So much stuff. Okay, let’s see if I can get some of this in here without collapsing.
Winter Storm
We are expecting a massive winter storm. As I am writing this, the outside world is soaked. Standing water lingers on the street and in the driveway. It is the first major rainfall we had this winter season. We need it desperately, because we are in full drought.
Tonight, and especially tomorrow afternoon, all of this will freeze. Ice will coat the ground and build up and down the electric cables, the temperature will drop, and Texas grid, which is made of tissue paper, will likely collapse again. We are already having multiple pole fires and outages.
We expect to lose power. If this happens, we may have to reschedule the Price of Magic Zoom and the release of Beast Business. We have a bit of an emergency with the copy editor, but we found someone else, so we are back on track. If the grid holds, we should release on the 27th. If the grid fails, it maybe more like Friday instead of Tuesday.
The novella is finished and has been through the first round of edits, so it’s not the matter of “it’s not done,” it’s the matter of “it’s not clean.” We need to do a copy edit and a proofread. Mod R has my number, and if we are powerless, she will update you.
Beast Business Release Party with This Kingdom Preview Q&A
We will be doing a second zoom to celebrate the release of Beast Business, probably next weekend – the registration link will be posted on the blog next week. We have been given permission to answer your questions regarding the content of the free preview of This Kingdom during the Q&A, but we will not be revealing any spoilers.
Gordon has promised to stick to that policy. (We are wise to your ways.)
Imagine Books: This Kingdom
This Kingdom is attractive and charming, and it now has several special editions. One of these is by Imagine Books, and I’m here to tell you more about it.
DISCLAIMER: We cannot answer any specific questions, because we did not commission this edition and have nothing to do with the order fulfillment. This was done through Tor, and we are breaking this down to avoid any confusion.
What is it?
It is a box containing the Tor Hardcover with teal edges and some extras.
The book:
The extras:
- Signed bookplate sticker – we sign it and they attach to the book.
- Redesigned front dust jacket with foiling: @jescole.art
- Reverse dust jacket: @davidev.art
- Page overlays: @avoccatt_art
- Bookmark with character art
Add-on option:
Additional page overlay — $11.99
Okay, I didn’t know what page overlay was, so I had to look it up. It is a semi-transparent full page illustration that is almost like a very large bookmark. It fits over the page, so if you wanted to mark your favorite place or a scene in the book, you would slide it in. So imagine a removable illustration. Google came up with this awesome Instagram post about it, so if you want to see the pictures of what it might look like, go here.
(Also, page overlays, super cool, and we will be doing this in the future.)
To reiterate: this is a Tor hardcover with extra stuffs.
The price: This book will be priced at $42.99 plus tax plus shipping (this price does not include the add-on overlay).
The preorder date: the preorder will drop on Imagine Books Shop website on February 28th at 11:00 AM PST. Yes, we will remind you on the blog when it goes live.
The shipping date: This special edition is estimated to ship in JUNE. So, the regular release date for the Tor Hardcover is March 31, but this edition will NOT ship on that date. It will ship later. Here is what Imagine Book Shop says about it:
Why does a preorder take longer to ship, and how does this relate to special editions?
Great question! Our special editions feature custom artwork that is exclusive to Imagine Books Shop—that’s what makes them special. The artwork is designed, illustrated, and then sent to be manufactured. The longer wait time is
because the art (in this case, dust jackets and overlays) must be produced and shipped to us before we can ship the customized books to you.
We are currently estimating that this book will ship in June. Ship dates are estimates. We always do our best to get your order to you on time, but unforeseen circumstances or delays may occur. If there is a delay, we will always keep you updated.
We asked some additional questions. All answers are provided by Imagine Books.
Tell us about you?
“Hey everyone! I work for Imagine Books Shop, and we are thrilled to announce that we are collaborating with Macmillan and Ilona Andrews to bring you special editions of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me!
As huge fans of Ilona Andrews, we couldn’t be more excited and honored to share these
editions with you. I got early access to this book and absolutely loved it. This is truly an amazing story that is near and dear to my heart. Reading this one was a special experience.”
Do I need a subscription to buy this book?
“No! This order is open to the public. No subscription is required to purchase these editions.”
Where can I buy this Imagine Books Shop edition of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me?
“Our website is the only place this particular edition of this book will be available.
Here is the link to our website: Imagine Books Shop.”
Do you ship internationally, and what are your rates?
“Yes, we ship internationally. Shipping rates vary by location.”
What is a preorder, and how does this affect shipping?
