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What is it?

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We’ve received so many requests and comments regarding the current project that I am going to take pity on poor Mod R and announce what it is, since we are almost done.

We are working on another world fantasy with prominent romantic elements. It’s an isekai, also known as a portal fantasy. Not sure if it qualifies as a romantasy, but it is pretty close, if you like your romantasy with dark magic and a dash of serial killer. (The serial killer is not the romantic interest.)

This book is a love letter to fandom passion. If you ever wondered about the random details of the world you read about and thought a little too hard about the characters, this will speak to you. It’s less LOTR and more Game of Thrones. It’s gritty and dark, but also funny and absurd in places.

This is how the protagonist describes the genre:

There was something about blades and magic that did it for me. Deadly swordsmen with sleek weapons, thieves prowling through the night cities, dark magicians, ruthless nobles, I loved it all.

This is exactly what it says above. Because it’s an isekai, things are really over the top. This book is weird and a departure from out previous work. So please don’t get excited, it’s not Kate 2.0 or Hidden Legacy 2.0. It’s odd.

Tags: other world, found family, grand betrayal, slow burn, mastermind.

[Edit Mod R: Tags are badass magic wielders, move over Alphaholes, will the dress take the dye, stabbing, tea drinking, cute critters, princes in disguise! Ok, ok, I’ll shut up and let Ilona finish.]

It is tentatively titled Maggie, which will certainly change, and consists of three parts titled Bag of Money, Heart of a Knight, and In the Name of the Father. The draft is currently at 110K and will top out at 120. We expect to finish in 2 weeks.

If you are a reader, you have to wait a bit until we decide what to do with it. If you are an editor, we are represented by Nancy Yost of NYLA. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to direct requests. Everything must go through our agent.

We will announce what happens to this book as soon as it does. You will know when we will know.

What’s next, what’s next?

I’m going to kick myself for this. Iron and Magic 2 is next.

Please do not bug Gordon and me about it. Please don’t ask if its done two weeks after we start. I already low-key dread writing it because it will be like writing under a microscope, so please don’t make it worse or we will have to go into internet blackout to get it done and that means no extras for the blog.

We’d love to have some extras for you. Holidays are coming up. Hehehe.

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Comments

  1. Absolutely love the snippets of Maggie… will wait as long as necessary to read it.

    I will look forward to more Iron and Magic…I have re-read it many times. But I can wait, maybe not patiently, but I would rather a long wait than a stressed writer!

    • Have just finished all of the Kate Daniel’s audio books, after reading them all years ago, and most recently Iron and Magic. Your books are like a drug, a really good drug; my brain craves more after I have finished one! SO EXCITED to see there will be a book #2 for Hugh & Elara!
      You two are Amazing-have read all your books and can’t get enough! Can’t really imagine how hard it must be to do what you do, but here’s one reader, who is so, so glad that you do. THANK YOU!!

      • I can’t wait to visit your new world with Maggie. Different is just different, I’m sure it will be epic. Especially because of how compelled you were to write it. It seems like one of those stories that are just meant to be told. Also I promise if anyone pressures you for release dates, or progress on the next Hugh book, it won’t be me. I will eagerly wait for you to share any updates that you want to give us.

  6. *Bounce* *Bounce* *Bounce*

    (That’s me bouncing with joy and general happiness.)

    Ohhhh. Maggie sounds delightful. Tea and found family and stabbiness? Can I ask if Maggie is stabby? Or should I just stay tuned for general stabbiness? Is this a w@it and see? (I can do that. I can totally do that. I will be good. I will possess my soul in patience.)

    Thanks for keeping us posted on what’s going on. Hopefully everyone will behave themselves so that you don’t regret telling us what’s next.

  8. Dear Author Lords, patiently will wait knowing that in the end, we will be so absolutely freaking delighted with what you write for our enjoyment and obsessions. Please enjoy cake and coffee thoughts. ☕️🍰

  9. The way I shouted YES! at the top of my lungs reading what’s next…😁 I’m so giddy. I will be good 😌and you won’t hear a peep out of me while you work on it🤐. Love you guys and wish you luck finishing Maggie, I look forward to reading it. ❤️

  11. My good manners side is working hard to restrain my jubilant BDH side so I’ll just say I can’t wait to read both in whatever time and format(s) they are available

  12. You are absolutely right you should not be rushed. You work at your own schedule! You are awesome and every single word that you give us is cherished beyond all belief. All that being said, are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?😆😆😆😆😆 I’m sorry.

