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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews -- Adult General BOM starts 2 June 2026
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(last edited Jun 23, 2026 03:17PM)
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Date Chapters MPDQs
2 June Chapter 1 to 8 Lexi (Denali)
3 June Chapter 9 to 16 Jenny (Sinai)
4 June Chapter 17 to 23 Catherine (Aoraki)
5 June Chapter 24 to 31 Ashley (Elbrus)
6 June Chapter 32 to 39 Teddie (Kin)
7 June Chapter 40 to Epilogue Brittany (Olympus)
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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(last edited May 31, 2026 07:36PM)
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Lisa (Aussie Girl) (Ben)
Melissa (DA)
Lexi (Denali)
Eldarwen (Ben)
Ashley (Elbrus)
Namita (Elbrus)
Midu (Pico)
Jenny (Sinai)
Insiyah (DA)
Teddie (Ken)
Teddies extra entry (Ken)
Brittany (Olympus)
Jade (Trango)
Catherine (Aoraki)
Catherine extra entry (Aoraki)
Randomized List
(view spoiler)
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ooh, already borrowed from the library. In for DQ's. Team Ben Nevis.
And I'll use an extra entry, if I have any left.
Hmmm... I have a book certificate for the local bookstore....I'll volunteer for Drakensberg Ampitheatre.
Yay, my nomination. I have my library copy and am ready to go. (Denali)
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Back-up DQs for Team Ben Nevis.
Up for DQs! Elbrus! Thanks!
Volunteering for Elbrus! Thanks.
Reporting for duty from Pico de Orizaba
Volunteering to write DQs, or to back up anyone from Sinai.
Volunteering for DQs for Drakensberg Amphitheatre
In for DQs, Team Kinabalu. I'd like to use an extra entry please.
Mod
I volunteer for DQs for Olympus
I volunteer for Trango
Volunteer with an extra entry for Aoraki
Mod
Is it too late for me to volunteer for DQs for Puncak Jaya since the schedule has been posted?
Mod
Yes, too late for DQ volunteering, sorry! The DQ days have already been distributed.
I'm good with my day.
I'm good with my day.
I'm good I started this last night, and love it already!
I'm good with mine
Posting a bit early, as I won't otherwise be able to post until late tomorrow. Have fun readingDay 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 8
1. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 8 1. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Well, points, obviously, but I also liked the cover. I have read two books by Andrews, and I liked them, but honestly I don't remember much about them.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
Considering that every time I come into contact with a wardrobe I test it for secret passages, it is probably a good bet that I like the concept. I like that she has no idea how she got there, or what her purpose is. I assume that will become clear, but if not, I'm ok with it. I have read several books with doors, gateways, portals, and usually the mechanism is less important than the journey itself. Some of my favorites are the Thomas Covenant books, and Narnia, of course, and Outland. And a few more that I cannot think of right this second.
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
I'm not sure where the romance aspect is going, if it does at all. I am under the impression so far that she doesn't seem to have a lot of brain space for that distraction. At least so far. But, I have only read up to chapter 8. Since I have questions to ask on day 2, I might have a better answer to this one later.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Now my brain is going to books I would want to live in. I haven't started the other BOM yet.
Books that I love but don't want to live in? The Jack Reacher books. I want to meet him, but I don't want to have to meet him. The Expanse books. I would jump at the chance to go into space, but in a world with the protomolecule and lots of war- basically our current world with spaceships, I think not. Probably also Dune. One of my favorite books ever, but I don't want to live on Arrakis.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes! Pretty much anything they've ever written (though I'm behind on Beast Business and this!) So far, they yet again have me hooked from the start and it was hard to put down!
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books? I've read one series where body snatching occurs - A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong - but I wouldn't call it portal fantasy at all, because it's a jump back in time and not to a different world. So no, I haven't really been exposed to that kind of portal fantasy before. To be fair, Alice in Wonderland, Narnia, The Magicians, etc are basically my only exposure to the genre in general. I *loved* Narnia growing up.
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far? I feel like the guy in the cloak in the Garden is possibly one. But I like Reynald and I'm assuming he's the love interest.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in? I love so many books that I couldn't survive in! I'm struggling to think of one that I *would* want to live in. I'm a pretty anxious person and very few books are enough to get me past the "unknown" or the scary things hahaha.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes, I've read all the Kate Daniels and a few spin offs. I like Ilona Andrews but it usually takes me a few books into the series before I'm hooked. It was Book 3 of Kate Daniels. Also BOM so high up on readability.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
Portal fiction? Never heard it described as that before but it fits. Narnia is probably the first and most loved of my experience with it. But I love a good portal, who doesn't, lol
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
No, actually I'm just keeping up with all the characters and aspects of this world at the moment. IA is huge on the world building as I remember. I kind of like Reynard but he seems a bit of a tragic heroic figure so he'll probably die.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
No, I'm more of a fly on the wall kind of reader. Love interacting with the worlds from the safety of my lounge room, LOL.
