Review copy was received from NetGalley, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Series: Maggie the Undying #1
Published by MacMillan Audio, Tor on March 31, 2026
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 480
Length: 21 hours, 33 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
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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.
The incredible world-building and well developed characters grabbed every one of my emotions and dragged them around in a tornado. This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is easily the best book I have read this year. It is not a surprise from Ilona Andrews.
The premise and magic system are so exciting and original. Maggie, a strong female character drives the story. She somehow ends up in her favorite fantasy series of two books where she has awaited the third book for at least 10 years. Her knowledge of the world and people are her advantage to survive, as well as being undying. She cares about the people who will die and are abused by the worst rulers.
Maggie takes steps to unmask or hurt the worst rulers. She gains some allies among the ordinary people. Unfortunately, she catches the notice of too many of the elite. But she doesn’t believe they care about her other than as a tool for their use and benefit. She holds herself independent mostly.
Maggie’s actions and strategies are clever and risky. Everything she does changes the story as she knows it, with unknown effects on the future. She is always planning, learning and it keeps me on the edge.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger but where ever the ending was, it would leave readers anxious for more! The level of complex plots and world aspects does not feel heavy or overwhelming though. For the best writers who manage this, I prefer to read the ebook and then reread on audio, which is what I did. I can’t recommend this any more highly in whatever format is your preference.
Narration:
Kristen Sieh is the sole narrator. It is appropriate with the point of view being that of Maggie, a female. That voice seemed a bit breathy rather than clear or sharp at times. Mostly I was so engrossed in the story I did not focus deeply on the tones of characters but my emotions were inspired by the performance. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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 several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
I too loved this Anne. Still the classic storytelling you expect from IA but in a new and exciting setting. Loved the premise and dang that ending :P.
Thank you Robin. Next year we should both do reviews!
Yes!!!
I just downloaded the eARC and will definitely be reading it soon. I have heard nothing but rave reviews, and I’m so glad you loved it!
Thanks Tammy. I can’t imagine you not loving it but I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts. I don’t remember you reviewing too much Ilona Andrews and they’re my favorite.
Loved this one too.
How could you not?
“grabbed every one of my emotions and dragged them around in a tornado” I love that!!!!
well it happened.
I’ll come back and read the review. I’m starting this today. I LOVE Andrews!
You are in for a treat!
Stayed up all night reading the ebook I preordered. Guessing from your review that you did too! 🙂
Thanks Kate. I was luckily enough to have ARCs but I bought copies also.
I think a revisit of this one will really help me as I got distracted in certain aspects a few times. I loved her little creature friends and the group she pulled together to help the kingdom get rid of the baddies.
Sophia…I read it and then listened to it. I caught so much more the second time around. So many little things that I was like…O.o…I see what you did there.
That’s my favorite way for IA books – read then listen.
Ilona Andrew books are so well-developed that one can learn more details in the many readings.
Wow, what a great review, Anneđź’ś I still have to finish Kate Daniels.
This one is definitely fantasy more than urban fantasy and a much longer book. You need to finish or reread the entire Kate Daniels it’s fantastic.
I loved her strategic planning! I can’t wait for the next book!
I read it the first time and there was that first twist…I had to go back and check some things out…cuz dang.
Seriously with all their books I am ready for more as soon as I finish.
This sounds like a very unique set up with the main character becoming stuck in her favorite fantasy series world. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I might check it out.
It’s my favorite author so I even more highly recommend it.
Thank you for an excellent review – and I am definitely going to get the audiobook of this one:). I always enjoy Andrews’ books, but so far The Innkeeper Chronicles are my favourite.
They are all my favorites!
I’m reading/listening now, so I skipped the review. I don’t want any spoilers! I did read your narration comments – I really like the narrator, but I actually had to slow it down from my usual speed. I’m about 35% in and loving it so far.
I’m glad you are enjoying it but not surprised.
I just read The Inheritance and am now clambering for more Andrews works. This one is high up on my list!
It should be. It’s amazing!
Loving the cover and hearing lots of great reviews of this. It does sound like one I might like. I may have to give these authors another chance with this one. Great review!
They are my favorite authors for reasons.
I loved this too! Too bad we have to wait for the next one.
yes but it is always that way. Some authors I can wait until the series is released in full but not this author.
So true. It’s also a book I wouldn’t mind reading again before the next one comes out.