Me, last Tuesday: Columbus write up, a cursory mention that one of the authors present was dropped by the publisher.
BDH: What does drop mean?
Mod R, to me: They want to know what dropped means.
Me, this Monday: Explanatory post of what dropped means.
BDH: Are your series getting dropped? Are your publishers not happy? What are the sales numbers? Do you not have enough sales? What are the sales numbers?
Mod R, to me: No good deed goes unpunished.
Dear Horde,
Right now I’m looking at not one but two congratulatory emails in my inbox, one from Tor US and the other from Tor UK, both of which express happiness with sales. We have just received three new offers from foreign publishers.
Going along with my CIA stance, I can neither confirm nor deny that This Kingdom has exceeded expectations. It is safe to say that this is the best debut we ever had. This is due in part to incredible support from our publishers, but most of all, this happened because of you.
Thank you! You are amazing.
In Depth Sales Numbers
While I can’t tell you the specific sale numbers, I can tell you the Kindle ranks, because they are public record.
Beast Business, published January 29, 2026:
- On sale for: 6 months
- Price: $5.99
- Ebook rank: 10,887 in Kindle Store
- Amazon reviews: 3,865
- Goodreads reviews: 6,065
Inheritance, published August 10, 2025:
- On sale for: 11 months
- Price: $6.99
- Ebook rank: 22,578 in Kindle Store
- Amazon reviews: 9,007
- Goodreads reviews: 11,341
This Kingdom, published March 31, 2026
- On sale for: 4 months
- Price: $14.99
- Ebook rank: 1,201 in Kindle Store
- Amazon reviews: 9,266
- Goodreads reviews: 32,781
Not only has the rank held for 4 months, but the sheer number of Goodreads reviews indicates that the book is being widely read.
Now here is where I level with you:
Sweep of the Heart, published December 13, 2022
- On sale for: 3.5 years
- Price: $6.99
- Ebook rank: 53,830 in Kindle Store
- Amazon reviews: 12,383
- Goodreads reviews: 19,279
This Kingdom costs twice what Sweep of the Heart does, and it’s been out for only 4 months, yet you can see by the number of reviews that it was able to reach a much wider audience.
I’ve been trying to explain before why sequels to existing series are bonus releases for us. This is why. The publishing landscape always changes, and in its current form, books greatly benefit from the presence in stores and the backing of a great publishing partner. Not being in print is hurting us. This is partially why there is no Arabella trilogy – we need a publishing partner. The first two trilogies were in print.
It seems Amazon has beaten us to Hidden Legacy announcement we said we couldn’t share yet. Yes, Catalina’s trilogy will be released in trade paperback, matching the new edition of Nevada’s books. The first will be SAPPHIRE FLAMES on February 16. We will have an official announcement and share the new covers as soon as we have Avon’s go-ahead.
Before some of you panic again, we love the Innkeeper world just as much as we love This Kingdom, and we will be continuing it. More news to come soon.
State of House Andrews
I know Horde gets antsy, when we don’t update. To keep you in the loop, this is what we are working currently:
- Bonus material for the trade cover release of This Kingdom. (I
can neither confirm nor deny that this edition might have special stuff. Screw it. It will have special stuff! They can’t really come after me, they are happy with the sales numbers!) - Orders from the store – we anticipate a 4-6 weeks timeline for vellum fulfillment due to the large number of orders and personalization requests. If you get nervous, the store page shows some of the progress. We can only do between 100-200 orders per day and sometimes less. It’s the bookplates, guys. They are slowing us down.
- Edits for This Redacted will not Redacted Me, which we are told will land today or tomorrow. (Not nervous about this. Not at all. #sarcasm.)
Things that we will be working on shortly:
- Additional bonus material for Guide to Kair Toren
- Sticker sheets availability for the store – please be chalant, we promise, we will make stickers available
- Additional bonus material for I cannot tell you because contractual obligations
- Map for Maggie 2
- Bonus art for Maggie 2 – starting early here, because we will need a lot
- Bonus content for the blog: short stories and deleted scenes, possibly a serial
The app is due to go live in 8 days and we also will need beta testers. If you would like to help us a little bit, please drop your favorite quotes from our work in the comments with the book they are from. As in “If sky could dream, it would dream of dragons. – Fate’s Edge.” Right now the app has placeholder quotes and we need it to have ours instead.
PS. Jeaniene Frost has read the draft of Maggie 2 and has texted me with words like WOW and !!!!!! and then some threats, and then followed that with a 2 hour phone call. She called me evil – for some reason, Gordon was exempt – and demanded spoilers for Book 3, because quote “if redacted redacted endgame, I will not be able to handle it.”
