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THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME by Ilona Andrews (BOOK REVIEW)

By J.L. Brown
April 8, 2026
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I was so excited to read this new book by the powerhouse husband-wife writing team Ilona Andrews! I am a huge fan of their previous work and the first book in this brand-new series did NOT disappoint. This is a portal fantasy, so there is more modern context (think their Innkeeper series), but the FMC Maggie wakes up in the fictional (or so she thought) world of Kair Toren with no idea how or why.

She misses pizza. She misses her cell phone. She misses Netflix and chill. But she has to figure out how to survive in her favorite books’ brutal medieval-magic fantasy world instead. And let’s be honest, if most of us ended up in a similar situation it wouldn’t go well. Maggie is saved by only two things: her obsession and encyclopedic knowledge of her favorite books, which means she can predict future events, and the fact that she apparently can’t die. But just because you can’t die doesn’t mean you can’t be hurt, or hungry or cold. Or stalked by hungry vermin. Modern girl Maggie has to figure out how to use her knowledge of this (less- fictional) fantasy world to survive, and is often hurt, hungry and cold. Or being stalked.

I loved that while Maggie is smart and capable, she also has to deal with the practicalities of trying to integrate into a completely new society. She may understand the language, and know the customs, but all of that knowledge doesn’t equate to experience- knowing the name of a dance, and its history doesn’t suddenly mean she can dance it perfectly. Maggie makes mistakes and her knowledge doesn’t prepare her for everything she faces. Because while Maggie is scheming, so is basically everyone else, and Maggie can’t predict how her interference in her favorite novels might change the events she once only read about.

I have now read this book multiple times since I received my galley (and have a newfound interest in soapmaking). I was overjoyed by many of the characters, male and female alike. I can’t wait to see more of them! Also, if you are a fan of magical beasties like I am, this book is chock-full of great mythical additions. Magic cats, anyone? There is banter, and romance (what Team are you on??), and friendship, as well as danger and found family.

This was a 5-star read for me, and I absolutely can not wait for the next book (that ENDING, AHHH!!). I know the authors are already working on book 2, so pick this up and don’t be left behind.
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is out now from Tor – you can order your copy from Bookshop.org
TagsadventurefantasyIlona AndrewsPortal FantasyRomanceThis Kingdom Will Not Kill Me

J.L. Brown

J.L. Brown has been in love with books ever since reading the Boxcar Children. Once determined to be an editor, they were part of many First Reads programs and attend numerous book conventions. A change of career path (as happens when in college) led to graduate school, where they study neurological diseases, but they continue to read voraciously in their non-existent spare time. They live with a green-cheeked velociraptor who has the run of the house and has an appropriate fantasy-themed name. All-time favorite books include Sunshine by Robin McKinley, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey.

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