There probably should be some Words of Wisdom TM here, but all I have is, yay the book is out.
It’s out, it’s out! We are so glad that you guys are enjoying it. We meant for it to be a small bright spot in what is a dark time, and we hope it will do its job and lift your spirits, if only for a little while.
Please use the comments for spoilery discussions. Be polite. Thank you!
I skimmed the comments so I apologize if anyone has previously made the same observation and I missed it. But at the end of the book Derek reveals that he has a fourth form. There’s the human form, the wolf form, the warrior form, and at the end of the book he turns into a jackass.
I write this as a man who has recently celebrated his forty-sixth anniversary, and who has loved his wife for even longer than that.
I have never typed this before… But I LOL’d.
Thank you, I needed the laugh.
I snorted. You really had my mind whirling like, a fourth form?? How did I miss this??
And I totally agree!! I wanted that last conversation to go… differently. But on the bright side, it just leaves heaps of potential for future books!
You made me chortle with this comment, as you are so right. I wanted to hit him on the back of the head with a rolled up newspaper.
Ha! You got me going there for a second being like, “when was this fourth form discussed?!”
Honestly, I don’t think he was being a jackass! I think he has been hurting and in love with Julie for almost a decade, and really, both of them are being a bit dense about their connection. Derek knew he couldn’t have an actual relationship with Julie because of their ages at the time, so the only thing he could do was settle for them being “a good team”. Julie was right, too. She had to go.
I really feel for both of them. They’re both right, and they both needed answers. Hopefully in the next book (🙏🏻🤞🏻) we get to see Derek make good on his “threats” 😆
Loved the book. Thanks guys 😍
I loved the ending. It’s a perfect example of why series were invented. The main issue was resolved. There are compelling story arcs to come. I don’t mind waiting for the next part of the saga. Of course I’d like more right away. But the writers have to write …..
i agree!
I simply wanted to say thank you for another amazing book.
Your books always are a real gem and appreciated greatly.
As always I loved reading about Julie and Derek immensely and I am so curious to see what could happen next.
Fingers are crossed to read a looot more about those two. ❤️
By the way books like yours are the reason why I started reading in english.
Waiting to read a translation of those would simply take too long.
OMG!!! I already read it twice!!! Loved it! Love you guys! Gimmy more gimmy!!!
😀
Thank you. I want you to know for the first time in a long time I paced myself. Yes, I read the end first. Some things don’t change. Then, I read slowly. In thirds, over three days! I never do that. I am an Ilona Andrews book gobbler. It was agonizing to read slowly but I know there is not much coming around from you soon. There were so many things that I loved. Happy New Year to you, to all of us.
Thank you so much, wonderful authors! This book was exactly what I needed for an escape during these crazy times. Thank you so much for continuing to make such wonderful stories for us.
Thank you for the blessing that is your writing. Love the start of Julie’s story, please 🙏 with a double helping of please write more. The hours away from COVID reality were a balm to my psyche.
Loved it!! So so excited to see Derek do some werewolf-type courting 🤣 Thank you as always for sharing your wonderfully fun stories!
Oh my god, werewolf-style courting, yes please!!
Did I just crush this book out in one sitting… yes. Do I have to go back and reread the whole thing now that I know that Derek knew THE WHOLE TIME. Yes. Am I okay? Debatable.
Yes!! What she said!
Just finished the book!!!!! Amazing desperate to know when next is due!!! Excited at prospect of another mini Kate, also worried about the possible wrong doing and Derek oh Derek why are you being an ass?!
OMG. This was AWESOME. I read as slowly as i could, forcing myself to also do my home-based business. still done too soon and rereading.
What a fun peek into the lives of all my favorite characters, and a wonderfully written story. You did it again with another wonderful book! Thank you.
First of all, I loved loved loved the book. I have been waiting for it since the online serial stopped (I really like that she doesn’t call Kate and Curran “Mom and Dad” anymore. I thought it was a bit weird).
