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Maggie the Undying
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me: Free Extended Preview
The page-turning politics of Game of Thrones meets the worlds-spanning romance of Outlander in this blockbuster new epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Ilona Andrews. Download a FREE sneak peek today!
When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn't take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she's been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel.
Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters' ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she's coming to love—a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures, and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes—and attentions—of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will in a cataclysmic war.
For fans of Samantha Shannon, Danielle L. Jensen, Sarah J. Maas, and isekai and portal fantasy, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is the beginning of the most epic adventure yet from genre powerhouse author duo Ilona Andrews.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn't take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she's been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel.
Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters' ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she's coming to love—a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures, and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes—and attentions—of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will in a cataclysmic war.
For fans of Samantha Shannon, Danielle L. Jensen, Sarah J. Maas, and isekai and portal fantasy, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is the beginning of the most epic adventure yet from genre powerhouse author duo Ilona Andrews.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
737 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Ilona Andrews
148 books33.7k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 30, 2026
So, so, SOOOO good! Of course, IMHO, everything the Andrews write fits into that category. And, like all the rest, this story is completely unique, wildly creative and absolute addictive fun. Sadly, it is just the precursor novella of the first book in a totally new series that publishes the end of March.
I truly never cease to be amazed at how the authors come up with and make real the worlds they create. In this one, Maggie (FMC) has mysteriously landed in the real world of her favorite fantasy book series. Now, initially I would roll my eyes at give that set-up a hard pass. But… it is Ilona Andrews, so I trusted and tried it. Oh my gosh, it is actually believable! The twist is that, although she can’t go back, she recognizes the people and knows the events to come from the books. This gives her just enough leverage to keep herself from getting killed and, hopefully, (it isn’t a sure thing at this story’s end) allows herself a way to make enough money to stay alive. She begins by making a deal with two very dangerous characters in hopes that her knowledge will pay off. One leads to a wild rescue and revenge against a child slave trader, the other outcome is till pending. Oh, so much promise in the hands of this gifted duo! I can’t WAIT until March!!
I truly never cease to be amazed at how the authors come up with and make real the worlds they create. In this one, Maggie (FMC) has mysteriously landed in the real world of her favorite fantasy book series. Now, initially I would roll my eyes at give that set-up a hard pass. But… it is Ilona Andrews, so I trusted and tried it. Oh my gosh, it is actually believable! The twist is that, although she can’t go back, she recognizes the people and knows the events to come from the books. This gives her just enough leverage to keep herself from getting killed and, hopefully, (it isn’t a sure thing at this story’s end) allows herself a way to make enough money to stay alive. She begins by making a deal with two very dangerous characters in hopes that her knowledge will pay off. One leads to a wild rescue and revenge against a child slave trader, the other outcome is till pending. Oh, so much promise in the hands of this gifted duo! I can’t WAIT until March!!
January 30, 2026
I'm not sure I can make it to the release date
I've either made a huge mistake reading the preview, or I'll be reading it again and again until the full release. Clearly I've found my new favorite book. It's so good, drop everything and get this book!!
I've either made a huge mistake reading the preview, or I'll be reading it again and again until the full release. Clearly I've found my new favorite book. It's so good, drop everything and get this book!!
February 3, 2026
House Andrews delivers. AGAIN.
A completely new genre from this dream team.
This was a free preview of the book. 8 chapters of magic, knights, thieves, brutality and Maggie the Undying.
Maggie wakes up in one of her favourite books with no idea how she got there. Now it is a matter of survival. Maggie is cunning with her knowledge, she'll climb high. I fear she is however changing the story more than she should. Or she is experiencing the off page scenes. Who knows with HA.
I have this feeling that we have already met the elusive missing author. But one again who knows. I look forward to all the twists and turns.
The BDH is happy. That ending, March can't come quick enough.
A completely new genre from this dream team.
This was a free preview of the book. 8 chapters of magic, knights, thieves, brutality and Maggie the Undying.
Maggie wakes up in one of her favourite books with no idea how she got there. Now it is a matter of survival. Maggie is cunning with her knowledge, she'll climb high. I fear she is however changing the story more than she should. Or she is experiencing the off page scenes. Who knows with HA.
I have this feeling that we have already met the elusive missing author. But one again who knows. I look forward to all the twists and turns.
