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Vellum Updates and a Bribe Giveaway

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We will start with a brief vellum update and then switch to the giveaway. I am bribing you.

Some people saw me testing things on Facebook this morning, and I wanted to explain it before any misunderstandings occured.

It’s our first time printing vellum so we made some decisions that slightly complicated our life.

Our original vellum, the one that is advertised in image below is printed on 40lb vellum. It’s thicker, the colors are brighter, and it is exactly 6×9 so it fits into US hardcover.

It fits in the book, but it is thicker and it is a bit of struggle to make it stay. It should have been printed slightly smaller.

We have now tried 5 different printers. At some point, I invited Grace Draven to the house to get unbiased opinions.

First, we dropped the white border and settled on the size that would fit both UK and US hardcovers.

Next we found a thinner vellum at 28 lbs that still shows the beautiful colors but is much thinner and lays better in the book.

We have one more batch coming to us before finalizing the no-border vellum. After that, the no-border vellum will be available as a separate product. We don’t want to throw it out there before we have pictures to show you.

We would like to give you options at the fulfillment.

  • You can choose to stay with the original vellum with white border. We printed a ton of it and we have it in stock.
  • You can switch to the no-white-border version at no additional charge. It is a one for one swap.
  • And those of you who would like to get both, border and no-border, will be able to grab a set of no-border vellum at a discount. We will just stuff it into the same envelope, saving you on shipping. The add-on pack will be available only with a regular order.

Once we have finalized this second variant, we will send you an email through the store explaining how to choose your options. If you run into trouble, please email us and we will sort it.

A little warning about the fulfillment: we expect it to take several weeks. We have in excess of 2,000 orders. Kid 2 is stuffing maps into the envelopes as we speak. We even put Rito to work.

We appreciate your patience.

We will start shipping after 07/08, and if you get worried, email me through the store and I will be able to tell you your place in line.

Also I now know way too much about vellum.

Giveaway Bribe

We have received beautiful collected editions of Innkeeper Chronicles Volume 1 from Subterranean Press. It is a gorgeous book, and we are very grateful to Subterranean for reissuing it.

(And also an unexpected gift of the wonderful Sencha Tea! A giant bag of it. Dear Geralyn, thank you so much! It is appreciated beyond all reason.)

This collector edition contains Clean Sweep, Sweep in Peace, and One Fell Sweep. Clean Sweep is currently available free in our store.

This is your chance to grab one of these copies. The giveaway will run until 07/09 and the winner will be chosen on 07/10.

  • US only – unfortunately, it is a massive book, and shipping it internationally will be a nightmare. House Andrews will host other international giveaways soon.
  • To enter, please let us know in the blog comments who is your favorite character from the Innkeeper Chronicles.

PS Mod R:

Ilona wrote this post, but I am changing author to myself so she doesn’t get the thousands of comments alerts – House Andrews are on the last scenes of Maggie 2 and they need full focus!

Please read the instructions before making your comment, I have had to void so many entries in the previous giveaway.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I’m rather partial to Beast. But Orro is definitely up there (though I could never manage him the way Dina does!)

  2. How do you choose? You’ve got Maude who’s absolutely winning at parenting. Her daughter knows what she wants and knows that there can be ripper cushions and still does what she wants to accomplish her goals. Then you’ve got George who we first saw and fell in love with in the Edge jetting around the universe and solving its problems. And then you’ve got the entire race of the Lees, who are so vividly written you can just see them in your mind as they dance in with coins clinking.

      • This is a Kobayashi Maru style question – impossible to choose one character, when they are all loved, even the warped girl bride candidate raised by hostile swamp vegetation. But one name keeps recurring bc I long to hear his story, and that’s Klaus. I depend on Klaus discovering a clue about what happened to their parents and all of them launching a rescue, fueled by fine dining courtesy of Orro and somehow the Lees helping save the day. That’s one of my fantasies anyway.

  3. Obviously Dina and Sean are awesome but my favorite “character” is the house. Gertrude Hunt is a dream. I love houses and ones with character and stories. each book gives a little more color and there is something about it making the latest connection that tells you it’s actions are anything but random.

  7. Dina is my favorite character in that House Andrews series.

    I also love it when Officer Marais and his wife get involved in the story!

  8. Cyanide inspired us to call our dog “the Higgra puppy” because she too requires attentions…all of them.

    That said, we love the Drama King of the Kitchen Orro, especially as voiced in the Graphic Audio editions.

    (U.S. based fans here!)

    • My absolute favorite character is Beast! I have 3 little dogs and Beast reminds me of each of mine… although I’ve never seen mine sprout extra teeth like Beast, my cats insist they do.

      I’m also a big Caldenia fan, every scene she’s in she steals and makes me laugh out loud

    • I’m a huge Sean fan. I love his loyalty and the way he cares so deeply for Dina.

  10. Dina is my favourite
    She made me think again about understanding and compassion … and dealing with crises!

    I also love Caldenia – layers within layers and wicked smart.