I love the Aurelia/Julie-Hugh bond and I’m so looking forward to exploring that further. Also an Erra-Hugh relationship sounds quite intriguing! She’s kind of his aunt, isn’t she?
Conlan and Aurelia are so cute together! The cooking scene feels so homey 😍
Speaking of little boys, it would actually break my heart if Dougie doesn’t make it. He has to survive. He did the right things, he protected the right people. He deserves a decent life.
The little girl signing up for assassin’s school? That was absolutely incredible and funny af.
I don’t believe Ascanio is gunning for the beast lord seat. It’s been mentioned too many times and the way he’s described as going about it seems very crude to me. Combine that with the repeated comments about how the pack isn’t working like it used to anymore and it all points to there being much more going on there.
Can Derek become beast lord if he’s formally left the pack? Can he just change his mind?
Saiman being the beggar is absolutely hilarious and ironic and I love it.
Why did zahar call Derek alpha?
How did Derek change so much? Does it have to do with him being affected more by shape shifter stuff than others?(moonlight etc.) I was thinking, what if that never had anything to do with living with a loup father for so long. What if the reason for that sensitivity is what he went looking for? What if that’s the reason for all the upgrades?
Also, THAT CLIFFHANGER!!! I loooooooved it so much I keep rereading it. I can’t wait for the mating rituals in the next book.
Apologies if this was answered elsewhere but when will the audiobook be available?
The audiobook is finished but it is now sitting in the mighty hands of Audible and that currently is a black hole.
So the answer is “it will be available when it is available”. Go ask Audible but remember that is a “black hole”. Do you really want to sit on the edge of that event horizon?
Hello Isabelle,
We estimate the audiobook will be available roughly 3-4 weeks post release day. 🙂 I hope this helps.
Absolutely loved this book! Thank you again for writing it. Now I’m going to finish my re-read of Magic Stars and re-read Blood Heir again KNOWING that Derek knew the whole time!!! Squeeeeee!
OMG. I just finished the book….PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write another one.
I always like to read reviews at Amazon especially the 4, 3, 2 and 1 star ones.
People can be so dumb. They want everything wrapped up in one novel, but life is not like that, it is messy and what is a novel? It is a slice of life, therefore messy and full of loose ends.
This was utter perfection! I devoured it and am now feeling bereft. Maybe I will have to read it again right away. And Derek just walked away.
Are Derek and Julie EVER going to be a couple? I do wanted at least a kiss!
Thank you so much for this AWESOME book!!!! Please, please, please continue this series!!!!
Loved the book and I’m living for the speculation in all these comments. Thank you so much!
I agree with the other commentators in regards to Dougie. Can he please survive and have a good life? Please, pretty please with cherry on top. I know life doesn’t work out that way, but I want it to. Saiman is still a bleep. Good to know.
I know! I’m pulling for the poor kid. I’m hoping Julie takes him in too.
Not sure if this has been mentioned but Barabas and Christopher have a daughter!! I hope we get more information about their family because I love it so far and am intrigued. Do Kate and Curran have a daughter?
No. So far they only have Conlan. But according to the book they have the potential to have a daughter, if Julie can defeat Moloch and change their future.
This book was fantastic!! I was up all night with a feverish 17 month old, so she cuddled on my lap and I read Blood Heir! And, spoilerish request…
…please please please could we have a Derek POV someday of when he saw Julie riding into Atlanta and knew it was her?
I can’t help it, I’m greedy! I so love the POVs and snips and extra epilogues and everything. You guys spoil us with your incredible world building and I just want to climb in and live there. Thank you so much!
Oh, I’d punch my sibling for a Derek POV of seeing Julie again. (just joking. kinda)
Same. And I’m not kidding.
I would love that POV, the bath tub scene, and when they fight the hodag. I loved him engaging in conversation wither her. It felt like he was doing it for 2 reasons: 1. to find out what she was up to, and 2. he genuinely missed her and this was the first time she wasn’t pushing him away and actively talking to him like she used to.
But, yeah. I’m dying to know what went though his head when he first saw her.
When will the audio book come out?
