By popular demand, a summary of the Sweep of the Heart story so far, with a list of all the spouse candidates and their delegations. Obviously, only spoilers ahead for those who are not reading along.
Story so far…
A werewolf nuisance brings news of Wilmos being kidnapped, just as Dina and Sean are settling in their roles as dual Innkeepers. The koo-ko First Scholar helps them smackdown the teenage Sphinx guarding the dangerous portal Wilmos was carried through by one of the corrupt Ad-Hals. Our protagonists sign up for an Arbitrator scheme: in order to obtain safe passage to the inhospitable planet Karron, Gertrude Hunt has to host a spouse selection event for the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion. With no limits regarding species and gender, the 12 finalists and their retinues descend upon Gertrude Hunt in a flurry of intergalactic murderous intentions.
The Inn goes through extensive renovations to accommodate the 300 guests and gains a new star rating. Orro’s kitchen welcomes new staff, much to Tony and Gaston’s gourmand delight. Cookie of Clan Nuan, Karat of the House Krahr and Dagorkun of the Hope Crushing Horde have come to bear witness.
The Sovereign, Kosandion, has a tough choice ahead and a long-lost aunt to watch over him: none other than Her Grace, Caldenia ka ret Magren!
Throughout all this, the Inn is opening a new door to an unknown destination…
The Candidates and their delegations
-alphabetical order-
Each delegation has 21 members: 1 candidate and 20 retinue.
1.Donkamins– aka Children of the Silver Star. Aggressively expansionist.
- First Appearance: Chapter 10 Part 1
- Innkeeper nickname: comes from the first reaction an Innkeeper ever had upon first seeing them: “Don’t come in!”
- Description: They trip every human visual alarm sensor in existence. Eight feet tall, thin, hairless, covered with pale pearlescent skin. The ridges protruding from their chest slide and elongate, allowing their necks to stretch in an arc as far as eight feet long. They appear unmistakably humanoid, with four appendages that resemble arms and legs, 7 nail free fingers and two rows of pink pseudo-nipples on their torso— however they are not even mammalian. They have large eyes, nasal openings shielded by a trilobite shell, and wide lipless mouths studded with conical teeth. Scantily clad in diaphanous garments.
Candidate: unnamed. Didn’t just creep out the humanoids, creeped out all the beings present. Delivered a message of scientific exploration and harmony that everyone strode not to watch. First appearance Chapter 11, Part 2
2.Dushegubs– murderous trees. They are a forbidden species at the Inn because of the danger they pose and special dispensation had to be acquired so they could be hosted at Gertrude Hunt.
- First appearance: Chapter 6 Part 2
- Innkeeper nickname: Killer trees. Dushegub means “killer, strangler” and was given by the Russian Innkeeper who first encountered them
- Description: They are sapient, unable to feel emotions, calculating, homicidal, moving trees that feed on animal life. They do not care about other creatures and always resort to murder. The Dushegubs arrive in a mass of wriggling dark tree roots, trunks, limbs and foliage. They have large begonia like leaves, purple at the edges and brilliant blue in the middle, splattered with random patterns of the brightest Pepto-Bismol pink.
Candidate: Unessa Sybate– statuesque and very pale, with long golden hair in ringlets around her shoulders, and big violet eyes. Wears flowing gowns that show off her frame and assets, and she rolls her hips. Dushegubs’ response to “humanoids want sex”. First appearance in Chapter 10 Part 1
3.Gaheas– The most striking of all the delegations, beautiful and possessing psionic talents, elven-like
- First appearance: Chapter 10 Part 2
- Innkeeper nickname: N/A
- Head of the delegation: Naeoma Thaste, the equivalent of a duke, one step removed from the royal family.
- Description: elegant humanoids, with skin the color of amber and very long dark violet hair that reaches to their knees. They look breathtakingly beautiful, move like flowing water, and speek in melodious voices. They also perfected psionic warfare and can melt a sapient mind with a focused thought, aided by the bejewelled tiaras on their heads.
