some bigger plan that the arbitrators and other people want to have happen????????🤔🤔🤔
Ooh, a Red Wedding! I love a good battle (although not GRRM).
I hope they invite Matias and Ramona to the dance 🙂
Awesome!
Inviting everyone! The Horde, the Lees….
Oh noes, we are Barsas!
Honestly, I am very curious about this new project, because as much fun as the current worlds/series are, the Authors always deliver such fun, fresh worlds to us that I really can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with next.
Also, poor Klaus. He didn’t think that “warn a vampire” thing through very well, did he XD
WOW! I have wondered so many times what Klaus may have said But always stayed silent knowing all will be revealed in dure time. Thankyou
I love the little snippets and tidbits… it leaves me anticipating the next installment, on the edge of my seat, and then surprise… I see an email in my inbox and I can’t read it fast enough
Thank you! Love this, I can never get enough Innkeeper
The book devouring horde needs a little chat with Dinah. Our needs at the inn are simple. Since inns can span universes and we just need to fracture reality just a little, I’m sure she can do this or find someone who can.
In room/reality #1, House Andrews is writing the Roman book.
In #2, they’re writing Hugh.
In #3, they’re writing Innkeeper.
We also need rooms for Hidden Legacy, Kate, and anything else House Andrews can think of.
Can we add some time distortion? Maybe a set of Author Lords writing a different chapter in each room? We know the inn has lots of rooms.
Oh, and at least one room/reality where they are taking a well earned vacation on a tropical (monster free) beach. They deserve it.
WoW !!!
Squeeeeel!Delightful as always Ilove all of your series and characters ,but ,Arland Maude,Helen and the gang at the castle are hands down the best
Squeeeeee!!!!
I can’t wait.
Oh that’s right I have been waiting, but it’s been done patiently.
This is a great treat. Something I will look forward to.
thanks for the snippet today.
😊
Did you just tell us (elegantly) to cool our tits? 🤣
Thank you so much for this Klaus tidbit. The big wedding and the mukhama, very exciting.
So interesting too that the new doorway from Gertrude hunt opens on the home planet of Arland. The Cliffhanger from Sweep of the Heart is so compelling and powerful and moving! It will be so interesting to find out how long it takes the Khrars to discover the big magnolia tree, and how easy it will be for everyone to visit each other. it’s just amazing. I’m looking forward to finding out why Wilmos is angry. I’m being patient. it’s worth the wait.
Klaus. Silly Klaus. Didn’t know his audience. He’s no George it would seem
omg, I am laughing so hard right now. Yay! Klaus just gave them the best wedding present ever! News of an invasion! lolzzzzzz
Holy Anocracy Batman.
Oh Sweet!!!! So Yummy!!! Perked me right up. Also, we are so Cold! Now, my heart is warm. Yay!
I love you so much – thanx for the snippet. This so just made my day after a sleepless night, fretting morning, pottering about and dithering with looming deadlines. Thank you for putting my world to rights. Going to attack that dead- line now
I thought Klaus was an encyclopedia. How could he not predict how the vampires would react? Shameful really. Poor Klaus so far gone. First he gets involved in the marriage of one of his arbitrators and looses him for most of the year, now he tries to intervene in his sisters with the opposite result.
“How could he not predict how the vampires would react?”
Or has he? 😋
Mod R,
Please pass on my SUPER excited “thank you so much” to House Andrews” for the Klaus snippet. My mother & I have been waiting & drooling over the whole Innkeeper series. If I have read the series once, then I have read it six times because I sooooooooooo love the family it created & immerse myself regularly. May mother has read the series at LEAST fifteen times.
So when I tell you the only disappointment we had in reading Sweep of the Heart was that we were not there for the Klaus/Maude confrontation I am not joking. NOT to complain at ALL about Sweep of the Heart!! It’s was AWESOMESAUCE!! And so many unexpected drops of jewels of information! I am gonna have to start the series all over again after /his letter, just for the pleasure of re-immersion onto this world again!
Alas to the point of my question. Are there any other Klaus snippits out there other than this one I missed. And when House Andrews does write another Maude perspective book will we be privy to the whole confrontation/conversation between Maude / Klaus that was the cliffhanger of Sweep of the blade. And Helens reactions to getting the knives from Aunt Dina?
Again, “Thanks Again!” to House Andrews for their diligence in giving us an awesome way to escape from the world at large today!
PS! Gleefully enjoying the Roman sneek-peeks as well!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the books 😀 . No, there are no other snippets of Klaus around, he is mostly a mystery wrapped in an enigma, and that’s by design! 😉
Tell me Maud and Arland are a perfect match without telling me they are a perfect match, LOL!
Yeah! I loves innkeeper, especially Maud and Arland. Unless the snippet refers to Dina and Shaun, and then I love them, especially.
It’s Maud and Arland 🙂
oh my! I needed this! I laughed so hard I almost choked on my breakfast!
I DO hope Klaus was counting on that reaction, I’d hate for the sisters to be the only smart ones. …hmmmm… wonder if the remains of parent’s inn will come into play…
Monsters at Maud’s wedding! YEAH!!!
I cannot tell you how excited it made me to read this!!! squuiiiii!!!!
Thank you, thank you. I’ve been a good little hoarder. I’ve stopped haunting the blog so you will be more free to work on bigger projects (except Fridays), and here is yet another reward! You’re so good to us.
Given that he was trained as an Innkeeper, and a HUGE part of that is understanding different species’ mindsets, one would think Klaus could have predicted this. Did he want it…?
So exciting!! I love Maud and Arland’s stories!!
Now I will have to scour the multiverse looking for your next books. You are evil.
Ohhh, I see what you did there. The wedding will be the Grand Finale. Will Orro via the new door provide the catering?
This is absolutely wonderful. The only problem that I am wondering if you took in consideration is that you have now fed a horde with a small sampling of deliciousness and expect that will satisfy us. In actuality you have triggered the Innkeeper bell that goes off in our heads.
Poor Klaus, post Karhari Maud is not remotely like the Maud he knew. Klaus, all I can say is “get in, sit down, shut up and hang on”…..you’re about to meet Helen!!!
Mukama et al: prepare to receive your ripper cushions. It’s going to be awesome.