The BDH is happy. That ending, March can't come quick enough.
February 4, 2026
I'm definitely going to buy this book!
I've never read anything like this before. The story incorporates isekai and portal fantasy, as the FMC Maggie is transported from modern Texas into the alternate universe of her favorite epic fantasy series. She uses her meta-knowledge of this world to navigate it by altering terrifyingly dangerous events.
This story blends action-adventure with slow-burn romance, found-family dynamics, and gritty politics in a grimdark-inspired world, where Maggie's optimism contrasts with brutal realities like slavery, torture and mass murder. (Unlike broader dark fantasy, grimdark emphasizes human corruption, political intrigue, and nihilism over supernatural horror.)
After reading the first few chapters offered for free from the publisher, I definitely want to finish the whole book. I don't typically like stories this dark because they freak me out. But Maggie is, as is always the case with Ilona Andrews' FMCs, a wonderful Positive Warrior who defends and protects others.
It releases on March 31, 2026, and I pre-ordered it.
I've never read anything like this before. The story incorporates isekai and portal fantasy, as the FMC Maggie is transported from modern Texas into the alternate universe of her favorite epic fantasy series. She uses her meta-knowledge of this world to navigate it by altering terrifyingly dangerous events.
This story blends action-adventure with slow-burn romance, found-family dynamics, and gritty politics in a grimdark-inspired world, where Maggie's optimism contrasts with brutal realities like slavery, torture and mass murder. (Unlike broader dark fantasy, grimdark emphasizes human corruption, political intrigue, and nihilism over supernatural horror.)
After reading the first few chapters offered for free from the publisher, I definitely want to finish the whole book. I don't typically like stories this dark because they freak me out. But Maggie is, as is always the case with Ilona Andrews' FMCs, a wonderful Positive Warrior who defends and protects others.
It releases on March 31, 2026, and I pre-ordered it.
January 30, 2026
I was surprised with how much of the book the preview gave us but i am not complaining where it ended was perfect.
For a book I was already looking forward to, I am hyped and counting the days until it in my hands.
For a book I was already looking forward to, I am hyped and counting the days until it in my hands.
January 28, 2026
torturously tantalizing
This preview is so good that waiting for the release of the book is hard! Great concept, interesting characters - can’t wait for the whole thing!
This preview is so good that waiting for the release of the book is hard! Great concept, interesting characters - can’t wait for the whole thing!
January 27, 2026
Ilona Andrews did it again!
I pre-ordered this book the day it was available and I’ve been waiting since, with forced patience. When the authors announced this free extended preview I jumped on it. I just finished reading it and o.m.g.
They are famous for their world building and they did not disappoint. I found myself looking up what color ochre was, and what does calico stone look like. The detail written into the descriptions of everything is simply amazing. And it is well interwoven between plot and theme so you aren’t overwhelmed by too much description.
The main character is a woman transported to her favorite book world at the start of book one. She’s cold, hungry, wearing a filthy cloak she found, and wondering what the heck she did to land in that world.
The action takes off pretty quickly. Once she’s figured out basic survival, shelter, food and clothing, she turns her attention to long term survival. Which means using her knowledge of the story and the secrets to set herself up for success.
Her interactions with the side characters is exciting. The action is perfect. The humor is great!
And best of all is the otter / fox mix creature called a Svelk I think that’s just perfect. I’d love to buy a plushie of one!
Highly highly recommend giving this preview a try so you can also not so patiently wait for the full release!
I pre-ordered this book the day it was available and I’ve been waiting since, with forced patience. When the authors announced this free extended preview I jumped on it. I just finished reading it and o.m.g.
They are famous for their world building and they did not disappoint. I found myself looking up what color ochre was, and what does calico stone look like. The detail written into the descriptions of everything is simply amazing. And it is well interwoven between plot and theme so you aren’t overwhelmed by too much description.
The main character is a woman transported to her favorite book world at the start of book one. She’s cold, hungry, wearing a filthy cloak she found, and wondering what the heck she did to land in that world.
The action takes off pretty quickly. Once she’s figured out basic survival, shelter, food and clothing, she turns her attention to long term survival. Which means using her knowledge of the story and the secrets to set herself up for success.
Her interactions with the side characters is exciting. The action is perfect. The humor is great!
And best of all is the otter / fox mix creature called a Svelk I think that’s just perfect. I’d love to buy a plushie of one!