Candidate: Nycati of Gaheas –graceful, lithe, with long limbs, perfect amber skin, and a face that is androgynous in its delicate beauty. Wears stylized scale mail, a deep burgundy accented with white, more ceremonial garment than battle-ready armor. First appearance in Chapter 11 Part 1
4.Higgra– vaguely feline
- First Appearance: Chapter 10 part 2
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: vaguely feline, they insist in the literal translation of their names, and have an appreciation for observing the world and making sound judgements
Candidate: Cyanide. She is four-legged, covered with brilliant white fur splattered with gold and grey flecks. About the same height as an Earth leopard, her build is lighter, and her legs longer. An unmistakably feline face with big golden eyes, and seemingly delicate paws with dexterous fingers which hide razor-sharp claws. Her gums and tongue are a vivid Prussian Blue. First appearance Chapter 11, Part 2
5.Kai – very formal species, first non-human delegation to bring a humanoid candidate
- First appearance: Chapter 10 Part 1
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: Short beings from a high gravity world, covered in natural armor of bony plates. They have six limbs and strange, snake like faces with three protruding bottom fangs and pink eyes.
Candidate: Prysen. A lean beautiful male with silky long blue hair, golden skin, and pink-colored irises. He speaks all three languages of the Dominion flawlessly and is possessed of a dignified, quiet calm. He wears a pale blue robe cinched at the waist and a white circlet. The Dominion’s popular runner up. First appeared in Chapter 10, Part 1
6.House Meer– Vampire house of the Holy Anocracy
- First Appearance: Sweep in Peace; In SotH, in Chapter 10 Part 2
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: Sworn enemies to House Krahr since the Nexus war (see Sweep in Peace), House Meer is not a fan of humans, inns, or Turan Andin, Sean’s alter ego. As a species, vampires are humanoid, tall and muscular, always wearing syn armor, and only get more physically imposing with age.
Candidate: Bestata is a statuesque female knight with platinum blonde hair and equally pale skin, heavily sneering. Wears syn armour, but added a cream cloak and white flowers in her hair as a nod to Dominion fashion for her introduction. First appearance in Chapter 10 Part 2
7.Oomboles– fish-like species travelling in tanks resembling snow globes
- First appearance: Chapter 10 Part 1
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: The oomboles are four foot long, covered with glistening scales, and have round heads with a slight overbite, big eyes and brightly colored snail-like antennae. They come in every colour of the rainbow. A fringe of tentacles sprouts under their chin, which enables them to wield tools and can been withdrawn into their bodies. They have dorsal fins, disproportionally large and flashing with bioluminescent sparks running down their spines- these fins allow them to communicate through a range of movements. They travel in eight-foot-wide bubbles perched on a two foot tall ornate base, fitted with a communication screen which translates the fin movements. The base conceals the moving mechanism and the filtration system, while the globe is a flexible hyper-durable membrane containing the precisely calibrated water particular to oombole oceans.
Candidate: Oond. A spectacular orange oombole specimen, looks painted with fire and has a dazzling fin display. Unfortunately, their translation device is not working properly. First appearance in Chapter 10 Part 1
8.Otrokars– part of the Hope Crushing Horde, they look more like a Southern otrokar war band than a diplomatic delegation
- First Appearance: Chapter 10 part 2; the species was first introduced in Sweep in Peace
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: They wear outfits in otrokar green and a dark, purple red in the shade of venous blood, which marks them as Southern. Otrokars biologically adjust their bodies for their chosen role starting at puberty. The delegation has 2 diplomats, with physiques balanced between speed, strength and size. Six of the otrokars are over seven feet with huge shoulders and massive chests, the bruisers. The next six are smaller, lean, and fast, likely swordsmen or other close quarters combatants. Among the remaining six, two are medics, three likely marksman, and the last otrokar is a shaman in a ceremonial kilt, with an exposed torso, a mane of ruby hair, and a dozen thin leather cords and chains dangling with charms and pouches wrapped around his waist.
