April 18, 2025
We are at war.
This war is not about wealth, resources, or a difference of ideology. It’s a war of survival. The very existence of humanity is at stake.
The moment the first gate burst, sending a monster horde to rage through our world, it brought us unimaginable suffering, but it also awoke something slumbering deep within some of us, a means to repel and destroy our enemy. Powers beyond comprehension. Abilities that are legendary.
The war is ongoing. If you are a Talent, your country needs you. The world needs you. Be the hero you always wanted to be.
Take my hand and answer the call.
Elias McFeron
Guildmaster of Cold Chaos
Squee!
+1
+1
+1
+1
First?
Whattttttt is thissss?
I’ll take it! 😳
+1
Ok. I’m in! Lol
+1
+1
“Whaat is thisss”- I totally heard the chef in the original Little Mermaid saying that line as he confronted Sebastian hiding in his kitchen 😂
+1
What.
Oh my my my. Buckle up!
With an opening line like that … I can’t help be all in. 🙂
I’m pretty confident in saying the hoard is now hooked lol
plus 1
I’m in! 😀
Yes I concur!
+1
I didnt see an Apocalipse portal fantasy out of House Andrews but cant wait to read what true masters of the craft do with it. So Yes HOOKED!
+1
It says “free fiction” and “April 18, 2025″…
New series next friday? *squeeee*
+1000
A million points to you for having more reading skills then I did.
+1
+1
Here’s my hand lead on into the blood, guts, brains, bones to glory.
Ooooooooo! Happy dance!
Yay, I’m already hooked! What an exciting start to the day!
I’m very intrigued. I do remember them saying they needed to publish something this year, maybe this is it?
Is this the kids book? Can’t remember if it was kid 1 or kid 2 that had a book coming.
It is not Kid 2’s opus 🙂
Sorry, forgot the apostrophe and was immediately annoyed. 😀 “Is this the kid’s book?”
looking forward for more.
that looks AWESOME and at the same time now the 18th feels soooo far away
+1
Chiiiiii. My treat for making it through the next couple of weeks worth of work on my own writing and author business. BTW, is this the third piece you two are working on; after Maggie and Iron and Magic 2?
Thought Iron Magic 2 is back- burnered because of contractual obligations and the need to give IM2 serious focus. I agree this is the extra piece needed for financial security.
Please Ilona and Gordon take care of your health first. We love you as well as your work.
Intrigued! Looking forward to hearing more about this.
I know where I’ll be next Friday!
Thank you for the teaser!
Oh man I’m going to be on vacation, have to wait even longer!!! Great tease!
A vacation without your phone? Revolutionary! Have fun!
Excited bouncing and squeeing and waving of the hands and happy dancing with ABSOLUTELY NO CHILL WHATSOVER.
Woo Hoo!
Oh gosh, it’s good!!
I’ve just been reading Hugh and Elara’s blog story in case it has to leave us. As always, this blog is the first the I check each morning so finding this enticing snippet is so exciting. Thank you and I hope Gordon’s shoulder is diagnosed and doing better.
Full … Body … Shivers!
This is going to be Legan-waitforit-dary!
This sounds SOOOO good. 🙂
Holy Freakin Cow – this sounds amazing! Thank you Author Overlords, and we’ll endeavor to be worthy and p*tient, because this is 9 days away!
Something else to wa*t for?
You mean things! Cruel. Heartless.
Best torture ever 😁
I feel Mod R’s comment deserves a Wa ha ha!
1000000000% agree! Of not a wa ha ha, then at least an evil giggle. 😈
oh snap!!! This already sounds amazing. Reminds me of a game the husband plays called Helldivers but with superpowers lol
Well, that’s not ominous at all. What world is it from?
!!! Sweet !!!
But to throw something like this into the maw of the BDH and walk away? Poor Mod R!
😁
House Andrews did specifically ask me if I’m up for it before dropping the Goodie Bomb!
Cackle!
To which you said “yes,” and then buckled your seat belt.
I just jumped over to see if there was anything new to cheer up a drooping Wednesday. Whooping instead of drooping – best afternoon break in a while. 🥰😍
Ditto here! Whooee! I’m ready to join up!
Yes! Me WANTS! Only a few days away :-). Give me!!!
…as a side note, I do wonder what it is…
This sounds wild! Is this going to be the much needed 2025 release?
