an heir comes to rise – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 535 pages
Author: C.C. Penaranda
Publisher: Lumarias Press
Release Date: August 1st, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A DUTY…

Bound in service to the king within the city, Faythe grapples with morality to keep herself and her friends safe. Nik’s loyalty is tested as he struggles against his father’s cruel ways. When blood and duty divide the heart, can love conquer all?

AN ALLIANCE…

While the kingdoms prepare to unite, Faythe is forced to remain hidden in plain sight. But suspicions quickly arise with the mysterious fae general from an ally court. Getting close to Reylan could unravel truths she longed for, but trust is hard to gain and even harder to hold. When lurking evil threatens the alliance that keeps them all safe, Faythe may find herself on the side where danger meets desire in a force that could break past the guard on her heart.

A CHOICE…

For the threat of battle isn’t the only conflict to fear. Faythe can’t forget the deal she struck in the woods to save her friend’s life–and it’s time to fulfil. Finding the temple ruin leads them to harrowing discoveries within the castle…and something far more sinister than the war that lingers. It seems everyone will receive more than they bargained for. A history that haunts, truths that destroy, and a tangled destiny they didn’t expect.

When courts collide, blood may be spilled. But when destinies collide, blood may hold power.

GO READ THRONE OF GLASS.

I don’t feel good about continuing this series so I’m not. I think this is an icky line of plagiarism and I’m not cool with it whatsoever. I know books occasionally resemble others, it happens, but barely changing names and the plot doesn’t make a new book, it makes a copycat.

The writing is fine and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I think there’s a lot of potential for these characters if things weren’t this close to Throne of Glass. I would love to see them in a completely new setting with plot modifications.

I’m going to stop here because there isn’t much point of reviewing something I won’t be continuing. If you read this, read Throne of Glass first.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: some strong
Romance: brief open door
Violence: high
Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical violence, torture, kidnapping, loss of loved ones

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 382 pages
Author: C.C. Penaranda
Publisher: Lumarias Press
Release Date: February 25th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A SWORD…
In the impoverished outer town of a kingdom where fae outrank humans, Faythe, an orphan with a talent for swordplay, knows the importance of keeping her head down around the fae patrol. She and best friend Jakon long for a better life, and her desire to swing her sword in combat may bring the purpose and coin she’s yearned for.

A DREAM…
When she draws the attention of royal guard Nik, she soon learns that her mortal nature isn’t the only reason to remain out of sight. Nik is a Nightwalker, a silent assassin of the mind with the power to enter others’ dreams, and whether she trusts him or not, he’s about to awaken abilities in Faythe that shouldn’t exist in a human. Nightmarish abilities. Deadly abilities. Abilities that will teach Faythe blood really does run thicker than water…and if she doesn’t trust in higher powers soon, blood will run indeed.

AN HEIR…
For this is no battle Faythe can fight with steel. Within the city walls, suspicions are arising, and here in the outer town she has deeper bonds to protect. It seems everyone will die with a dark secret to tell, but what if one unlikely human girl was born harboring the darkest secret of all…?

In a clash of steel, a mortal body may fall. But in a clash of dreams, a powerful heir may rise.

Fans of THRONE OF GLASS and RED QUEEN will enjoy this first instalment in a gripping new fantasy series that portrays the unbreakable strength of friendship, the struggle for honor, and the ache of sacrifice.

INTRIGUED.

I have found myself in an odd thought zone after this one. I was simultaneously disgruntled that there were a loooot of Throne of Glass similarities and delighted that it had many essences of my favorite series ever. A juxtaposition that ultimately worked out because I’ve already started reading book two.

I did enjoy the friendships and many of those dynamics. I love strong bonds like that because found family is always my jam. I’m curious how those will further change throughout the series.

The romance grew on me. I thought it could have used a bit more something but I liked Nik and all that he was able to teach and help Faythe with (I’m continually trying to remain vague to not spoil anything).

Plot was good too. A decent balance of slow and action fueled moments. Even some good twists that kept the pages turning. I am very much interested in continuing because I have some ideas for book two that I can’t wait to see how they play out.

Overall audience notes: