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The Inheritance is #1 Amazon Bestseller

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Holy crap.

I’m shocked. Gordon is shocked. Our agent is being very cool about this. She is like, “Of course, it’s #1.”

No publicity. No marketing. No nothing.

BDH, you are so damn impressive. OMG.

OMG.

::fans self::

Okay, I will compose myself now.

Urgent things:

Print is in the works, should pop up in the next couple of weeks.

Audio: Hillary and James have the file and will record the book sometime in Early September, which means we will be seeing it maybe in October. We just finished pronunciation guides, and if you speak Japanese, we would love your help, because Gordon’s time in Utsunomiya was many years ago and he is a little rusty.

We just handed off the store support messages to our regular customer service specialist. She was not available before but she just finished her summer semester at college. She went through the customer issue emails at record speed, not realizing that I was still handling them on my end. (I feel like Ada – it’s good to be young.) So if you get a message from us after I already resolved your issue, please ignore it. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Some brief answers to Mod R’s urgent questions.

Sequel?

Yes. But not for a bit. This Kingdom sequel comes first.

Romance and spice in the sequel?

Yes. She threatened him and he liked it. Of course, there will be romance.

Credit to the artist?

Guys, Candice is credited in the usual place artists are credited in the ebook.

People who hire artists check the copyright page. Moving the link to her anywhere else will lessen her exposure.

What’s next?

Next we are working on Maggie 2. But, don’t go away, because we are going to try to have fun stuff available to you. We have a few deleted scenes and short fragments that we need to finish and develop into short stories and more inn-terviews at Gertrude Hunt.

Will this hit NYT?

Not a chance in hell. NYT is heavily weighted toward print books. USAT used to track ebooks, but they now changed the way they are compiling their list, so I wouldn’t expect us to hit there at all.

We don’t care. We are already happy as we can be.

This was an intense path to publication with sudden editing issues, which I won’t discuss here, and we worked so hard, and this is amazing.

Zoom Party

Also I’m supposed to remind you about the zoom release party. We’ve extended attendees numbers, so if you didn’t have a chance to register before, you can do so now.

Join Ilona and Gordon on Saturday, August 16 at 10 AM Central on Zoom – register here

And finally, can BDH name Elias’ cat?

Please suggest the names for the cat – trying to avoid spoilers here – in the comments. If you like the name, +1 it, and Mod R will sort through them and will have a poll for you on Friday.

::hug:: THANK YOU! You are truly the best.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Congrats! I got my copy on Monday night and finished before going to bed. I don’t have a name idea, but hopefully Ada will meet our mystery cat someday, and say “Here kitty, kitty”.

  4. I have a 5 hour plane ride today so I’ve been saving the Precious. Now I’m really excited. “She threatened him and he liked it!” Rubs hands gleefully. Must wait until airport, must wait until airport……are we there yet?

    • I’m saving it til I can savor it, too, hahahaha! I bought it THE INSTANT I found out it hit Amazon on Monday and I’ve been gleefully patting it (mentally) every time I’m reminded I have it. I’m trying to hold out until Friday (because I will 100% ignore everything and everyone once I start it) and it’s the most delicious torture.

      • OMG, it’s so good to know I am not the only one waiting for the right time to SAVOUR this book.🤣 Not sure when, exactly, but I know there will come a time soon-ish…

    • Only if male. I haven’t got that far, so I don’t know.

      And #1? I knew House Andrews was impressive — I had no idea the Book Devouring Horde was big enough to drive all the way to the top (as opposed to, say, #5, which I totally expected) during the first official day of sales.

      • Double impressive when you consider many of us, myself included, bought from the store rather than Amazon this time around!

  11. Was the “Letter to the Readers” ever posted to the blog? If not, I think it should be. It’s hilarious. If it was, my apologies.

  13. I loved this books so much! Thank you for writing it!

    My daughter suggested you name the cat Pumpkin (she is 5 and this is her chosen name for anything animal related)

  14. Lots of happy dancing. 🙂
    Well deserved recognition of your work. The Horde is a hungry demanding beast: we love House Andrews for spoiling us like this. Thank you again.

  15. OMG, never was that high before!
    Aaah, guys, you killed me! I wanted to w*it until I have it on paper but now… The power of BDH… I called my cat mouse. Maybe something in that way? Bear is called Bear too. So, Lion or Dog or something… Would be funny… But I don’t know the cat, so don’t listen to me…

  17. So pleased for you both.

    Has sent me a link during work time and I had to heroically wait until lunchtime to read the last 2 chapters. I will go back and reread later.

    This was such a fun thing and I really appreciate House Andrews doing this for us and hope it wasn’t too stressful for you.

    I hope you get a little break soon.