Hello Melody,
While BLOOD HEIR has already been recorded, the files have to be approved and processed by Audible before they can appear on their site. Due to the large volume of audio books, Audible has been taking longer than usual to process the files. We expect the audio to be available within 3-4 weeks of the release. 🙂
Oh my. what a wonderful read. It was so good to be back in my favorite post-apocalyptic world. Thank you so very much House Andrews.
There are so many parts of this book that were absolutely wonderful. The information on Ascanio isn’t a big suprise. But…..I seem to remember when Julie was infected with lyc-v. Ascanio locked himself and Julie into the loop cage at Cutting Edge, His body had been majorly broken, but he got them both inside for protection. He had honor, so it’s hard to believe he’s lost it completely.
I absolutely loved the Knight Rider reference. I know my age is showing but I actually watched that show (1982), lol. The minute I read that, I heard the theme song and saw the car with the red light running back and forth. Huh, back then the closest we came to electronics like cell phones was walkie-talkies. 😂 The idea of a talking car that could drive itself (especially capable of independent thought) was sci-fi.
There is so much in this book to love. I an definitely with everyone who is hoping for more. to hold myself over I’ve started the KD series from the beginning. Thank you again. For me 2021 looks to be about as wonderful (not) as 2020. Spending part of it with book friends sounds like a plan.
Blood Heir is pretty dang perfect. I loved that Derek knew Julie from the way she rode her horse. I wondered how that would be explained, and that makes so much sense!! Also, I didn’t really think Derek was being too much of an ass. I mean, he was hurt. He thought Julie had just left him behind. But I loved how he said at the end “I hear you. Be careful what you wish for.” Because he’s obviously going to go all in on the shapeshifter courtship stuff!! At least that’s how I read it. And I am so HERE FOR IT!! I can’t wait for the audiobook now. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Me too!!! And I agree with you. I don’t think he was too much of an ass either. She did leave him without even a note or a goodbye and they seemed like each other’s best friend there at the end of the series (or at least they’re not hanging out with anyone else like they were with each other that we saw). I’d be hurting like hell too if I was close to someone like that and they did that to me. They both f*cked up IMO and need to be apologizing. Both had valid points, but both also hurt the other. It’s fantastic writing all around.
LOVED IT! Thank you for all your hard work during crazy covid time – this book really is a joy to read!
Loved the book! It’s been over 5 years(been busy with life) since I read one of your books, and soooo glad I’m back.
OMG, I loved it. I love the parallels of Derek waiting for Julie/Aurelia to wake up just like she waited for him in Magic Stars. I would kill for a Derek POV on first seeing her and when she locked him in the blood ward! I love both of the power-ups and how much they have grown as characters! Honestly, Julie annoyed me in KD but I get that she was a teenager, and well, teenagers are annoying idiots lol. Her new character still has the same fight she always had, but now it’s tempered with time and experience. She always was a badass strong girl but now she has the temperament to really be a princess. And omg the literal power power-up for Julie is amazing. I really wonder what her power level would be compared to Kate now.
Derek has also grown so much! I see the bits of Curran in him but also his past personality as well. I love how he has taken responsibility for a large group. Lowkey wonder if he gained some mage type ability or divinity to do magic as he has shown. I love that he has powered up to match Julie. He really did always have the potential to be a great leader if he decided to do it. I want to knock him on the head though at the end of the book haha. Makes sense that he has to break the memory she has of him to start a new foundation but still. I absolutely can’t wait for the next one when Julie (hopefully) makes him pay a bit for that. Oh, it would be so satisfying to see him get a taste of his own medicine. Can you only imagine his reaction if there was a guy who came in that was worthy of her and he got worried? More like when Curran was jealous of Siaman but with someone that he should actually be worried about. Oh, it would be amazing.
I know (hope) Ascanio will be redeemed but boo on his behavior.
Loved it! I think he told her to be careful what she wished for because he was going to give her the shapeshifter courting she wanted and I am here for it! I also want a Derek POV. Loved all the relationships old and new. So intrigued to delve deeper into everything. So much good. Great job!