Candidate: Surkar, son of Grast and Ulde, Champion of his tribe, Gutripper, Blood Drencher, Bone Crusher. A tall, powerfully built warrior, he would snap any adult human male in half like a twig. He moves like a leopard, every rippling muscle perfect, wide shoulders straining his chitin armour. Missed the memo on “harmony” being the key word for the introduction. The way he and Dagorkun look at each other doesn’t bode well. First appearance: Chapter 10 Part 2
9.Temple of Desire-One of the White Rose Cluster Temples. Sponsored by Clan Nuan NOT by Clan Sai
- First Appearance: Chapter 8 Part 1
- Innkeeper Nickname: N/A
- Description: The Temple of Desire is one of the famous temples devoted to the worship of universal aspects in the White Rose cluster in Cassiopeia. The Temple of Desire explores the urge to obtain something beyond your reach at any cost. The delegation is comprised of both males and females, shrouded in shimmering diaphanous fabric, suggestively hinting at sexy bodies and amazing beauty under the layers. They are very excited at the entrance of Lady Wexyn.
Candidate: Lady Wexyn Dion-Dian. She is five foot even, curvaceous and plump, with large full breasts, round butt and soft tummy. Naturally pale, she has a glowing tan, long dark brown hair and big dark eyes. She wears a golden gown embellished in 32 pounds of gold jelwery and a heavy headdress weighing over 52 pounds of pure gold. Despite this, she moves with hypnotic, seductive grace. Others describe her as a “free spirit” or “agent of chaos and entropy, with no decorum, tact, or restraint.” First Appearance: Chapter 8 Part 1
10.Zinera– avian species, Dina places them in the proximity of the Gaheas to get them to behave.
- First Appearance: Chapter 10 part 2
- Innkeeper Nickname: Murder-beaks
- Description: Avian, flightless, armed with huge beaks and powerful clawed feet, resemble Earth’s prehistoric Terror birds. They have a strong prey drive and kill for sport. They tried to invade the Gaheas and found out just how susceptible their brains were to the Gaheas’ focused mind wave.
Candidate: Pivor. He is handsome, stocky, with shocking pale silver eyes. He has black hair with white tips, and a curved in an asymmetric cut that would manga artists jealous. He is all smiles. First appearance in Chapter 11, Part 2
11.7th Star Dominion 1– first delegation from the Seven Star Dominion, from Behoun, the fourth planet added to the Dominion
- First appearance: Chapter 10 Part 2
- Dina’s nickname: Team Smiles
- Description: typical Dominion citizens, mostly Sislaf in appearance. They have taupe skin with grey undertones, slightly taller than humans and angular
Candidate: Amphie. She is in her early twenties, an enthusiastic young woman, with taupe skin, big grey eyes, and soft dark grey hair, which she styles in an asymmetric wave. She gazes upon Kosandion with worshipful adoration and is the popular vote darling as the candidate one could bring home to mother. First appearance in Chapter 11, Part 2
12.7th Star Dominion 2– the second delegation from the opposing corner of the Seven Star Domnion, from the sixth planet added to the Dominion, Kyporo.
- First Appearance: Chapter 10 Part 2
- Dina’s nickname: Team Frowns
- Head of the Delegation: Tair Odikas, Prime Councilor of Kyporo
- Description: Sislaf Dominion citizens, have a long-standing rivalry with the other Dominion team and have attacked each other previously.
Candidate: Ellenda. She is tall and muscled like a gymnast, moves with natural grace. Her skin is the deepest indigo, her eyes black, and her glossy dark hair is braided into a complex crown arrangement. She is defiant and proud, which doesn’t make her a Dominon crowd favourite. She is one of the Uma, like Kosandion’s mother: they live in a beautiful world populated by fierce people, and shut their doors to most Galactic visitors after an attempt of colonisations was made on them. First appearance in Chapter 11, Part 2
Thank you!
So helpful! Thank you!!
Sweet!!
Thank you
Must have taken some work! Thanks 🙂
Wow, what a great resource! I’ll have to remember it’s here when the completed book comes out. Thanks for doing this!
I appreciate this summary. It is so helpful.
Don’t quote me, but the plan as it stands atm is to include an index of the candidates in the book when it gets released 🙂
Would love that, yes! Thank you for this!
Awesome! Question-who corrupted the ad-hals and how did they do that?
I’m sorry, I believe you have me confused with Gordon 😜. It must be my new bunny avatar.
I don’t know and if I did I wouldn’t spoil it! Keep reading 📖
Nice try though!
How are you so good at this?
