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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Series: Maggie the Undying #1
Published by Macmillan Audio on March 31, 2026
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Urban Fantasy
Length: 21 hours and 33 minutes
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Source: Bought
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo*Chirp*B&N
Goodreads
Outlander meets Game of Thrones in this blockbuster new epic fantasy series from the #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, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series 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 encyclopedic 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 get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes—and attentions—of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will in a cataclysmic war.
For fans of Samantha Shannon, Danielle L. Jensen, Sarah J. Maas, and isekai and portal fantasy, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is the beginning of the most epic adventure yet from genre powerhouse author duo Ilona Andrews.
Ilona Andrews has done it again! This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is a magnificent first installment to a brand-new series that grabbed me from the very first page. The premise and magic system feel incredibly fresh, anchored by a compelling and relatable protagonist in Maggie.
The story follows Maggie, who finds herself transported into the world of her favorite fantasy trilogy—a series that has left fans waiting years for the final book. Armed with encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, characters, and world, she sets out to change the narrative’s grim trajectory and survive a land that is as brutal as it is beautiful.
Maggie’s journey is fascinating to watch as she takes risky, clever steps to unmask corrupt rulers and build alliances with ordinary citizens. However, her interference quickly catches the eye of the elite. Every choice she makes ripples through the timeline, altering the “story” she knows by heart and creating an unpredictable future that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Audio: This was my first experience with narrator Kristen Sieh, and I was completely mesmerized. She brings a strong, confident feminine voice to Maggie while giving every side character a distinct identity. Even without drastic shifts in pitch, her subtle changes in tone perfectly capture the high-stakes emotions and internal struggles of the cast. She truly breathed life into the world of Rellas.
This book is a constant thrill ride. Between the epic battle scenes, a surplus of intriguing men, and palpable sexual tension, I was completely hooked. The powerful cliffhanger ending left me desperate for the next installment. If you enjoy high-stakes “isekai” or portal fantasy with deep world-building, this is a must-listen.
Rating: 5 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
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. Her TV credits include recurring roles on House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Boardwalk Empire.
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. For complete list of their books, fun extras, and Innkeeper installments, please visit their website at Ilona-andrews.com.
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Thank for the review, wasn’t sure that I would like it. Now I’ll definitely consider it.
Hi Leonie,
I wasn’t sure about this one at first either! It’s definitely a departure from what the Andrews team has written before, but they did such a masterful job with This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me. I’m already excited to listen to it again while I wait for the next installment. Thanks for checking out my review, and I really hope you enjoy it!
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Yea!! So glad you were able to finally listen. I loved the audio, but I also got the ebook so I could re-read passages and find names, etc. It’s such a massive story. My daughter is going to give it a go this spring.
I honestly wasn’t expecting such an in-depth and massive story! It definitely required more time and reflection than I anticipated, but I truly enjoyed the experience. That’s wonderful news about your daughter reading it this spring—I hope she loves it. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your thoughts on my review!
Angela (Angel’s Book Nook) recently posted…It’s Release Day! Dangerously Ours (Webs We Weave) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie
This is one I want to experience on audio, too.
I loved the narration on this one—it truly was amazing. I’m excited for you to experience it! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great time listening.
I absolutely loved this one, too! I want to do a reread soon! For sure before the next one comes out!
I definitely see a reread in my future! I might try the ebook next time, but I’m lucky enough to have it in every format. ^_^ It makes me so glad to hear you loved this one too. Thanks for stopping by to share the book love!
I loved it too!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one, Anne! It was such a fantastic read. Thanks for stopping by and sharing the book love!