There probably should be some Words of Wisdom TM here, but all I have is, yay the book is out.
It’s out, it’s out! We are so glad that you guys are enjoying it. We meant for it to be a small bright spot in what is a dark time, and we hope it will do its job and lift your spirits, if only for a little while.
Please use the comments for spoilery discussions. Be polite. Thank you!
I skimmed the comments so I apologize if anyone has previously made the same observation and I missed it. But at the end of the book Derek reveals that he has a fourth form. There’s the human form, the wolf form, the warrior form, and at the end of the book he turns into a jackass.
I write this as a man who has recently celebrated his forty-sixth anniversary, and who has loved his wife for even longer than that.
I have never typed this before… But I LOL’d.
Thank you, I needed the laugh.
I snorted. You really had my mind whirling like, a fourth form?? How did I miss this??
And I totally agree!! I wanted that last conversation to go… differently. But on the bright side, it just leaves heaps of potential for future books!
Agreed! Derek wanted things to stay just the same, what a putz!
“Putz”; I used this word once, and a kind Jewish woman let me know it basically Yiddish for ” dirty penis.” I suppose dirty could be a synonym for diseased?
You made me chortle with this comment, as you are so right. I wanted to hit him on the back of the head with a rolled up newspaper.
Ha! You got me going there for a second being like, “when was this fourth form discussed?!”
Honestly, I don’t think he was being a jackass! I think he has been hurting and in love with Julie for almost a decade, and really, both of them are being a bit dense about their connection. Derek knew he couldn’t have an actual relationship with Julie because of their ages at the time, so the only thing he could do was settle for them being “a good team”. Julie was right, too. She had to go.
I really feel for both of them. They’re both right, and they both needed answers. Hopefully in the next book (🙏🏻🤞🏻) we get to see Derek make good on his “threats” 😆
+1
+1
I thought, if I get my wish and the two come together there wont be another book about them. Since they didn’t things are looking promising for at least one followup book.
Big props to the gentleman married for a long time. It doesn’t get better than that.
Thank you.
I agree here. Derek says something to the effect of Julie not even giving it a chance. But she makes a good point about not seeing a way out of her being “a kid”. They both needed to grow.
I’m reminded of this poorly paraphrase idea.
If you love someone set them free. If they come back to you they were yours. If they don’t it was never meant to be.
The journey of their coming back to one another is going to be so much fun to read.
Aha, I disagree ! I think Derek’s behaviour is legitimate given the situation. And so is Julie’s !
So to me, responsibility for this mess is split evenly between the two. No one is fully blameless, and they’ve both been hurt a lot by the situation.
That’s why we love those characters so much, they ring true and human. Can’t wait for them to get together, the tension between them drives me nuts.
You made me snort. Brilliant comment.
🤣
Loved the book. Thanks guys 😍
I loved the ending. It’s a perfect example of why series were invented. The main issue was resolved. There are compelling story arcs to come. I don’t mind waiting for the next part of the saga. Of course I’d like more right away. But the writers have to write …..
i agree!
I agree! This was such a great beginning to a another part of a world I was already so invested in! I just hope it isn’t too long between books- hint, hint.
I simply wanted to say thank you for another amazing book.
Your books always are a real gem and appreciated greatly.
As always I loved reading about Julie and Derek immensely and I am so curious to see what could happen next.
Fingers are crossed to read a looot more about those two. ❤️
By the way books like yours are the reason why I started reading in english.
Waiting to read a translation of those would simply take too long.
OMG!!! I already read it twice!!! Loved it! Love you guys! Gimmy more gimmy!!!
😀
Thank you. I want you to know for the first time in a long time I paced myself. Yes, I read the end first. Some things don’t change. Then, I read slowly. In thirds, over three days! I never do that. I am an Ilona Andrews book gobbler. It was agonizing to read slowly but I know there is not much coming around from you soon. There were so many things that I loved. Happy New Year to you, to all of us.
I just need you to know that “book gobbler” is my new favorite thing and I am the same
Thank you so much, wonderful authors! This book was exactly what I needed for an escape during these crazy times. Thank you so much for continuing to make such wonderful stories for us.