One thing I loved about a lot of fantasy books growing up were the included list of names and pronunciations. Bonus points for an explanation of who was who and it being in the back so you could read it after finishing the book. It’s nice to see this here and very nostalgic.
+1
“the Inn is opening a new door to an unknown destination…”
What! How exciting. Don’t know how I missed that but wow. I’m so excited and happy to learn that.
Dina mentioned it in the very beginning, that’s why Sean brought tonnes of wood – inn needs food because it’s growing!
And harmony!
Wonderful recap. “Werewolf nuisance” is the best description. I keep imagining her like Wile E. Coyote, but instead of getting the Road Runner, she’s plotting new ways to get Sean’s attention with similar results. I assume she’s waiting for whatever Acme gadget she’s ordered for her next plan.
And to recap the BDH response, the fast and furious shipping has begun!
Thanks Mod R! You’re the bestest.
This is so helpful! Thank you Mod R!!
Woah, thanks. I’m gonna have to print that out to have it beside me whenever I read an instalment.
Sorry for the mistakes. I have a new phone and haven’t yet deactivated auto-correct. Communicating in multiple languages doesn’t help.
No worries, it’s fixed 😉
I completely empathise!
Thanks Mod R!
Thanks! I do have to go back and read about the Gaheas candidate. This is a great week for reading!
Thanks – that’s really helpful!
Just now realised that Gaston’s alter-ego in the map drawing resembles Gimli… and now instead of the song I’m hearing the ‘that still only counts as one!’ quote! Question is – who is his Legolas?
Probably George ;). He’s tall and lean and blond with long hair. Which leaves my favourite Jack to Aragorn, by right 😉
Yes!! this is awesome!
I could go along with that!
Does that make Tony Faramir? Or is he more of a Merry or Pippin?
Well, Tony does have a rather hobbit-like fondness for food.
Thank you, Mod R!!What a perfect alignment of George and Jack in the larger fictional universe. Two of my all time fav “secondary” characters where I have adored seeing their continued place in story arcs. I hold heartfelt hopes both will one day have their HEA’s, but Jack has a special spot in my heart. (Much like William did/does in Bayou Moon. The Edge family lines remain very much a part of my beloved book “life.”)Lol, as if there is an IA series that isn’t!
Jack is my all time favourite and I too hope he gets a HEA!
Wonderful, this helps keep the candidates clear in my mind
Thanks Mod R!
Thanks so much for the recap. It’s very helpful.
This is brilliant. Thank You! I want to print a sheet (like March Madness) and wave it around at work. Figure fair is fair! LOL!
Yes! This TOTALLY needs a bracket.
Lady Wexyn is definitely a#1 seed.
Groovy; thank you!
I’m still trying to figure out how the Dushegubs have a human candidate. I’m sure I missed something…
Dushegub DNA is one that is not compatible to humans, so the genetic splicing needed to obtain the offspring would not work in their case 🙂 .
But also, the various delegations don’t necessarily bring candidates from their own species. See also the Kai, who are more a bony snake like species but have also brought a humanoid candidate.
As Dina reflects, although species and gender don’t generally matter, humanoid candidates will have an advantage when it comes to the Sovereign’s interests.
“Strictly speaking, a human-like candidate wasn’t required for spousal selection. Only the potential genetic compatibility mattered, and the economic and diplomatic benefits the union would bring. However, having a human-like spouse definitely helped, something the oomboles and donkamins had yet to figure out.”
https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-10-part-1-2/
It’s all about winning, not playing fair 😀 .
Hope this helped!
this is brilliant – thank you so much
If the Inn is not branching to help the plot it would make sense it is branching to Maud/Lady Helena. Just saying, someone wants their sous chef back.
Oh I like that idea! It is my opinion that Gertrude Hunt is the smartest Inn on earth.
She would make life easier for Dena.
Thank you for the great summary!
Yes — and how can Dina go to the wedding but still be able to step-back to the Inn if needed … the Inn is making it easier for her? I like that idea.
Or new branch going to George and Lark’s new home?
Yes, that is my hope too! The Inn wants to see Maud and Helen!
Thank you so much for this! I know Im going to have to keep using this guide probably even when we get the actual book!
