This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me: Outlander meets Game of Thrones in this blockbuster epic fantasy – set in a city filled with rogues, assassins and dangerous politics

Ilona Andrews are my comfort authors I love them for dependable comfortable stories with casts both main and secondary that I enjoy spending time with. All that said I feel that THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME has taken a huge step forward for their writing keeping all their strengths and ditching or reducing some of their weaker and tropey bound habits. Even if you were not a fan before this book their first real venture into traditional second world fantasy, I would highly recommend giving a go as a Portal fantasy /epic it’s very solid has interesting ideas , excellent characters while romance plays a part in the story it’s not over whelming and some of the predictably is balanced out by the first that Maggie is one one of the more practical MC’S I have read in fantasy in a non grim dark way that is. The set up is very similar to one of my favourites from last long live evil, in both book the FMC finds herself in her favourite fantasy book series as the world is approaching a apocalyptic event with only their knowledge of the unfinished series to guide them. However this kingdom is both less dark and less comedic then long live evil with the reason she is in this world a mystery with her being in her body rather then as a character in the story. It’s solid and well plotted , maggies special ability in all meanings is used sparingly, the characters are many and interesting including the villians and Maggie is interesting to follow a genuinely good hearted character who is practical enough to understand the dangers in interfering (and also to accept fairly fast that these are obviously real people and just not part of some fictional world.) but not willing to stand while people die. Here the world building also shines simple but effective magic is present in three forms temple magic not really explored yet , the magic of mages a non hereditary very powerful wide ranging ability and then the noble families who all possess they own powerful but more limited in focus ( usually not surprisingly battle related ) talents tied to their bloodlines while the world has knights and mages and is medieval adjacent its not the normal mediaeval European clone indoor plumbing exists as does toilet paper, while knights and armour exists thanks to different types of iron in the story for different purposes (nor clear if this is a natural or due to magical reasons ) they are not the clanky awkward things of history and reenactments. Maggies own twin abilities one of resurrection and the other of knowledge gained from her reading are used well with actual consequences the more she uses her knowledge of the series the more she changes things making her abilities less useful and her ability to resurrect is just that it’s not instant healing it’s painful and has restrictions. All in all one of my favourite books of the year so far.

The first of a promised trilogy, ‘This Kingdom will not Kill Me’ is Ilona Andrews’ first foray into epic fantasy: quite literally so, as the protagonist, Maggie, wakes up one day to find herself within the city of Kair Toren. She has no explanation as to why she is now within the place and storyline of her favourite epic fantasy book series, but she resolves to wield her knowledge and understanding of the of the characters and storylines of that series like a weapon. She might be a 21st century fish out of water in Kair Toren, but her caring for the book characters and her own moral code push her to become a player in increasingly dangerous political waters. All this, despite the fact that as she changes what she knows ‘should’ happen from the books she knows and loves, she is changing the storyline and losing the advantage she has of knowing what ‘should’ come next. Unlike the scheming and plotting powerful eight families in the Kingdom of Rellas (Kair Toren is the Kingdom’s capital), Maggie has no apparent magical powers. Except that it appears that she can’t die, something that is put to the test several times in this first instalment. ‘This Kingdom will not Kill Me’ introduces Maggie and some of the key political players with some wonderful and immersive world-building. It’s definitely a departure from Ilona Andrews’ usual style, but I would say that both newcomers to the authors (Ilona Andrews is a wife-and-husband authorial team) and long-time fans will enjoy this book very much. Do you have to be a hard-core epic fantasy fan or fan of isekai (portal fantasy) books to enjoy it? Absolutely not! Most of us have favourite books we re-read and return to. Books where we imagine what it must be like to live in the world they portray: Maggie gets that opportunity, and, the result is a lot of fun (OK, and some blood and guts, but this is epic fantasy, after all). I’m not one for spoilers, but I will say that after the satisfying heists, hubris and plot-hatching that feature in this book, we are left with several unanswered questions, including: why was Maggie pulled from ‘our’ world into Kair Toren? Can Maggie be killed there? Is it important that in ‘our’ world, Adrian Latour - the mysterious author of the epic fantasy book series that features Rellas and Kair Toren - only published two out of the three promised books in the series, before apparently disappearing ten years ago? Oh, and when is instalment two of this series going to be published? Because I’d really, really like to read more.

