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Finished This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me? What Ilona Andrews Series Should You Read Next (Spoiler-Free) Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Katherine, and Sage discuss what to read next after Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, staying mostly spoiler-free while comparing series across the authors’ backlog. They highlight Ilona Andrews’ new app for tracking reading, taking a series quiz, and accessing snippets and bonus fiction. Sage shares reading Magic Bites (Kate Daniels) and liking the writing and worldbuilding but hesitating over the werewolf romance and unsettling vampires. The hosts pitch Kate Daniels for action and sword-fight energy, Hidden Legacy for house politics and bloodline magic, Innkeeper Chronicles for a fantasy/sci-fi inn with cozier problem-solving and a later vampire-focused installment, and the Kinsmen Universe novellas as quick, fun, spicy-leaning reads. They also discuss cover redesigns, suggest graphic audio editions, recommend The Inheritance, and advise skipping the darker one-off Alpha: Origins, then plan Sage’s reading order: Kinsmen now and Innkeeper starting in November. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Our Next Read-Along: https://www.llstarling.com/books  (Zinzi and Katherine recommend the audiobook!) Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ 00:13 Podcast Intro Setup 00:58 Ilona Andrews App Quiz 03:42 Sage Reads Magic Bites 05:39 Innkeeper Versus Kate 08:55 Series Rundown Guide 11:25 Covers Marketing Talk 17:09 Hidden Legacy Politics 18:39 Kinsmen Novella Pitch 21:55 Reading Order Tips 23:33 Kate Daniels Relevance 24:23 Strong Heroines Debate 25:26 Worldbuilding And Commitment 26:18 Innkeeper Cozy Appeal 28:05 Holiday Reading Plan 32:24 Graphic Audio Pitch 34:13 The Edge Series Breakdown 36:56 Skip Alpha Origins 37:35 Inheritance New Series 41:02 Choosing By Tropes 45:05 Final Wrap And Next Reads Get in touch with us!

Book Hangover Cures for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me | Soft FMCs, Isekai, Magic Systems & Worldbuilding In this Book Dragon Banter episode, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine share spoiler-free recommendations to cure a This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me hangover by focusing on similar elements rather than derivative substitutes. They plug Book Dragon Ink writing retreats and announce HearthCon (Oct 3–4) panels on cute companions, deleted scenes, and a readers-only discussion, plus invite comments and Substack discussion. The hosts define “soft, competent FMCs” as smart, protective, non-violence-first leads, then recommend titles across categories: soft FMCs, magic fights, portal/isekai, bloodline magic, and immersive worldbuilding. HearthCon Schedule: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026 HearthCon Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LazyDragonBooks Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads Books Discussed:  Non-fantasy: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower Vol. 1-8, Vol. 9 comes out in Feb 2027! Soft/Competent FMC - Sage’s Recs: Gilded by Marissa Meyer  (Gilded Duology) A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (All Souls Trilogy)  The Book that Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence (The Library Trilogy)  Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen (Dark Shores Series) Soft/Competent FMC - Zinzi’s Recs: Swordheart by T. Kingfisher (Swordheart series) Throne in the Dark by A. K. Caggiano (Villains and Virtues Series) The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley (Dearly Beloathed Series) Soft/Competent FMC - Katherine’s Recs: We Kept Her in the Cellar by W. R. Gorman Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson Series)  Magic Fights/Action Sequences - Zinzi’s Recs: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (War of Lost Hearts Series) Magical Midlife Madness By K.F. Breene (Leveling Up Series) Unsouled by Will Wight (The Cradle Series)  He Who Fights With Monsters by Travis Deverell aka Shirtaloon (He Who Fights With Monsters Series) Magic Fights/Action Sequences - Sage’s Recs: Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas (Throne of Glass Series) Magic Fights/Action Sequences - Katherine’s Recs: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Legacy of Orisha Series) Portal Fantasy/Isakai - Zinzi’s Recs: Beware of Chicken by Casual