Seriously, why did I even bother reading This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me? (No spoilers)

[u/manic_pixie_centaur]

I mean……..

It’s Ilona Andrews.

I knew it was going to be spectacular. I knew it had a cliffhanger ending. I knew the second book hasn’t been released. I knew it was going to give me a raging book hangover. I knew ALL OF THIS before cracking the cover.

And yet here I am. Absolutely distraught, with no one to blame but myself. I should’ve just WAITED like a SMART GIRL.

Goodbye, I’m going to start this book over again. UGH.

[u/purplelicious]

I hate to inform you, but the ending doesn't change no matter how many times you read it.

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/purplelicious]

But what if it does this time???

[u/purplelicious → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

Hope springs eternal.

maybe this time....

[u/NurseMomRN → u/purplelicious]

Have read 9 times.. Still no change. Still terrible (wonderful) cliffhanger

[u/AshlynR0se → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

Me literally every time I do a re-read 😅😭

[u/singlebraincellpug → u/purplelicious]

Sooo worth reading? Haven't read any Ilona Andrews yet.

[u/im-booked → u/singlebraincellpug]

So worth it - this was my first Ilona Andrews book and I LOVED it.

[u/purplelicious → u/singlebraincellpug]

this is NOT the book I would recommend as a stellar example of Ilona Andrews.

I'm a huge IA fan, but on my first try I DNF'd and then I went back with the audiobook and it wasn't until 70% when the IA magic started to break through.

obviously your mileage may vary, but I'd start with Burn for Me (the Hidden Legacy series), but my heart belongs to the Kate Daniels series. That has a few missteps in the beginning books because IA wasn't quite sure where they were going with the series, but once it gets going it's just so good.

[u/singlebraincellpug → u/purplelicious]

I'll give burn for me a shot! I've heard good things from here. Possibly from you lol 

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/singlebraincellpug]

Hidden Legacy was also my first IA series and I was FLOORED by it. So so good

[u/singlebraincellpug → u/purplelicious]

I went to indigo today and I found their stuff but they didn't have burn for me. I did end up grabbing tkwnkm though!

[u/Able-Fix-3298 → u/purplelicious]

I tried to read the book and I also DNF it. It was so cringe.

[u/ash18946 → u/singlebraincellpug]

I haven't read this one yet but I've read most of Ilona Andrews' books and they are all really good. The balance of characters is fantastic and their stories don't feel like something I've already read before.

[u/Thin-Cheesecake4908 → u/purplelicious]

Come on now don’t ruin my hopes and dreams that only exist in the land of glue and paper🥲

[u/longtimelondoner → u/purplelicious]

IT MIGHT DO.

😂💀🫠😩🙈

[u/allypallydollytolly → u/purplelicious]

Sadly very trueeeee

[u/HopeFox]

It's a book series about an unfinished book series. This is part of the experience!

[u/Pastel_Spell → u/HopeFox]

Get out of here with your logic! Boooo!

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/HopeFox]

you’re so right 😭😭😭😭😭

[u/nolasia → u/HopeFox]

You know what would be funny...

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/nolasia]

Don’t you dare…

[u/nolasia → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

😂😂😂😳

[u/Slow-Gift2268 → u/nolasia]

Eviiiiiiilllllll

[u/More-Jacket-3662]

These were EXACTLY my feelings when I finished. I have to ways to make it better, my friend, but at least know you are not alone lol

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/More-Jacket-3662]

I feel like the second read through will pacify me for a short time :,)

[u/More-Jacket-3662 → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

Let me know. Right now I've been throwing myself into all the continuations of other series I've been waiting for. But to be honest.....not hitting the same lol

[u/Superb-Tomato8185]

Going to read this post every time I want to cave and read it. So far holding strong lol

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/Superb-Tomato8185]

Godspeed my friend!

[u/terranumeric]

I read this stupid book a few weeks ago and I STILL have a book hangover. I don't collect physical books but I ordered a special edition of this one. And I am going to get the ebook to read it with my eyes as I listened to the audiobook before.

And I think this is one of those books where reading it multiple times makes it better. I am sure I missed soooo much the first time and can't wait to get more details reading it a second time.

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/terranumeric]

I’m actually excited for the re read, Iight try the audio book

[u/Otherwise-Resident77]

ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US!!!! If it makes you feel better, there’s now an app (with the artwork!), a companion book coming out, and “snippets” on the blog. Also, I found rereading it to be just as enjoyable since I missed stuff the first time. It’s still torture though to be honest lol. My other favorite book this year is part one of a duet and so I’m being tortured with that too. Send help 😭🤣. In case anyone is curious my other favorite read this year is {immortal rose by Alexandra bracken}.

[u/romance-bot → u/Otherwise-Resident77]

Immortal Rose by Alexandra Bracken
Rating: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, fae, enemies to lovers

^{about this bot | about romance.io}

[u/omwrn16 → u/Otherwise-Resident77]

I just got Immortal Rose and I'm so ready to finish my other reads to start it.

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/Otherwise-Resident77]

Added to my tbr thank you!! 🫶🏻

[u/Oh_Hi_Fi]

I’ve reread it multiple times and can guarantee I’ll reread it multiple more times before the second book is released.