Highly highly recommend giving this preview a try so you can also not so patiently wait for the full release!
February 1, 2026
I Need The Rest
March 31st can't get here fast enough! Maggie the Undying...has a nice ring to it. I love what I've read so far, and I wonder where our dear Maggie will resurrect at. Again!
March 31st can't get here fast enough! Maggie the Undying...has a nice ring to it. I love what I've read so far, and I wonder where our dear Maggie will resurrect at. Again!
January 27, 2026
wow
This taster for the upcoming “This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me”, is merely an appetizer for the main book- one that will drag you into the world the authors have created, and leave you salivating for more.
I titled this review “wow!” because that was literally what came out of my mouth at the cliffhanger ending of this preview. It’s only technically a cliffhanger, since we already know some things about the heroine that help to alleviate it, but it definitely left me feeling grumpy that I have to wait for the release!
I look forward to the final product, and am eager to find out what happens next to Maggie.
This taster for the upcoming “This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me”, is merely an appetizer for the main book- one that will drag you into the world the authors have created, and leave you salivating for more.
I titled this review “wow!” because that was literally what came out of my mouth at the cliffhanger ending of this preview. It’s only technically a cliffhanger, since we already know some things about the heroine that help to alleviate it, but it definitely left me feeling grumpy that I have to wait for the release!
I look forward to the final product, and am eager to find out what happens next to Maggie.
January 29, 2026
Ilona Andrew’s books are always the best.
A preview to a new series, this book contains the value that we have learned to expect from a team of gifted authors. I am anxiously awaiting the next novel. The characters are well written, the plot is captivating and suspenseful. Thank you for publishing Maggie’s story!
A preview to a new series, this book contains the value that we have learned to expect from a team of gifted authors. I am anxiously awaiting the next novel. The characters are well written, the plot is captivating and suspenseful. Thank you for publishing Maggie’s story!
January 28, 2026
What Have I Done?
I shouldn't have read this. I should have waited for closer to release day. But, oh no! Free long sample. A shiny! I couldn't wait and now this. How will I survive until the full book comes out? I should have known better. All the authors' books are a one click buy for me. I didn't need a sample. Just wait to one click buy. This kingdom may not kill me, but waiting for release day might.
I shouldn't have read this. I should have waited for closer to release day. But, oh no! Free long sample. A shiny! I couldn't wait and now this. How will I survive until the full book comes out? I should have known better. All the authors' books are a one click buy for me. I didn't need a sample. Just wait to one click buy. This kingdom may not kill me, but waiting for release day might.
March 7, 2026
Yes, that high of a rating only for a preview because I really enjoyed that! This is my first Ilona Andrews and so happy to pop my cherry because have I been living under a rock? This dynamic duo is magnificent in writing! I’ve also been obsessed in isekai since my first discovery of it through VADTD on Tapas and the many more web novels/webtoons alike that followed. Can’t wait to read the entire novel out on 31/3!
January 28, 2026
Thank you, Illona Andrews,for this present!
Similarly to what I do for all your other books, I pre-ordered this book, the 1st day it was possible. So getting a chance to read an extended preview was an extra special treat. I don’t know how you two keep writing such brilliance….but, please never stop!
Similarly to what I do for all your other books, I pre-ordered this book, the 1st day it was possible. So getting a chance to read an extended preview was an extra special treat. I don’t know how you two keep writing such brilliance….but, please never stop!
January 30, 2026
Are you kidding me???
Don’t read this as you will just be like me and be counting down the days until the book is released. Masterful. Engrossing. Simply A Must Read.
Don’t read this as you will just be like me and be counting down the days until the book is released. Masterful. Engrossing. Simply A Must Read.
February 13, 2026
What a taste! Now the wait for the rest of this fantastic story
March 7, 2026
OMG, how am I going to survive until March 31? So, so good ❤️
January 30, 2026
I have read every book the Ilona Andrews team has written and loved every single one up to this one. This is a clear departure from their usual read. Be forwarned that it contains a LOT of graphic violence and violence against children that is not my cup of tea. I understand that they're looking for new readers, but this old, faithful reader won't be reading the rest of the book.