Thank you for the blessing that is your writing. Love the start of Julie’s story, please 🙏 with a double helping of please write more. The hours away from COVID reality were a balm to my psyche.
Loved it!! So so excited to see Derek do some werewolf-type courting 🤣 Thank you as always for sharing your wonderfully fun stories!
Oh my god, werewolf-style courting, yes please!!
Did I just crush this book out in one sitting… yes. Do I have to go back and reread the whole thing now that I know that Derek knew THE WHOLE TIME. Yes. Am I okay? Debatable.
Yes!! What she said!
Just finished the book!!!!! Amazing desperate to know when next is due!!! Excited at prospect of another mini Kate, also worried about the possible wrong doing and Derek oh Derek why are you being an ass?!
OMG. This was AWESOME. I read as slowly as i could, forcing myself to also do my home-based business. still done too soon and rereading.
What a fun peek into the lives of all my favorite characters, and a wonderfully written story. You did it again with another wonderful book! Thank you.
First of all, I loved loved loved the book. I have been waiting for it since the online serial stopped (I really like that she doesn’t call Kate and Curran “Mom and Dad” anymore. I thought it was a bit weird).
I love the Aurelia/Julie-Hugh bond and I’m so looking forward to exploring that further. Also an Erra-Hugh relationship sounds quite intriguing! She’s kind of his aunt, isn’t she?
Conlan and Aurelia are so cute together! The cooking scene feels so homey 😍
Speaking of little boys, it would actually break my heart if Dougie doesn’t make it. He has to survive. He did the right things, he protected the right people. He deserves a decent life.
The little girl signing up for assassin’s school? That was absolutely incredible and funny af.
I don’t believe Ascanio is gunning for the beast lord seat. It’s been mentioned too many times and the way he’s described as going about it seems very crude to me. Combine that with the repeated comments about how the pack isn’t working like it used to anymore and it all points to there being much more going on there.
Can Derek become beast lord if he’s formally left the pack? Can he just change his mind?
Saiman being the beggar is absolutely hilarious and ironic and I love it.
Why did zahar call Derek alpha?
How did Derek change so much? Does it have to do with him being affected more by shape shifter stuff than others?(moonlight etc.) I was thinking, what if that never had anything to do with living with a loup father for so long. What if the reason for that sensitivity is what he went looking for? What if that’s the reason for all the upgrades?
Also, THAT CLIFFHANGER!!! I loooooooved it so much I keep rereading it. I can’t wait for the mating rituals in the next book.
Apologies if this was answered elsewhere but when will the audiobook be available?
The audiobook is finished but it is now sitting in the mighty hands of Audible and that currently is a black hole.
So the answer is “it will be available when it is available”. Go ask Audible but remember that is a “black hole”. Do you really want to sit on the edge of that event horizon?
Hello Isabelle,
We estimate the audiobook will be available roughly 3-4 weeks post release day. 🙂 I hope this helps.
Absolutely loved this book! Thank you again for writing it. Now I’m going to finish my re-read of Magic Stars and re-read Blood Heir again KNOWING that Derek knew the whole time!!! Squeeeeee!
OMG. I just finished the book….PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write another one.
I always like to read reviews at Amazon especially the 4, 3, 2 and 1 star ones.
People can be so dumb. They want everything wrapped up in one novel, but life is not like that, it is messy and what is a novel? It is a slice of life, therefore messy and full of loose ends.
This was utter perfection! I devoured it and am now feeling bereft. Maybe I will have to read it again right away. And Derek just walked away.
Are Derek and Julie EVER going to be a couple? I do wanted at least a kiss!
I mean, this is a very standard format for Ilona Andrews. The first book sets the stage but nothing happens until the second book. They always give the characters time to get to know each other. The only real exceptions to this are Iron and Magic (which has a good reason for an accelerated relationship) and the Edge series (where really each book is focused on different characters and relationships).
So, yeah, dont worry. Things will definitely progress between those two!
Thank you so much for this AWESOME book!!!! Please, please, please continue this series!!!!
Loved the book and I’m living for the speculation in all these comments. Thank you so much!
