This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me: Quotes Quiz, “Most Likely To,” Real-World Jobs & Fan Casting | Book Dragon Banter

Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine wrap up their season on Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me with a spoiler-filled games episode. They start with a “who said it” quote quiz featuring lines from characters, then play “most likely to” about Kair Toren characters in real-world scenarios (zombie apocalypse survival, worst texter, who cries at sad movies, best advice, late to their wedding, skinny-dipping, free birthday cake, Netflix bingeing, bathroom habits, losing phones, tripping, bringing home strays, and apologizing after fights). They also discuss what jobs characters might have on Earth and end with fan-casting ideas.

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

00:00 Games and Spoilers

01:25 Quote Quiz Rules

03:34 Rapid Quote Rounds

07:27 Names and Hair Vibes

08:48 Reading Tangent Dune

14:26 Bonus Quotes and Spa Prize

17:05 Zombie Apocalypse Picks

20:00 Trust and Texting Takes

22:06 Who Cries at Movies

23:15 Best Advice Givers

24:43 Wedding Latecomers

25:13 Skinny Dipping Dares

25:43 Free Cake Birthday Scam

26:42 Netflix Binge Weekend

27:58 Bathroom Time Debates

29:28 Clumsy Trip Moments

30:30 Stray Animal Adoption

31:23 Apologizing After Fights

32:29 Real World Jobs

37:33 Fan Casting Picks

44:45 Wrap Up And Thanks

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Podcast Updates + What We’re Reading Next? | Book Dragon Banter

The hosts of Book Dragon Banter (Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine) share podcast updates including a new Thursday release day, a meet-up opportunity at From Milwaukee With Love/Meet Me on North on September 12, and an endorsement of Ilona Andrews’ new app with name spellings, maps, and extras. They then debate what book to cover next after noticing another podcast is already doing their planned read-along, discussing comparison, audience time limits, staying unique, and whether to pivot or adjust their format to cover a duology faster and possibly align with a sequel release. They weigh covering trending new releases versus elevating backlist favorites, mention several possible options, and ultimately reveal the planned pick, asking listeners for recommendations and input.

Podcast links:
Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/
BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:
Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats
Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/
Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/
Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):
https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads


00:00 Podcast Intro and Sponsor
00:55 Schedule Change and Meetup
01:25 Ilona Andrews App
03:01 Comparisonitis and Read Along Plans
10:58 Pivot or Stick With It
18:46 Buzz vs Backlist Picks
26:46 Blind Reads and Future Formats
40:34 Decision Tools and Cozy Hint
42:42 Reveal
44:03 Homework and Wrap Up

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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Finale: Isekai Expectations, Bonus Scenes & Book Two Theories | Book Dragon Banter

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree wrap their spoiler-filled discussion of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, reflecting on the experience of reading in sections versus binging, and sharing predictions for book two and beyond. They compare Maggie’s isekai expectations to what actually happens, discuss unresolved mysteries like why Maggie is in Kair Toren and the identity of author (noting it’s a “he” teased in book two but focused in book three), and recap an OwlCrate bonus scene from King Sauven and Silveren’s POVs involving Sauven’s worsening rages, the chalice, and Silveren’s renewed ambitions. They highlight favorite characters and moments (Everard’s fight scenes, Kaiden and Sushi, the adoption scene, the mage duel, the dance, and the family tree burial practice), talk snippets hinting at training and armor, and debate potential future villains including Silveren, Arvel, and the Crimson Empire.

House Andrews Youtube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfQKzVZTmoY&t=13s

Reddit Snippets Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/IlonaAndrews/comments/1ui55u1/tkwnkm_book_2_snippets_compilation_part_2/

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning

01:20 Reading in Sections

03:15 Future Read Along Format

07:37 Maggie Isekai Checklist

14:15 Unanswered Mysteries Ahead

17:08 Waiting for Book Two

19:24 Favorite Characters

25:27 Arvel Bonus Scene

31:39 OwlCrate Scene Summary

36:26 Silveren and Sauven Predictions

37:22 Who Takes the Throne

39:19 Maggie’s Origins Theory

40:32 Maggie’s Hidden Potential

42:50 Favorite Scenes Highlights

45:17 Magic Systems Explained

48:54 Snippets and Book Two Teases

52:34 Crimson Empire and Plague

55:58 Endgame Predictions

58:14 Next Villain Speculation

01:05:07 Wrap Up and Thanks

01:06:45 Podcast Anniversary Toast

01:10:13 Bloopers

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This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Chapters 40–43 & Epilogue

In this Book Dragon Banter episode, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapter 40 through the end of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, noting Katherine’s mid-episode technical difficulties and saving full-series speculation for a wrap-up pajama party. They recap the Joedurar ball, including Maggie’s princess-gown entrance, Eliarde’s hostility, Matteo’s appearance as the note-sender, and major identity reveals. They analyze Arval as a controlling “girlfriend in a box” type, the subversion of a public Everard reunion, and the private kiss and engagement comb/hairpiece. They praise the tense assassination attempt sequence, the display of multiple magics, Maggie’s success in stopping Hreban, and debate pacing and the cliffhanger ending.

