ILONA ANDREWS

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

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That’s the way she goes.

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Bad news. Despite an earlier announcement, Steve West will not be reading for the audio version of Fated Blades.

When we made the announcement, we were under the impression that Steve was hired for the job. Then we got an email from Steve himself explaining that he was contacted but that an agreement was never reached.

Let me be perfectly clear here, this is not Steve’s fault. When he was contacted, he explained that he had a very narrow window of availability and that was it. He didn’t hear back. He is a fantastic narrator who is much in demand, so I absolutely believe him. Please do not email Steve. None of this is his fault or our fault. This was a problem on an administrative level.

There is no way to hire him in time for the audio and E-book to be released simultaneously. Ilona and I will spend the next couple of days finding and picking the best narrator available.

Is this ideal or what we wanted? No, but this is a business and sometimes things go sideways. We apologize for the miscommunication and promise to find someone who we hope you all will like. That is all.

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Comments

  1. First. I’ve always wanted to that, and yes the title is a reference to a popular line in The Trailer Park Boys TV show.

    • TPB is full of great spoonerisms, malapropisms, and mondegreens, hehe.

      “Ricky: ‘So, I’m going to do what the old man used to always say. “Let guy bonds be guy bonds.’”

      “Ricky: ‘When you’re growing up, you gotta do illegal sh*t once in a while, have a bit of fun and maturinate into a better person.'”

      “Ricky: ‘Beauty is in the eye when you hold her.'”

      • There is something about Canadian comedy series, isn’t there? Letterkenny is another brilliant one. They have a sparklingly delightful way with language.

    • I just finished the audio book of Iron & Magic and will forever associate Steve’s voice with Hugh.–First audiobook in a while (my last one was the whole volume of HP LOL)because you guys mentioned here about Steve and seemed so excited.

      Don’t worry–there are still more (Hugh) books for Steve (hehe) and I’m sure whoever you find for Kinsmen will be great =D

  3. No judgement, questions or comments… just a recommendation… I’m listening to a book narrated by Kevin R. Free (Network Effect by Martha Wells) and he does an EXCELLENT job. Good luck.

    • I don’t think a female narrator would work very well for Hugh’s second book.
      Also, while all the ladies are wonderful female narrators, if they are used for every series, how do you know what series or character you’re listening to?
      I love having different narrators playing the different main characters! It keeps all of the series fresh and exciting!
      I’m sure they’ll find another amazing male narrator for the second Hugh book. In addition, they might also need a new male narrator for the next Innkeeper book (please make it from Klaus’s perspective ????), so now is as good as time as any to try out some new male narrators!
      No matter who Ilona and Gordon pick, I’m sure we’ll love the narrator (or the BDF might make the narrator mysteriously disappear). ????

      • Hey Cindy,

        There seems to be a bit of confusion here:

        the post deals with the narrator for Fated Blades, the upcoming release in the Kinsmen Universe ????, not Hugh’s second book.

        Steve West will be booked for Hugh ????.

        I hope this helps ????

  5. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this. It’s hard when you have to pick up the ball someone dropped and keep on running. Good Luck!

  9. Good luck with your search for a new narrator.

    Hopefully it won’t too difficult for you both.

    I will pre-order as soon as its ready ????

  10. Do people actually do this? Reach out to someone because they aren’t doing a piece of work? Wow. That’s all I have to say.

  11. Well, sad, but totally understandable. Do you think that Steve will do the next Hugh book (assuming that it happens – which I don’t want to assume, because I know life happens)? Thank you guys for everything – you bring joy and light to so many people. For me, you have brought me many new (imaginary) sets of friends (including those that I was determined to hate – how the heck did you take HUGH, the most unlikeable/despised character, and make him completely redeemable and somehow lovable) and hours upon hours of retreat from the real world.

    • Iron Covenant 2 will happen :). And the intention is definitely to get Steve again, he is Hugh now!

      Hope this helps 🙂

      • Very much I loved his voice as Hugh…sorry that it didn’t work for Fated Blades…but hopefully you get another voice that doesn’t hurt my head…not saying that any of the ones you have used did…loved them all so far

  12. Wait a minute, wait a minute. If we actually have Gordon here, can I ask a question?? What type of books do you like to read??

    • +1 I, too, would like to know this. Ilona sometimes posts recommendations for books she liked. I am curious if Gordon would recommend something?

    • Conan, almost any author. Casca but only the early ones written by Barry Saddler. The entire Spenser series by the late Robert B. Parker. Ace Atkins does a very good job with the newer books. The Hawk and Fisher series by Simon Green. The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French. Last but not least, Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones. Yes, it’s werewolves but a very different take on them. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

  13. Sorry about the snafu, and really sorry about the extra work it means for you. I’m looking forward to the audio version and know that whoever you pick will be good. I’ve never been disappointed in any of your narrators. You pick well.