Can my Talent be teleportation? Pleeease? 🙂
I had to read that twice before I realized what the post is about. 😁
Like the rest of the Horde, I’m very intrigued by this tease. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m going through cardiac issues, so this will be a great way to get my mind off of what’s to come with me.
I’m so sorry to hear, Patricia! I hope everything gets under control soon and you are back to healthy happiness!
Thanks, Mod R. 🙂
Hope you feel better soon.
Oooooooooooo — very interesting (and exciting!)
Meh. Sounds like yet another totally legendary, can’t wait for it, and excellently hooked HA offering.
Don’t have the energy to be even more excited. “Yawn”, why can’t I just sleep through the 18th and be ready to devour it?
Ilona with yet another successful trolling of the BDH.
at first I wondered if this was a feature on Jeaniene Frost’s upcoming release but after checking the title. . . I’m thinking it’s the novella HA spoke about a couple of weeks ago?
so excited. and amazed that they could pump this out with everything else going on.
I was hoping the novella wpuld be Puffles related but I’m not disappointed at all!
For a second, I thought this was a comment on current world. Then I was like a new world from one of my favorite writers Omg squeee
I had to read the start a couple of times and the date before I worked out it wasn’t about current events too! and I know HA had a politics free safe space here so couldn’t make that fit. then finally absorbed the free fiction tag. yay!
This story sounds very addictive. TAKE MY MONEY.
😲
Oh my!!!
‘Please, sir, I want some more.’
It’s giving Solo Leveling, and I’m so here for it!! Thank you for the free fiction. We are not worthy <3
Exatly what I thought! A strong Solo Leveling vibe and I absolutely love it <3
I am reminded of the “A Quiet Place” movie duo.
Whoaaaaaah!
Has someone been watching too much Pacific Rim?
+1
The gate/portal looks a bit like the black hole in the bottom of my purse.
i have one of those in my purse too!
Can never find anything when I need it but somehow stuff appears later on as if it was always there when I don’t need it.
I call it my purse of holding. My husband is too terrified to actually look for anything in it. Possibly he thinks there is a portal in the bottom?
Thank you for holding it until after tax day. I don’t need more avoidance distractions.
Oooooh – something new 👀
Holy moly my heart is pounding now! I’ll take your hand! I’ll take both your hands 🙌 and give you my money to boot. Heck with w@*ting, where’s my Tardis…I know I parked it somewhere around here.
I think the Doctor has it. 😂
id like some more please
wait, what?? yes yes pls – I thought there would be more, my screen usually shows the top half of the post and I click for me and sad face there was not more – but yeah you got me – want, need, desire, will pay for!!!
thanks
Is this the previously mentioned litrpg?
Because I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been on a weak run of books the past few, I need something good to lift me in my already beloved new found genre.
I’m talking DCC level goodness which I know will be possible from Team Andrews.
Please.
I can beg more if necessary. Pleeeeeassse.
What an unexpected(happy) surprise!
Sounds amazing.
I have no idea what this is but I’m intrigued and excited!!!
I’m grabbing your hand and answering this call…8679305…seriously, if you need me, just knock on the ceiling if you want me.
Those of the BDH, born before the 2000’s, shd get it😉
Thank you HA, you always deliver when I’m feeling down😊
Twice on the pipe?
I found myself thinking of some of the Summonings in the Hidden Legacy series. If someone had figured out a way to get those gifted to power each other? As if a circle of talents could be a battery to power a focus warrior…
I want this please?
Only if the answer is no!😂🤣😂
Jenny! But u did change your number. It was 8675309…
And that nine has four syllables. 😀
Chiiiii !!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am rehabbing from a total knee replacement, and between the pain and the limited mobility, there has been so little to keep me occupied.
This is great. Thanks again.
WOW! This sounds super-exciting and just the sort of House Andrews series (okay, like ALL the rest of them) that I could fall in love with!
It is as if Hidden Legacy powers were triggered by some existential crisis to humanity instead of a chemically-induced change and this time we get to be in on the start of the changes this brings instead of landing in the world after decades of inherited magic and the societal changes brought with that.
Honestly, brought in at the beginning and brought in in the middle are both fun for the reader in different ways.
SO excited to read this!
Woohoo!
You’ve done it now, we’ll be waiting! 😁😉
I was all types of confused for a good minute there. My body believes April 18 was two weeks ago while my brain is screaming “no! That’s not right!”. Then again, my same brain didn’t pick up on ANY of these context clues the first time I read it.