I agree with the other commentators in regards to Dougie. Can he please survive and have a good life? Please, pretty please with cherry on top. I know life doesn’t work out that way, but I want it to. Saiman is still a bleep. Good to know.
I know! I’m pulling for the poor kid. I’m hoping Julie takes him in too.
Not sure if this has been mentioned but Barabas and Christopher have a daughter!! I hope we get more information about their family because I love it so far and am intrigued. Do Kate and Curran have a daughter?
No. So far they only have Conlan. But according to the book they have the potential to have a daughter, if Julie can defeat Moloch and change their future.
This book was fantastic!! I was up all night with a feverish 17 month old, so she cuddled on my lap and I read Blood Heir! And, spoilerish request…
…please please please could we have a Derek POV someday of when he saw Julie riding into Atlanta and knew it was her?
I can’t help it, I’m greedy! I so love the POVs and snips and extra epilogues and everything. You guys spoil us with your incredible world building and I just want to climb in and live there. Thank you so much!
Oh, I’d punch my sibling for a Derek POV of seeing Julie again. (just joking. kinda)
Same. And I’m not kidding.
I would love that POV, the bath tub scene, and when they fight the hodag. I loved him engaging in conversation wither her. It felt like he was doing it for 2 reasons: 1. to find out what she was up to, and 2. he genuinely missed her and this was the first time she wasn’t pushing him away and actively talking to him like she used to.
But, yeah. I’m dying to know what went though his head when he first saw her.
Same!
OMG Yes Please!!! I’d love a Derek POV story
When will the audio book come out?
Hello Melody,
While BLOOD HEIR has already been recorded, the files have to be approved and processed by Audible before they can appear on their site. Due to the large volume of audio books, Audible has been taking longer than usual to process the files. We expect the audio to be available within 3-4 weeks of the release. 🙂
Oh my. what a wonderful read. It was so good to be back in my favorite post-apocalyptic world. Thank you so very much House Andrews.
There are so many parts of this book that were absolutely wonderful. The information on Ascanio isn’t a big suprise. But…..I seem to remember when Julie was infected with lyc-v. Ascanio locked himself and Julie into the loop cage at Cutting Edge, His body had been majorly broken, but he got them both inside for protection. He had honor, so it’s hard to believe he’s lost it completely.
I absolutely loved the Knight Rider reference. I know my age is showing but I actually watched that show (1982), lol. The minute I read that, I heard the theme song and saw the car with the red light running back and forth. Huh, back then the closest we came to electronics like cell phones was walkie-talkies. 😂 The idea of a talking car that could drive itself (especially capable of independent thought) was sci-fi.
There is so much in this book to love. I an definitely with everyone who is hoping for more. to hold myself over I’ve started the KD series from the beginning. Thank you again. For me 2021 looks to be about as wonderful (not) as 2020. Spending part of it with book friends sounds like a plan.
Blood Heir is pretty dang perfect. I loved that Derek knew Julie from the way she rode her horse. I wondered how that would be explained, and that makes so much sense!! Also, I didn’t really think Derek was being too much of an ass. I mean, he was hurt. He thought Julie had just left him behind. But I loved how he said at the end “I hear you. Be careful what you wish for.” Because he’s obviously going to go all in on the shapeshifter courtship stuff!! At least that’s how I read it. And I am so HERE FOR IT!! I can’t wait for the audiobook now. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Me too!!! And I agree with you. I don’t think he was too much of an ass either. She did leave him without even a note or a goodbye and they seemed like each other’s best friend there at the end of the series (or at least they’re not hanging out with anyone else like they were with each other that we saw). I’d be hurting like hell too if I was close to someone like that and they did that to me. They both f*cked up IMO and need to be apologizing. Both had valid points, but both also hurt the other. It’s fantastic writing all around.
LOVED IT! Thank you for all your hard work during crazy covid time – this book really is a joy to read!
Loved the book! It’s been over 5 years(been busy with life) since I read one of your books, and soooo glad I’m back.
