This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
by Ilona Andrews
THE ROBIN RATING
★★★★★
I've read everything Ilona Andrews has published, so a new book release from them is a big deal for me and their fan base, affectionately known as the “Horde”, or BDH, short for Book-Devouring Horde.
Not only is this a new release, it's the first book in a new series for them, which is an even bigger deal. Weirdly, knowing it was a new series, a new world, filled me with both trepidation and anticipation. On one hand, yay, a new adventure! On the other, a whole new set of characters to get to know and a new world to absorb.
Funny how that trepidation lasts about five pages. 😊
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is about Maggie, an ordinary woman who wakes up naked and completely without resources inside the world of her favourite book series. Her one advantage is that she knows this world, its people and what's supposed to happen next.
There's magic, strange creatures, danger and a number of tyrants and baddies to contend with. But what I enjoyed most was watching Maggie build a life. She helps people (and creatures), finds her tribe, creates a home and discovers what she's capable of along the way.
There's a slow-burn romantic interest, but this is not a romance novel. It's a straight-up fantasy adventure, complete with magical creatures.
It's clever, comforting and genuinely good fun. A great way to spend a weekend in.
Worth your time? If you like character-driven fantasy (with magical creatures) that feels like somewhere you'd happily disappear to for a while, absolutely.
A little fun fact: Ilona Andrews isn't actually one person. It's the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Ilona and Gordon Andrews. I subscribe to their weekly newsletter and have developed a real affection for them. They're a “cosy” couple, complete with yarn, food, family, pets and, of course, good reads.