Horde, if this ending survives the edits, we shall have to contract Hugh d’Ambray to build us a moat around our house. Just in case.
This one’s for Gordon:
“Parents don’t always do what their children want them to do,” Roland said. “Sometimes they show up unannounced and nag you about your eating habits.”
Magic Shifts
Alternate quote:
“Death should have a terrible beauty to it, don’t you think?”
Magic Breaks
“I haven’t killed him yet, Dina. I’ve only shredded his tongue. The day is yet young”
From Sweep of the Heart.
aaahh Caldenia te hechamos de menos ….
“¿Margaret? Asegúrate que pongan sensores de presión en las rejillas de ventilación de nuestras secadoras … “- White Hot. Todos sabemos que ha sucedido, jejeje
“People said that the kitchen was the heart of the house. If that was true, what would it make the kitchen table? One of the atriums, because food flowed into it, or one of the ventricles, because we ate the food and flowed out? Sometimes weird things like that got stuck in my brain.” – Diamond Fire
(relatable nerd moment)
“His eyes were full of the fire that every woman who had ever wanted a man hoped to see. – This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me.”
“I probably should have mentioned: that annoying habit of letting people come to the wrong conclusions and not correcting them? He got it from me.”
-On the Edge
@Mod R
I’m missing my Friday blog fix. Any chance of filler while House Andrews works on the edits?
Wish we could join the My Cat is Better Than Your Cat debate. I have 4 contenders!
Yeah can we have Cat bachelor/bachelorrette edition? Like we submit cat photos and the Horde votes on who gets the catnip everyweek? Maybe I just have a hankering in re-reading Sweep of Heart
I am answering Kate.
Yes!
(If I could only figure out how to fit Leonardo into one photo and then figure out how to post it. He has been dieting but he is still a very big boy.)
Whattheheck?
“I am coming late” was what I meant.
How did I get “I am answering Kate”? I would never answer, I would only ask and ask and ask and then be sent to Hugh to bother him instead.
“Here, kitty, kitty!” Magic Bites-Kate Daniel’s World
Can we get more Julie? I love Julie. She is everything Kate was supposed to be.
Well, that’s a hot take.
Julie is awesome, for sure. Between her own inherited magic, the Shinar blood magic, the personal training in magic from Roland & Erra, and the training in weaponry from Kate, she’s been created to be an absolute monster. I cannot wait to see where she goes.
But.
Kate is… Kate is completely inimitable. The queen who does not rule. The daughter of a genius blood mage and a wildly overpowered Russian witch, raised to be a weapon, but accidentally loved into being an honorable warrior. Etched in the womb with a love poem that fries people who merely observe it. Bound by love and duty. And just kinda doing her best every day.
She’s had to walk away from power over and over again so she wouldn’t end up like her elders. And she’s still growing. When you’re functionally immortal, I have to imagine that you don’t mature like a normal human.
Katenka is my hero. Always has been. Always will be.
+100 This!!!!
“True strength isn’t in killing—or ignoring—your opponent, it’s in having the will to shield those who need your protection.” — Julie Lennart, Magic Tests
From Magic Slays:
Andrea stared at me. “You’re not taking me seriously!” “That’s probably because you’re not excited enough,” Derek said. “You should clench your fists like they do in the movies, shake them, and yell, ‘This is bigger than any of us! It goes all the way to the top!’ ”
“He doesn’t just hold a grudge, he cuddles it and tucks it in for the night.”
Sorry it’s not word for word from the book; but it makes such a good quote.
(As for the “Crash Friday post and Michael’s artwork… I have one word for the merch store… Bobble-head)
gordon is pleasantly evil all the time so when you do evil that’s when he is exempt, that’s all I can think lol
From Maggie 1:
Everard.
Damn it.
and
“Are you worried that my cousin’s reputation will somehow stain yours? Please have no fear. I do not intend to pursue you, my lord. I’d promise you that I have no desire to end your chastity, but as you’ve assured me, that dursan flew long ago.”
(I like the dursan reference.)
+1
OK. now you have me very worried about the ending of the next one! But I am still on pins and needles waiting for it, a loyal horde supporter. 🙂
“Of course you know this means war.”
“Whatever.” I hung up and exhaled.
The attack poodle gave me a bewildered look.
“I’m in love with an idiot.”
Exchange between Kate and Curran in Magic Bleeds.
“I couldn’t even. I wasn’t sure I could ever even again” – Catalina Baylor, Sapphire Flames
+1
“My patience is an infinite lake. Feel free to drown yourself.” Blood Heir
My favorite quotes:
“It’s a reflex. Hear a bell, get food. See an undead, throw knife.”