OMG, I loved it. I love the parallels of Derek waiting for Julie/Aurelia to wake up just like she waited for him in Magic Stars. I would kill for a Derek POV on first seeing her and when she locked him in the blood ward! I love both of the power-ups and how much they have grown as characters! Honestly, Julie annoyed me in KD but I get that she was a teenager, and well, teenagers are annoying idiots lol. Her new character still has the same fight she always had, but now it’s tempered with time and experience. She always was a badass strong girl but now she has the temperament to really be a princess. And omg the literal power power-up for Julie is amazing. I really wonder what her power level would be compared to Kate now.
Derek has also grown so much! I see the bits of Curran in him but also his past personality as well. I love how he has taken responsibility for a large group. Lowkey wonder if he gained some mage type ability or divinity to do magic as he has shown. I love that he has powered up to match Julie. He really did always have the potential to be a great leader if he decided to do it. I want to knock him on the head though at the end of the book haha. Makes sense that he has to break the memory she has of him to start a new foundation but still. I absolutely can’t wait for the next one when Julie (hopefully) makes him pay a bit for that. Oh, it would be so satisfying to see him get a taste of his own medicine. Can you only imagine his reaction if there was a guy who came in that was worthy of her and he got worried? More like when Curran was jealous of Siaman but with someone that he should actually be worried about. Oh, it would be amazing.
I know (hope) Ascanio will be redeemed but boo on his behavior.
I respectfully disagree.
Not in favour of any type of love triangle that would distract from Julie’s awesome adventures (with Derek please!).
Loved it! I think he told her to be careful what she wished for because he was going to give her the shapeshifter courting she wanted and I am here for it! I also want a Derek POV. Loved all the relationships old and new. So intrigued to delve deeper into everything. So much good. Great job!
I also would love his point of view. If you read Magic Stars, that whole book was his point of view.
Love the way Conlon is”growing”! Thank you for this whole universe. I could say so much.
Ok. I haven’t read through all the comments so forgive me if it’s been discussed. Anyone else wonder about Marten’s origin? Like how she appeared at Julie’s house completely dry in the middle of a rainstorm? Or how her dad shows up occasionally and performs magic tricks? What’s all that about?
Is blue the color of divinity or a witch? In the book Julie saw her as blue when she made the deal the uncle.
Blue is for humans.
She has human magic but probably one of a kind type.
Like Julie being a sensate.
Thank you so so much Ilona Andrews – you guys ROCK!!! I love your writing, the humour, the details…just everything! So engaging and awesome! I love the Derek/Julie story, would be so stoked to get some Derek POV too, aaaaannnddd – can’t wait for the next installment!! Desperate for more…. (bug eyes anticipation) 😀
Thank you, your book and the blog has kept me going on dark days alone, especially since I lost my job.
Please can Saiman now we know he’s alive have a plot twist of his life by falling in love, something I imagine as a loner myself would be a total shock to his system and be very funny to read/watch develop as I am sure he would be a disaster at admitting feelings, I know I am.
OK so if it’s been addressed prior then I apologise (and I’m sure it has been) but did Ilona misdirect us?!!! She clearly said there would be no shenanigans between Julie and Derek bc Derek sees Julie as a sister and with his family history there’s no way he’d go there, even though she knew there was lots of us who were voting that they’d totally go there. So did she intentionally misdirect us or did I read that passage at the end wrong?! And I hope I didn’t cause I love a fictional alphahole (but not a literal one).
During the KD series Julie was too young for their age gap so I can see HA saying there would be no shenanigans. However, Julie is 26 now, they have been apart 8 years with adult life experiences and time to grow into who they are – so let the shenanigans begin 😉
If you read Magic Stars, it shows Derek struggling because he had feelings for her and knowing that she was too young.
Such a good book! Though I really would have liked knowing whether Dougie fully recovered. Since the Methodist healing only worked on believers, I wish the shifters’ medmage had been called in.
You left so many tantalizing unanswered questions. When might we expect the next Ryder book?
This book has launched so many other narrative possibilities – I’d love to read about the time gap from when Derek left town to his return all silver and extra-special. Where has he been, what has he done, who are his crew?
I also wanted to say a giant thank you to the author-lords for this book. It’s been a difficult time, and this has been a much welcome escape from reality.