January 30, 2026
She woke up naked, lying in cold mud rather than her own bed, in a foreign, familiar, and vicious world — Kair Toren, the city where her favorite dark and bloody fantasy series is set. Death is a persistent predator here, but fortunately…or unfortunately, as the case may be, she is Maggie the Undying.
I have been waiting for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me since the first snippet appeared on Ilona Andrews’ blog, over two years ago. I have been in love with this story since I first understood the concept. There is no way any book could live up to this level of anticipation.
Or, so I thought.
The story has changed since those first few chapters were posted online, as books do while under development. At first, I disapproved — the original was already glorious; however, I realized that by adding a brief reprieve from such a hateful, hostile civilization, it highlighted the tension, rather than cutting it. Trading misery, starvation, and fear for warmth, plenty, and calm for a few short hours? It hit hard.
House Andrews’ worldbuilding is, of course, a visceral experience. It takes Maggie a few days to accept, adapt, and plan for survival. In that time, we see horrifying monsters, adorable monsters who find Maggie tasty, and the preferred murderer haunts. Looking up at the towers, Kair Toren is a place of beauty, sophistication, and learning. Nearer to the ground with the lesser mortals, every turn brings new danger, and only the callous and ruthless survive.
Yet, within the limited cast of characters we meet in this preview, there are sharp contrasts — dark warlords who concern themselves with a slight, barefoot shadow in the darkness; a patroness who rewards gratitude; a blademaster whose honor surpasses his need for revenge; and a protagonist who is quick enough to realize that safe passage will require rewriting the story from the inside.
House Andrews weaves a rich, textured tapestry — characters with unique and compelling histories, a culture shaped by violence and greed, and a story structure that pulls the reader in and quietly swallows them whole. Tor, evil geniuses that they are, knew just how much to give us. What delightful torment!
As a long-time, BDH mug-carrying fan of Ilona Andrews, let me just say that this is not their typical story. It’s not urban fantasy. It’s some crazy mash of epic portal fantasy with an urban fantasy heroine. It has a beating heart and bleeds determination. House Andrews are pioneers in genre-bending, trope-tipping innovations. In the extended preview of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, they decided to stop playing around and brought out the big guns. If you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that defies expectation and leaves you mouth agape, wondering did-that-just-happen, and already begging for more, congratulations! This is your destination.
And that’s only part of the story.
I have been waiting for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me since the first snippet appeared on Ilona Andrews’ blog, over two years ago. I have been in love with this story since I first understood the concept. There is no way any book could live up to this level of anticipation.
Or, so I thought.
The story has changed since those first few chapters were posted online, as books do while under development. At first, I disapproved — the original was already glorious; however, I realized that by adding a brief reprieve from such a hateful, hostile civilization, it highlighted the tension, rather than cutting it. Trading misery, starvation, and fear for warmth, plenty, and calm for a few short hours? It hit hard.
House Andrews’ worldbuilding is, of course, a visceral experience. It takes Maggie a few days to accept, adapt, and plan for survival. In that time, we see horrifying monsters, adorable monsters who find Maggie tasty, and the preferred murderer haunts. Looking up at the towers, Kair Toren is a place of beauty, sophistication, and learning. Nearer to the ground with the lesser mortals, every turn brings new danger, and only the callous and ruthless survive.
Yet, within the limited cast of characters we meet in this preview, there are sharp contrasts — dark warlords who concern themselves with a slight, barefoot shadow in the darkness; a patroness who rewards gratitude; a blademaster whose honor surpasses his need for revenge; and a protagonist who is quick enough to realize that safe passage will require rewriting the story from the inside.
House Andrews weaves a rich, textured tapestry — characters with unique and compelling histories, a culture shaped by violence and greed, and a story structure that pulls the reader in and quietly swallows them whole. Tor, evil geniuses that they are, knew just how much to give us. What delightful torment!
As a long-time, BDH mug-carrying fan of Ilona Andrews, let me just say that this is not their typical story. It’s not urban fantasy. It’s some crazy mash of epic portal fantasy with an urban fantasy heroine. It has a beating heart and bleeds determination. House Andrews are pioneers in genre-bending, trope-tipping innovations. In the extended preview of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, they decided to stop playing around and brought out the big guns. If you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that defies expectation and leaves you mouth agape, wondering did-that-just-happen, and already begging for more, congratulations! This is your destination.
And that’s only part of the story.