“Truly your egotism is like the universe, ever expanding”
“Bring your army little god. My sword is hungry.”
“You came for me. Always.”
“Have you met my sword Saiman? It’s to die for.”
“But I’m not threatened by her in the least. Rogan, I own my own business. I’m good at my job. I’m successful enough to keep the roof over our heads and be respected by my peers. My family loves me unconditionally. And when some strange man calls me and orders me to be somewhere, I don’t drop everything and rush over. I’m free. I make my own life and my own choices. I’m not desperately trying to earn the approval of people who think I’m worthless because I don’t have enough magic or because I’m failing to meet their expectations. Don’t you think that if Harper was honest with herself for a moment, she would wish she were me?”
-Burn For Me
This one is long and seems strange, but this quote really changed my perspective on my life. I am free.
This quote resonates so much with me after the week I just had. Love it!!
TKWNKM:
R: Well, Undying is a bit of a misnomer, isn’t it?
M: Yes, but dying horribly and then waking up in a lot of pain is a bit of a mouthful.
you can’t compare sales to Clean Sweep, because Clean Sweep was a free book, and I eagerly waited for you to put out the next section.
I did purchase these free readings, but perhaps many didn’t
Here kitty, kitty, kitty
I think I’m scared of what the ending will be in the next this kingdom book now!
But I will forever and always love “Here, kitty, kitty!” from Magic Bites.
But as a bonus “You are a stupid, stupid wolf” from Bayou Moon.
I guess I like strong FMC taunting shape shifters.
Just birds, then?
“Because Nobody threatens me or my guests in my house. They don’t get to intimidate me; they don’t get to harm my family and they don’t get to kill my guest. They need to learn what the word no means and I am going to teach them over and over until they get it.” – One Fell Sweep.
“Yes, bad. Look at Daddy ripping the bad man to pieces. Go Daddy!” Conlan clapped his hands. – Magic Triumphs
I realize how traumatic this situation was for everyone involved but all I could think is how stacked little Conlan’s deck would be in a “My dad could beat up your dad” playground argument.
He said there were would be ripper cushions. Sweep of the Blade( if there is ANYONE who doesn’t recognize the quote.
Please let publishers read hidden legacy… then they will want Arabella’s trilogy as much as I do!!! What is wrong with the publishers!?!
I love all your books, but hidden legacy is the one I repeatedly listen to.
“Here, kitty, kitty…”
—Kate Daniels
From Burn for Me:
“So, the best way to fight you is to strip naked and attack?” His eyes flashed with a wicked light. “Yes. You should try it and see what happens.”
I mentally scratched Fatefire off my “To see while in Rellas” list.
-TKWNKM, >>>> tho perhaps this would best be expressed as merchandise with a list:
To See While in Rellas:
FATEFIRE – crossed out
RAGEGLOW – crossed out
Falcon’s Point – crossed out
Dursans- crossed out
Exultant Call – crossed out
Stelkas – with a picture of Sushi
(Please add ofhers as appropriate)
Additional to the above comment, the “To See While in Rellas”: The Lord of Assholes
I’d b happy to b a beta tester for the app!
Here’s a quote from Conlan’s Birthday Texts(free, posted on Ilona-Andrews.com):
Kate: I had to shower him after his toilet water escapade. I toweled him off and started mopping. While I cleaned the bathroom, he found the present, put the saddle on Grendel, and now he is riding around the house.
Curran: Naked?
Kate: No. He has a cowboy hat on.
😺
“Of all the human filth, I hate human traffickers the most. Wilmington is too small for both of us. It’s either Red Horn or me, and I just finished painting my second living room. I’m not leaving.” – Kate, Magic Tides (chapter 2)
“Yes.” Nuan Ara nodded. “The silent, stealthy, vicious killer that prowls by night and mercilessly murders its victims for food and pleasure.” From Sweep in Peace.
or
The fox’s eyes narrowed to slits. It leaned back and giggled. The sound was startling. It laughed at me. The little asshole understood me. From The Inheritance
So many good quotes! But “Here, Kitty, Kitty” – Magic Bites will always be a favorite.
I also like “I couldn’t even. I wasn’t sure I could ever even again” – Catalina Baylor, Sapphire Flames (I stole this from somebody else in the comments lol)
I adore This Kingdom, don’t get me wrong. Absolutely loved it. Bought it instantly and will instantly buy the sequel, no worries.
But I also adored Inheritance and wanted to see the sequel you so clearly signaled before This Kingdom took over Everything….