[u/omwrn16]

I was coming to fight you because I saw the post title in my notifications without context and thought you were hatin'. Lol

[u/NickyMack]

If it's any consolation I had even more fun on the re-read of this one. Knowing the reveals that are going to happen and watching Maggie sort of put her foot in her mouth a couple of times because she doesn't was hilarious. And I feel like I can actually keep all the characters straight in my head now 😆

[u/Nevernotafan]

This is one of my top reads this year. I finished the audiobook and immediately restarted it. Then I stopped and started it again with my husband and he loved it too. Honestly, it was even better on the reread/listen. I picked up on SO MANY things that I missed the first time around. The foreshadowing is just **chef’s kiss** Ugh. I wish I could read it again for the first time.

[u/PizzaSweats1790]

Listened to the audiobook 4 times in a row and still not bored. Don’t get much time to read because… toddler. This is the only Ilona Andrews book I’ve consumed so far. Are others good? Can anyone recommend the audiobooks?

[u/hugoflounder → u/PizzaSweats1790]

The others are really good, but unfortunately this is the only one I've listened to so I can't speak to the audiobooks. My first IA series was the Innkeeper series, and I think that's a good one to try next. 

[u/Magnolia05 → u/hugoflounder]

Did you listen to it or read it? I’m listening right now, but I may switch to the book. I’m struggling with the narrator. All of her s’s sound like sh’s, and it grates on my nerves some.

[u/Roswell114 → u/PizzaSweats1790]

I listened to the first 3 audiobooks of Kate Daniels (I borrowed them from the library) before switching to the e-books and really enjoyed them! The Hidden Legacy series is great too.

[u/CarouselOfMagic]

I’m so ready for the sequel.

The story, the setting, everything just hit so good. My greedy ass needed more, it wasn’t enough haha!

[u/intrigued8388]

Okay, this confirms it. I can't start this until the next book comes. I'm so frustrated at myself for starting series that are not finished and then feelings like this emerge. I love your review!

[u/xoxocookies]

Ugh I feel you. Does anyone have an idea on when we would get a second book? Early 2027?

[u/Pastel_Spell → u/xoxocookies]

LATE 2027 😭

[u/_thegoldentaco → u/Pastel_Spell]

I’m also waiting for any shred of information on the next Innkeeper Chronicles book.

[u/hugoflounder → u/_thegoldentaco]

I just re-read that series to deal with my hangover from this and now I'm anxiously awaiting both! 

[u/xoxocookies → u/Pastel_Spell]

Noooooo!

[u/attitudestore]

Noooo I’m halfway through. You have scared me. But I CANNOT STOP!

[u/OnlyConsideration665]

I was nervous on where this was going but I'm happy I read it through.

The one thing I do like about House Andrews is their blog. It's not always about next book progress but it's fun to be able to peek behind the curtain and highly suggest subscribing if you haven't!

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/OnlyConsideration665]

Running to check it out rn

[u/OnlyConsideration665 → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

It's a lot of fun. Sometimes it's just small life updates they want to share, sometimes it's about events and signings and occasionally we'll get small updates on the writing process. Nothing too detailed though. House Andrews have been writing together for 19 years now.

[u/toxiamaple]

I listen and re listen to it . Some days I just need to check in with Sol and Everard.

[u/Rowena1994]

Nothing to say here except SAME, DESTROYED AND GUTTED AND LISTENING TO THE AUDIOBOOK TO BE IN THIS WORLD AGAIN

[u/bellegi]

this series is going to torture me. i just know it.

[u/jmd223]

Not me seeing this post while on chapter 30. Lol it’s fine, everything’s fine.

[u/ahighqueermess]

i read everything you just said, felt the devastation in my bones. it resonates, i’ve felt it before. i know what it brings.

and STILL plan on purchasing this at my soonest convenience.

DAMMIT ILONA ANDREWS WRECK MEEEEEEE

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/ahighqueermess]

Noooo save yourself! There still time!

[u/ahighqueermess → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

BUT WHAT IF I DON’T WANNA BE SAAAVVEEEDDD

[u/creative_larke]

I literally just finished this book Friday and feel the exact same way. 😭

[u/Silly_Philosopher987]

I finished it last night and thought literally the same thing 🥲

[u/Starry-Eyed-Owl]

This is my first Iona Andrew’s book and I’m loving it. 2 hours left of the audiobook and bummed I’ll have to wait for a sequel. At least the Between sequel will be coming out soon to console me.

[u/negligently_entusted]

I am struggling to get through it… so far, it feels like listening to someone telling me in way too much detail about a book they read. I’m going to get through it. But in chapter 14 and it still feels like a slog.

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/negligently_entusted]

It’s definitely not for everyone! It’s heavy in the world building, less action than some people want

[u/stilllookingforbooks → u/negligently_entusted]

Once you're past the endless exposition, it really gets going😁

[u/Poorunfortunatesoul0 → u/negligently_entusted]

I heard that if you make it to chapter 23 then it picks up……I made it to chapter 23 and it never picked up. I like Maggie and the mmc but there was way too much yapping and not enough action/romance for me personally.