Farmer (Beware of Chicken Series) Oathbound Healer by Selkie Myth (Beneath the Dragoneye Moons Series) The Mayor of Noobtown by Ryan Rimmel (Noobtown Series) Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennen (Long Live Evil Series) Forever Fantasy Online by Rachel Aaron/Travis Bach The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty  Portal Fantasy/Isakai - Sage’s Recs: The Magicians by Lev Grossman The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman (The Invisible Library Series) The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (Thursday Next Series) The Family Trade by Charles Stross (The Merchant Princes Series) Portal Fantasy/Isakai - Katherine’s Recs: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang  Bloodline Magic - Sage’s Recs: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn Series) The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen Series) The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart (The Drowning Empire series) Bloodline Magic - Katherine’s Recs: The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (The Bone Witch Series) (Portal?) The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco (Never Tilting World Series) The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor (The Broken Citadel Series) Worldbuilding - Zinzi’s Recs: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle l. Jensen (The Bridge Kingdom Series)  The Poet Empress by Shen Tao Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans (Mages of the Wheel series) The Mask of Mirrors by M. A. Carrick (Rook and Rose Trilogy) The Queen’s Thief by Megan Whelan Turner (The Queen’s Thief)  Worldbuilding - Katherine’s Recs: The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher (The Cinder Spires Series) The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files Series) Worldbuilding - Sage’s Recs: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty (City of Brass Series) A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab  00:00 Welcome and Teaser 00:14 Podcast Intro and Sponsor 00:57 HearthCon Panels Hype 02:21 Spoiler Policy and Notes 03:48 How These Recs Work 04:47 Defining Soft Competent FMCs 10:51 Sage Recs Cursed Gilded 13:24 More Sage Recs Witches Library 17:07 Host Recs Cozy and Spicy 20:33 Dark Twist and Paranormal Picks 22:17 Magic Fights Action Books 24:49 Intense Mythic Magic 25:36 Fight Scenes Favorites 27:01 Progression Fantasy Picks 29:53 Portal Fantasy Laughs 31:45 LitRPG Rapid Recs 33:58 Books Within Books 36:58 Katabasis Spotlight 37:49 Bloodline Magic Recs 41:29 Worldbuilding Deep Dives 46:32 Wrap Up And Bloopers Get in touch with us!

Cozy vs. Creepy Fall TBR: Witches, Vampires, Haunted Houses & Spicy Orc Romance  Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine share fall TBR picks and discuss whether they read seasonally (cozy vs. creepy) based on mood or climate, plus announce HearthCon panels on Oct. 3–4. Zinzi recommends cozy fantasy titles including Tails, Tusks and Teacakes, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and upcoming Twig’s Traveling Tomes, and reacts to the spicy orc romantasy The Pumpkin Bride (including repeated “rosebud nipples” phrasing). The group also highlights creepier or atmospheric reads like Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House series, Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, The Historian, The Golem and the Jinni, The Night Circus, Fangs Divide Us, Don’t Let the Forest In, Mexican Gothic, Practical Magic, Garden Spells, One Dark Window, The Scorpio Races, Starling House, and The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and notes Banned Book Week in October. HearthCon Schedule: https://www.lazydragonbooks.com/hearthcon-2026 HearthCon Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LazyDragonBooks Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Cozy-ish Books: Tusk, Tails, and Teacakes by T.L. Stone The Pumpkin Bride by Fiona Buttercup The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna Twig’s Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy  The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Fangs Divide Us by Katherine Crowe Bunnicula Series by James Howe Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co Series) by Jonathan Stroud Winnie-the-Pooh Series by A.A. Milne The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen Creepy-ish Books: The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice Ninth House Series by Leigh