  13. Yay! I promise not to bug you for updates. I’m just always happy there is more coming, eventually 🙂

  14. Say it with me: I solemnly swear I will not ask about Iron and Magic 2 before it is published and in my check out basket.
    If anyone pesters you about it, we will dispatch the BDH to crush them.

    PS: cant wait for this new thing! It sounds cool!

  19. Thank you for all the wonderful goodness you guys create! Do what makes you happy! We will wait patiently and with enormous gratitude!💜💕🥰

  21. Thank you so much.
    Will clothe ourselves with patience and try to quiet the excited screaming in our heads.
    Have a wonderful rest of the year as you work away at things.

  22. Thank you for the update. Inquiring minds are wondering about tea suggestions…. Which you’d recommend and how you’d make it. Happy Holidays

  23. Please hurry and finish up Maggie! I can’t wait to read it. Oh and that Iron and Magic 2 thing… guess I’ll give it a try. 😂😂😂

  24. thank you for making my day im literallyso so tired and this announcement allows me to hang on for a moment longer. I’m having such a poop time and with suicide idealation I’m grabbing into glimmers and you’re a anchor (not the only one though) and my anchors piece together a wen that holds me here so from the bottom of my heart I send love and gratitude.

    ps
    I would read your shopping list so please no pressure for Hugh. its already loved x

    • Hi Nico, please don’t give up! Reach out for help, it is available to you and you do not have to weather anything alone.
      I can tell you’re in the UK based on your IP, here are some help numbers or emails if you’re more comfortable:

      Samaritans – for everyone
      Call 116 123
      Email jo@samaritans.org

      Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
      Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
      They also have a webchat page: https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support

      Papyrus – prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247
      Call 0800 068 41 41
      Text 07860 039967
      Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

      SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone
      Call 0300 1020 505 – 4pm to midnight every day
      Email support@sossilenceofsuicide.org

    • Nico, hungry, angry, lonely and tired are all things that can make you feel worse. You have to eat, and sleep, and rest. You are not alone. We are here.

      Hang in there, and I will send you Maggie to read just for yourself when it’s presentable.

      • And this is why I love and respect you guys so much. No other author(s) I follow have such respect and involvement with their fans, or in this case, horde.

        Nico, things can be hard, but we are all here with you, mate. Sending love x

    • Nico,

      I echo Mod R in saying there is help available. In the US, 988 is the suicide/crisis line. You can call or text.

    • Nico, I agree with Mod R and Ilona. The Horde is here with you. You are not alone. Don’t allow the nasty voices tell you to leave.

      I know it’s hard right now, and it seems like you don’t see the end of the crap. However, life can get better.

      I send you lots of hugs. Again, you are not alone.

    • Don’t do anything irreversible. I know it’s really hard to get an appointment at the moment and if you do it’s difficult to even talk to the GP about yourself sometimes, but if your surgery has online services you could try writing it.
      Earlier this year I had a lapse myself and I didn’t want to regress to earlier poor mental health behaviours so I used an online form in a crisis point just wanting a little temporary relief, and within hours my GP telephoned me and we sorted some new medication as well as a temporary prescription and a longer term plan for CBT.
      There’s things you can do that aren’t destructive but aren’t too hard or too in your face with feelings and the NHS can still help us even when you think they might not.
      Please try and talk to someone.

    • Please don‘t go, Nico. You are needed here and there is an end to the tunnel. We are here for you. Sending hugs & rainbows!

    • Hang in there and please use some of the resources from Mod R.

      BDH cares for its own and we care what happens to you. I will pray for you and if you are not religious, no worries, I will also send good vibes and hugs 🙂

    • So sorry to hear you’re having such a rough time, Nico! But also, really glad you are finding some glimmers and anchors to hold onto. It can be hard to make a call or send a text or email for help, but please do – there could be someone on the other end who might shine a little more light your way when you feel completely stuck in the dark. Big hugs to you and to anyone else who might be feeling this way.

    • Nico, you are part of us! You are important, I cried when I read your post. Please don’t give up.You matter. The BDH loves you. sending love, hugs, light and hope.

    • Nico I am so sorry you are having suicidal ideation, I’ve been there so I know how hard it is not to just give in, instead please read all of the posts to you from your fellow Horde members, Mod R and Ilona, then bookmark them to reread as needed. Then maybe go and start rereading the Kate books or whichever House Andrews series you love the best- that helps me so I hope it might help you. Also reach out for help, whatever is going on there are people who care, and people who can help.

