This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews and narrated by Kristen Sieh is the first audiobook in the epic romantic fantasy series Maggie The Undying. Andrews delivers a superb tale as our protagonist Maggie tries to survive after waking up in her favourite fictional world.
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Maggie the Undying #1
Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Length: 21 hours and 33 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
This is the start of a page-turning, unforgetable fantasy set in a city peopled with ruffians, spies, malcontents and murderers. Experience out-of-this world adventure and dangerous politics as Maggie tries to survive waking up in her favourite fictional world.
A heart-pounding epic from No. 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. It’s a city she knows intimately from the pages of a famously unfinished dark fantasy series – one 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 encyclopaedic 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 return home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes – and attentions – of duelling princes, dukes and villains. This all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the ending she’s seen on the a cataclysmic war.
At just under twenty-two hours, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me delivered an epic romantic fantasy filled with danger, political intrigue, a mysterious love interest, and a strong heroine you cannot help but love.
Maggie wakes up naked and cold in a gutter. As her confusion clears, disbelief sets in as she realizes she is in Kair Toren. But that is impossible. Isn’t it? Kair Toren is a fictional city in one of her most beloved and unfinished series. It’s a series she has read repeatedly while she waits for the last novel.
As reality sets in and she accepts she is indeed in Kair Toren, Maggie uses the only tools she has to navigate. Her encyclopedia knowledge of the books. This world is filled with danger, magic, rival warlords, and more, but Maggie is clever and soon finds herself with a found family and a determination to change events before they unfold. But can she?
The brilliance of Ilona Andrews’ writing duo lies in their storytelling. I quickly found myself caught up in the story and characters. They offered all the elements I love in epic fantasy series and a slow-burning romance with a soldier. As Maggie’s attempts to return home quickly change to trying to change events and protect the citizens of Rellas from a dark reign, she’ll need to rely on the motley crew she has befriended.
I absolutely love the premise. Haven’t we all dreamed of landing within the pages of one of our favorite series? The ones on our bookshelf we read over and over again? Andrews made it feel genuine and gave us a heroine we can relate to. Maggie soon deals with dueling princes, villains and dukes as she forms her own identity within Rellas. Secondary characters were well done and found myself invested in their survival.
The ending left me screaming for more, and I am hoping we won’t have to wait long for the next audiobook. I highly recommend listening. Kristen Sieh did a stellar job of capturing both the tone of the story and voices of the characters. She enhanced my experience from the delicious chemistry to the danger and suspense.
About Ilona Andrews
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.) Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats. They have co-authored four NYT and USAT bestselling series, the urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles,
About Kristen Sieh
KRISTEN SIEH is a stage, television, and voice-over performer. She was a member of the original cast of the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical The Band's Visit, and a founding member of the Brooklyn-based theater company The TEAM, writing and performing half a dozen new plays in the U.S. and abroad.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’ve been seeing lots of great reviews of this one, and it sounds like one I might need to try, although it does sound long! Great review!
Katherine
I’ve read one Ilona Andrews and thoroughly enjoyed it even though it isn’t a typical genre that I enjoy. I love the premise of this one (and the cover!) and am looking forward to reading it.
Bree @ BibliophileBree
I love the cover of this one!
Susan Ann Walker
Thanks for the review.This just hit my Kindle, and while I never had any doubt, it’s good to know it’s up to their usual high standards. My only concern is a new series means a longer time between new installments in the ones I already love!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I loved this one, too and yes, I need the next book pronto!
Anne - Books of My Heart
It’s brilliant as I would expect. The premise is so original. Excellent review! I already had a freak out about whether they would have 10 years between books 2 and 3.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, I’m right there with you needing the next installment pronto. I thought it was interesting about Maggie using her fan knowledge, too.
Nadene
I am looking forward to reading this one. So glad you enjoyed it.
Angela (Angel's Book Nook)
I’ll come back and read your review. I’m starting this today. LOVE Andrews!
Alex
That ending left me desperate for book two