Having read other books by Ilona Andrews, I knew I would enjoy this new series. What I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy it. Their world building is detailed and compelling, their characters are believable and nuanced, the main protagonists instantly likeable and relatable. But somehow they managed to also make you feel at home in this strange world, want to hang out with the gang and help them fight the good fight. The world Maggie is thrown into is harsh without being dark and sinister, the baddies are grounded rather than stereotypical evil and sinister beings. Yes, the male characters are all broad shouldered with corded muscles and in their late twenties as you would expect, but it’s the female protagonist who’s in the centre of everything and who pulls it all together. Having reread a few scenes initially, I think I’m due for a full reread soon. Which is a first. Good to know that the second book is already in the works. If you like strong female characters, found families and deep world building, this is for you. Just hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. No AI, a nice twist, and more depth than usual for this author pair. *********SPOILER ALERT******* ********MESSAGE TO AUTHORS INCLUDED******************** I do enjoy rags-to-riches plots touched with a bit of humanity. I like how through the book the heroine still misses her family, instead of instantly forgetting them, as in so many like novels. I laughed at the tropes in the beginning being carefully cherry-picked to ignore the trope that was taking place. This is an expensive book, and I had worried that it would follow the lines of the authors' other books (with plot points that to my mind are failings, as opposed to writing for the audience). I took the plunge and bought it anyway, and I am glad I did. The other book series from these authors had become trite over time, especially with the inevitable romance and weakened until death with a last gasp that saves the day (because of the thought of losing the love-interest), but this novel resets the bar, and good for the authors. It's a breath of fresh air. I hope the sequel not only follows this path of depth, but deepens the intensity and plot - and it can be deepened considerably. The sequel does hold the opportunity of being better than book 1, simply because the authors can dive into sub-plots of the 'original' series that we, of course, know nothing about, but that Maggie has to remember and figure out how they can change the now unknown future. This can pivot the sequel into something new and special, instead of only the angst of separation and romance that we all know is coming. We have been set up for Maggie to learn more about her innate magic, and I look forward to that, but learning a skill to be able to fight more powerful enemies is more an inevitable (albeit satisfying), plot point than a whole devious plot. It's the out-witting ones' enemies, from a disadvantaged position, that makes readers bite their nails. It was good that her barely learned stabbing skills never killed the anti-hero. She's not Arya. But please authors, don't make it like he can't be killed either and that he shares Maggie's undying ability. That would be too boring, and possibly force a blood relationship between them, and the whole plot unravels from there into the realms of the mediocre. Some padding underneath his armour will suffice. I suppose it is inevitable that the heroine's intervention becomes the third, long awaited novel, but please - do it in a surprising and novel way rather than a deus ex machina, like her being the author. I'd rather she never goes home (and NOT an easy answer that her home was a far-seeing dream to begin with) than be forced to read about an all powerful something that made it all happen. This novel is fresh enough to stand out. Keep it that way.

Was OK. I found it a bit underwhelming. Still a good story and well written but I won't be getting the second book unless it is part of kindle unlimited.

Being a huge fan of Ilona Andrews there was lots of hype about This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - it fully lived up to it. I found the start slow, but the world building is brilliant and I can’t wait for a second read(& more) to fully understand the characters and the world. Maggie is a great heroine, resourceful, loyal and brave. It’s a departure from the other series that Ilona Andrews have given us before but with the same warmth and depth to the characters, start of romance, saving of an abandoned animal (Stelka) and perfectly set up for book 2.