      Sending hugs and/or hot chocolate or mulled cider or macaroni cheese or something, the something that makes you feel loved again and gives you the strength to go on.

    • Hi Nico,

      Please reach out for help. Mod R has given many resources (Mod R is wonderful) and we all care about you and wish you well. Sending you hugs and good vibes.

      A few years ago I was taking a new medication and suicidal ideation was not one of the side effects ever reported but it affected me that way. I was on it for about 7 months before I started having the symptoms. It took me way too long to figure out it was the medication. It all stopped when I stopped the medication. I am sharing this with you in the hope it will help you or someone else.

      Wishing you all the best!

  25. Reading this is the school car pick up line. I think I scared the people in the car infront of me 😂😂.
    I’m really excited for the new “odd” book and for I&M2. I wont bother you but will be saving my coins for purchases.

  26. SO very excited for the next Iron & Magic! 😁 That’s all…no questions or additional pressure…just excitement!

  27. I’m excited about anything you write, and “Maggie” sounds amazing.

    I am happy to say I’m finally enough out of darkness that I am ready for Iron and Magic 2, whenever you get to it. I was one of those who wasn’t in the right place for it when you decided to put it off and happy you worked on other books for a bit.

    • He is a mass killer, not a serial killer! We have to get it right or his wife will come for us 😜.

      • Kate is closer to the definition of a serial killer than Hugh, I would think. That said, everyone she killed deserved it.

        • Not necessarily – yes everyone she killed since she has been on her own have “deserved it” … i.e. she killed to protect herself &/or others. But before that, Voron put her through a grim childhood, and we don’t know about all the kills that she made under his training. Bits of that resurface and force her to look at it through adult eyes — it is part of what makes her character growth so gripping and real. Yes she was a child and doing what her father told her to do … but Kate still thinks about it and owns what she did in the fighting pits and elsewhere. She is about the most self-aware character that I have ever read, and owns her history.

          Sorry for long comment — just something that I find so interesting in the depth of her character development, and as the “living character”, in her survival and personal growth (from lone killer to “killer mom”).

  33. Ahhhh!!!!! So so so exciting!!!!!!

    I honestly kind of love the name Maggie. It stands out and is so different from everything else it feels like it fits when you talk about how this is its own thing/clear departure

  34. I cannot wait! Maggie!!!!!!!!
    I’m so excited. Although it is different to previous works, with the passion you write with, I know it’s going to be amazing.

  35. As usual, I’m happy to read whatever you give us, whenever it’s ready. I can happily re-read till then and daydream about being an Innkeeper (I’d never survive in Kate’s world).

    Everybody please be cool!

  36. My son and I watch anime together and he was just telling me what isekai means the other day and which series we watched that was isekai. I’m so excited for this new book now. I’m always excited for new books from you, but it’s even more exciting for something different.

  37. I cannot w@it for Maggie to come out, I’m so excited! I don’t mind odd at all, so I’m totally good with that. I’m also happy to hear about Iron and Magic 2, woohoo!

  38. Dearest House Andrews,

    You write on YOUR schedule according to YOUR whims and the true BDH will be sincerely grateful that you are continuing to create magic for us!

  39. Everyone be nice!!!!

    Seriously, you are too kind sharing updates and plans. Let the excitement (but not the nagging) begin!

  40. OMG! So excited to read Iron magic 2! Wont bother House of Andrews as to when it will be done, as I know it will be perfection no matter what!

  41. Ah, the worst nightmare, the most obscene cusswords in the BDH’s vocabulary:

    w*it with pati*nce…

  46. I will endeavor to keep my excitement & impatience for Hugh2 externally & not direct it toward you. In the hopes it keeps you excited, I just want to say I am VERY excited to read it when you are done, in the time it takes t get it done right.

  47. I am so thrilled that you are going back to Hugh D’Ambray, and I won’t say another word till it comes out.

  48. I hope you self-publish Maggie so it comes out faster!

    I’m actually not a fan of portal fantasy for adults (somehow it’s different when it’s kids, not sure why), but I’m sure yours will be great.

    And sooooo excited for Iron and Magic 2! Not the kind to harass authors, so don’t worry… will wait patiently for the release announcement, yay!

    Any holiday goodies will certainly be appreciated, but please do not feel like you have to. We are happy with anything you write, whenever we get them.

    Also it feels greedy to be looking for/getting extras as well as two new books!

  50. Am I the only one that had to look up isekai? Sometimes I feel like I’ve been under a rock. The upside is I’ve added to my vocabulary!
    Here’s hoping Maggie sells quickly! Looking forward to it.