  19. Big congratulations! Loved the book, already looking forward to more!
    Hercules for the cat because he might be key to saving earth and it’s on his shoulders.

  22. Sooo, this is the same universe as Innkeeper, the most in(n) universe humor comes from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

    To be fair, my next cat’s name has to be Olasard, the Ripper of Souls! Because awesome.

    • +1 for Olasard, the Ripper of Souls

      If for no other reason than to continue the crossover between Breach-verse and Inn-verse. : )

    • This isn’t Dina’s earth, so an alternative Earth like George’s and Jack’s earth. But you could ask that question in the Zoom Q&A chat

  23. Princess Pupule after WWII war cat. Here’s the breakdown of the meaning:
    Princess: A title of royalty, but in this context it could also be a term of endearment.
    Pupule (Poo-poo-leh): Means “crazy” or “mad” in Hawaiian. … so crazy princess. If it’s a girl cat.

  24. Congratulations!!! This is so deserved!!!

    What about Nemea for the kitty?

    For the Nemean lion in Greek Mythology?

  27. General (conspiracy?) theory to the BDH…
    Could the cat be a shifter? The subtitle of the series could then be subtitled “When Worlds Collide”. {snicker}

    Another idea. If those that can afford it buy the physical book, could we attempt a New York Times ranking? If not for The Inheritance, then for Maggie? Let’s discuss.

    • I will discuss.
      And sincerely appreciate the irony of the reference as the subject of discussion is basically how many dead trees do we as the horde need to reach #1NYT.

      • 🤣🤣didn’t think of that! Love the reference!
        And yes, definitely buying the print copy of both !

  28. It is so well deserved, congratulations!! Relax, celebrate, and revel in the love!

    My cat name suggestion is Mystery, Myst for short.

  29. We never found my Kindle after our last move so I’m waiting for the print version with amazing patience.

    Patience sucks

    • If it doesn’t bother your eyes, you can read Kindle books on your phone, tablet, or computer. Just download the free Kindle app to do it. I think it’s not as easy on the eyes, but you do get the lovely pictures in color!

  30. Congratulations!
    Well deserved!
    So very happy for you both!
    You and Gordon are my favorite authors. Your quality writing style is enjoyable on the first and the tenth read.
    May Maggie 2 progress with ease and a minimum of stress!
    Sending peace, health and safety to All and those you love!

  31. I speak Japanese; feel free to contact me. I’ll actually be in Tokyo for the next week or so.

  33. I’m usually a traditionalist as far as cat names but if ever there was a cat that should be named “Tiny” it is that one.

  35. Congratulations! I know I’m not speaking only for myself when I say that a new Ilona Andrews book means I grab it. I already know it’ll be awesome!

  36. Pansy or something cutesy and ridiculous because this cat is not only a killer but super illegal.

    • Lol I think that’d be hilarious. Something like Pansy, Daisy, or even more ridiculous like Murder Mittens lol.

      • Mittens was my immediate reaction upon reading the request for nominations. It’s your basic cutesy cat name and rhymes with “kitten.”

        • I also like Daisy, but that might assume that Elias’ cat is female (which it might or might not be)

          A male-leaning name that might work is Murphy (Murphy’s Law seems to be appropriate to this series, after all), but given we already have a ‘Bear’, how about Smokey.

          Although Tiddles for Elias’ cat would also be funny.

          OK: too many suggestions there…I’ll stop now!

        • And being the crazy cat lady (also occupational hazard of being a vet) I am owned by my own clawed horde: Buffy, Little Timmy, Amelia, Misty, Sunshine, Galadriel, Bagheera, Duchess, Marie, Tony and Bernie (a stray mom and her kittens named from the Aristocats)

      • I like Murder Mittens. I thought Mr. Mittens was good until I read your suggestion. They could call him Mittens for a nickname.

    • +1 for Pansy My Grandma’s cat was Pansy and I am getting ready to revive the name for my next cat

  37. Cat name – R.I.P as in rest in peace ‘cause one hit with those massive paws and you are a goner. Also a fun play on Ripper 🙂

  38. Huh. I read the comment about Sherman and immediately thought of Sheila, the lady in the tank. that might be a bit of a deep pull though.

  39. Congratulations! You blew the doors off this one. Wow!

    As for the cat name, how’s about Archangel?

  40. We don’t know his humor well yet but I could see Elias naming the cat “Kitty.”

    The cat distribution system gifted us a cat someone had named “Kitty” so we updated her name to Miss Kitty, a very small orange tabby who thought she was the size of a skelazhar and who ruled us all with a mighty orange paw.

  41. You guys are amazing and the book was wonderful.

    Cat name – Waif because they found him in waifish circumstances and I like the contrast to his/her appearance.