I agree with you! So many possibilities. I do wonder if House Andrews (they’ve mentioned previously that they are no longer comfortable being called Author Lords 😊) ever writes these books for us, and then wonders about their sanity. I only say that because the BDH is insatiable and keeps pressing for more… (And I say this as a very loyal fan and member of the BDH since their first book was published.)
I finished it yesterday. It was wonderful. Thanks so much for such a great book.
I remember jeanine frost hit you because of the distinct lack of steamy scenes on the first two books. I imagine she’s hitting you again in her head since she can’t do it personally because pandemic. Love the book, thank you very much.
When Julie said to Derek, “Stop following me. Can’t you take a hint?”, and Derek answered, “Not this time,” that’s when I had the first inkling that he has known all the time who she is. Had to read everything twice so it seeps down my memory but I’ll have to read it again. I’ll just wait for a few more hours because I just finished it yesterday.
Dear House Andrews,
I can’t believe it took until you explicitly wrote it for me to make the “Knight Ryder” connection. Is this the reason that Julie/Aurelia’s last name is Ryder? So those of us of a certain age could burst out laughing at that point? Or was it just a bonus?
Many thanks for that laugh. I needed it.
Best line so far:
“Can’t go to hell if you don’t believe in it.”
I’m reading slowly to make this yummy book last.
Thank you for Blood Heir. The Kate Daniels world is fascinating, and it’s great to have it continuing. Your books are wonderful in so many ways, I always look forward to a new release. Stay safe and keep writing!
I love this book and hope this is only the beginning for this series! More, more, more, please! I so enjoyed slipping back into this exciting and familiar world, and reconnecting with characters I love.
Big Mike is right, Derrick’s fourth form (jackass) sucks!
Thank you for all of your series. I enjoy reading each and everyone. The “worlds” the characters live in are amazing. The research must be exhausting.
During this crazy time it is nice to open a book, turn on the ereader and disappear.
Blood Heir was good and I loved seeing what was happening with everyone.
(Being a southern girl, I love all the locations that I know prior to the apocalypse)
It will be interesting to see how all the people we love in the KD world make it.
(Here is my plug for Hugh’s story)
Thanks again.
Love it! Love it Love it! Why I said it 3 times? Because I already re-read it twice 😉
The ending is good (because I know there will be at least another book, if not more, keeping my fingers crossed).
I laughed out loud when Sophia told Julie why she dislike Ascenio. Big karma time for Mr. Ferrero’s to pay back his deeds when he was younger. LOL!!
Thank you for the book – it was amazing! Definitely a very bright spot in the midst of a trying year. I have read all the comments, but my question is (and I’ve been wondering this for years), but: what happened to Naheema? I really don’t want her to have been punished/killed by Roland for getting the cart, but we never see her again…
Loved the book. Please may we have more. There are way too many unanswered questions but that’s how IA rolls.
Ilona and Gordon- you scored a Bull’s Eye with the book, in other words it was PERFECT. Thank you!
Oh happy sigh 😊. What an absolute pleasure to be diving back into Kate Daniel’s world. Thank you for that gift.
This book was AMAZING!!!! I legit teared up when Derek finally fessed up that he knew it was Julie the entire time. It was like hugging an old friend. PLEASE write another one! There were so many cliff hangers! I know it doesn’t happen overnight but please write more! I am so happy! Thank you!
House Andrews is amazing. Thank you!!! 😭 it was so good!!! It dawned on me that Derek got into Julie’s house and ate her food so maybe it’s a bit of the mating dance backwards because he was mad at her? Also what did he see when he ate the heart??? What is Sienna going to do to hurt Julie??? Kate has another baby????I can’t handle it. So good!!! Thank you!!!
Totally guessing, but I think Sienna is going to tell her she can’t be with Derrick, or something similar. Maybe that Julie has to choose between saving Kate and following her heart?
I stayed up late to finish Blood Heir on the day it was released. You did an amazing job and this book had so so many parts that I loved. If you had released 10 books in this series already I would be binge reading right now instead of typing this.