Whatever this is, bring it on! I’m game for it!!
Excellent.
Sounds similar to the world in Solo Leveling
Oooohhhhh how exciting!!!
💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳
Cannot wait!
Zomg what is this?!?!? *dies of excitement*
Happy, Happy, Happy day!!!! We will have a new precious! lol
Oooh, this sounds like a take on the esper/guide manhwa genre. I can’t wait!!!
oooh! Something new? Awesome!
Whooooo Hooooo! Thank you for this! (Whatever, exactly, this is….) Have totally bought into the concept and am ready to sign up (and send money).
Hope crafting this brought as much joy to House Andrews as it has to the Horde devouring it!
Hope your health issues are now healing!
As stated above – the Horde is truly beloved!
Sending peace, health and safety to you all!
Immediately reminded me of the popular anime series Solo Leveling!! So excited!!!
“Take my hand and grab your sword…” feelings. I’m here for this! Thank you, House Andrews.
[lIs this a sticking a toe into litrpg? yes! please? what would the system look like? will there be a system?
omg, omg, yay!! it sounds like the premise to solo leveling, and other similar anime. Awesome!!
I just added my comment and now saw the others that mention solo leveling, that’s cool, hehe, maybe it’s because the portal image is similar to the show
You are right, it is exactly like that. 🙂
Looks fun!
Wow, I am in!
Give! Give!
Please! Pleeeeeaaaase!!!!
😝
Wait. What!!
Sign me up. Where you lead, I shall follow!
Oh yeah… I am so in!!!
Wow! Exciting
Omg this is amazing and I want to read more now!
Yes please!
Gimme more!
Is this a manwha with towers? Coool
Want! <3 Looking forward to whatever this is!
NEEEEED!!!!
Ooga chaka ooga chaka! Enthusiasm!
Sweeeeeeet.
How very Solo Leveling. Honestly, the set up also reminds me of Kate’s world, just set during the first Flare.
I look forward to seeing y’all’s spin on the setting.
Just commented that! I can’t wait!
Oh if it was short stories from the first flare I would be over the moon
YIPES!!!!! [eagerly raises hand anyway!]
Thank you!!!! 😁
I’m getting Solo Leveling vibes!
Ooooo! Oooo! Take my money please! I am here to answer the call and buy whatever the heck this is!
Hmm, first installment on Good Friday.
Something else to look forward to.
woooowww!!! this sounds amazing
I’m in. will read as soon as it is here.
Tease! BDH demands more.
Horde? Monster Horde? You put us in a book? 😀
So very excited! Yay!
Yep yep yep!
Ooooh!! Chills! Love this, can’t wait to see where it is going!
OMG, I turn 50 on 18 April. It’s like my own personal birthday gift from Ilona and Gordon! Squee! Thank you!
Of course I’m in NZ, so I’ll probably have to wait til April 19 in my time dimension, but still so happy!
I shouldn’t be this excited at 5am! 😁
Omg omg omg!! Give meeeeee!🤩
Squee too!
squeeee
Since I went down the Tapas rabbithole after Innkeeper was adapted there I loved the idea of Maggie. And now Gates and Monsters HA style. woohoo
Yeah, when down the tapas rabbithole too (not right after Innkeeper, just recently), and I’m still down there, starting new stories right and left, so felt very familiar but would look to read in Ilona Gordon’s voice.
Sounds good. I’m going to take a look at this one.
Omg!! this gives me the Legacy series vibes in THE BEST WAY!!!
*grabby hands* GIMMIE!!!
Squeeling in delight – is this a new book/series? Give me ALL of it. Sign me right up. Can’t wait!
You fished my skeptical butt right out of the pond.
(aka I’m hooked. Gimme! Gimme gimme gimme!)
Cool! What is this gonna be?
Oh my, is this the Solo Leveling inspired one? I think I said this last time, I’m all in!
ok, who else thinks this is kind of mean? lol… I want to explore this now, so badly right now!
you probably say things like “ooooooooooh, oh, uuhh nevermind” then just refuse to say more. lmao 🙂 Never Change
Squeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Finally some good news. Thank you <3
Holy sh😎t!
Oh my Lord , a new adventure awaits , I’m in all the way.
Hooked in the first paragraph.. Application in the post.. 😁
I need more information
😍😍😍😍😍
AWESOME! I am constantly amazed at how you are continually coming up with such great content. In spite of all that’s going on in your life.
