Kara Magari isn’t normal, even by Ourea’s standards—and in a world of shape-shifters and soul stealers, that’s saying something. To the royalty, she’s a loose cannon. To the masses, she’s a failure. But Kara’s arrival in Ourea started a war, and she’s going to end it.
An ancient isen named Stone takes an interest in Kara’s training, and it turns out he has more answers than he originally led her to believe. In an effort to unearth a secret that might end the bloodshed, Kara instead discovers an ugly truth about her family—and how much she has in common with an infamous mass-murderer.
Braeden Drakonin has slowly rebuilt his life after the betrayal that tore it apart. His father wants him dead, and frankly, his so-called allies wouldn’t mind that either. Private alliances are formed. Secrets are sold. Tension is driving the armies apart. A single battle will end this war, and it’s coming. Braeden may be a prince, but it will take more than that to survive. He must take the fight to his father’s door—and win.
My Review:
The more of a series you read the less you can say without giving the plot away from previous books. So this will probably be a rather short review, I apologise! Basically this is a great book and you should buy it.
Heritage gets even darker than the second book. It seems like the first book was about Kara and a few individuals and, as the books go on, they really expand to include more of the world of Ourea from generals to villagers. It really helps open the world up and remind the reader how populated this fantasy world is. There is lots written about long travels in which no towns, villages or travellers are seen (or mentioned) so in the first book, as a reader, we got a feel for this huge land that can seem a little… under populated? In this book I real as though the reader gets a much better general idea of population numbers. It really helps remind us that this is no longer a story about one girl (and a prince), but a story about a whole world filled with thousands of people. Kara certainly feels the weight of that, particularly in this book where she can’t even keep a track of her own vagabonds’ names.
Once again this story is beautifully written with great pacing. I’ve realised now how much I really love the chapter sizing, which may seem like a weird thing to pick up on, but it’s important if you’re the sort of reader who doesn’t have a whole hour to spend on a book at a time. Kindle predicted chapters took between 5 to 15 minutes (on average) by my reading speed – and I read somewhat slower than others. This is perfect because it means you can read a chapter while commuting, waiting for a bus, between lectures or just about any other time without having to stop reading during some dramatic scene (I always find doing this loses some of the impact the story has on me). So the ‘I don’t have time to read’ excuse really shouldn’t stop you from picking up this book (or the previous books!).
I feel there was a lot of character development going on in this book and I really enjoyed it. Every main cast character seemed to be expanding in terms of personality, motives and goals. I can’t explain enough how important character development is to me in a story. Kara and Braedon are continuing to grow both individually and as a couple. I also like how Boyce gives us a few snippets about the ‘evil’ characters. As a reader we learn more than our protagonists and yet we’re helpless to warn them, it really helps induce a thrilling sense of tension and dread.
I’ve been intrigued by Diedre since the first time she was introduced in Lichgates. I felt that she must serve a greater role than simply failing to capture Kara all the time or being Carden’s little helper. Each book’s epilogue belongs to her – that in itself was as massive ‘She’s important’ sign – but it is Heritage’s epilogue that really fleshes out her subplot and, I think, her actions there will propel the next book. I think it was rather clever of Boyce to make her out to be such a minor character despite the fact she appears to have orchestrated so many important events throughout the book.
There wasn’t anything I disliked about this book. It had everything I want in a good book and so much more. I’m excited for the release of the fourth book!
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About the Author:
S.M. Boyce is a novelist who loves ghosts, magic, and spooky things. She prefers loose-leaf tea, reads far too many books, and is always cold. She’s married to her soul mate and couldn’t be happier. Her B.A. in Creative Writing qualifies her to serve you french fries.
Boyce likes to update her blog a few times each week so that you have something to wake you up in the morning.
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Giveaway:
One Lucky Winner will get a Signed Copy of Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) by S.M.Boyce.
Giveaway Open to US Residents Only.
Lol, qualified to serve you french fries! What about the hamburger. This book sounds interesting, I like dark tales!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure being qualified to serve french fries is useless without an accompanying qualification like serving hamburgers!
DeleteI would certainly suggest this series (as if you couldn't tell!).