  15. Life just happens in a totally unexpected way sometimes. You guys are still amazing and I think the audio will be the best that it can be. I know audiobook readers? listeners? are a particular lot but hopefully also understanding.

  17. Balls get dropped. Things happen. Grownups get over it. Those who don’t, need to maturinate into better people.

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  20. So. I follow this guy on TikTok that’s doing voice acting. I’m not sure if he’s the direction you want to go, but his email is [Edit Mod R] his TT handle is @dwinterhollervo he has some samples on his account if you want to check him out.

    Sucks to loose Steve though.

  21. Dang!
    Steve is a fantastic narrator, let’s hope that the narrator you choose will do the story justice and that Steve gets the chance to shine in your future stories 🙂

  22. Oh no. I’m not an audio reader (listener?), so this doesn’t affect me at all, but I know some folks were looking forward to listening to his narration. Sorry this didn’t work out.

  25. That’s fine. If the BDH had our way, Renee would have performed Iron & Magic, and we would have never even had the chance to fall in love with Steve West.

    Besides, I’m SO excited about today’s other post, nothing will harsh my mellow!

  26. :Picture of kitten and puppy followed by the words “Bad news”: Augh my heart! I thought it was a death in the furry family. Thank goodness it was not. Phew.

  29. Zooterkins! I’ll apologize in advance for all the, er, individuals who go off the wall on you over this.
    Some people’s kids …

  31. I think finding someone relatively new would be cool.

    Or… would love to see y’all work with Graphic Audio. I’m a broken record about it I know, but I think your stuff lends itself so well to the productions they put out.

    • Also I don’t exactly mind. In my head Steve West’s voice is just the embodiment of Hugh. Every time I hear it, I think Hugh. It’ll be interesting to see someone new as well 🙂

  34. Cassandra Campbell. She narrated Robert Beatty’s “Serafina” series, which was published by Disney/Hyperion. She has believable male/female/kid voices and reads like an actor, without odd phrasing, etc. My daughter and I both loved her work.

  35. Things happen… We’ll take whatever we can get from HA.
    thanks for your hard work; it’s much appreciated!!! Have a good rest of the week!

  36. You do a really great job picking narrators. I have listened to some that have a great voice but can’t really “do” all the different character voices. There are some who do distinctive character voices but their regular narration voice is less than great. You seem to be able to find people that can do both. So just take your time and find someone new for us to enjoy.

    • Does anyone know where I should send an audition tape? As an unknown I will work CHEAP, as in an ARC would cover it….

  37. Eh. This is why we make plans B, C, G, P… With luck, you will find a perfect new narrator and some lovely voice will find a terrific new gig.

    If y’all need suggestions, I have this grandson…

  38. Sometimes the best laid plan of mice and men go awry…. You always give us your best product. It will worth out

  39. This is a wonderful opportunity for all those folks following YouTube videos on how to be come an audiobook reader to send in their audio samples as we all know how easy it is to be an audiobook reader and make lots and lots of money.

    The above statement is full of sarcasm so please do not take it seriously.

  40. Sad to hear about Steve but look forward to hearing him whenever Hugh2 comes out.
    I’m sure it’ll be another great narrator though – you have chosen well so far!

  43. I love that Gordon ended the announcement with “That is all.” I read the recent article on telephone etiquette/history and (was it A. Bell?) to end a conversation with “that is all.” Let’s revive this protocol. That is all.

  44. I’m currently listening to a series narrated by Kate Reading and she’s fantastic. Just in case you’re in need of recommendations. ???? (It’s the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig in case you’d like a sample.)

  45. Bummed that it means more work for y’all!! If it makes you feel any better I don’t overly love hearing the same narrator for different series, especially one with such a distinct voice!

    SO they might not be a good fit for Fated Blades.. but I haven’t seen Scott Eastwood, Nelson Hobbes, or Lisa Flanagan mentioned here already- they are all really great and fun!

    Lisa narrating Spinning Silver makes it one of my favorite audiobooks!

    Good luck with the search!!

  47. Thanks for all your hard work. Even when I don’t love a narrator at first, I usually get used to them by the end. After listening to the book a few times, I can’t imagine any other voice. People have probably already said this, but Steve West was great as Hugh, so hopefully we’ll get to enjoy him again in the next Iron Covenant.

  48. Well rats.

    I’ve been waiting to preorder the audiobook.

    I really like to get in on the pre-orders as a way to support my favorite authors but I have gone almost entirely audio.
    I will order at the first opportunity.

    Thanks for all of your hard work. You two and your team are terrific.

  50. Gildart Jackson is a very good narrator 😉 Seriously though, I hope you guys don’t stress too much over it. I’m sure whoever you pick will be fantastic.

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