Maggie goes to sleep in her American apartment and wakes up cold and naked in a ditch in Kair Toren. She recognises the city at once because she has read the 2 books of her favourite fantasy novels many times over. The 3rd book in the trilogy has never been written. Maggie soon finds out that she has 2 major weapons in her struggle to survive in this Game of Thrones type fantasy; she knows both the plot of the 2 novels and the characters off by heart. Secondly, she soon finds out that she can't be killed. She sets out to subtly change the plot of the novels by trying to save her favourite characters; she realises that she has to be very careful because any action taken to change the timeline plot will have a knock-on effect. Maggie says in the book that she realises that this is a portal type situation common in many fantasy novels, however, she has been through a portal nor knows the way back home to her world. Excellent, really interesting novel with tight world building, the first book in a trilogy. Can't wait for the 2nd book.

This book is so good I strongly encourage you NOT to read it until all books in the series are complete to allow for a truly epic reading binge. Long but fast paced, dark yet funny, smouldering yet free of icky romance tropes, complicated but navigable, all in all a fantastic read. Devastated to find out the rest of the series isn’t published (or possibly even written) yet, as I’m dying to continue the story!

When the book was first announced, I couldn't believe Isekai had made it into mainstream media, and was cautiously excited. Then, with the increasing amount of snippets and sneak previews, I was hooked and couldn't wa*t for the book to finally become available... I have been a long time reader of the author duo, but this new trilogy feels so fresh and new, I can't help but be in awe of the versatility of Ilona Andrews. Story wise, this feels like a clever issue kai story where actions have consequences and both main characters and side characters are fleshed out, making this somehow realistic fantasy to me, in the same instances that yes there is magic and mythical creatures, but the actions and motivations behind the actions make sense and feel logical, driving the plot forward in a believable manner. Aside from the sheer awesome storytelling, intriguing world building and loveable cast of characters, I also love the humor woven throughout the story, including some meme references. At one specific hilarious mention, I literally laughed out loud. So to sum it up - I loved it so much and I am waiting with bated breath for the next one.

Incredible book! I’m already a fan of Ilona Andrews, but this book is something else. I must admit that the first 60 pages were a little rough for me. The entire worldbuilding is incredible, but it just takes time (and pages) to describe them. Also, there are a lot of characters introduced in these first pages. But if you get through them, you get over 400 wonderful, intriguing, complex, interesting pages before you. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone! It is the first of three books, the second book is written now.

Ilona Andrews is by far my absolutely favourite author. I didn’t think she could top Kate Daniel’s but Maggie has stolen that spot now. Can’t wait for the sequel.

Ces auteurs ecrivent tellement bien ! Les personnages ont des personnalités solides et cohérentes, l'intrigue se développe de manière progressive et elle aussi coherente, tout en réservant quelques appréciables surprises. et le Lore est * chef's kiss*. Encore une excellente série qui débute.