“A preorder means you place an order for a book that will not ship right away. Our estimated shipping timeframe is June. Our preorder goes live on February 28th.
“Members of our Facebook group get early access to reveals and early access to sales by half an hour. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming! Here is the link to join:
Imagine Books Shop Facebook Group Link.”
Why does a preorder take longer to ship, and how does this relate to special editions?
“Great question! Our special editions feature custom artwork that is exclusive to Imagine Books Shop—that’s what makes them special. The artwork is designed, illustrated, and then sent to be manufactured. The longer wait time is because the art (in this case, dust jackets and overlays) must be produced and shipped to us before we can ship the customized books to you.
“We are currently estimating that this book will ship in June. Ship dates are estimates. We always do our best to get your order to you on time, but unforeseen circumstances or delays may occur. If there is a delay, we will always keep you updated.”
Are these editions limited?
“Yes. Once the initial stock sells out, the preorder will close, and there is no guarantee that we will restock these editions. We typically do not offer reprints.”
What is a page overlay?
“A page overlay is a vellum sheet that depicts a scene from the book. In simple terms, it is an art print (on thinner paper) designed to be inserted into a book to bring your favorite scenes to life.”
There you have it. For all additional inquiries, please contact Imagine Book Shop. If you ask us, Mod R will just paste the link back to you.
First?
Freezing first! 🙂
Hoping the grid holds and the storm isn’t awful (but you get the needed rain! Excited about the cover and special edition. Also stoked for the novella, but totally understand it’s dependent on what happens with the weather heading your way.
Hang in there!
So many different versions to pick from. Positively spoiled.
This sounds so cool….
thank you for the Maggie and Beast updates. Wishing all of us facing inclement weather this weekend the best of luck.
Wow. Even with this winter you are full speed ahead! Stay safe. Drink tea and warm cookies – to help with the cold 😉
(I’m going to splurge on the special edition if I get online quick enough!)
Thanks for all you do – feeding the BDH is quite the task.
Fellow Texan here bracing for the weather. Fingers crossed we don’t lose power,
Be safe and expect to lose power. we expect to JUST have snow. Just 13 inches in SW MO. I feel lucky that we aren’t getting ice.
The BDH will survive! Horde Unite!
It’s -17 degrees and I’m preparing to go outside for several hours to march for our wonderful immigrant neighbors. This is for my friends and all the immigrants like Ilona who bring light to my life. I’m still cranky as hell about being cold, but the world is watching us today. I can’t stop ICE but I can stand up, and I can march.
Excellent and don’t freeze!
From someone on the other side of the world, lots of love and hope go with you all. And hope of warmth and safety for all the Horde this winter.
Thank you both for all the good words! Be safe warm at home,
Page overlays look so cool! Sadly, I’m an ebook reader as it’s easier on my eyes.
In Colorado, it’s snowing with wind chill temperatures around -6F.
To all affected by the storm, stay safe and warm!
Up here in the Fort Worth area. I’m prepared for all the winter crap we’re facing here. Ice is going to be the main problem for the DFW area. We might get some snow on the back end. I have deicer to help with the ice. After the stupidity that was the February 2021 ice storm, I bought deicer, put it in an inexpensive cooler, and stored it after the 2021 storm. I was able to replenish what I have with deicer I bought yesterday. Right now, it’s just rain where I’m at in Fort Worth.
I thought Armageddon was coming to the Walmart I shop at on Wednesday. It was crazy!
Keep safe everyone with all the crazy weather we are having across the US. It’s understandable if Beast Business and all the other good stuff is moved back if the stupid power grid here in Texas fails us again. I hope not, but 2021 is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
TY for update, was thinking of you and mega storm, may your wood be plentiful and ready to burn. maybe hook up a rope guide to your wood shed for stability walking and directional safety in case you need it.
Thank you for the heads up about the possible schedule change. I hope for everyone’s the sake that storm is less intense and difficult than expected.
The special edition information was very interesting and informative, but I’m not w–ting.
stay safe and thanks for the update – release of Beast this monthish will work for us all.
Is this the only special edition comingnout in the US?
I’m trying to decide which to order!!! Currently leaning towards the UK edition, but if another us special edition is in the works I want to see it!
They’re pretty much guaranteeing we’ll lose power in central North Carolina. Longest I was without power in Maryland was 40 hours, I think, but I had a gas water heater, so I could take hot showers or baths periodically to warm up. I won’t have that option in NC, unfortunately, and I don’t have a fireplace.
Good thing you guys fixes your chimney this summer. You’ll need it this weekend.