Bardugo Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice The Witching Hour (Lives of the Mayfair Witches Series) by Anne Rice The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews  Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame Smith We Kept Her in the Cellar by W.R. Gorman Shadow Show Anthology Edited by Sam Weller and Mort Castle One Dark Window (Shepherd King Duology) by Rachel Gilig The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gilig Edgar & Allen: Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden The Weirdies by Michael Buckley The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab 00:00 Fall TBR Kickoff 01:24 Sponsor And Pod News 02:07 Cozy Vs Creepy Reading 05:34 Cozy Corner Picks 07:06 Pumpkin Bride Spicy Talk 12:01 Irregular Witches Rec 12:46 Ninth House Spooky Campus 16:08 Book Witch Cozy Release 17:08 Anne Rice Vampire Mood 21:33 Indie Vampires Adventure 23:18 Creepy Forest YA 24:52 Comfort Reads For Kids 25:48 Cozy Paranormal Classics 26:36 Twisted Fairy Tales 27:29 Witchy Fall Reads 28:37 Short Story Spookiness 29:27 Atmospheric YA Favorites 31:22 Creepy Houses Obsession 33:50 One Time Read Debate 35:15 Whimsical Comfort Books 37:07 Kikis Cozy Editions 38:41 Banned Books Week 40:14 Sentient House Buddy Read 43:57 Vampire Origins And Plans 46:10 Wrap Up And Where To Find Us Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me: Quotes Quiz, “Most Likely To,” Real-World Jobs & Fan Casting | Book Dragon Banter Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine wrap up their season on Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me with a spoiler-filled games episode. They start with a “who said it” quote quiz featuring lines from characters, then play “most likely to” about Kair Toren characters in real-world scenarios (zombie apocalypse survival, worst texter, who cries at sad movies, best advice, late to their wedding, skinny-dipping, free birthday cake, Netflix bingeing, bathroom habits, losing phones, tripping, bringing home strays, and apologizing after fights). They also discuss what jobs characters might have on Earth and end with fan-casting ideas. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Games and Spoilers 01:25 Quote Quiz Rules 03:34 Rapid Quote Rounds 07:27 Names and Hair Vibes 08:48 Reading Tangent Dune 14:26 Bonus Quotes and Spa Prize 17:05 Zombie Apocalypse Picks 20:00 Trust and Texting Takes 22:06 Who Cries at Movies 23:15 Best Advice Givers 24:43 Wedding Latecomers 25:13 Skinny Dipping Dares 25:43 Free Cake Birthday Scam 26:42 Netflix Binge Weekend 27:58 Bathroom Time Debates 29:28 Clumsy Trip Moments 30:30 Stray Animal Adoption 31:23 Apologizing After Fights 32:29 Real World Jobs 37:33 Fan Casting Picks 44:45 Wrap Up And Thanks Get in touch with us!

Podcast Updates + What We’re Reading Next? | Book Dragon Banter The hosts of Book Dragon Banter (Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine) share podcast updates including a new Thursday release day, a meet-up opportunity at From Milwaukee With Love/Meet Me on North on September 12, and an endorsement of Ilona Andrews’ new app with name spellings, maps, and extras. They then debate what book to cover next after noticing another podcast is already doing their planned read-along, discussing comparison, audience time limits, staying unique, and whether to pivot or adjust their format to cover a duology faster and possibly align with a sequel release. They weigh covering trending new releases versus elevating backlist favorites, mention several possible options, and ultimately reveal the planned pick, asking listeners for recommendations and input. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Podcast Intro and Sponsor 00:55 Schedule Change and Meetup 01:25 Ilona Andrews App 03:01 Comparisonitis and Read Along Plans 10:58 Pivot or Stick With It 18:46 Buzz vs Backlist Picks 26:46 Blind Reads and Future Formats 40:34 Decision Tools and Cozy Hint 42:42 Reveal  44:03 Homework and Wrap Up Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Finale: Isekai Expectations, Bonus Scenes & Book Two Theories | Book Dragon Banter In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree wrap their spoiler-filled discussion of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, reflecting on the experience of reading in sections versus binging, and sharing predictions for book two and beyond. They compare Maggie’s isekai expectations to what actually happens, discuss unresolved mysteries like why Maggie is in Kair Toren and the