I am clearly going to have to reread this because I somehow missed Gertrude Hunt getting a new star . . . !
Reread! Reread! Here’s a link with all the chapters https://www.ilona-andrews.com/sweep-of-the-heart/ !
I’m like a Jewish grandmother pushing seconds on grandchildren hehe.
But if you want a hint, it’s in Chapter 7 😉
Thank you, Mod R, you just brought me back some lovely, cherished memories of my Grandmother asking “would you like more?” while at the same time also spooning another huge serving of whatever onto my plate! I think this must be in the Grandmother job description! 🥰💕💕
Yep. When I think of my Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother, I hear her saying, ‘Eat, eat.” Also she had great candy dishes!
I see the housekeeper Mrs Doyle offering tea except these are some juicy chapters (served best with tea)
Would you like a cuppa tea? Ah you will, you will, you will, go on go on go on go on….’
He he 😀
Or You will, you will, you will, so you will, g’wan, g’wan,gwan! 😉
This was super helpful thank you. And may I just add you have the best job, I’m really jealous 😁
I have the ABSOLUTE bestest job <3! I have to pinch myself every day to believe it's real, and it's been almost a year and a half now!
Congratulations as I missed the fact that its been over a Yr or only 1.5yrs is gone in a snap and also feels like its always been this way.
Party time
🎂🍰🍧🍾🍹🍻
Wait! So who is Clan Sia sponsoring? Is Cookie observing his own clan?
Sai not Sia – sorry!
Clan Sai are the dominating merchant clan in the Dominion. We don’t know that they are sponsoring any of the candidates.
Cookie is here ostensibly to expand their dealings in the Dominion, but we can speculate the interests of Clan Nuan stand with the candidate from the Temple of Desire.
Thank you!! You are the best!
Thanks… was confused seeing as Cookie is one of the observers. Didn’t think someone sponsoring a delegation could also be an observer but I suppose sponsor does not = delegation.
Thank you so much. Maybe something like this can be part of an index in the next book? Will still be bookmarking this just in case. It is very thorough.
Ooo Temple of Desire is sponsored by Clan Nuan. I’d forgotten that factoid. And Clan Sai has all the Dominion contracts (or whatever the correct description.) Let the Merchant conniving continue!
Thank you, this is very helpful….this is going to be good! 😁
THANK YOU!
Thank you for the “lineup”, to use the baseball term.
I’ll try to keep up with a score sheet as the innings proceed.
I need to mark down an “error” on the part of the Otrokar candidate.
Some readers have advanced the theory that it may be an advantage! Makes him stand out and points to him as someone who will be honest…
We shall see hehe.
He passed right by honest some time back. Now he’s on the road to ruin. This guy seems either completely clueless or like he’s not even trying.
Really fun! Thank you!!
I’m a little confused about the role of the observers. I would think they’d have to be neutral, but you have Cookie who is Clan Nuan who has a candidate in the race; you have a vampire from House Krahr that’s a rival to House Meer and their candidate; and you have a Northern Otrokar that’s there to see what the Southern Otrokar’s are up to.
So it doesn’t sound like the observers have to be neutral and have no part in the proceedings or verifying validity of the process?
observer
/əbˈzəːvə/
noun
1. a person who watches or notices something.
“to a casual observer, he was at peace”
Similar: spectator; onlooker; watcher; fly on the wall; eyewitness; bystander
2. a person posted in an official capacity to an area to monitor political or military events.
“elections scrutinized by international observers”
Right. So is it definition 1 or definition 2? I might have read more into it and assumed they were more def 2 (“official” capacity) but I’m guessing they’re more def 1.
US has election observers and though they’re there in an semi or fully official capacity, they are usually partisan. Both sides can have observers though, so it all works out (theoretically, but I’m reality it’d be nice to have an Innkeeper there to keep the peace).
Excuse the typo.
Thank you soooo much! I wish all novels came with a cast of characters and relevance. It saves all that charting and diagraming. HA! (meaning only half kidding).
Love the above diagram. So there will be a video game coming soon, right? HEHE.
Lol I was writing my own crib notes to sort it all out!
Where did we learn “The Sovereign, Kosandion, has a tough choice ahead and a long-lost aunt to watch over him: none other than Her Grace, Caldenia ka ret Magren!”