I’m sorry Tink, I hope you have plenty of blankets and warmers! Stay safe <3
We had a center chimney in Maryland, with wood stoves in the basement and living room, and plenty of firewood. Lifesavers. Definitely miss that in this house, where the previous owner cut off all three chimneys and roofed them over. 🙁
Sending y’all all the love from DFW! Stay safe and stay warm. That’s the main thing.
I’m glad you explained a page overlay.
If I got one, I would be terrified that I would it.
My daughter is in Dallas for the AETA trade show and is supposed to fly home Sunday morning. She sent me a text that flight maybe cancelled. Watching the news it looks pretty likely. I hope she doesn’t get stuck sitting in airport waiting to get out. The projections for the storm look horrendous. Everybody stay safe.
Waiting for the ice in north central NC. We are expecting to lose power, and when that happens we lose water. I’ll be running the bathtub full of water this afternoon. We are as prepared as we are going to get. Hope you guys don’t see the worst of it.
While all the editions look cool, the one I really love is the picture on the beginning of this blog. The weathered old fashioned look is fantastic. I would pay whatever for that.
Kid 2 designed that graphic, she’s so talented 🥰
Absolutely would be my favorite special edition! Go Kid 2!!!!
I have to agree with you, it’s beautiful! If the shop ever sold vellum page overlays separately from the book, I would buy that one!
+1…
That’s a good idea 😉😉👀
Hoping you keep your power! It is currently minus 10 degrees here in NW Illinois. Hanging out at home, piddling (human meaning of that term, not dog meaning 🤣) around, and reading Junkyard Wars by Faith Hunter or listening to Wildfire on Graphic Audio.
Just finished that this morning! Isn’t it awesome?!!!!! Now I have to go re read Catalina’s story….
I wonder when the GA edition will come out 🤔
Stay warm!
Me, over here, trying to figure out how many editions I can afford. Maybe I’ll get this one and then the pretty UK one as well?
Also, good luck with the storm. We’re hunkering down here, too. I need to get the birdfeeders filled, but other than that, I think we’re ready. Knock on wood.
I know you can’t say too much yet, but is there a count of how many US special editions there will be? Just so I know to prepare my mind. I’ve told myself that I can buy 1 special edition (this excludes the greatness of any re-released IK, that falls under the unicorn rule), plus the Kindle version. So I’m just wondering how many I’ll have to mentally choose between.
Thanks! 🤗
Well, if we are talking fancy books, 3 US, not counting the Tor hardcover, I think 2 UK if you count the publisher one, French one promises to be amazing and I know Germany is doing special stuff.
I think that’s all of them, omg.
woah so cool!!! we are getting spoiled with all these special editions!
Can’t wait to see them, and thank you for signing so many!
Thank you so much! 🥳
That is very exciting, but sounds like a lot of work for you! I hope your signing hand and stamping wrist get all the rest and recovery that they need. 🤗
Thanks so much for letting us know! I too, have to choose 😊. I’ll be on the lookout for drops on special editions…
I’ll wait for all the US ones to decide… I will have the e-reader edition, one U.S. and I can’t wait to see the French one (I might have to splurge on that as I haven’t read an Ilona Andrews in French since Kate Daniels 3).
Thank you, stay warm and we will stoically w*it for Beast Business if Ice Mages are conspiring.
🥰
Stay safe!
Best wishes to all in the storm’s path.
Thanks for the explanation of page overlays; they’re beautiful, as is Kid 2’s work.
I’ll be happy to see Beast Business whenever it shows up. Just started the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, so that will occupy my breaks from snow clearing in the interim.
hope you all stay safe in the storm and yay on the other special edition, page overlays sounds fun
I really like the look of the UK version of This Kingdom.
Will they sell it and ship it to the USA?
Some of the UK retailers have international shipping, you have to check on their websites for what you prefer 🙂
I live in the UK and have pre-ordered a copy from Watersons. Their site in the UK quotes:
“Rest of the World Delivery: £13.00 + £1.50 per additional item”
BUT, I do not know if US tarrifs will apply to imports from the UK and if this is so, they can change dramatically from day to day.
Good luck.
Books should be exempt from tariffs for the US.
Looking forward to releases for ebooks. Eyes have trouble even with large print, but paperwhite expands as needed. Thanks for update. We are expecting 22 to 30 mph wind gusts, snow, freezing rain, ice, back to rain.. In other words we are on the edge of all the systems in Yorktown, Virginia. If the line shifts slightly will be ice and lost power. I am worried for my husband who feels cold intensely. Hope your grid holds through the storm.