January 31, 2026
I want to start by saying that I genuinely love everything else this writing duo has created. I’ve read all of their books—some more than once—and I truly admire their storytelling, even though I naturally have a few personal favorites. That’s why it was a little disappointing for me to struggle with this one.
I found it difficult to stay fully engaged and ended up skimming in places, not because the idea wasn’t intriguing, but because the execution felt overwhelming. As each new character is introduced, there’s an extensive amount of backstory—often including detailed explanations of what happens to them in the book the main character finds herself in. While interesting in theory, it meant that very early on I felt like I knew more about these side characters than I did about Maggie herself.
There are also quite a few spoilers woven into these introductions, describing potential future events in vivid detail. Combined with very long descriptive passages, it became hard to absorb everything before being presented with the next wave of information. At times, it felt more like studying than reading for enjoyment.
I really wanted to love this book, and I gave it multiple chances—re-reading it three times to see if it would click. Unfortunately, by the end of 126 pages, I still felt disconnected from Maggie and wasn’t sure how I felt about her as a character. Meanwhile, I had a very clear picture of nearly everyone she encounters, right down to precise descriptions of their hair and clothing.
That said, the premise is still compelling, and I’m hopeful that as the story continues, the focus will shift more toward Maggie’s growth and development. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the book-within-the-book becomes an even stronger and more engaging read as the story progresses.
I found it difficult to stay fully engaged and ended up skimming in places, not because the idea wasn’t intriguing, but because the execution felt overwhelming. As each new character is introduced, there’s an extensive amount of backstory—often including detailed explanations of what happens to them in the book the main character finds herself in. While interesting in theory, it meant that very early on I felt like I knew more about these side characters than I did about Maggie herself.
There are also quite a few spoilers woven into these introductions, describing potential future events in vivid detail. Combined with very long descriptive passages, it became hard to absorb everything before being presented with the next wave of information. At times, it felt more like studying than reading for enjoyment.
I really wanted to love this book, and I gave it multiple chances—re-reading it three times to see if it would click. Unfortunately, by the end of 126 pages, I still felt disconnected from Maggie and wasn’t sure how I felt about her as a character. Meanwhile, I had a very clear picture of nearly everyone she encounters, right down to precise descriptions of their hair and clothing.
That said, the premise is still compelling, and I’m hopeful that as the story continues, the focus will shift more toward Maggie’s growth and development. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the book-within-the-book becomes an even stronger and more engaging read as the story progresses.
January 31, 2026
Maggie wakes naked, definitely afraid and IN one of her most beloved and dangerous books.
Can’t imagine how that would go, she quickly realizes her best way for her survival, is her actual almost encyclopedic recall of the book.
Maggie the undying, as she calls herself, becomes a character in the story and engages with the characters to fight for her life. There is no explanation how this happened and she fighting to survive whatever happened so doesn’t matter. Surviving matters and the next move without altering the story too drastically, since Maggie doesn’t know how that impacts the book, which is smart.
Maggie is fascinating, brilliantly engaging, sharply decisive and engaging in this wild and dangerous new world and she is a bright jewel as a heroine that makes this mini chapter an absolutely worthwhile read
Can’t imagine how that would go, she quickly realizes her best way for her survival, is her actual almost encyclopedic recall of the book.
Maggie the undying, as she calls herself, becomes a character in the story and engages with the characters to fight for her life. There is no explanation how this happened and she fighting to survive whatever happened so doesn’t matter. Surviving matters and the next move without altering the story too drastically, since Maggie doesn’t know how that impacts the book, which is smart.
Maggie is fascinating, brilliantly engaging, sharply decisive and engaging in this wild and dangerous new world and she is a bright jewel as a heroine that makes this mini chapter an absolutely worthwhile read
February 1, 2026
And I Thought It Couldn’t Get Any Better…
Well, I was wrong! I thought that team Andrews could not possibly outdo themselves when they finished the Kate Daniels series. I was so wrong. And now after reading this extended preview I feel like I’m hanging at the end of one of those wicked cliff hangers and have to wait an entire year to find out what happens next when it’s really only a going to be a few months! This is going to be another truly exciting read and I can hardly wait for March to get here! Thank you, Ilona and Gordon for another fantastic foray into the beautifully creative genius of your minds. I used to think the worlds that existed in my own imagination were pretty awesome, but I love diving into the places you create and am so happy that you bring us all along with you!!