Still praying your good health
Oooh! Got chills!
More please!
Thank you!
I can not wait for the rest of the story. Keep it coming.
Wow!!
And the crowd went wild!!! (Ayuh; count me in on that.)
Very excited to see what this means!
I am ready! I am answering the call !
Ooooh, this is giving “Solo Leveling” vibes. I’m totally here for this new treat. LET’S GOOOOO!!
solo leveling vibes. me likey
Drooling! Bring it!!
OH Boy…… another great read coming….bless the fiction gods, for it will be greatly loved
+1
Yes Please
yeah, btdt without superpowers. Got 40 years of a series of good jobs that supported me and my family. A lot of travel. some good friends. Also hearing loss, exposure to toxic chemicals and a pension. Join the Navy, see the world. Smartest thing I ever did.
🙂
*Jumps up and down in anticipation*
I’m getting quite excited here!
Here’s my hand!!! Here’s my hand!!!
Yes pls!
A most interesting hook. Where do I bite?
WHUT?????? *Love* (Swoons in absolute bliss). I. Am. HOOKED!!!! Thank you for being so good to us, Ilona and Gordon!
Wow! Fabulous introduction!! Thank you so much!!
Is this….. a new serial? A new book? Either way, I’ll be downloading or reading right away.
In the words of Bug, “Give! Give, give give gimme!”
[w*its with maximum chalance]
yes!!
I take!!!
Wow!
I thought maybe this was a promo for a new book from a new author that you were promoting but I see no link? you got me interested and there’s nothing?! mean lol!
Alrighty then!
Is this a work in progress? Yes, please !
Yes, please!
Reporting for duty! Ah I’m so excited!!!
IN! (& wow 😲)
Hooked!
Ooooh, is this a new project? Going Gates and Hunters, yeah? I am so excited! One of my favorite genres.
Omg is this the new secret project!?!? It so mysterious and cool!
This is giving me Solo Levelling vibes! Love it!
I’m definitely in love it
I hardly EVER comment, but this nugget made me come here to say”Oh Yeah!!!”
Yussssssss.
( rubbing hands, gleeful cackles)
Yes, please! And Thanks!! 🤗🤗😬
This sounds incredible, and I know I’ll probably fall in love with it just like I have with everything else you write. Your storytelling has a way of pulling me in no matter the world or the characters. But I have to be honest—my heart is still holding space for the stories I’ve been waiting on for years. Since the pandemic, I’ve been hoping for updates on Hugh, Julie, Kate, the Innkeeper sequel… even Roman, who feels like a whisper now. These are the characters and worlds that made me a die-hard fan, that I reread endlessly, and that keep me checking the blog every month, hoping for a sign.
While I’m excited by the promise of new adventures, it’s hard to fully embrace them when the ones I love most feel unfinished or out of reach. I say this not as a complaint, but as someone who cares deeply about your work and the worlds you’ve created. Thank you for all the stories—past, present, and future.
We all hold space for the IA worlds we’ve fallen in love with and the characters we await stories on. And they will come.
But in the meantime, authors need to keep creatively alive and feed their craft and inspiration. An author who just churns out sequels, who only writes for an ever-diminishing reader base of people who have already read the 15+ books that came before – I’m not saying that can’t be done, but it’s not an extremely viable model.
Like any artistry, there needs to be expression freedom and innovation, and I am very grateful House Andrews is walking other paths. There’s nothing to say new inspiration for Gertrude Hunt don’t live somewhere on the road to a portal fantasy, for example.
yeap, keep fresh 🙂
and sometimes, if you are a new reader to the author, its nice to have a ‘new start’ rather than an established series that means you’d have to read the 20 – 50 or so back books to ‘catch’ up.
And some of those original books can be written 20+ years ago and might not grab you like a book written now. Styles do change.
oh??? 👀👀👀👀
Now! I want to read this now! No wait……I want to answer the call!
Yes! I’m in, for whatever you two come up with. Thank you for the happy!
Yes i agree you are absolutely right and it does make sense. I do not know the ins and outs of what it actually takes to write a book I am speaking from the perspective of a reader that after midnight transforms into a Gremlin if you don’t hit her with a new book from her favourite authors. When Ilona Andrews writes a book it’s like Catalina sang and showed her pretty siren wings to me,I am hooked, i can’t get enough but that’s my problem to deal with as a grown adult hahahah. It will be hard to wait for Hugh 2 novel but in the face of adversity I will prevail.