    • No, Di, I had to look it up too.

      I’ve never heard of it, but it sounds like fun.
      Hugs to Nico ♥️. I agree with you about reading their shopping list.

  54. All. The. SQUEEEEEEEEEE. Can’t wait can’t wait can’t waitcan’twaitcan’twaitcantwaitcantwaitCANTWAIT

    Am I the only one wondering if we as a horde can descend upon some poor unsuspecting editor to make them BUY THE BOOK PUBLISH THE BOOK GIVE US THE BOOOOOOOOOK?!

  55. Thank you for the update. Looking forward to Maggie. And whatever comes next whether Iron and Magic or if it is another story/world.
    Maybe since Maggie is so long you will decide to make it into two books for the entire story (ex: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

  56. New world(s)? Yes please! Iron & Magic 2? Woo hoo! Looking forward to (when they are done) reading all!

  58. As a fan of the isekai/portal fantasy genre I am beyond excited right now! This is amazing and I look forward to seeing where this ends up going!

    Thank you for the surprise!

  59. I squeezed with delight when I read your update, and got even more excited about Iron and Magic 2. I’m super, SUPER excited!!

  60. Sounds like my cup of Tea! I will be patiently waiting to explore this new world that you are building for us. Thank you ❤️

  61. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from you, and I’m sure I’ll like Maggie too. 🙂

    Excited for Iron & Magic 2 as well. Take your time and rest if you can! I hope the BDH can be p*tient.

    We are grateful for all your lovely creative contributions to our reading worlds.

  62. So excited, you created so much in such a short time period. Once again, I am learning new concepts: isekai. I have read stories with transporting to a new world and then surviving, but never knew the name. Of course, your influence has me stopping and reading about Sumerian and ancient Middle East history whenever it pops up on FB or in the news. #roland Hopefully you finish this book and take time to enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

  63. I’m so excited about both – thank you for telling us! I can’t wait to read both of them. 🙂

  64. I’m looking forward to this. it sounds really interesting and like it will be a fun read. maybe it’s just me but I’m not necessarily looking for a Kate 2.0 or a Hidden Legacy 2.0. I like the way that you write and the ways you express things in your writing. So seeing you do something different is kinda exciting because I have come to trust the way that you approach characters and world building that even if a genre wasn’t normally something I would be interested in it would be something that I would be willing to give the benefit of the doubt to see what you do with it. I look forward to hearing about the progress when you are ready to share them and the snippets have been a lot of fun so far.

  68. Love the snippets of Maggie, I’m very excited for Iron and Magic 2, I won’t pressures you for release dates. Thank you for your wonderful work

  69. Ooo….a new world to explore and new words/monsters/myths to look up and try to picture. You two write the best snark and plots. The Hugh book is such a bonus! Please take your time and don’t stress cause we will be good.

  70. i love this snippet of”Maggie” as I love some good fantasy or fantasy romance, you had my attention at more Game Of thrones 😂! now I’m intrigued….
    I’m so happy to hear that Iron And Magic is next, I love Hugh and Alana. that’s weird as I was not a fan of Hugh in Kate Daniel series 😂! but he seems to have redeemed himself in Iron And Magic!
    I will wait as long as it takes, as I know your books are so worth the wait!! I haven’t found a book you both write that I have not loved 😍😍! thank you both for all your amazing hard work, we the BDH appreciate and cherish your books!!

  71. Sweet House Andrews how happy have you made this lowly member of the BDH….Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🤩

  73. More books! More books! Whee!!!

    What can I say… when you’ve been reading the same authors for 20 years they start slowing down… glad I found Ilona and Gordon a few years ago!

    p.s. Oh my gosh. Not 20 years. 28 years! Oh my…

  75. Can I just say I’ve called it being an isekai lol as soon as the first few snippets were out I got so excited because reading an isekai by my two favorite authors is like a dream come true!

  76. I love isekai stories! I used to watch and read a lot of manga. Cannot wait!

    Hugh book 2? Erra’s and Hugh’s reunion? What is Elara? Julie? OMG! this is going to be awesome!!! hope it comes out by this time next year. (setting expectations for myself so i don’t pester).

    Thank you very much!!!

  77. Just happy to read anything you guys write! You’ve never missed, so looking forward to a new journey!

  78. Woo hoo! So excited and looking forward to both books whenever they come out. Thank you for the update!
    I also hope that the BDH and other readers do not bug you – it’s sad for all of us when HA gets put upon.