Well, I was wrong! I thought that team Andrews could not possibly outdo themselves when they finished the Kate Daniels series. I was so wrong. And now after reading this extended preview I feel like I’m hanging at the end of one of those wicked cliff hangers and have to wait an entire year to find out what happens next when it’s really only a going to be a few months! This is going to be another truly exciting read and I can hardly wait for March to get here! Thank you, Ilona and Gordon for another fantastic foray into the beautifully creative genius of your minds. I used to think the worlds that existed in my own imagination were pretty awesome, but I love diving into the places you create and am so happy that you bring us all along with you!!
February 2, 2026
Ohhh Maggie!
WOW! Just awesome! I was excited from reading the snippets House Andrews has released to us of the BDH on the blog but after reading this I find I'm now checking that I have the notification set for release day at 12:01am so I can start as soon as it hits my device!
What a great premise, you go to bed and when you wake up you're inside your favorite book.
Would you be brave or timid would you help your favorite character or hunt the villian.
So many possibiilities and I'm excited to see where this ride takes us.
Another fantastic story with world building and rules that make you believe in the story and wanna jump right in.
So impatient! 😂 If you can't tell I really enjoyed the extended preview!
WOW! Just awesome! I was excited from reading the snippets House Andrews has released to us of the BDH on the blog but after reading this I find I'm now checking that I have the notification set for release day at 12:01am so I can start as soon as it hits my device!
What a great premise, you go to bed and when you wake up you're inside your favorite book.
Would you be brave or timid would you help your favorite character or hunt the villian.
So many possibiilities and I'm excited to see where this ride takes us.
Another fantastic story with world building and rules that make you believe in the story and wanna jump right in.
So impatient! 😂 If you can't tell I really enjoyed the extended preview!
February 24, 2026
I read the free extended preview of the novel (the first eight chapters), and I adore it. I’ve always enjoyed the idea of waking up in a different world, especially one from a book. Although this trope may seem common, it hasn't been for the last five years.
IA always creates funny, smart, sassy, and sarcastic female main characters. I adore Maggie, and I think she will surprise me throughout the novel.
It’s too early in the book to write a full review of the plot, etc. For now, I'll just say that I'm extremely curious about the love interest (I have my theories) and after the cliffhanger in chapter eight, I really need to know more…
March 31 can't come fast enough!
IA always creates funny, smart, sassy, and sarcastic female main characters. I adore Maggie, and I think she will surprise me throughout the novel.
It’s too early in the book to write a full review of the plot, etc. For now, I'll just say that I'm extremely curious about the love interest (I have my theories) and after the cliffhanger in chapter eight, I really need to know more…
March 31 can't come fast enough!
January 28, 2026
Seriously don't know what I'm gonna do....
I'm being forced once again to do the big awful thing and w*it. UGH. I almost didn't read this preview because I KNEW that it would just leave me ravenous for more. But, like a starving woman presented with a feast, I simply could not help myself. Its SO GOOD! The world, the characters, the drama, oh my! 125 pages and it was over in a flash! As a proud, card carrying member of the BDH I have lived up to my clan and am very CHALANTLY looking forward to the full release on March 31st.
I'm being forced once again to do the big awful thing and w*it. UGH. I almost didn't read this preview because I KNEW that it would just leave me ravenous for more. But, like a starving woman presented with a feast, I simply could not help myself. Its SO GOOD! The world, the characters, the drama, oh my! 125 pages and it was over in a flash! As a proud, card carrying member of the BDH I have lived up to my clan and am very CHALANTLY looking forward to the full release on March 31st.
January 29, 2026
This is a snippet, not a full book 5 stars
I already enjoyed Ilona Andrews but this new universe is fun and exciting and malleable and full of promise. It felt like reading Star Trek from Q's perspective - Maggie knows all, so what will she stir up next to change the ending? Will she get home? Will she want to? And on and on and on it goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the mocking of tropes, the elaborate descriptions, all of it. I highly recommend the snippet and cannot wait to read the full novel.
I already enjoyed Ilona Andrews but this new universe is fun and exciting and malleable and full of promise. It felt like reading Star Trek from Q's perspective - Maggie knows all, so what will she stir up next to change the ending? Will she get home? Will she want to? And on and on and on it goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, the mocking of tropes, the elaborate descriptions, all of it. I highly recommend the snippet and cannot wait to read the full novel.