Il duo di autori che si nasconde dietro lo pseudonimo di Ilona Andrews, ha colpito ancora! E stavolta con un libro (primo di una trilogia) di genere Fantasy. Inutile dire che anche cambiando tipologia, il risultato è eccellente e riesce ad essere realistico pur essendo del tutto lontano dalla realtà. La nostra eroina è una certa Marigold (Maggie) ventiseienne texana che pur avendo una laurea svolge un paio di lavori non particolarmente qualificati e si trascina in una esistenza tranquilla e priva di “verve”. Possiamo in molte riconoscerci in lei, soprattutto nel fatto che Maggie trova nei libri Fantasy, di cui è un’avida lettrice, un momento di “fuga dalla realtà”. In particolare, da anni Maggie si è appassionata a una trilogia di libri (di cui sono usciti solo i primi due) – e di cui aspetta con ansia l’uscita del romanzo conclusivo – ambientati in una terra chiamata Rellas, la cui capitale è Kair Toren, di stampo vagamente medievale e in cui gli intrighi politici e sociali sono complessi, violenti e parecchio interessanti per una tipa come lei. Al punto che, a suon di rileggere i due romanzi come fossero libri di testo, la nostra Maggie ha imparato non solo le vicende dei diversi personaggi e la trama degli eventi, ma ha anche appreso usi e costumi, l’impianto geografico e naturalistico del continente e la base storica che muove la vicenda. Il volume inizia con Maggie che si addormenta nel suo letto e si risveglia, nuda e infreddolita in un vicolo maleodorante sotto una pioggia battente e poco le serve per capire di essere finita, in modo inspiegabile, proprio a Kair Toren. Diversi indizi, e la sua conoscenza enciclopedica del posto, la aiutano ad orientarsi nel tempo e nello spazio e scopre così, in modo assai brutale, che non si tratta di un sogno e che questa realtà in cui si trova non ha il potere di ucciderla. Infatti, fin dai primi capitoli la nostra eroina muore e ritorna in vita e prima di lasciarsi travolgere dalla disperazione, si organizza per trovare di che coprirsi e dove rifugiarsi. Maggie conosce lo svolgersi degli eventi e riesce quindi a finire in un luogo sicuro per capire come mettere ordine alla sua nuova esistenza e poiché deve guadagnarsi da vivere, decide di sfruttare la sua vasta conoscenza per farsi pagare dai personaggi del romanzo informandoli su quello che accadrà nel loro futuro, dando come garanzia il suo sapere del loro passato. Chi conosce già gli autori sa che la loro prosa è coinvolgente, i personaggi sono tridimensionali e benché in un romanzo del tutto fuori dalla realtà, le interazioni fra le persone, il loro quotidiano stare al mondo e la loro sofferenza o gioia, sono realistiche e tutti si possono immedesimare. Trovo che sia stata svolta molto bene anche la parte che riguarda gli eventi futuri. Maggie si sforza di muovere i personaggi in modo da evitare che Rellas venga travolta da una guerra civile (presente nei suoi due libri) ma si rende rapidamente conto che il futuro non è una scienza esatta e che le sue azioni, onestamente orientate a fin di bene, non sempre garantiscono il risultato sperato. La ragionevolezza di questo fatto, provoca in lei non poche frustrazioni e i dubbi che governano le sue azioni la tolgono fortunatamente dal posto di “deus ex machinae” che avrebbe potuto appiattirla. I personaggi sono tanti e così gli scrittori hanno fornito anche un elenco ragionato dettagliando dove possibile il loro posto nella storia senza spoilerare (vi sono non pochi colpi di scena). Si tratta del primo volume di una trilogia e in quanto tale è il posto deputato a fornire tutte le informazioni possibili sulla vicenda. Gli autori ci fanno entrare nella testa di Maggie quando rimugina, per fornirci la base da cui derivano le sue risposte e le interazioni con coloro che la circondano. Questo gioco può alle volte diventare un pochino pesante perché rallenta il ritmo del romanzo. Tuttavia si tratta di informazioni necessarie e conto sul fatto che i prossimi libri siano più “leggeri” al riguardo. Altro punto debole, a mio avviso, è che tutti i protagonisti maschili principali sono alti, muscolosi e belli (e anche intelligenti, astuti e manipolatori). Per il tipo di vicenda direi che i guerrieri e i nobili cavalieri devono essere in perfetta forma fisica (è nel mansionario), ma che siano tutti degli adoni, mi sembra assai improbabile. Certo, non me ne lamento, soprattutto perché le artiste che danno volto ai personaggi dei libri di Ilona Andrews sono bravissime! I lettori sono comunque avvisati. Altra novità di cui tenere conto è che il libro è lungo 450 pagine, il che è molto più di quanto ci abbiano abituati gli scrittori in passato. Non vi preoccupate però, per quanto lungo lo divorerete molto rapidamente! A quando il prossimo?