    • Arland is my favorite . Not really for who he is, though he is awesome, but for how he brings things out in different characters. Sean would not be as great without Arland. Maude would be stuck without him to bring everything out in her. And even her daughter would not be as great.

      Caldenia and Orro are very close seconds.

      And for fun, my phone keeps trying to auto correct Arland to Armando

  12. Nuan Couki (Cookie): Ruthlessness shrouded in cuteness and maybe future Clan leader

  13. Mod R,
    I have a question regarding the new vellum: How do we get them? Do we need to order the US Sized Vellum to get an add on for the no border ones?

  14. I may be strange, but immediately Klaus came to mind as my favorite character. We have barely seen him, yet he has had a hand in things from the shadows.

    • Omg howdy kindred spirit!! I didn’t read the posts until post posting and nice to know there’s another who is on same frequency, heheh.

  15. I have the UK book but will keep my order for the vellum with the border and order the new borderless ones for my book when available. I probably missed it, but will Maggie’s picture be available in vellum in the future? Congrats on finishing 2 and just WOW for the number of pages, etc.!

  16. I love all the characters: Dina and Sean. Who “especially” depends on which book/audiobook I am currently re-reading or re-playing. Right now it is Maude and her fierce motherly protections,knowledge of customs and fighting ability for such a small human (compared to vampires) . I love characters with issues but willing to step up and do what is right. There are always laughs and joy too! thank you! I too live in USA.

  17. Well here goes:

    Dina*
    Beast
    Sean
    Former Empress C.
    Orro
    Maude
    Helen
    Nuan Cookie

    *-So many to choose from but Dina tops because of way she cares and the lengths she will go thru to protect.

  18. Orro is and will always be my favorite, not that Caledonia doesnt come as a close second and our favorite make a wish assassin behind her. But Orro is like a warn favorite childhood blanket, he’s nostalgic and comforting.

  19. My favorite character is Maude. She experienced great hardship, yet retained her sense of self (including hope!) and raised a smart and kind daughter through it all.

  20. There are so many amazing characters, how to pick only one?! I mean Dina for sure, she’s a badass but overall, especially in the beginning, humble about it. I love watching her come into her own through the novels and really start to own it.

    Helen with her ripper cushions, chef’s kiss. Calendina with her sly insights and watching of neighborhood drama. Cookie learning to “weaponize” his cuteness. So good.

    US based comment!

  22. Favorite character? I don’t have one from the Innkeepers Chronicles yet. Just starting that series as I finish a r bread of Hidden Legacy now.

  23. Officer Marais: even though ‘fictional’ he is an example sorely needed that professionalism, tolerance, curiosity, loyalty and friendship are compatible with the pride and service that comes with his uniform and the role he plays in his community.

  24. Oh, definitely Caldenia. If she was real I wouldn’t even know she was an alien. I’d think she was part of Meemaw’s sewing circle.

  25. maude, (re-reading this kingdom will not kill me a third time in honor of Maggie 2)

  32. I don’t think that there is only one favorite character for me. The whole collection has so many wonderful and fascinating beings. Caldenia is currently riding high with more of her backstory reveal in the last book. Family is everything.

  35. I’m gonna be stupidly honest and say this is the last series I have yet to jump into but from the little I know, Dina just seems cool, smart, and has a sharp sense of humor. I know I’ll love this series simply because every Andrews book I’ve read so far I love and their numerous characters live happily rent free in my head.

  39. I’ve only read the first book so far but Dina is my fav. I’m new to the Ilona Andrews worlds 🙂

  40. I think Maud is my favorite with Gertrude Hunt coming in a quick second. I am in the US. Thank you for the giveaway.

  42. My favorite character is Maude, I love her determination and drive. Her book is my favorite of the whole series and I can’t wait for the wedding!

  43. Caldenia’s sharp insight makes her my favorite. I love her Sweep in Peace ‘true believers’ speech and her ‘spectacular liars’ comment in Sweep With Me.

  44. I’m going with Dina as my favorite. She likes to “overexplain” things like I do. 🙂 I like Caldenia as well.

  47. Nuan Couki deserves all the love and attention for his adorably conniving yet sweet self! He is my very favorite!

  50. I love all the characters but I think one of my favorites is First Scholar Thek.

  51. Hi, My favorite character in the Innkeeper Series is Oro. He brings so much drama and deliciousness to every scene! My ideal holiday would be to stay at inn and just eat 😁

  52. Actually I adore Helen and Maude. I love how incredibly fierce they are. Maude protects Helen, but her little girl is not one to be messed with. Even on a new planet with people that have more strength then they do, they hold it together. Of course it probably helps to have Arland in their corner

    Still love Dina, but Maud and Helen rule

  53. I am hiding in no way that I’m biased with my choice. I love Beast so much! I’ve got my own Shih Tzu.

  54. Every character in the Inn Keeper Chronicles is a gem. However, personally, I resonate soooo much with Officer Ramirez. From confusion to suspicion, acceptance and participation, his character blossoms in a way I hope I would in similar circumstances. I adore that his Law and Order nature demands a copy of the galactic rules governing Inns!