identity of author (noting it’s a “he” teased in book two but focused in book three), and recap an OwlCrate bonus scene from King Sauven and Silveren’s POVs involving Sauven’s worsening rages, the chalice, and Silveren’s renewed ambitions. They highlight favorite characters and moments (Everard’s fight scenes, Kaiden and Sushi, the adoption scene, the mage duel, the dance, and the family tree burial practice), talk snippets hinting at training and armor, and debate potential future villains including Silveren, Arvel, and the Crimson Empire. House Andrews Youtube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfQKzVZTmoY&t=13s Reddit Snippets Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/IlonaAndrews/comments/1ui55u1/tkwnkm_book_2_snippets_compilation_part_2/ Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning 01:20 Reading in Sections 03:15 Future Read Along Format 07:37 Maggie Isekai Checklist 14:15 Unanswered Mysteries Ahead 17:08 Waiting for Book Two 19:24 Favorite Characters 25:27 Arvel Bonus Scene 31:39 OwlCrate Scene Summary 36:26 Silveren and Sauven Predictions 37:22 Who Takes the Throne 39:19 Maggie’s Origins Theory 40:32 Maggie’s Hidden Potential 42:50 Favorite Scenes Highlights 45:17 Magic Systems Explained 48:54 Snippets and Book Two Teases 52:34 Crimson Empire and Plague 55:58 Endgame Predictions 58:14 Next Villain Speculation 01:05:07 Wrap Up and Thanks 01:06:45 Podcast Anniversary Toast 01:10:13 Bloopers  Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Chapters 40–43 & Epilogue  In this Book Dragon Banter episode, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapter 40 through the end of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, noting Katherine’s mid-episode technical difficulties and saving full-series speculation for a wrap-up pajama party. They recap the Joedurar ball, including Maggie’s princess-gown entrance, Eliarde’s hostility, Matteo’s appearance as the note-sender, and major identity reveals. They analyze Arval as a controlling “girlfriend in a box” type, the subversion of a public Everard reunion, and the private kiss and engagement comb/hairpiece. They praise the tense assassination attempt sequence, the display of multiple magics, Maggie’s success in stopping Hreban, and debate pacing and the cliffhanger ending. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Cold Open Recap 00:17 Podcast Intro And Sponsor 01:18 Ball Setup And Bellan Reveal 03:35 Arval Identity Twist 08:06 Mean Girl Eliarde Drama 14:19 Arval Vs Everard Foils 17:39 Isekai Tropes Checklist 19:40 Matteo Returns At The Ball 23:04 Cliffhanger And Ending Debate 24:48 Loose Ends And Book Two Stakes 28:13 Proposal By Post 29:39 Rushed Ending Pacing 32:09 Solentine Hurt Feelings 33:06 Future Timeline Speculation 36:17 Necklace Foreshadowing 37:03 Broken Heart Debate 44:03 Silveren Reveal Breakdown 46:01 Mirabor Backstory Clues 50:47 Comb Gift Meaning 53:44 Ball Battle Highlights 56:04 Wrap Up And Quotes Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Temple in the Tangle, Isadau, and a Mage Battle In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Katherine, Sage, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapters 37–39 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, from Clover negotiating for Maggie’s dress, to the eerie temple rescue of cursed mage Isadau, and questions about magic’s costs and rules. They break down the explosive mage battle as the crew races a closing time limit to loot a vault, Kaiden’s lockpicking win and Maggie’s stress aftermath, plus excitement that Isadau survives, returns, and immediately announces a two-week nap—leaving Maggie without her for the High Court. They also cover Maggie’s dance lessons with Arodel and discuss the book’s representation and world diversity, then predict ball drama, a kiss, and more political fallout in the coming chapters. Author Blog TKWNKM Magic Breakdown: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/but-how-do-the-fancy-spells-work-cousin/ Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Temple in the Tangle, Isadau, and a Mage Battle 01:06 Dress Deal Drama 03:10 House Colors Talk 04:50 Clover Overworked 05:56 Temple Rescue Magic 08:55 Lore and Plot Holes 12:51 Magic Rules Debate 16:19 Isadau Returns  17:48 High Court Stakes 19:04 Dance Tutor Arodel 21:12 Gender Representation Talk 23:44 Pacing and Exposition 25:09 Representation Check In 26:56 Building a Diverse City 31:01 Arodel as Protector 34:05 Vault Raid and Mage Battle 38:34 Time