Question for anyone who is reading the book-What is Planter? Is it a calendar thing? I am listening to the audio, so if they mentioned what it means, I missed it. But, some of the chapters start with the chapter number and the Planter number.
Help! Is it important?
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes- I have read Clean Sweep and all of the Innkeeper Chronicles and enjoy them very much so I have a bit of an expectation for the same kind of mayhem involved.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
I didn't really think I have read portal fiction until I researched the subject and I have read several and I feel that the genre is overall magical especially in the children's versions.
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
Not really
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
I wouldn't want to be stuck in any Hell Divers series book but a short visit would be nice so I could make at least one dive.
Jenny, I’m reading the hard copy. At the beginning of the first chapter it says “ Month of Plantar Day 6. So I guess Plantar is a month like June.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Jenny, I’m reading the hard copy. At the beginning of the first chapter it says “ Month of Plantar Day 6. So I guess Plantar is a month like June."Thank you!!!!!
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
5. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?I am not good at subtlety or subterfuge so I would probably just end up running around telling all the people what it going to happen like some crazy doomsday prophet.
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
I like the detailed and rich descriptions of the things Maggie is experiencing as a further reference to the poetry of the original author of the books.
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
Laptops or even a typewriter as I would find hand writing a lot as tiresome as Maggie does.
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
I suspected that Reynald and Maggie would become a love interest although I guess they could throw a romantic swerve in there. And so far I have enjoyed all the other characters helping Maggie with her scheming.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes I have read many of their books. The Kate Daniels series I need to finish think I am on book 4. I read the first two of the Innkeeper Chronicles. I knew the writing would be solid. So far I am enjoying the read..
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
I have only read a few like Outlander and Murder in Time. Where you through a door or gateway to another time. Never read any with body snatching. I think it is an interesting genre. I do like the melding of current day knowledge with back in time.
3. We have had several good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
Not really. Not sure there will be romance like they have done in previous series. Think they are focusing more on the fantasy writing and romance is a side dish.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Any of the fantasy books I have read I wouldnt want to live in, maybe visit for a short time but not live for good.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
I have read almost all of the Ilona Andrews books. From reading about this book, I expected it to be different (and it is), but also expected I would enjoy it. So far both of those expectations have been met.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books? I like portal fiction when it is done well. Seanan McGuire has a series, but most of the others I'm familiar with are children's books - Alice in Wonderland, Narnia, etc. Narnia is the gold standard of portal fiction imo. With THIS book, she did make me worry about what is happening in the real world - is her family worried? etc. It made me worried about them too.
3. We have had serval good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far? Haha I'm glad this was a question, because it seems like almost every male we meet is movie star good looking material. Enough so that it almost bothers me.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in? Some books I'd love to live in the world - like Harry Potter. Maybe more of the children's books would be fun to visit than the adult books. I would NOT want to live in the Game of Thrones universe!!
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes, she's an autobuy author for me, and I went to the book store on release day to pick it up! I expected to like it, and I do.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
I haven't, but now I feel I might need to! I don't think I have an "opinion", but I love a good portal fiction book, and I'm HERE. FOR. IT.
3. We have had several good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
No votes, I'm already halfway, and that's revealing itself a bit, so lips sealed. However, in general, I go for the "bad guys", so I would have immediately picked Everard for myself.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Any of the Maasverse books. I mean, love em... but no THANK YOU.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?
I mean - morally, I'm not over concerned, but changing things is tricky, bc you don't know what will change the timeline. I would like to think I would do "the right thing", but I would probably freak out and hide. Considering she's currently "undying", if I had that fall back, I might be more inclined to meddle.
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
Honestly, I love the relating to her "actual" life, but other than what you said here, I can't think of anything in particular. I'm just in general loving this book. It's such a fun premise.
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
I am not smart enough to be able to replicate all the really great ones! I'd probably ... honestly this question is making me realize that my only really interesting skills would NOT be helpful in a world like this. Great. I'm useless.
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
I like Reynald, and I find Gort endearing. I think Clover is amazing! I think Reynald is the love interest, but you never know! Maybe that won't actually develop because Maggie holds herself apart...
Also, I'm really hoping Maggie just... will not have to die again, but that she can do it until the danger is passed. My gut says this series may not have a super happy ending... but I can't place why.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
Yes I have been readind/re-reading this duo forever. I feel they are part of the original Urban Fantasy trend.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
The most recent reads I have read this year was last month BOM The Astral Library and even more similar- Long Live Evil. I don't think I love when we are consistently told how the book went and the difference between what is happening. Other than that, I do not mind. It is fun.