Ha ha I would like the version that is in the blog post image — all beat up and with a lock 😉 I’m so excited for This Kingdom free preview!! Good luck with the storm!
Now I have two reasons to hope the grid holds. One: want new book please. Two: I live here too and I get irritable when my interior temperature drops below 50 and I have to put my groceries on the patio. Stay warm!
Too bad you don’t have a source for the tome in the artwork at the top of the post, clasp and all. I’d pay a ransom for a volume like that.
Yes!
Although/also, I would so covet Kid 2’s cover/artwork exactly as is, as the cover to a blank Diary — with lock of course — and maybe colored/patterned edges? Yes, I would pay a pretty penny for my personal “This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me” diary.
Just signed up for Imagine Book’s FB Group 🙂
And, for all the people experiencing heavy winter weather, sending out “be safe and warm — don’t take risks” wishes.
Well, I know what I will be doing (hopefully) Tuesday night! Yea!!
Speaking of the Texas power grid, KUT has a great podcast the wonderfully explains how Texans came within 5 minutes of a complete grid failure in 2021.
Stay warm and safe!! Crossing fingers for the strength of the Texas grid!! Blankets, hot tea or cocoa, maybe soup or stew.
The weathercaster on the news just asked the inevitable question: When will it warm up?
The answer here in northern Illinois: May, it will warm up in May.
Oy!!
I hope that you have a generator,or two, maybe even whole house. If not you may want to get one. Texas’ grid is infamous ( and I am from Alaska). Just remember to wear layers, not cotton, and sip warm drinks, not alcoholic or caffeinated. I hope that it doesn’t get too bad for you. Thank you for the update info and the book information. That edition sounds beautiful and I may have to save my pennies.
South Carolinian here, waiting for the storm to reach us. A lot of PTSD from Helene around – propane and spring water is not to be had. Grocery stores are running low on everything (although so far everyone I have interacted with has been very polite about it).
Hoping for all of us to come through unscathed. Stay safe.
Thank you for the update. I hope that your grid holds. My brother Larry lives in Lufkin, TX and like you he is hoping for the best with a large firewood stash just in case. We grew up in a rural setting and when storms would hit we could go without power 2-3 days. Sometimes even longer. It’s because of all of these beautiful trees and that nasty ice.
So I quilt and I often sew the top or quilt to your books among other of my favorites. So if I’m making a baby quilt or lap quilt I can usually do the whole thing: cut the fabric, sew the top and quilt while I listen to one of your books.
I was thinking about Maggie. I am so excited about the length. I bet I can make a king quilt with that one. I’ll start planning now.
Stay warm everyone!
Everyone is excited for this. I am in heaven–a huge book!!! By my fave authors!!
New world!
It’s all the goodies in one.
Best wishes from far Northwest Alabama. We are also expecting that storm. As our infrastructure consists of 1930’s hydroelectric and above ground poles and wires; we anticipate a similar fate at least in the shorter time frame. The first few snow flurries have arrived.
Get a Generac…that way you don’t have to worry about the grid🤗
Home generators generally don’t last as long as some of our loss of power episodes. I remember sending the power company to check on my mother in law after her cell phone died on day 5, of what became a 12 day outage.
It is too late in this episode for the BDH to band together to provide one to our Authors in hopes of preventing delays. It is also too common that the internet providers and cell phone service are also affected.
I offer all the best wishes for a small inconvenience rather than catastrophe for all.
I LOVE overlays. I wish they were more common.
Stay safe everyone!
I wish you guys luck! I live in South Carolina, in the same area that got hit by Helene, and we’re about to get clobbered again.
I did NOT prepare for Helene because I live 300 miles from the damn coast. So I spent ten days without power taking care of a bedridden Mom.
This time I’ve spent three days buying food for us annd my folks. My dad bought a Generac after Helene, but my own house is surrounded by trees, and our chances of retaining power are about as bad as yours.
I hope everything goes well for you — fingers crossed on the power front. Stay warm and safe, you and your kids and adorable animals! Fingers crossed for everyone, including BDH!
Thank you for the heads up on the special edition! I’m excited to see all of the versions. Wish my budget was big enough for all of them, lol. Hope everyone stays safe and warm, and that the capricious power grids hold. I’m in Georgia, and we were supposed to get snow and ice this weekend, but the weather pattern shifted and it will miss us–this time.
Wow! So many choices. LOOOVVVVE Kid 2’s graphic!
Best wishes for everyone affected by the storm to stay warm, safe, and for no damage!