Alas! (::wails:: gnashes teeth::)
Any thoughts about when you might pick up the Inheritance world again? I realize, by the figures you posted, that This Kingdom is a better financial bet. I’m willing to be so, so patient. Just reassure me that you will get back to Inheritance eventually. (Lie, if you have to…)
“[Alessandro said] you knew we were right, but you didn’t think you were wrong.” _ Emerald blaze
Such a concise summary of most family disputes. Chefs kiss!💋
“Normal has packed its bags and left the building.” Inheritance
I quote this whenever anyone asks if I am getting back to normal after cancer treatment.
My vellum prints and other goodies arrived today. Everything arrived in perfect condition and is wonderful.
Thank you for doing this for us.
I’m happy to hear that you will continue the Innkeeper Chronicles at some point. I came across the GraphicAudio versions of the books and absolutely love them. I’ve listened to each book numerous times.
Thank you for the wonderful stories. Hoping for more soon!
Thank you Ilona, Gordon, Kid 1, Kid 2 and anyone else who prepped and packed the vellum/stickers/map! They arrived this evening in perfect condition. They are all AMAZING! My husband got the mail this evening and made a proper presentation to me , helped me unpack it and listened patiently as I described each character.
Thank you so much for all you do for the Horde. May the editing be flowing smoothly and your creative spirits be strong and the braining not too stressful.
Sending peace, health and safety to all!
Hugh and a MOATTTTT!!!! Not a quote, just *excitement*
“Knowing the precisely correct thing to do in every situation, then doing it with unshakable entitlement,” Sophie whispered. Steel’s Edge
““Love is what I feel for His Majesty.” Resven slapped his hand over his face. Amphie stared at Lady Wexyn with an open mouth. “He is my favorite, and I will never love anyone else in the same way.” Lady Wexyn gave Kosandion a little wave and smiled.” Sweep of the Heart
So I’m wondering if you will be partnering with a tea maker or at least posting tea recommendations that mirror the teas in This Kingdom? I hate to guess at it like they did with the sambocades.
“His head will explode. It’s good that he’s a doctor, maybe he can treat himself” – Roman, Magic Binds
“Serves you right for pretending you don’t have parent problems” – Kate, Magic Binds
“If you remove adversity, you remove ingenuity and creativity with it. There is no need to strive to make something beautiful or better if it already is.”from Magic Binds
Another favorite is:
“It’s funny how you use logic in an argument and think it will persuade me.” from Magic Triumphs
“This is what you might call an emotionally difficult time of the year for me. I’m irritable, out of eggnog, and one of my freeloading creatures ate my cookies. You should leave while you still can.” (Sanctuary)
My favorite IA quote:
Take my hand and bring your sword. The universe is waiting.” -George from sweep in peace
And also:
“Just so I get it right, Jim calls you and says, ‘Hey, we found a horde of ghouls in the MARTA tunnels,’ and your first thought was, ‘Great, I’ll take the kids’?” -Kate from magic shifts 😂
Are you all still taking quotes?
“Not punching people is hard” Tia Madero, “Arabella Saves the Day”.
I am now already scared for what this endgame is!!
“ Before some of you panic again, we love the Innkeeper world just as much as we love This Kingdom, and we will be continuing it. More news to come soon.”
Thank you! Major panic was building up and getting close to explosion level…
My last got posted early… I LOVE all of your works, everything that Gordon and Ilona write, but Innkeeper will always have that special place in my heart, the place that holds the answer to the thought experiment, “If you could only take one series of books with you [insert some sort of trauma here].” The answer will ALWAYS be Innkeeper. We’ve been given the gift of growing with them chapter by chapter, watching them mature, cope with trauma, and rise to the occasion time and again. We’ve been with them through loss, and as they recover from loss, and as they recover from triumph. And through it all, Gertrude Hunt has never lost its coziness and it’s welcome. I love to go visit the Inn and lose myself therein.
OH WOW. That is what I call COMPLETELY off topic. My husband would call it one of my rambles. Of course, he’s of the same opinion as I about the Innkeeper series. So I hope you’ll forgive the ramble tonight.
Oh is there no more breach wars on the horizon🥲??? I absolutely loved it and is hoping for a further story!!! Pretty please with a cherry on top 🤣
The Breach Wars are planned to have at least one sequel 🙂 – any of the series that do not have a “Finished” or “Finished for now” status on the Release Schedule page are considered open to continuation https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/
“Roman pettet the dog´s head. “Congratulations. You´re evil enough””
SANCTUARY. ROMAN´S CHRONICLES.