Lost again. Thanks so much.
Also our beloved Mod R, you live in GB but are not British..but use British spelling colour vs US color?
Barbara,
First, https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-10-part-2-2/
Second, Mod R lives in UK. Why would she use US spelling? She has never lived in US.
Thanks! Yes, my confusion was that mod-R had mentioned she was not a native of GB but lived there, so I, silly me, though American..
Because I originally thought Mod-R might be one of your daughters, dressing in shorts like Arabella and having lots of pets, so a work from home.
Texas shorts wearing and British weather do not sound comfortable.
At any rate, she is amazing and deals so well with crazed BDH.
No relation, in fact I have not even been lucky enough to meet House Andrews in person 🙂
And I’m much older than Kid 1 and 2 hehe, although significantly less mature.
Hi Other Barbara,
We learn of the familial ties between the Sovereign and Caldenia in Chapter 10 Part 2 https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-10-part-2-2/
“Kosandion reached Caldenia. You could hear a pin drop.
“My dear aunt,” the Sovereign intoned, his voice a clear baritone that carried though the entire room unaided. “I haven’t seen you since you murdered my father. It’s been too long.”
Caldenia’s face snapped into a mask. “Greetings, dear nephew. You look well. The throne agrees with you.””
My native language is not English, but since I live in England I speak (and write) the British variant 🙂
Thanks! You are amazing.
Oh Mod R, I was hoping us Aussies could claim you!! We’re very good at that 😁😁😁❤️
Mod R, you are a goddess! This is a thoughtful and amazing organized summary. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the BDH!
A side question – in a confrontation between Beast and Gorvar, fair fight or clear winner?
No puppy fight! Only puppy love 🥺
Beast seems suspicious so far. Gorvar may have to do some convincing there.
Now you’ve done it. Now the BDH will try to ship them.
+1 my immediate reaction to that comment. Now all we need is speculation on how their puppies would look.
Adorable! Very toothy, but adorable 😉
Nice round up, thanks! I loved the description “werewolf nuisance”, fits her so well. She does seem to have more stick to it than the other relationship offers, tho (not that it will do her any good, hehe).
“Werewolf Nuisance” might be a good name for a metal band of some sort (other than silver, obvi).
Is the e on the end of Oombole silent?
Yes 🙂
Thank you!
I’m enjoying this so much! There have been some laugh-out-loud moments — and a great one in the recap where the visually terrifying creatures with extendable 8 foot necks are scantily clad in see-thru draperies … that one had me snorting with laughter …
and if I can slide sideways and mention a really amusing tidbit I picked up on in re-listening to the Hidden Legacy series, where there’s discussion of a man marrying into House Emmons takes his wife’s last name as his own, I had a vision of every genealogist on our planet shuddering at the very thought of men also shedding their last names when marrying … this one gave me a particularly snarky smile, as I faced that issue when I married at 38 years of age — did I want to lose 20 years of work history? Smiles, still grinning about the genealogists groaning in unison …
This was as much fun to read as a regular installment.
I appreciate the refresh since there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of and with all of the behind the scenes intrigue, it’s going to get complicated soon.
I’m glad I wasn’t the only struggling to remember the different groups.
Over the weekend, I started a re-reading of House Baylor and all their glory.Amazon kept recommending Ruby Fever.Its cover is so stunning which started me down this path. It’s nice to visit friends ☺️
I always love a visit with the Baylors <3
Thank you! You write so well 😊
Especially if her first language is not English! Very impressive!
Thank you for the recap but I do have a concern. This is, I believe, the second time IA has used the “evil albino” stereotype for a character. This has been done in movies like the Matrix and DaVinci Code. The NHS and others have even published articles about it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23781766/
Hi Ada,
Do you mean Bestata? She is not an Albino, she is a platinum blonde vampire. And she hasn’t done anything to make her evil! How is she evil?
I don’t remember the other character reference you are making, but the character who we know for *certain* to actually be an Albino, Sophia in Blood Heir, is an absolutely amazing young lady!