  80. Ooooooo!!!
    That’s right. Three (count ’em)-THREE exclamation points.
    Maggie and Iron and Magic 2.
    I think there might also be “squee” involved.

  82. I am So very excited to read Maggie And I will wait patiently for Iron Magic 2; I’m just thrilled to know it is coming. Thank you thank you thank you.

  83. Yay to Maggie and “something completely different” (ok, channeling a little classic Monty Python there). Yay on continuation of Iron & Magic saga up next. Please take the time you need (both to unwind and re-charge, and to do the writing), because your process WORKS … resulting in terrific books.

    I am almost finished with another re-read of Kate-world books, including Iron & Magic 1, Blood Heir, and the two Wilmington stories. Am on Magic Tides, so just “Clams” to go, and then mop-up with the various short stories/novellas, etc. I go through the various series at least once or twice a year, always find some new thought or slant. I do a few other books that way, but generally not full series like yours.

    PS – I just found two British shows that I had never watched, and there are oodles of episodes … Midsomer Murders and Doc Martin. Recommending to the horde, although most people who would enjoy these have probably already discovered them.

  85. I will say, once again, that I will read anything you write. (but I’m happy to know Hugh and Elara are getting their 2nd book. yay!)

  86. can’t wait for Maggie but trying to be patient. I understand wanting to attract a new audience and a traditional publisher *may* help with that but I hope you can self-publish it, for all the reasons.

    I really hope A BIG LONG RELAXING VACATION is next, because you two deserve it!

    Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been longing for Hugh, I read him before Kate. Nevertheless, I want you to enjoy it so no pressure here!!

    best wishes for the final sprint to the finish line.

  87. Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to see what Maggie turns into <3 and the future books as well!

  88. Odd is my jam! 🥰🤗

    Also, I love that you had to specify that the serial killer isn’t the love interest. 🤣

  89. Today is a good day. I’m so excited for Maggie and knowing it’s an isekai only makes it better. I hope the last bit of writing goes well.

    Iron and Magic 2!!! And there was much squealing. Thank you for giving us such an awesome update.

  90. 🎶Celebrate good times come on! Celebrate good times come on! It’s a celebration.🎶

    Woo-hoo to all of it! 🥳🥰🤐

  91. The BDH loves you guys. I promise I am not one of the ones who thinks patience is a dirty word.

    And Iron and Magic 2 is one of the ones I’ve been waiting for. I can continue to possess my soul in patience.

    We know full well that anything you write will be entirely worth the wait. And I clearly recall promising that I would indeed wait.

    I only go to the hopping up and down excited when the pre-order notice gets posted.

  94. Ha ha ha I am always saying we as readers are torn from wanting our favorite authors chained to a desk writing 24/7 and understanding they are people who have lives. Dodos need love and treats!

  97. Me: screaming bloody murder on the porch.
    Fiancé: You good, babe?
    Me: ILONA AND GORDON ARE ABOUT TO FINISH A NEW BOOK AND THEN WORK ON ANOTHER BOOK THAT I’VE BEEN WAITING MY ENTIRE EXISTENCE FOR!!!
    Fiancé: is that the couple who writes all those books you like?
    Me: YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
    Fiancé: Okie dokie then. I’m going back inside now.

  98. HUGH!!!!!!!!! You have made my day, week, month, and year.

    Hope everything works out with Maggie. I am all in to pre-order when available.

  100. Very excited for Maggie (even though I’m more LOTR than Game of Thrones but I trust you).

    Very, very excited about Iron and Magic 2. I will not harass you, but I will make 1 request. When I read I don’t see the scenes, I hear them. The voices, the intonation the ambient sounds are very real to me. Historically I didn’t listen to audible books because they were harder for me to get into. Weird I know but….then came Iron and Magic 1. I believe the reader/actor is Steve West? He is/was brilliant. And that voice (I’m shivering right now). If there is any way you can fit his schedule with yours, well this old lady would be very grateful!

    Thank you for all you do.

    • No effort will be spared in getting Steve West to reprise the role of Hugh 🙂. His Hugh is legend!

      • I’m also fingers crossed for Steve West again. Iron and Magic is one of my favorite audiobooks which is saying something because I rarely listen to fiction audiobooks. I’m very picky about narrators and even more so when they’re reading a novel. Steve West is exactly what my brain thinks Hugh should sound like.

      • I really like Steve West. I’m listening to GA’s rendition of Magic Strikes and all the men sound yummy. SO EXCITED ABOUT NEW HUGH!!!!!!!!!