Definitely excited to see where this series goes. So many fun new characters or characters that have been reintroduced. Excellent work.
I loved it so much! To be honest, I was never a big fan of Julie and Derek as a couple, but this book changed it! I strongly believe that him warning her about her wishes will involve some “ridiculous werewolf mating thing”.
How does one court a Princess of Shinar? I mean with Erra’s Blood Brother on the scene I assume he will demand a specific level of courtship.
Okay your comment makes sense.
I was so confused by it that why did he say that. She didn’t make any wish. Instead of responding, he just abruptly ended it by a weird statement that be careful what you wish for.
Thank you for putting it into perspective.
Can’t wait to see it all unfold! 🤩
Please keep this going! It’s awesome how you started this book with everything happening during the pandemic.
I loved the chapters, but this was so much better. With the Innkeeper series and Blood Heir, you can see the progression between first draft and the polished, completed book. I was pro Derek and the emotional quotient at the end was so surprising, satisfying and frustrating at the same time. He knew who she was by the way she sat a horse. That her leaving had such a devastating effect on him yet not enough for him to find her and resolve things. I know I shouldn’t ask for more, but as the TV announcer would say, inquiring minds have to know and the BDH, we are not just inquiring we are addicts.
Speaking of addictions, I just reread Clean Sweep as I have talked my cousin into trying out your world and he bought it. Innkeeper and Hidden Legacy have been my go to series for comfort during this past year. When Sean and Dina go to Bahar Char, you describe 2 men walking down the street with just a teeny, tiny bit of dialog. Is that Jack and George?
I also took note that Klaus recruited George. And now he’s checking in with Maud. His story, the missing parents or just making sure that he’s invited to the wedding? Also on my wish list, a snippet with a POV from the ex in-laws on seeing a boot leg copy of the wedding invite? Also, at some point in time, Helen is going to come into her own, and their chagrin at not being able to take credit for being her grandparents. Insert puppy dog eyes here or the imperious look on your cat demanding attention NOW, you stupid human. Whichever works best.
Your books are like potato chips, no one can eat just one. Now I can’t wait for Ruby Fever. I want a Casita in the compound. In the meantime, back to Gertrude Hunt.
Re Ascanio… I don’t think he’d really LIKE being Beastlord, to be honest. If he hates having to haul the kids home again and again and again and AGAIN, from stupid kid tricks, how much more would he have to do that for all the Pack members? It would be a thousand times worse. I suspect he’ll pull his head out of his ass at some point when he realizes this, and find a more rewarding thing to do with his life. Hey, he could go into partnership with Saiman…
By the way, the patience and faithfulness with which he DOES handle the kids suggests he’s not a complete loss by any means. Just got to get over his fixation on being a Big Cheese.
It was there!
Oops, meant to put that to another comment
+10000 agree
I have a feeling Ascanio must be greatly affected by Julie and Derek’s departure. Even long before that, when he got re-recruited to the Bouda clan by Raphael (in which it drove Kate to drinking a little not long after that and Kate also had a brief heart-to-heart talk with Derek about the future), I feel like Ascanio might feel abandoned by Kate, Derek, and the group he was familiar with.
To be honest, up until now, I’m still unreconciled about that event. Or maybe because I don’t know how Ascanio’s thoughts during that time and it always leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling.
About Ascanio aiming for Beast Lord position? I’m biased, so seeing the formerly mischievous kid embracing the road of scheming involving money to seize power truly saddens me. He seems desperate to achieve/prove something by trying to be the Beastlord (if he really does go for that position). The way I see it, his ambition is either out of desperation or out of pain.. I warn you all, I’m very biased towards Ascanio and somehow I always have a soft spot for him. But also maybe, he is truly all greed (which, again, will make me extremely sad for him).
I very much look forward to see how things will turn out in the next book(s). Julie-Derek, Ascanio, Conlan, Desandra-Nick, even I want to get a glimpse of the current life in the ‘exclusive’ Daniels-Lennart gated community.
Last but not least, my inner Ascanio-fans wants to leave a message: Authors, please save Ascanio or let him fimd solutions from whatever he is struggling with!