  42. Go Horde! Woo-hoo! Congratulations!

    The Horde is awesome. 😁

    I just had this go through my head. Think of the Rawhide song when reading below.

    🎶 “Rollin’, rollin’, rollin, keep those orders rollin. Rollin, rollin, rollin, BDH!”

  43. Wow!! YEA!!! Go HA and BDH! I’m so proud. Just so proud. 🙂

    Didn’t get a chance to read it yesterday and so I’m reading this morning while I work. Just hit the first illustration. Wow again. Just wow. Looks so good.

    You guys will never cease to amaze me. Thank you!!

  44. Male: His Most Majestic Lord Sir Percival Purrington III

    Female: Her Ladyship Dame Petronella Purrington of the Velvet Paw

  46. Had another cat named “Gully” short for “Gullible.”

    We could never figure out if we were gullible for letting him come inside and stay or if he was gullible for letting us pick him up and carry him in.

    No missing cat posters, just one of the many loose, semi-feral cats running around our small town.

    Best cat ever, even the vet couldn’t believe how mellow he was, even with the cancer at the end. And now I have to stop talking about cats that have crossed the rainbow bridge or I will start crying.

    And today is a day to celebrate the book greatness that is House Andrews.

  48. Glad to have my copy and will be reading again more slowly. 🙂 Hmm name for the big cat, the big, sad kitty: Growl or Kit-Tae or Smartie or Coal (black)

  51. congratulations! I hope you picked up a lot of new BDH members. loved the Kitty! my fave scene! love Ada and Bear! yay for a sequel! yay for Romance!

  54. My kitty name vote is for Yellow which I hope the BDH agrees with me after reading this book 🤣

  56. Congratulations! You deserve all the good things.

    I totally admit that I sat at work and read the end. I’ll go back an re-read the entire story when I finish knitting the hat I am making for my son-in-law’s birthday.

    Cat name: Fluffy
    (when I was reading, that name popped into my head and wouldn’t go away)

    • +1 for Fluffy. I don’t think Elias will put a lot of thought into naming the cat. although I also like Yellow!

      I was so surprised when I got an email saying this book was just released. been so busy haven’t been on the website in ages! so glad the authors sent the email! Started reading as soon as I got it and read til I finished at 2 am. it was so terrific. I loved it. oh and I’ve converted my sister in law to a member of the BDH by listening to Innkeeper on a road trip… now she asks if we can listen as soon as she gets into the car!

  57. Antoine for the author of The Little Prince – riffing on Samantha’s quote. Or just Prince/Princess, since it seems kind of regal. (I don’t think we know gender yet?)

    Congrats on #1!

    • I like Puka and Peke. From the above suggestions, I also really like Jonesy, Persephone, Nemea, and Daisy.

  61. Congratulations on #1! Very cool.
    For the cat name, I got the impression it was maybe a young one so:
    Piscín anord which I believe translates to “kitten of chaos”, or just Piscín (kitten) for short. It amuses me, anyway, lol.

  62. Wow! Hitting #1, even with all the store orders! Congrats! (Although, we all expected it, if course.) 🥳

    I started over at the beginning, so I’ll vote on a name when I get finished.

  63. I got “girl kitty” from my read, however I would like to offer up Bun-bun for her name. Both for the original comic and the appropriation of the name for a nuclear tank in David Weber’s Aldenata series…

    OBTW- My new (4 1/2 months) Maine coon kittens are Flower and Cookie. They are almost as tall as my 16 pound Karat already and closing fast w/ half her weight…

  64. so well deserved! the book was awesome! I no longer pay attention to the “official” lists. To me they don’t mean anything since so many good books don’t come out in print the traditional way!

    thank you so much for creating such amazing worlds!

  65. Congratulations!!👏👏👏👏👏
    Well deserved!
    Waiting for print (it’s a tactile thing) so I know nothing of mystery kitty.
    Bruiser comes to mind, especially if she’s little and dainty but spicy

  66. Congratulations, and considering many of your readers will have bought direct from your own site, this is amazing!

    As for kitty names – Dandelion, a cute little weed meaning lion’s teeth

  68. Number of people in the world who are shocked that this book is #1 on Amazon:

    Two. Count’em, 2.

    Seriously, what did you all expect? When Ilona said you had to keep the actual ending back for the published ebook because not enough people would buy it otherwise, my eyes rolled right up in my head. I’d love to see the data on how many people have read any serial on this blog, ever, and *not* bought the published version as soon as it became available*.

    *Or at least on their first payday following the pub date.

      • You know, to me it’s already a tradition that the serial ends and we get a little bit extra in the polished and published version. Keeps the anticipation up, which is a good thing.