House Meer has been set up as the baddies, at least in regards to Krahr. I had forgot about Sophia, definitely not evil. Maybe it was Hidden Legacy I would have to reread everything basically. And while Bestata is not said to be albino pale, ” nearly white hair and equally pale skin” does read that way, perhaps unintentionally, to me.
“Nearly white” 😊. Vampires being pale is certainly not a new concept and also ≠ Albinism.
Bestata is a strong, cable and desirable woman knight of an alien species. Whilst House Meer is shaping up to be in conflict with House Krahr, that does not make all their members evil 🙂.
Sophia is Albino? I really need to re-read the Edge series. I think I missed that entirely.
Blood Heir. KD world, not Edge.
Oh, that Sophia. Ok, I remember that now. Thanks!
Wow. Interesting. FYI I happen to have now darkened with age blonde hair with an albino forelock, even in old age with rest of my hair only slightly grey.
However what I also have is a “weak chin” (receding).
Start noticing how many authors use a receding chin as a sign of weakness, lack of masculinity, criminal tendencies.
Reply part two…I MISSED the entire chapter with the Caldienia info. Omg,
Off to start at beginning again and read to today. Hanging head in shame.
So fabulously helpful. Thank you! I am bookmarking this page for future reference. 😊
Thank you! 💐
That’s it, I give in!
I opened the blog and here it is and I couldn’t anymore. So I’m just going to go back and read everything. Caldenia is an aunt????????????????????????? Has she done anything in the familial-expression space? I have to know now. I’ll start at the the top.
Here is the link to all the chapters hehe https://www.ilona-andrews.com/sweep-of-the-heart/
😊
Mod R is an enabler!
While mating/gender practices follow many different possibilities (see conversation on gender while introducing the Hiru, in their book), who will carry the child/children of this spouse decision? Is there some sort of surrogate?
I’m not getting 300 guests, who are we missing?
12 delegations – so far that’s 252. 2 observers, prince comes to 255. Retinue of Prince adds 3-5 more? Miralitt, Res Ven, Priest and…
So we’re missing 2 additional delegations?
I didn’t include the Lee’s because they are in addition to the 300.
“Three hundred. The ruler’s retinue, the candidates and their escorts, and the observers. A lot of powers in that region of space are sending diplomats to see what will happen, since the marriage will affect the balance of power.”
Chapter 6 Part 2: https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-6-part-2-2/
You are guessing at the number of the ruler’s retinue, and he would also needs people that are not necessarily in the Grand Ballroom. And the foreign diplomats are included in the number 🙂. There are only 12 delegations.
Just out of curiosity, what will happen if the count only reaches 298? 😅
Oh yeah. Re-reading…….
Resven’s assistants
Ecclesiarch’s acolytes
Tried to respond earlier but my power went out. Just came back on.
Thankso much. Very kind to give us this synopsis.
Loving this series and Dina and Sean’s way of relating to each other.
It’s all House Andrews magic!
Excellent summary Mod R. A lot of detail concisely expressed. This will be helpful and referenced often by me. Thank you.
Sorry to be repeating everyone else‘s comments, but appreciation must be shown! Thank you so much for putting this together Mod R!!! I looooove the serial and this is so helpful for me and my adhd brain to keep things straight.
Also, just a delightful little Monday treat.
Thank you, mod R, a concise summary.
I ROFLOL about the werewolf “nuisance”moniker . I went to find the YouTube video of Hall and Oates song “man-eater” as the description in the snippet made me think about when I first read that chapter. 😆.
Thank you so much for that and I hope a complete version will be in the book to refer to .
Absolutely loved your summary of what happened so far! That was hilarious! I feel like I need to print this out and have it ready to take notes when reading the next chapters 😀
Also on a completely unrelated note I am currently re-reading hidden legacy and keeping my fingers crossed for a Runa&Bern novella! #manifesting
+1000!!
Love your Story so far version of events, thanks ModR. It’s a perfect summary while we’re waiting for the remaining candidates, and Lady Wexyns golden tree, and the door, and Wilmos, and soooo many possibilities of cool things to happen, sigh…..
This is brilliant-thank you so much for writing this!
Thanks for the summary.
I cannot believe I forgot the teenage Sphinx was in this book, so much has happened already and the scene has only just been set!
What a hoot! And thank you.