Loved this book as I love all the Kate Daniel’s universe novels. Waiting patiently to see how this
story continues, pretty please?
Itching to know if something happened to make the prophet witch turn Possibility and kind of hinted?
I just realized one of my comments was deleted. I apologize if my question or comments were rude. I love your stories and your writing has elevated my expectations to the degree that I enjoy over-analyzing things. I love your stories, and I think Julie and Derek are among your most emotionally relatable characters. Unrequited love mixed with history, trust, and companionship? I didn’t know I needed this. I faint.
I look forward to reading more from you over the years, I hope.
Oh wow, the scene with the flaming tiger pit was great! Extremely terrifying. Running across burning spikes? And if you fall, you’re basically impaled on a barbecue? Gives me chills just thinking about it.
I’m surprised Julie ever abandoned her axes. I thought her “can make a hole in anything” rational was pretty solid. Guess that’s the classic education from her aunt.
Somehow I thought this was a stand-alone novel. But no, it ends in the middle. Which means there will be more! Yay!
I have a deep and fervent wish that within the next 48 hours Julie will come home to a dozen metal roses on her table with a gourmet ham sandwich and cold ice tea.
I would also be okay with waiting for Julie and Derek to hook-up until book 3 if it meant an entire book of courtship. I would love an entire book of dates where the last 8 or even 6 years were slowly revealed so the Darren and Aurelia get to know each other.
Obviously defeat Moloch & save the Lennart is the goal but I’ve been longing for courtship since Magic Stars.
I loved the bath scene ! Derek breaking in because he’s worried sick for Julie, finding her asleep in the bath and deciding to watch over her. ♥️
And then Julie, to shut him up, stands up in a glorious movement of water drops and flower petals.
Beautifully written scene.
On a side note, I wanted to share my admiration for the authors for writing this book admist a pandemic. Having the energy to be so creative and focused in such difficult times is pure talent. A big thank you 🙂
I don’t know if I just missed it but when Derek pulls out the 20 I don’t remember in the book there being the talk about the sandwich price he just pulls out the money randomly in the book. I remember reading it when it was online but can’t find it in the book. Was this just an ops and slip up or did I miss it.
You missed it. Julie charges him 20 for taking the food. “You chose to eat here. You should have asked prices in advance.” Page 190 on my Kindle
It suddenly occurred to me, with Iron Magic #2+, there’s opportunity to read more about all the characters in intervening years!!! I’m hopeful this includes some of the conversations leading up to High & Elara watching over Julie & Erra & the retinue! Also conversations with Kate as they prepare to leave Atlanta…. oh so many clues we could follow!!
Can anyone tell me why are Derek and Ascanio hating on each other so much??
I always thought them to have a brotherly bond with the constant bickering but always having each other’s back.
Ascanio threw himself at the wendingo to borrow McBroody more time. They acted as a team whenever with Kate.
I don’t want to think that they were never friends 🙁
I am bummed about Ascanio v Derek, too. I guess what I want is more aspirational than reflective of life. The devolution is halfway explained in Ch.14. After getting the lowdown from Nick, Aurelia/Julie mentally sums it up: “Derek embarrassed Ascanio and then left before Ascanio could get a rematch. No matter what Ascanio did, his crew would always wonder if Derek was the better shapeshifter.” So, there may be healing in the future, but Ascanio’s ambition seems to have consumed much of his soul. He’s a semi-sociopath. He will have to work hard to change, which I guess he might, if he finds himself alone.
Ok, this is fantastic! Finally, after reading several times over, I was inspired to watch episode 1 of knight rider 😆, I had no idea how many connections there’d be with HA’s story! The new face, the backstory, the new purpose! So good!
Did anyone notice how Derek smiled after ate the sphinx heart? I assume that since he had just told her “be careful what you wish for”that he had seen the future when he consumed the Sphinx blood.
Moloch had planned to eat the Sphinx in order to see the future right?
Yes! I caught that on the second run through. Ridiculous wolf courtship incoming! Excellent!!!
This book was amazing! In reference to someone else’s comment about Ascanio acting dishonorably, one of House Andrews’ many strengths is their ability to write complicated and realistic characters. Ascanio is a high voltage guy. He got a little too goal focused and then Derek pushed him over the emotional edge and he made mistakes. It could happen to any of us, lol!