    • I shook my head when Ilona said that. Then I thought “she doesn’t know the Horde very well does she?” 🤪🤣

  69. I would name the cat Spook, or Spooky, since anyone meeting this cat will definitely be spooked! =)

  72. No publicity. No marketing. No nothing.

    Question: Isn’t the blog marketing, and the social media? I follow you on at least two networks, Facebook and Instagram, and there were constant posts about the book. I’m just curious what the difference is.

    • Good question 🙂

      In very broad lines, the difference between marketing and publicity is that marketing is paid for, promotional efforts the publisher/author directly commissions and controls- see Facebook ads, for example; while publicity refers to strategies to encourage other people and outlets to use their resources to promote the book, out of direct control and for free: for example, reader reviews. (There are ofc, also paid reviews, but let’s not complicate things because that practice is already controversial.)

      While the blog and all the official social media Ilona Andrews accounts on various platforms do fulfil a visibility and advertising function, it is one of self-promo or branding done, if you prefer. Not publicity or marketing, which are both done by external sources 🙂

      And just in case, the official accounts are:

      Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ilona.andrews
      Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ilona_andrews
      Threads https://www.threads.com/@ilona_andrews
      Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ilonaandrews.bsky.social

  73. Not surprised at all! So many congrats and so happy for you! There are just so many of us and we frankly love your work. I would be interested to find out how well the direct store did as a comparison. I always buy directly from the authors when possible. Just curious, ya know.

    How about Sekhmet, the lion headed goddess of war from ancient for our new feline friend?

  74. My grandson named his cat Slasher years ago for the pawing motion she did at the shelter. She is the sweetest kitty and loves being brushed. When we visit I think of all the attentions she of course feels entitled to

    • For kitty names: Gizmo or Loki.
      Gizmo since Cold Chaos could talk about the new ‘Gizmo’ they have at headquarters.
      Loki because chaos.
      Also I have orange kitties with these names and they fit remarkably well. Gizmo is a snuggle bug, she will snuggle in like a teddy bear but also gets the zoomies.
      Loki her sister talks about everything and demands attention by using her paw to grab your hand. She also is in charge of our dog.

  75. I’m so happy about this whole thing! I’m daily new to the blog but a longtime fan of IA. What is the possibility of buying signed copies when print becomes available??

  81. Cats are stealthy. This one will need to be extra stealthy to escape the rift undetected. I’m thinking “Ghost” will be a good name.

  82. I have a disability so I have to use my phones screen reader to read my emails etc. It can be a real pain to use. Sometimes you have to tap on each individual sentence for it to read. The Inheritance was beyond worth it! I was so invested in the characters and the story. I kept raving about it to my husband and kids like a loon.
    I bought it on Kindle as soon as I saw it was available and roped my teen son into listening with me even though he doesn’t really like the assistive reader voice. Now he is hooked too and we are both anxiously awaiting the audiobook and the sequel. I will be buying the dead tree books asap as well. Thank you guys so much for writing The Inheritance! Even when things were going badly for the characters there was an underlying feeling of hope and determination that lifted my spirit. I can’t thank you enough for putting such a positive work of art out into our frequently gloomy world. I needed it.

  83. Maybe something like Gizmo or Gonzo

    Just unexpected and totally doesn’t match the appearance of a dignified cat (no matter how big the kitty is lol)

  84. Huurrrraaaahhh!
    Well done HouseAndrews and BDH!
    I tried to find out the German Amazon numbers and failed. Maybe they will pop up in a little while.
    Kudos to the very cool agent 😎

  91. Yes, yes we are damn impressive!!

    So we can expect another 2 books in this series by Christmas, yes? 😁

  93. Congratulations and thank you

    Now having read Inheritance, I have more questions for the Zoom party Q& A. I don’t want to spoil anyone so on what post should I comment with them?

  95. Cat’s name – Marmite. Not everyone loves a cat. But if I had a ginger cat I would call it Lady Marmalade even if it was a Tom cat, because let’s face it, a cat never suffers from a crisis of identity.

  98. “Tuna” as a homage to the House Andrews menagerie. He/she can sit on Elias’s keyboard. 😄

  99. Congratulations on being #1 … and I agree with your agent, of course you are #1. 😊

    For the kitty’s name, I do like a lot of the Horde’s suggestions that are call backs to other IA stories, but I feel like the character of Elias would be sentimental and name it after his lost family members. So Brenda for a female or Ryan for a male… then Ada can give him all kinds of sh*t for his own pet naming skills. (Since he told her Mellow was inaccurate lol)

  100. This story is awesome! Thank you so much.

    I think Chaos would be a good cat name, both for the Guild name & because cats always cause chaos wherever they are.