3. We have had several good-looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
I am ahead of Chapter 8 and haven't found out yet, but I would assume someone who is helping her.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
One of my favorite books by the authors is Kate Daniels series. The world building is so good and detailed. I can imagine the whole run-down crazed magic city of Atlanta.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?
Yes I feel like what she is doing by saving and warning people is going to definitely change the narrative. But I agree because I would also want to save some and get rid of others. But it's also the dilemma of even changing things may still result in war.
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
Like ya, I get that and thinking about all the books we read with side characters who have narratives we never read is way fun to think about. But I actually do not like how much comparing a book we are only told about and don't know is a bit annoying. Like just give me this story :P
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
I would probably want a bit of everything like something practical- something for better self-defense, comfort-like a good pair of shoes/sandals, and luxury- like a foldable brush.
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
I think found family for sure with a possible love interest, who she may let know about who she really is. But definitely many deaths will occur. Hopefully not all as painful.
I was thinking I was late posting, but I don't like the questions I currently have. Either kind of too much the same or the book answered already. So I will be back tomorrow. I am in Las Vegas, NV currently. So I will try and post in the AM.I got distracted by Harry Potter and my sick nephew.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
I have read all of Ilona Andrews' series and love all the heroines. Maggie is another heroine that is very intelligent, quick witted and moral. Each has their own talent or knowledge that they use to see justice done no matter what is thrown at them. So the plot is different but the character is truly as expected.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
I like the bit about portal fiction that Maggie explains and how this one is different and she is still trying to figure out how she got there and if there is a means of returning. It's another kind of subplot to figure out as a reader along with Maggie.
3. We have had several good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
I don't see any of these, except the handsome man she meets in the Garden, as the hero. Each is described as lethal with an agenda who could turn on her at any time. That man seemed like an indulgent, self-serving man but we don't know enough about him at this point. So he could be back. I like Reynald, but I think he is going to get killed attempting to rescue his son. He is probably going to kill a lot of bad people before that and Maggie will end up somehow with the son going into the next book. His potential is big.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Any of Ilona Andrews books are like that. Even when the story ends it is only the characters who have made permanent connections and learned to live in that world. Most of the worlds are still dangerous.
Outside of danger, daily life in most historicals are nowhere I would want to be. I like how Maggie mentions the big debate about the plumbing in the book that was carried on online. That was hilarious but something I always have reservations about when considering the setting for a favorite romance.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?
It certainly is a moral dilemma. However, if she makes changes to the path the book plot is on, will it change the book path before her eyes. I'm thinking she will decide that saving people is more important, and things will quickly go to custard! (but will make it very interesting for us readers. )
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
Nothing comes to mind other than I like how they describe the location and the city. I always find IA setting up their world building pretty "dense" by which I mean there is a lot to take in. I am concentrating on that at the moment.
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
Have to be a smart phone with AI co-pilot. It can solve a lot of problems! She could ask the AI - "How do we defeat the bad guy with the least amount of casualties for one thing!
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
Loving the family feel and camaraderie of the group. But I'm not getting too attached because things are bound to go down hill and people with die. Except Maggie. It's only the first book in the series so I'm anticipating it to end on some sort of cliffhanger.
I'm not sure Reynard is the love interest, it seems too immediate especially for the Andrews writing team. I think Kate and Curran in Kate Daniels took books before they became the established pair.
Day 1 DQ: Chapter 1 to 81. Have you read Ilona Andrews before? If so, did you come into this book with expectations and how have they played out so far? Otherwise, what made you want to read this book?
I’ve read most Ilona Andrews books, and generally love the characters, dialogue, and the way mythy themes are interwoven in the storylines. I was wide open when starting this one, looking forward to seeing what they did with it.
2. Maggie introduces the reader to portal fiction. She describes a different version that what I expected where body snatching occurs. Have you read books like this? I am more familiar with the middle grade version of portal fiction like Narnia. Do you have an opinion on portal fiction in children’s or adult books?
Funny enough, I had just finished listening to Kenneth Branagh narrate the Narnia wardrobe origin story The Magician’s Nephew before starting this one. I generally like the magic of portal fiction, and appreciate the time traveller element this story will grapple with - every action made and secret exposed will change the story she knows.
3. We have had several good looking men described in the opening section. Any votes for future romance interests or personal favorites so far?
Bring it! Lol. I generally gravitate to the Aragorn-esque types like Reynard, but I have a feeling Everard has some hidden depths.
4. This is not a “nice” world. I kept thinking of worlds like this one when I read the last BOM that kept going on about living in a book, as many of my favorite books would not be fun to live in. Do you have a favorite book that you would never want to live in?