Pressure and Kaiden 40:29 Next Reading Assignment 41:48 Ball Predictions and Romance 45:14 Wrap Up and Quotes Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Maggie’s Magic, Digi’s Deal, and Bellen’s Red Flags  In this episode of Book Dragon Banter its hosts, Katherine, Sage and Zinzi Bree, discuss chapters 32–36 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, framing them as the setup before the climax. They recap Maggie meeting Galiene, exposing the leak to Hreban and learning Maggie can speak Sereso, then discuss expanding magic lore (mage tower, ancient Crimson Empire spells, and Maggie’s unusually strong magic). They cover Solentine and Everard’s fast travel via Drezmurs, Digi’s tense information visit tied to Everard’s past, and Maggie’s feelings as Everard departs. Maggie is “rescued” by flirtatious Lord Bellen, whom they distrust, while Will brings Maggie the butcher’s name. An invitation to the Joeduar ball sets up political drama, and they predict use of Digi’s stone, a coming mage-tower confrontation, and future Drezmur riding. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Recap and Setup 00:28 Podcast Intro and Rules 02:19 Chapter 32 Magic Reveals 04:43 Carriage Banter and Isadau 07:08 Damaes and Mage Tower Theories 11:50 Crimson Empire Lore 16:54 Digi Meeting Tensions 18:47 Everard Earns Trust Back 23:24 Home vs Kair Toren Identity 28:18 Mystery Notes and Fast Travel 30:57 Drezmurs and Ride Temptation 33:35 Everard Red Flags 35:46 Solentine Warns Maggie 37:46 Future Falling Out 39:42 Bellen Horse Rescue 47:05 Citadel Meteor Magic 48:10 Damaes Mage Theories 51:22 Will Names Butcher 52:31 Joedurar Ball Hype 55:37 Stone of Remembrance 57:58 Kiss Predictions 59:47 Wrap Up and Outro Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along:  Maggie’s Adoption, Everard’s Schemes & the Fortress Attack In this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, focusing on Maggie’s adoption into the Demar family, the subtext-laden banter between Solentine and Everard, and how Maggie’s new legitimacy shifts the political chessboard—especially as a potential strategic match for Everard. They unpack the characters’ mutual manipulation, and Everard’s tactical brilliance during the mercenary assault on the fortress. The hosts also cover Maggie confirming the Butcher’s death in the Shear’s morgue, speculate about fast-travel magic, and analyze Maggie’s clever move to recruit Tillmar as a spy, including the contrast between Hreban’s slave contract and Everard’s honor-bound oath.  Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Cold Open Chaos 00:14 Podcast Intro 01:19 Adoption Reveal 05:52 Shipping Strategy Talk 07:26 Backstory Chessboard 09:55 Everard Marriage Subtext 15:17 Maggie Denial Triage 18:41 Fast Travel Mysteries 20:01 Butcher Morgue Closure 23:58 Cliffhanger Theories 25:56 Fortress Attack Swordplay 30:50 Tillmar Spy Oath 36:53 Wrap Up Next Reading Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Chapters 24-28 Book Dragon Banter hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree continue their read-along of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me. They discuss the aftermath of Everard’s reveal, Maggie’s practical coping and boundary-setting, and her dilemma over whether the “book” Everard matches the man in front of her. Maggie leverages Everard’s need to stay in her good graces to advance her plans, visits the Citadel to warn Eliarde and flirts with Earl Bellen, then visits Clan Harzi to trigger a power shift and obtain a Marduk. Silveren is revealed, Lute is stabbed, and Maggie is abducted by the Butcher. They praise pacing, worldbuilding, found-family moments with Clover and Kaiden, and end with a new body discovered and homework for the next episode: chapters 29–31. Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Cold Open Chaos 00:25 Podcast Intro and Setup 01:24 Chapter 24 Aftermath 04:26 Everard Betrayal Fallout 05:18 Is Everard a Villain 11:30 Slow Burn Predictions 15:10 Maggie Strikes Back 15:53 Citadel Flirt and Warning 16:11 Orsi Clan 20:13 Silveren Revealed 21:45 Ambush and Lute Stabbed 23:11 Craft and Pacing Talk 26:25 Butcher Torture  27:33 Death Count Theories 28:52 How Brutality Is Written 31:33 Butcher Motives and Hreban 32:09 Silveren Endgame Theories 33:18 Maggie Fights Back 37:20 Everard Aftermath Support 40:51 Found Family Comfort 43:17 New Body New Questions 46:35 Rooftop Truths And Trust 52:48 Slow Burn Debate 01:02:11 Predictions Homework Bloopers Get in touch with us!