I’m a transplant Floridian (to southwest Florida) so the worst we are getting is night temps in the 40s and one night in the 30s and daytime temps in the 60s for the next week. That means we pull out our winter clothes of fleece lined pants, long sleeves, and jackets and watch for lizard blizzards. (Most people don’t like anything below 70 down here so we are dramatic when it does. 😆)
However, I do have family in the southern part of the storm area and spent the last few days making sure my dad and stepmom (in their 70s) – that currently have pneumonia 😫 – had groceries delivered to them (I’m so thankful for grocery delivery!) and kerosene for their kerosene heater in case the power goes out. Living in the south, their infrastructure is more suited to heat than cold conditions so it’s a pretty good bet power will go out at some point. It’s currently snowing where they live (it very rarely snows there) but the worst hasn’t arrived yet. I hope it remains snow with little to no ice.
Hello from Central Florida 😊
I laughed when you said we get dramatic when the temps drop below 70, I am transplanted from Boston and I even I get dramatic (well below 50…)
Stay warm everyone
Thank you! Be safe and Hold Grid Hold!
All the book news sounds amazing! The special edition looks awesome!
That storm coming through really looks nasty. A lot of the US is going to get it, too. I hope HA makes it through okay. I really hate ice storms. The last big one we had in Oregon we were without power for 4 days. Hopefully that won’t happen to you. Take care!
I love the cover art with the buckle! Maybe you can use it for the ebook and audio editions.
“We typically do not order reprints”
BDH: Challenge Accepted
😁
You guys and your family and friends all stay warm, safe and healthy. That’s literally all that matters.
Is this the last edition? There was another post about all the different editions coming out in the US/UK and I was hoping to see all of them before ordering. Current favorite is the Waterstones edition – the gilt edges are gorgeous!!
No, the most ornate book box editions are still to come 🙂
Sigh…
Mod R, here you go again suggesting that awful word…. W*IT….
Rapidly making my way through Kate Daniels right now…Already burned through all of Innkeeper….Do you have a timeline or frame for continuing Dina’s story? You left us with a cliffhanger of literary biblical proportians!
The Innkeeper series will continue, but the schedule is not official yet.
The characters are all safe and in a good condition for continuing the search for the parents, there is no cliffhanger at the end of Sweep of the Heart 🙂
I have not been able to find Beast Business to pre-order. I know the pending snowpocalypse might delay the release, and you’re super busy with Kingdom stuff, but I would love to pre-order it so I for sure get it when it’s out. (I will keep checking in case there’s just a glitch.)
Also, please stay safe and warm!
There is no preorder for Beast Business. It will just drop on the day 🙂
I actually went to my local bookstore and ordered it. They’ll call me when it comes in. (Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, 682-223-1115)
Hope everyone is doing okay with the aftermath of the storm! From what I’ve seen from the news, it looks like TX isn’t doing as badly was feared, and fingers crossed that our fav authors are safe and warm.
Mod R, I know there may be a delay, but if Beast Business is still being released on Jan 27, do you have a sense of what time that will happen? I believe book releases often happen at 3 am eastern, but wasn’t sure how that works in this case. Do Ilona/Gordon push some button to make it happen, or is it done by some company? I have no clue how self-publishing works and am totally curious.
Beast Business is coming on Friday. It should be the usual midnight release but we will keep you updated 🙂
Hope you are staying safe and warm.
Oh no. i had a look at the imagine bookshop side and they ship everywhere excluding Germany.
Look again. They ship to Germany and expect payments in Euros…
Quick question: Does buying that beautiful Nevada trilogy get you any more money, or did you get one payment when you said they could do this??
You mean the Arcane one? So it goes into the royalties. Meaning that Arcane pays Avon, and Avon takes their cut, and then we get what’s left. We’ve earned out on Nevada trilogy, so we get 25% – I think, I would have to check – of what Avon get from Arcane. So long story short – yes, we get monies.
Glad to hear it!
Is there going to be a book tour, do you think?
Keep your eyes on the blog this week 🙂 – my nechists are whispering maybe specifically Thursday!
“Leave my house.”
Snort, giggle. Can’t wait to see who she’s talking to.🤭
Is there a list of stores where we can order special editions? I’m working on a blog post and wanted to share the list! I know there was a post about it, but can’t find it. Please and thank you?
Not yet, in fact the few most special special editions I’m not even allowed to speak of yet! The secrets in this kingdom, you wouldn’t believe 😉
Thank you! I can always update the post with the links when you post them. There’s so much excitement for this release!