Love the way Conlon is”growing”! Thank you for this whole universe. I could say so much.
Ok. I haven’t read through all the comments so forgive me if it’s been discussed. Anyone else wonder about Marten’s origin? Like how she appeared at Julie’s house completely dry in the middle of a rainstorm? Or how her dad shows up occasionally and performs magic tricks? What’s all that about?
Thank you so so much Ilona Andrews – you guys ROCK!!! I love your writing, the humour, the details…just everything! So engaging and awesome! I love the Derek/Julie story, would be so stoked to get some Derek POV too, aaaaannnddd – can’t wait for the next installment!! Desperate for more…. (bug eyes anticipation) 😀
Thank you, your book and the blog has kept me going on dark days alone, especially since I lost my job.
Please can Saiman now we know he’s alive have a plot twist of his life by falling in love, something I imagine as a loner myself would be a total shock to his system and be very funny to read/watch develop as I am sure he would be a disaster at admitting feelings, I know I am.
OK so if it’s been addressed prior then I apologise (and I’m sure it has been) but did Ilona misdirect us?!!! She clearly said there would be no shenanigans between Julie and Derek bc Derek sees Julie as a sister and with his family history there’s no way he’d go there, even though she knew there was lots of us who were voting that they’d totally go there. So did she intentionally misdirect us or did I read that passage at the end wrong?! And I hope I didn’t cause I love a fictional alphahole (but not a literal one).
During the KD series Julie was too young for their age gap so I can see HA saying there would be no shenanigans. However, Julie is 26 now, they have been apart 8 years with adult life experiences and time to grow into who they are – so let the shenanigans begin 😉
Such a good book! Though I really would have liked knowing whether Dougie fully recovered. Since the Methodist healing only worked on believers, I wish the shifters’ medmage had been called in.
You left so many tantalizing unanswered questions. When might we expect the next Ryder book?
This book has launched so many other narrative possibilities – I’d love to read about the time gap from when Derek left town to his return all silver and extra-special. Where has he been, what has he done, who are his crew?
I also wanted to say a giant thank you to the author-lords for this book. It’s been a difficult time, and this has been a much welcome escape from reality.
I finished it yesterday. It was wonderful. Thanks so much for such a great book.
I remember jeanine frost hit you because of the distinct lack of steamy scenes on the first two books. I imagine she’s hitting you again in her head since she can’t do it personally because pandemic. Love the book, thank you very much.
When Julie said to Derek, “Stop following me. Can’t you take a hint?”, and Derek answered, “Not this time,” that’s when I had the first inkling that he has known all the time who she is. Had to read everything twice so it seeps down my memory but I’ll have to read it again. I’ll just wait for a few more hours because I just finished it yesterday.
Dear House Andrews,
I can’t believe it took until you explicitly wrote it for me to make the “Knight Ryder” connection. Is this the reason that Julie/Aurelia’s last name is Ryder? So those of us of a certain age could burst out laughing at that point? Or was it just a bonus?
Many thanks for that laugh. I needed it.
Best line so far:
“Can’t go to hell if you don’t believe in it.”
I’m reading slowly to make this yummy book last.
Thank you for Blood Heir. The Kate Daniels world is fascinating, and it’s great to have it continuing. Your books are wonderful in so many ways, I always look forward to a new release. Stay safe and keep writing!
I love this book and hope this is only the beginning for this series! More, more, more, please! I so enjoyed slipping back into this exciting and familiar world, and reconnecting with characters I love.
Big Mike is right, Derrick’s fourth form (jackass) sucks!
Thank you for all of your series. I enjoy reading each and everyone. The “worlds” the characters live in are amazing. The research must be exhausting.
During this crazy time it is nice to open a book, turn on the ereader and disappear.
Blood Heir was good and I loved seeing what was happening with everyone.
(Being a southern girl, I love all the locations that I know prior to the apocalypse)
It will be interesting to see how all the people we love in the KD world make it.
(Here is my plug for Hugh’s story)
Thanks again.