Glad to see I’m not the only person who wanted this!
I keep hoping the new door – or something else in the story – will have something to do with finding Dina’s parents. I want poor Dina to find her parents.
I want it to be to Maud and Helen!
This was great – thank you!
Thank you. 🤣 I was making a chart, but yours is do much better. This is turning into a great story and fast becoming a new favorite. Thank you.
Thanks so much Mod R – great summary!
Also, your new avatar is very cute!
Wonderful chart. Do you plan to update it when the other candidates are introduced? Thanks for all your bits of information and answers to our questions.
This is very cool and a big help. That last chapter was so vividly written that I am seeing it in my head as a special short TV series. So good.
Me too!
Thanks awaiting Saturday
What are people’s thoughts on the Dushegub’s candidate Unessa Sybate?
When they were first described I thought they’d found a person of some species, or a person of some species managed persuade the Dushegubs to connive with them for whatever ends they have. Unessa Sybate or someone supporting her must have impressive levels of force to hold of the Dustegubs from eating them long enough to talk. The alliance also must have been impressive to stop the Dushegubs from eating her once they got munchy.
The latest chapter has created an added dimension given how Unessa Sybate is reacting, talking and professed ethos in regards to the heir. From Dina’s inner monologue and Kosandion’s muttered comment she’s reacting like a Dushegub.
It looks like they’ve genetically modified one of their own. Or managed not to munch someone they’ve obtained from who knows where, whom they’ve raised from a child, as a candidate. I’m thinking they must have raised her for her to have those speech patterns and traits. Also she’s perfectly at ease around them, given that they are a banned species and very predatory someone in an alliance would find it hard to be relaxed around them, let alone sit on a root.
Speaking of heir’s did Caldenia have a child of her own for an heir as part of her duties? Did Kosandion kill Caldenia’s child to get the throne?
o_O Good points!
This is so helpful!!
I love everything about the book so far!
I love this series which I have reread in order many times. Battling breast cancer and open heart surgery the Sweep series has helped me through all the pain and madness. I thank you for continuing this awesome series
Many good health wishes to you, Patricia! You got this 💪🏻
Have a safe surgery, Patricia!
I have a question: How does this work with the offspring? I mean who mixes the genes, how is a child of a humanoid and non-humanoid produced and “born”?
Thank you Mod R! Reading this was so fun, now to go for the comments!
Lol.. Otrokars listed as a southern war band… I immediately pictured a very angry Lynyrd Skynnrd dressed up in armor for an epic battle of the bands.
*snorting* I like it!
This is amazing!!! Puts everything in perspective. Thanks so much, Mod R!
P.S. love the new bunny avatar!
I eagerly await the next development, though they be but pearls before swine.
May the gods bless you for unmuddling all these candidates! I’ll just wander off for a gallon of Pepsi and a mess of donuts….
I am confused regarding Gorvar. Is he Wilmos’ animal? I thought he had died when Wilmos was taken. I hope I am wrong about that.
Gorvar is Wilmos’ hound, yes 🙂. He did not die, he was severely wounded but Dina took him at the Inn and gave him medical attention in Chapter 2 and he has made a recovery 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you did this. There is so much happening and so new species(?) to remember. Loved this update.
Excellent recap, looking forward to the rest of the introductions 🙂
Thank you for this summary 💗💗💗
Mod R – thank you soooo much. This is phenomenal 🥰
What are the odds that he picks Dina? Considering that she has hosted his aunt, managed multiple treaties between hostile warrior cultures, is well connected, and it would be the sort of dramatic move that would interest any observers (aka. the readers).
Can’t wait for more. Thank you!
Very thoughtful, thank you.
Ah time differences. It’s 1601 here and I’ve been refreshing a lot. Even though I know it’s 11am there. It’s relaxing not knowing what they are doing, on this end as well. Reassurance the typing is happening at their speed rather than knowing the pre-eminent authors are soon to be a at deadline and reading how it is stressing them. I didn’t like reading that they were stressed when they were too far away to send de-stress comfort cake.
Been wondering what happened at the first visit of the Dushegubs to an inn. Bet that innkeeper was looking forward to their bed that evening.
Wow! Thank you for this summary.