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

00:00 Cold Open Recap

00:17 Podcast Intro And Sponsor

01:18 Ball Setup And Bellan Reveal

03:35 Arval Identity Twist

08:06 Mean Girl Eliarde Drama

14:19 Arval Vs Everard Foils

17:39 Isekai Tropes Checklist

19:40 Matteo Returns At The Ball

23:04 Cliffhanger And Ending Debate

24:48 Loose Ends And Book Two Stakes

28:13 Proposal By Post

29:39 Rushed Ending Pacing

32:09 Solentine Hurt Feelings

33:06 Future Timeline Speculation

36:17 Necklace Foreshadowing

37:03 Broken Heart Debate

44:03 Silveren Reveal Breakdown

46:01 Mirabor Backstory Clues

50:47 Comb Gift Meaning

53:44 Ball Battle Highlights

56:04 Wrap Up And Quotes

Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Temple in the Tangle, Isadau, and a Mage Battle

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Katherine, Sage, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapters 37–39 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, from Clover negotiating for Maggie’s dress, to the eerie temple rescue of cursed mage Isadau, and questions about magic’s costs and rules. They break down the explosive mage battle as the crew races a closing time limit to loot a vault, Kaiden’s lockpicking win and Maggie’s stress aftermath, plus excitement that Isadau survives, returns, and immediately announces a two-week nap—leaving Maggie without her for the High Court. They also cover Maggie’s dance lessons with Arodel and discuss the book’s representation and world diversity, then predict ball drama, a kiss, and more political fallout in the coming chapters.

Author Blog TKWNKM Magic Breakdown: https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/but-how-do-the-fancy-spells-work-cousin/

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Temple in the Tangle, Isadau, and a Mage Battle

01:06 Dress Deal Drama

03:10 House Colors Talk

04:50 Clover Overworked

05:56 Temple Rescue Magic

08:55 Lore and Plot Holes

12:51 Magic Rules Debate

16:19 Isadau Returns

17:48 High Court Stakes

19:04 Dance Tutor Arodel

21:12 Gender Representation Talk

23:44 Pacing and Exposition

25:09 Representation Check In

26:56 Building a Diverse City

31:01 Arodel as Protector

34:05 Vault Raid and Mage Battle

38:34 Time Pressure and Kaiden

40:29 Next Reading Assignment

41:48 Ball Predictions and Romance

45:14 Wrap Up and Quotes

Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Maggie’s Magic, Digi’s Deal, and Bellen’s Red Flags

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter its hosts, Katherine, Sage and Zinzi Bree, discuss chapters 32–36 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, framing them as the setup before the climax. They recap Maggie meeting Galiene, exposing the leak to Hreban and learning Maggie can speak Sereso, then discuss expanding magic lore (mage tower, ancient Crimson Empire spells, and Maggie’s unusually strong magic). They cover Solentine and Everard’s fast travel via Drezmurs, Digi’s tense information visit tied to Everard’s past, and Maggie’s feelings as Everard departs. Maggie is “rescued” by flirtatious Lord Bellen, whom they distrust, while Will brings Maggie the butcher’s name. An invitation to the Joeduar ball sets up political drama, and they predict use of Digi’s stone, a coming mage-tower confrontation, and future Drezmur riding.

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

00:00 Recap and Setup

00:28 Podcast Intro and Rules

02:19 Chapter 32 Magic Reveals

04:43 Carriage Banter and Isadau

07:08 Damaes and Mage Tower Theories

11:50 Crimson Empire Lore

16:54 Digi Meeting Tensions

18:47 Everard Earns Trust Back

23:24 Home vs Kair Toren Identity

28:18 Mystery Notes and Fast Travel

30:57 Drezmurs and Ride Temptation

33:35 Everard Red Flags

35:46 Solentine Warns Maggie

37:46 Future Falling Out

39:42 Bellen Horse Rescue

47:05 Citadel Meteor Magic

48:10 Damaes Mage Theories

51:22 Will Names Butcher

52:31 Joedurar Ball Hype

55:37 Stone of Remembrance

57:58 Kiss Predictions

59:47 Wrap Up and Outro

Get in touch with us!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Maggie’s Adoption, Everard’s Schemes & the Fortress Attack

In this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, focusing on Maggie’s adoption into the Demar family, the subtext-laden banter between Solentine and Everard, and how Maggie’s new legitimacy shifts the political chessboard—especially as a potential strategic match for Everard. They unpack the characters’ mutual manipulation, and Everard’s tactical brilliance during the mercenary assault on the fortress. The hosts also cover Maggie confirming the Butcher’s death in the Shear’s morgue, speculate about fast-travel magic, and analyze Maggie’s clever move to recruit Tillmar as a spy, including the contrast between Hreban’s slave contract and Everard’s honor-bound oath.

Podcast links:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Our Summer Read-Along: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Bookshop.org affiliate link):

https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-kingdom-will-not-kill-me-ilona-andrews/f544c8f1dba95f55?ean=9781250377265&next=t&aid=124342&listref=book-dragon-book-club-reads

00:00 Cold Open Chaos

00:14 Podcast Intro

01:19 Adoption Reveal

05:52 Shipping Strategy Talk

07:26 Backstory Chessboard

09:55 Everard Marriage Subtext

15:17 Maggie Denial Triage

18:41 Fast Travel Mysteries

20:01 Butcher Morgue Closure

23:58 Cliffhanger Theories

25:56 Fortress Attack Swordplay

30:50 Tillmar Spy Oath

36:53 Wrap Up Next Reading

Get in touch with us!