So awesome! So happy that there may be more. I want more misadventures from the Conlan gang. The Ascanio major faux-paw was just delightful. And as always Go Team Derek!
Thank you!!! The book was everything I needed. And I can’t wait for more Ryder!!!
Your books have made me smile and laugh out loud many times. It was wonderful to see this continue in your new book about Julie and to see how she has changed since she left Kate and Curran. Hopefully there will be a series of books for Julie and Derek. I am waiting for Hugh’s book to come out, it is good to know he found peace, acceptance, and happiness in his new life already but it would be nice to know what it took for him to get him to that point. Thank you for the work you have done to create these characters and this magic world for us to escape too.
What is the deal with that Marten kid! I look forward to getting those details.
I loved this book.
Thank you for the story. When it started it was a bright spot in a dark time. Now things are dark again despite the vaccine and its release is another bright spot amid the worry
Thanks
I finished the book late Tuesday night and haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Yesterday, while queuing to get off the train as it pulled into the stop for my complex I was just letting my mind drift aimlessly. Which means that I was standing there and a passing thought shocked me so much that in the dead of silence I ending up yelling out “OMG Derek ate the heart!!!”.
Friends, I hid in my office all day long expecting a visit from medical services.
Thank you for a wonderful book House Andrews. Reading it has been the high point of these last few months, even if I end up requiring a pysch evaluation!
But really what is tulip? It’s making me crazy. Unicorn alicorn what mystereous beastie is this wonderful creature.
Thank you so much for the book! I loved every second of it – except the way Saiman survived. I imagined him coming back to live because of the constant flow of magic in Unicorn Lane and him being part God. Him faking his death was disappointing -but in character. (And I felt so smart for figuring it out…)
And thank you so much, unknown ICU nurse, for writing that email. Knowing that the book was coming helped me through December.
Was anyone else surprised by the “untitelt iron and magic 2” or was it just me? So looking forward to it.
Also wondering who “Sebastian North” might be. And why the arbitrator is visiting Maude…
Is it possible that the baby in Seinna’s vision in the end is not Kate’s but Julie and Derek’s? Derek ate the heart and saw/wished a future.. tht future must include Julie. He loves her desperately. Love love the characters and the plot build up. You guys come up with the most awesome mythology characters and weave dazzling stories! Thank you for this. We all needed a Kate daniel universe book so badly and you guys delivered a bomb package!!
I’m wondering this same thing!
And how nice would it be if Sienna’s wronging is simply that she told Julie it was her sister, not her future daughter. Of course, allowing Julie and Derek plenty of time to become and enjoy being a couple first. 😁
Good point. Wouldn’t it be nice if Sienna’s “wronging” Julie was that she lied about the toddler’s parentage, and therefore the wronging is now over and done with, and not quite so ominous?
After showing Julie the vision, Sienna told Julie, “This is your sister,” so the tiny toddler is Kate and Curran’s. As for what Derek saw post monster heart consumption, I am also eager (x10) to find out.
Best reveal for me; Jim and Dali have kids!
Did we know this already? I thought Dali was still working on Jim to allow high-risk arcane surgery with Hugh.
The next Iron and Magic book should happen before Blood Heir, so there is time for Jim and Dali to get kids (and as I’m mostly wrong predicting developments in the books they probably adopt because Jim does not want Dali to go through the pain of Hugh fixing the problem)
Having to do a reread of all the other Kate books as I got thru this in one day hell not even a full day haha. Live your work please don’t take too long with the next one xxx
I was so waiting for the “Knight Ryder” pun – it was perfect that it was Ghastek….
I’m wondering about, “If one day I wrong you, Julie, will you forgive me? […] A promise is a promise,” from Ch.18. Is the “promise” referring to one the Oracle/Sienna had previously made to another person/entity/god that we don’t know about yet? Or, is the “promise” definitely referring to Julie saying that she’d forgive Sienna? Am I being too literal?
I loved the repetition of, “It was perfectly safe.”