The Everard in the Room: Chapter 23 Shock & Betrayal | This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along In this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine react to the Chapter 23 twist: a moment they praise as “unexpected but inevitable” due to carefully planted clues (coins, age, excessive knowledge, and character reactions) and effective red herrings like the. They discuss how the reveal reframes Maggie’s trust, attraction, and guilt, and debate whether the manipulation can be forgiven. The group also highlights the suspenseful fight scene’s introduction of multiple magics (purple, silver, green), Solentine’s sudden involvement and attitude, and the new questions raised about motives. *Solentine POV snippets that happened after chapter 23 were taken off the Ilona Andrews’ blog. I hope that means we’ll see those in a published form sooner rather than later. Subscribe to the authors blog so you don’t miss future snippets: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/ Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:10 Everard Reveal Reactions 03:00 Spoilers and Suspense 08:05 Clues and Red Herrings 16:12 Trust and Betrayal Fallout 21:18 Romance Stakes and Equality 27:24 Predictions and Motivations 32:47 Audiobook Voice Debate 36:59 Accent And Identity Shift 40:08 Fight Reveal And Trust 42:33 Magic Finally Unleashed 44:55 Why Solentine Appears 48:56 Room Confrontation Fallout 53:18 She's Mine Subtext 55:13 Slow Burn Stakes 59:34 Secrets And Betrayal 01:01:36 Bonus Scenes And Owlcrate 01:08:18 Wrap Up And Next Reading Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Butcher Appears, Kaiden’s Family Tree, and an Almost Kiss (Ch. 18–22) In this episode of Book Dragon Banter Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapters 18–22 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, covering Maggie’s market outing with Reynald and Clover, the return of the mysterious “Goldeneyes from the Garden,” and the grim discovery of a staged murder that Maggie identifies as the work of a serial killer. They debate suspects, the timeline accelerating as the story “reasserts itself,” and Maggie’s murder-board-style warning about upcoming assassinations and Matheo’s foretold death. They celebrate solving the fish mystery, highlight Maggie’s compassionate handling of Kaiden’s stealing and her gift of a literal family tree burial site for his parents’ ashes, and analyze tense visits from Drugh and Earl Berengur, Shod’s information-selling, knightly honor, and the cemetery scene where Maggie and Reynald nearly kiss. From the House Andrews Blog: Cast of Characters: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/this-kingdoms-cast-of-characters/ How the Magic works (with book 2 snippet): https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/but-how-do-the-fancy-spells-work-cousin/ Order the TKWNKM Vellum inserts here: https://ilonaandrewsstore.com/ Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Episode Hook and Setup 00:33 No Spoilers Readalong Rules 02:03 Kindle Spoiler Close Calls 04:19 Recap Starts Chapter 18 04:49 Market Clues and Goldeneyes 10:52 Romance Theories and Suspects 15:40 Maggie Origin Isekai Theory 18:02 Serial Killer and Timeline Shift 28:32 Fish Mystery and Kaiden Family Tree 32:43 Names vs Impressions 33:25 Fantasy Scale and Caretaking 34:32 Cemetery Trees and Rituals 35:24 Drugh Seeks Revenge 37:38 Earl Berengur and Trauma 40:15 Spycraft and Shod 40:54 Knighthood and Honor 44:27 Almost Kiss Debate 47:26 Writers as Gods 51:53 Magic Families Theories 58:07 Spoiler Teases and Merch 01:01:26 Homework and Signoff Get in touch with us!

Quick check in from Zinzi. No new episode drop this week. In the meantime where should we put our chapter summaries, and what book or series would you like us to cover until Maggie the Undying 2 comes out? Let us know in the comments! See you next week! Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Two Boots and a Sword (Ch. 15–17) In this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine discuss chapters 15–17 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, shifting format to prioritize discussion over a detailed recap. They break down Maggie’s troupe’s tightly orchestrated gray iron barrel heist at the docks, including distractions, lighting, and Reynald’s strategic planning. The group unpacks Maggie’s reveal that Filderan intentionally set up 80 mercenaries to die, making the Magnars’ plan to kill him feel more justified, and they debate how fantasy makes protagonist violence palatable. The episode ends with predictions about upcoming plot turns and reading homework: chapters 18–22 only. Arvel Artwork Credit: Helena Elias Ilona Andrew's Blog Artwork Round Up here: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/art-print-roundup/ Podcast links: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Other links: Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):  https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads 00:00 Cold Open Recap 00:18 Show Intro and Format 00:43 Sponsor and Spoiler Policy 01:31 Name Pronunciation Tangent 03:05 Key Moment The Heist 03:19 Heist Mechanics Breakdown 06:58 Lighting and Distraction Debate 09:32 Reynald the Strategist 11:03 Maggie Reveals Filderan Plot 12:51 Is Killing Filderan Justified 16:52 Yolenta Politics and Power 20:07 Trust Building and Payoff 25:19 Isekai Skills and Game Master 28:55 More Politics Hreban and Silverin 34:43 Notes and Secret Alliances 35:53 Reynald Jealousy Debate 38:29 Timeline and Striver Mystery 41:41 Authors Craft and Worldbuilding 44:52 Widower Flirting Theory 46:43 Rooftop Watch and Tea Talk 48:48 Sovaric Magic and Manipulation 54:20 Everard Coin and Predictions 58:07 Wrap Up and (BTS) Get in touch with us!