  58. I like the chicken philosopher whose name I cannot remember and don’t want to look up.

  59. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I must I would have to say Caldenia. She’s fierce, gleefully murderous, and loyal to family and those she may or may not acknowledge as friends.

  60. It’s so hard to choose just one, but I think I’m going to have to go with Maud. I reread her book the most frequently.

  61. It’s so hard to choose. The characters are so richly crafted I love them all.
    But for this I will choose Dina. She has Gertrude Hunt and the best job ever. I’m also partial to werewolves.

  63. My favorite character is Maude. She rises from the ashes of betrayal, surviving and raising an totally adorable self reliant daughter Helen. I love the way she uses her battle tactics and people skills to support Arland’s house and defeat the threat posed by the hosted wedding.

  65. Hard to decide. I love all the characters. I’ll go with Dina as I would love to be an Innkeeper!

  66. My favorite is Gertrude Hunt and the new special inn on the vampire home world! Next I would say Maud. Can not wait to see her new adventures with Helen and with all the other wonderful characters! The marriage will be something to remember!

  67. I just can’t with these types questions… so many favorites – how can you pick just one…especially when you resonate with so many of them

    Dina – so true to herself with such great flair for innkeeping/creating

    Maude – tough love and a badass

    I do have a soft spot for Sean (unapologetically himself) and Calendia (amazing advisor who is selfish but also such a mama bear).

    Oh! Adira – her story about being Drifen liege – hope to learn more!

  69. Innkeeper is my favorite House Andrews series, and Dina is my favorite character!

  72. Impossible task! 😂 I love them all, but Sean and Dina are the series. Without them, there is no Innkeeper.

  73. I love Maud.

    I completely laughed out loud walking thr aisles of my local big box bulk retailer discovering a huge package of “maud’s coffee.” I thought, think of how drunk the knights of House Krahr could be on this!

  74. Maud is my fav- she’s been through it, kicks butt & is just overall awesome 👏

  75. I could never pick just one. The Sweep Series is my ultimate comfort series and it wouldn’t be that without each character. Though my daughter has a favorite- Caldenia in all her dominating glory.

  76. Dina first but Helen is a close second. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Maude in the next book

    I’ve reread this series so many times I can’t count!

  77. Dina is my favorite character, but I also really like Sean because who doesn’t like romance.

  78. I absolutely devoured this series and these special editions from subterranean press are stunning! It’s so hard to pick a favorite character because I truly love everyone, but both Maude and Orro have special places in my heart.
    Thank you for writing such beautiful and immersive worlds 🩷 I started with Kate Daniel’s and have been a member of the horde ever since. Cannot wait for Maggie’s next book!!

  79. I didn’t like her at first, but Caldenia has grown on me. My favorite person is probably Karat. I love her personality.

  81. my favorite character is Helen. She is great, and i love how Arland interacts with her.

    another favorite is Caldenia.
    but Orro is close. especially when Dina was so depressed, grieving the tiny inn seedling, making her ice cream, spoon feeding her…..

    Really it’s very hard to pinpoint just one character favorite. the Andrews always do great “side” (?) characters. “Secondary” characters…..lol, they’re all close to alternate main characters.

  82. I’m a fan of Dina – don’t pee on her trees! I also would love to hear more of Orro and his life.

  83. Orro, hands down. His explanation of Christmas might be my favorite scene in all the IA books 🙂

  87. Oh, that’s such a hard question. I think I’m biased based on my most recent rereads, but Kosandion’s patient plotting to surprise Lady Wexyn – to be loved for just himself – never fails to delight me.

  88. My favorite character is Maud. I think she is fantastic Although my second favorite is Caldenia, she’s just so devious.

  89. Not interested in the “bribe” since I don’t read paper these days, but loving BDH comments calling so many favorites to mind. Ripper cushions! Fire! Space chickens! Sean and the fart gun! Maude & Arland, even without coffee! Do you wish to discuss?

  90. My favorite character is Maude (though Nuan Cee and his family would be a close second).

  91. Favorite character is Maude, she knows where her strengths complements others weaknesses

  92. Sean has grown so much, acknowledges where he needed to change and is unflinching in his love for Dina. Hard not to sympathize with the guy, now that that original arrogance has been knocked out of him a bit. A great model for the humility to learn the universe is a bigger, more complex place than you thought, and the positive attitude to lean into living life with energy!

  93. Maud. Because nobody deals with ripper cushions more effectively. Such strength, such intelligence, such fierce grace.

    (did I mention I’ve been training with a sword? 🙂

  95. Wow, what a fabulous giveaway. Maude is my favorite, she’s such a badass, and a great mother. Innkeeper was the books that made me a member of the horde and they will always be my favorite.

  99. I love Beast! When I listened to the Inn Keeper Chronicles on graphic audio my beloved Shih Tzu Emma would respond back when Beast barked.

  100. Favorite character from the Innkeeper Chronicles: Orro! I love his dramatic ways so much!