February 1, 2026
Perfect Title for an Interesting Take on Death
I have read most of the Ilona Andrews books. This new series is similar to several others in that it is fast-paced and has a lot of action, magical and mundane. Death for certain people is not necessarily permanent. I love how this is intertwined with the idea that books and stories can take on a life of their own. Literally. A very interesting premise. I can't wait for the next part.
Note: I read this book as part of a free extended preview, so what I read may not be the final complete version.
I have read most of the Ilona Andrews books. This new series is similar to several others in that it is fast-paced and has a lot of action, magical and mundane. Death for certain people is not necessarily permanent. I love how this is intertwined with the idea that books and stories can take on a life of their own. Literally. A very interesting premise. I can't wait for the next part.
Note: I read this book as part of a free extended preview, so what I read may not be the final complete version.
February 5, 2026
This is a long preview of the coming book and it seems promising!
It’s nothing like the previous worlds written by Ilona Andrews but you still recognize the excellent writing. It’s about a girl who wakes up in the world of her favorite book series but she gets no special powers. All she has is the knowledge about the world and its citizens and the fact that she seems not to be able to die…
The book is a welldescribed fantasy world with an intriguing start. I can’t wait for the complete book to be released!
It’s nothing like the previous worlds written by Ilona Andrews but you still recognize the excellent writing. It’s about a girl who wakes up in the world of her favorite book series but she gets no special powers. All she has is the knowledge about the world and its citizens and the fact that she seems not to be able to die…
The book is a welldescribed fantasy world with an intriguing start. I can’t wait for the complete book to be released!
February 12, 2026
Can not believe
Story within story. A tale of two different types of lives told by two people with only one name. I have read Ilona Andrews before. I liked the books. Forgive me if I do not recite names or characters. This book is totally unlike the others except for the fact that it grabbed me at the beginning and has not let me go. I can not believe that magic of some sort is involved. I love the descriptions as if they are retold from an other story. If only I did not have to wait ... . That seems to be every readers' fate. I can not believe the truth in THAT REALITY.
Story within story. A tale of two different types of lives told by two people with only one name. I have read Ilona Andrews before. I liked the books. Forgive me if I do not recite names or characters. This book is totally unlike the others except for the fact that it grabbed me at the beginning and has not let me go. I can not believe that magic of some sort is involved. I love the descriptions as if they are retold from an other story. If only I did not have to wait ... . That seems to be every readers' fate. I can not believe the truth in THAT REALITY.
February 14, 2026
Not sure about this, but love it now
When I read the premise of the book, I wasn’t sure if I would like it. Now, I love it! Main character is coping with a fantasy that is not a fantasy-in every sense of the word. She has fallen into the realm that was the setting of beloved series of books. But instead of a smooth, fairytale landing, she has a rough road ahead figuring out how to stay alive in a violent world. But, she’s resourceful, knows the landscape, and just might live through the challenges after all. Can’t wait for what’s next!!
When I read the premise of the book, I wasn’t sure if I would like it. Now, I love it! Main character is coping with a fantasy that is not a fantasy-in every sense of the word. She has fallen into the realm that was the setting of beloved series of books. But instead of a smooth, fairytale landing, she has a rough road ahead figuring out how to stay alive in a violent world. But, she’s resourceful, knows the landscape, and just might live through the challenges after all. Can’t wait for what’s next!!
March 8, 2026
THE FREEBIE CHAPTERS…..
Ilona Andrews, writing duo of the gods.
This new series poses the question we’ve all played with….what book would you like to visit? Maggie finds herself thrust into a feral world with no money, friends, or clothing. It’s a good thing she read her favorite 2 book series a gajillion times, because her brain is her only weapon. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t end up dead alot, just that she doesn’t stay down for long!
This looks like another extreme winner for the hottest urban/ fantasy/ kickass author(s) around.
Ilona Andrews, writing duo of the gods.
This new series poses the question we’ve all played with….what book would you like to visit? Maggie finds herself thrust into a feral world with no money, friends, or clothing. It’s a good thing she read her favorite 2 book series a gajillion times, because her brain is her only weapon. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t end up dead alot, just that she doesn’t stay down for long!
This looks like another extreme winner for the hottest urban/ fantasy/ kickass author(s) around.
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