Definitely some GoT echoes in here, oddly brushing against the Ilona Andrews story tone - IA is often violent, yes, but rarely grim. Like, the books Rellas is based on (from personal experience? Maybe like The Last Starfighter-type mage bait?) is grim like GoT, but the story I’m reading is less so. For me, Arrakis on Dune comes to mind as a place I wouldn’t want to live, but I suppose most book settings have good and bad aspects - I’d adjust to almost anyplace if accompanied by a cool animal sidekick and imbued with some interesting woowoo power lol.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like? I would absolutely try to change things. I'd struggle knowing I could have done something and didn't, even if it could change things and cause other people harm. I think she should use what she has and then as things change or come along, do her best. That's all any of us can do!
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
I loved how much she wanted to go to the market and how annoyed she was that they left her behind. But I also loved how Clover told her why it was important for her to stay away without the proper attire.
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving? Umm, I would want a cell phone with the kindle app and copies of the books and a way to charge it that worked in the new place. Having those books handy (but in a locked phone that only I could get into) would be SO useful, and the ebook would be searchable quickly.
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
Loving the little family she's found. and yeah, the warrior is definitely hoping the naughty time is (in his words) "amazing" LOL
Hopefully she doesn't die too much more times but I feel like it'll be an important thing, so it will keep happening.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like? I think I WOULD try to change things but I like that Maggie realizes changes could cause problems, because she'll stop knowing the future. I feel like so far she's doing a great job balancing.
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy? I too like that all the side characters have backstories and are not just props. I really liked the market part, and I like how the clothing is so important (and makes a lot of sense). I'm a bit overwhelmed with the sheer amount of characters, and I can't yet keep track of all of the important players. But I'm trying not to worry about that too much :)
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving? I'd want a gun and unlimited ammunition and some kind of vest that prevents being stabbed. I do LOVE her soap idea for making money- it was very smart!!
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
Reynald certainly seems to be shaping up to be a love interest. (I was suspecting the scary guy who gave Maggie money at the start of the book would end up as the love interest.) I like Reynald a lot though. I'm curious why he looks so much younger than he "should". I hope the core group survives - I think they will although....geez I can see them getting killed - one of the sons, for example. I like that they decided to save the lives of the mercenaries even if it messes up the timeline.
Day 2 DQs: Chapter 9 to Chapter 165. Maggie has a bit of a safety/moral dilemma here. How much of what she knows about this world of the book should she reveal to anyone? If you were in her situation, do you think you would try to change things to save people/characters that you like?
I guess it comes down to whether Maggie will be okay with being a detached reader of the book, changing little and protecting the accuracy of her knowledge as an asset - or being a citizen of the world, participating as someone who believes in the reality of the people she’s with and acting as if she will not just be swept off to return to her prior reality. I personally would do the latter, as who’s to say we’re all not just characters in some universe created for a galactic video game? I still have many questions about the book, author, lack of a book three…. hmmm
6. I really like what the authors are doing with making the world real for Maggie. The little touches like having her notice how heavy dead bodies actually are comes to mind, and the fact that the non-important characters (in the book) have lives and back stories and all. Is there anything so far that has really tickled your fancy?
I like that she’s spreading her idioms, like “On the same page” - wondering though whether there is someone else that has been transported there (where are the mages?) and one of her idioms will stick out like showing the number 3 with her first 3 fingers instead of 2 fingers and a thumb.
7. What skill or product from our world would you try to introduce into this one to better your place, or odds of surviving?
It did make me think about brushing up on basic chemistry, perhaps checking out some herbs and such. Maybe I’d introduce the concept of interchangeable knitting needles but many of my skills require circuitry and wifi.
8. What do you think of Reynald, and Gort and Clover and Shana et al so far? Is there a love interest there? A found family? Will they survive? Will she tell them who she really is? How many more times will Maggie die and come back, and how is that a thing? (Sorry, a lot of quick fire questions in #8.)
I think there is definitely the beginnings of a found family, but her undying needs to be better explained / understood.
Chapter 17 to 23DQ's Day 3
9. Who do we think "the man from the garden" is? Any guesses?
10. We are introduced to "a serial killer, "The Dog Market Butcher" while the group is in the Alley. This was originally a side character. Since Maggie's interference may not be changing the narrative. Do you think Maggie is just another side character or main now?
11. We find out that Reynald was really Everard who is the ruler of the northern region of Rellas, powerful, calculating, and ruthless. Do you think He will continue with Maggie's direction or want to take charge even if it means leaving her behind?
12. Would you read the original book that Maggie is currently in? Why?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Saving Grace (other topics)Fallocaust (other topics)
Here One Moment (other topics)
Empire of the Vampire (other topics)
Beyond the Highland Mist (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jo Nesbø (other topics)Charlaine Harris (other topics)
Outlander meets Game of Thrones in this blockbuster new epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Ilona Andrews.
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 end: in a cataclysmic war.
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Nominator: Lexi
Official Page Count: 480