Wouldn’t you know, it starts after tax day! What a gift! I can’t wait to get this into my grubby mitts and start reading!
Grinning maniacally, fingers shaking in anticipation, the Horde sets a reminder for next Friday, hoping to be first. 🤓
You have my complete attention. I am available at your convenience.
Also, SQUEEEE!
Squeee!! New stuff! New world, characters and excitement.
I can hardly wait
Thank you!
What The Elder Futhark?
Count me in!
plus 1 !!!!!!!!
yes!!
more please, sire!!
Squeeeee!
Oooh is this an awakened/tower raid story?
🥳💃💃🤯
Celebrate Good Times!🎵
Squeeeee from the middle of the BDH!!!
Forget my hand, time to get my sword! (If I had one)
Oh! It looks like it belongs to the “dungeons” genre! And before the so waited Maggie! I’m already hooked 😆
OMG!! LitRPG!! Yes!!!!!!!
What an awesome teaser! I’m all in and so is my entire family!!
Oooh! Very cool – I am intrigued!
So few words can bring so much joy. Your talent is endless.
You even make me enjoy the wa*t.
Wow!
Looks interesting!
YES, Authorlords! The BD Horde awaits more news of the invading horde!
This sounds like a similar premise to the “World Trigger” anime. And of course it’s got all the “Independence Day” movie vibes….. (goose bumps). I can’t wait to delve deeper into the mystery!
Oooohhh, yes please.
More! We need more words to devour!
interesting teaser!
hmmm…. could this be Alphas?? yay! more of whatever it is please and Thank you!
I want!!
“A Talent” fck yeah that sounds kinda badass like oh idk “Prime” or something 🤩
omg just got out of bed (friday morning here) and read this and went,
‘who is this Elias McFeron’ i’ve never heard of this writer and there is no Ilona comment, huh
then I read the comments
oh free fiction, Elias McFeron is Guildmaster of Cold Chaos, oh I get it, new story
hehehe
I don’t drink tea or coffee and haven’t had my morning walk yet.
sounds fun
thank you
+1 I’m in for the whole ride.
I am now excited!
Can we pick our guild names?
I want to be in the Guild of the Hearth Creative.
Oooh yes, that’s definitely me.
After all your monster fighting, you come see us and we will make you feel at home for a short time. Blanket? yes we have those, as long as you like complimentary colours and loud bold prints. Tea? ooh yes we have that! Chocolate? Definitely, it’s what we actually will fight for (and nice craft fabric)
I love this. Yes, absolutely.
I want it! Please!
So this happens in 8 days??
This sounds so amazing!!! I can’t wait for more! I’ve been listening to the Kate Daniels series graphic audio on repeat and would love something new to read! Especially from my favorite author!!!
Oh my goodness, at first I thought this was a pre-sequel to Innkeeper.
The planet Auul.
Looking forward to the new story..
By the way, I’m not scared: NO horde (monster or otherwise) is mightier than the BDH! 😂
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!
I’m in! Where do I answer the call?!
Thank you House Andrews! I am so ready! Throwing patience out the window!
You all are the best!
!!!!!!! (more exclamation marks because not enough words!)
Does anyone else feel a ‘BDH ASSEMBLE’ moment coming? We have lots of unexpected skills, right?
definitely!
I need more!! I want this. Yes please! I’m in!
What a great tease! The photo is awesome. I am so intrigued!
Heh, didn’t check yesterday. This definitely looks intriguing! And something to look forward to, thanks!
Let’s do it!! My hand is in, I’ll answer the call! 🙂
OH MY…
Loved this so hard!!!!
You are both so creative!!!
Waiting impatiently but with a BDH grin in place.
This sounds like a great read. I am in.
Woop
woohoo!!! but now i have that song from the movie grease stuck in my head: “TELL ME MORE! TELL ME MORE!”
Whoa! No fair!!! I looked up the name naively thinking that’s the author…. But no, HA is showing it lovely wickedness!! LOL
Now I am desparate…. Tell me! Tell me, pleeeeaaaassse
Thank you. This is amazing.
We’re being taunted and teased.
More please.
Uh oh… is this a book announcement or prophecy sent back in time to prepare the BDH..? Must simultaneously prepare for emergence of latent powers and cozy reading frenzy…
You had me at war!
(Well – IA kind of war. )
Reporting for duty…
Waiting patiently(not really)!