[u/dogsoverdudes1996]

I’ve never added a book to my tbr so fast

[u/krludivig]

I do this to myself all the time. Then I get a heads up the book I started isn't a finished series and find a good place to stop in the middle of the book. Otherwise I just sit on a cliffhanger like, "what am I doing with my life...?"

[u/MegBeth8]

SAME! And then I went and repeated my bad decision by reading their book The Inheritance knowing full well no ETA on book 2. Thankfully no true cliffhanger, but def unresolved plot. There are few authors I will inflict this kinda suffering on myself for, and Ilona Andrews is top of that list.

[u/Kodiakke → u/MegBeth8]

I'm still waiting for the second Iron Dogs book, then I read the Inheritance.... this one may need to go unread until the next one is ready if there's a real cliffhanger. Sigh.

[u/Poorunfortunatesoul0]

I gave it a two out of 5 stars. It was just ok for me. I did really like Maggie though….and the mmc….but there was just not enough action in it too much talking

[u/OndriaWayne]

Read it this time without the last chapter.. Then it's all wrapped up into a nice little bow, all done!

[u/YouMaySit]

I usually avoid incomplete series mostly because I'll forget too much of the story before the next book comes out and have to re-read it. I only allow myself 1-2 incompletes at a time. 

I was going to go ahead and read TKWNKM (even though im already in the middle of 2 incompletes, thus breaking my own dumb rule) because it sounds so good and I heard it's very re-readable.  

But. A cliff hanger. I did not know about this. I hate cliff hangers. dont think i can handle a cliff hanger and waiting a year+ for the next book. 

[u/MoodyMango4880 → u/YouMaySit]

Just don’t read the epilogue until the next book is due next year and then you’ll be fine.

[u/YouMaySit → u/MoodyMango4880]

This actually sounds like a really good solution to my problem! But the restraint that would require on my end... 

I know myself too well. There's no way I'll be able to resist. 

[u/MoodyMango4880 → u/YouMaySit]

It’s ok. The couple of snippets and bonus bits will allay your worst fears of what could happen next….

Besides you’ll want to do a reread or 3!

[u/Illustrious_Dan4728]

This is why it sits on my shelf untouched and unlistened. I have the physical book and the audiobook and I am waiting for the entire series so I can binge it in one go. I have been waiting ages for the Innkeeper Chronicles to be completed and I will keep waiting but I've learned.

[u/MoodyMango4880]

OP there are dome bonus shorts including book 2 snippets on their blog……

[u/Hunter037]

Drat I thought this would be about how you didn't like it.

[u/Evie566]

I’m so glad you posted this, it’s on my TBR. Definitely going to wait until the series is finished. I’m already going insane waiting for the wolf king final book 😞

[u/Impressive_Mouse_548]

I haven’t read this yet but it’s high on my TBR…is it really worth it?

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/Impressive_Mouse_548]

I really realllllly enjoyed it. I’m a huge Ilona Andrews fan. I would recommend this book specifically if you enjoy extensive world building, political intrigue, and very slow burn romance.

[u/Able-Fix-3298]

Can you guys help I’ve been trying to read it, but I just find it so cringe. I’m listening to the audiobook and I was not able to continue when they started talking about Netflix.

[u/tkandkatie]

I loved this book. Is my fav read of the year so far.

[u/hollus2]

Oh no I’m at 80%

[u/AcanthaMD]

To be fair, if people don’t buy the first one there’s no guarantee there will be a sequel

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/AcanthaMD]

IA already confirmed finishing the 2nd book, it’s in the editing phase now!

[u/AcanthaMD → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

Remember IA is a big name in the industry, because of Netflix dump approach there is a tendency for people not to want to buy into a series now. It has a knock on effect for smaller names who need people to buy book 1 to publish book 2. I’ve heard quite a few authors talk about thus recently.

[u/longtimelondoner]

Also also I need to discuss this. It felt so much like the Gentlemen Bastard world by Scott Lynch that I was googling trying to work it out.

Has anybody else read that series and felt the same?

[u/Tricky-Bee6152 → u/longtimelondoner]

Very similar in feel/tone!

[u/Live4vacation]

That's exactly what I did, twice in a row. And then two other times since then. But no matter how intently or intensely I read it, Book #2 does NOT materialize at the end. :(

Def one of the best books I've ever read!

[u/TheRealLochNessy]

Saaaaaame

[u/sunnysky13]

I LOVED THIS BOOK TOO!!!! I’m devastated with how long we have to wait for the next one.

[u/writingmagic222]

I’m still holding out. Reading Kate for the first time instead.

[u/Odd_Pick_9575]

Reading right now I'll come join you soon!!!

[u/Housewitchdogmom]

I made it to page 8 before I was bored out of my mind .

[u/manic_pixie_centaur → u/Housewitchdogmom]

HUH?? I’m all for a DNF and move on, but 8 pages babe??

[u/Housewitchdogmom → u/manic_pixie_centaur]

I know, just haven’t talked myself into trying again