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bioarla's review against another edition
4.0
Blood of Heirs is the first book in The Coraidic trilogy by Alicia Wanstall-Burke, where we are introduced to the 2 main characters: Lidan Tolak and Ranoth (Ran) Olseta. The two teenagers live in different parts of the fictional Coraidic World: not only geographically distinct and far-away, but also socio-culturally separated. While the Tolak people are organized in clans and tribes and have a limited technology (e.g. for forging metal tools and weapons), Orthia appears to be a more ‘advanced’ society, likely resembling a middle age kingdom. Despite the different backgrounds, however, both Lidan and Ran struggles to find their place within their families and their clan/kingdom. Lidan is brave and ambitious: she’s loyal to her father, but at the same time she longs for being trained as a ranger and truly recognized as official heir to the clan. On the other hand, Ran – official heir to Orthia – covets to find glory in the battlefield, but his prospects are ruined when it is discovered he’s tainted by powers that are banned and deemed unforgivable in Orthia. Lidan and Ran will have to find their own way to survive and fight for their goals – and at the same time confront a new powerful enemy, lurking in the shadows.
The two storylines never intersect in this first book, which alternates Lidan’s and Ran’s chapters. I am not sure that was the best possible choice, as I found the change in the setting and story a bit too much abrupt at times. I believe it will work better later on in the sagas, since I expect that sooner or later Lidan and Ran will meet each other. The characters are well depicted, and if initially I found Lidan to be a bit annoying and immature, by the end of the book hers was my favourite storyline. I liked that even if the settings are detailed, some events in the past history of this World are kept unsaid and mysteries are solved (completely or partially) as we read – especially in Ran’s story. Some scenes (e.g. the first encounter between Lidan and one ngaru) are also really great and vivid, reminding me of other classic fantasy novels I read in my teens. All in all, a great YA fantasy book, with solid, classic fantasy elements interwoven with coming of age and self-discovery themes.
The two storylines never intersect in this first book, which alternates Lidan’s and Ran’s chapters. I am not sure that was the best possible choice, as I found the change in the setting and story a bit too much abrupt at times. I believe it will work better later on in the sagas, since I expect that sooner or later Lidan and Ran will meet each other. The characters are well depicted, and if initially I found Lidan to be a bit annoying and immature, by the end of the book hers was my favourite storyline. I liked that even if the settings are detailed, some events in the past history of this World are kept unsaid and mysteries are solved (completely or partially) as we read – especially in Ran’s story. Some scenes (e.g. the first encounter between Lidan and one ngaru) are also really great and vivid, reminding me of other classic fantasy novels I read in my teens. All in all, a great YA fantasy book, with solid, classic fantasy elements interwoven with coming of age and self-discovery themes.
pip94's review
4.0
Fantastic introduction to this series. I cannot wait for more.
Full review: https://thelittlebookowl.com/2019/02/01/blood-of-heirs-alicia-wanstall-burke/
Full review: https://thelittlebookowl.com/2019/02/01/blood-of-heirs-alicia-wanstall-burke/
cluelesswonder's review
I tried reading this 3 times, starting over each time since some time had passed. It just couldn’t keep my interest. I kept putting it down and reading other things. It is time to call it.
lcasswrites's review against another edition
4.0
An awesome fantasy read!
This is a great fantasy novel. Killer world building - the distinction and colour between Ran's world and Lidan's is really well done. I'm also keen to learn more about the magic system and how it all works in the next book. The standout character for me was Lidan, she's young but so tough and resourceful. I also really enjoyed the powerplay dynamic between her parents. Can’t wait to dive into book 2!
This is a great fantasy novel. Killer world building - the distinction and colour between Ran's world and Lidan's is really well done. I'm also keen to learn more about the magic system and how it all works in the next book. The standout character for me was Lidan, she's young but so tough and resourceful. I also really enjoyed the powerplay dynamic between her parents. Can’t wait to dive into book 2!
tezzarudge's review against another edition
4.0
Great debut book.
I love that the world building avoided the standard medieval approach, that's pretty common in fantasy now, but went an entirely different direction.
I enjoyed the two POV and there was some excellent action scenes.
Struggled a bit with a bit of a dull patch in the middle, where I didnt really learn anything about either of the MC , so didn't really care for some of their actions in that section.
The book did pick up in final 20 percent, which pushes this to a 4 star read
I love that the world building avoided the standard medieval approach, that's pretty common in fantasy now, but went an entirely different direction.
I enjoyed the two POV and there was some excellent action scenes.
Struggled a bit with a bit of a dull patch in the middle, where I didnt really learn anything about either of the MC , so didn't really care for some of their actions in that section.
The book did pick up in final 20 percent, which pushes this to a 4 star read
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this one! It started with a bang for my personal tastes - a female archer running. When running and archery are my hobbies!
After that it felt a bit stereotype at first and I was wary of it would be "just one like the others".
But the farther I got in the better it got. The world and characters grow and more and more things start to get added. This worked really well, as it gave me time to settle in a familiar world before having me learn more new things. Not once did I have an "info-dumpy" feeling!
I really enjoyed the female POV right from the start - the male one took me quite a while to care about. On the end I was glued to the pages to learn what happens to both of them!
This one is also our finalists for the SPFBO on fantasy faction!
After that it felt a bit stereotype at first and I was wary of it would be "just one like the others".
But the farther I got in the better it got. The world and characters grow and more and more things start to get added. This worked really well, as it gave me time to settle in a familiar world before having me learn more new things. Not once did I have an "info-dumpy" feeling!
I really enjoyed the female POV right from the start - the male one took me quite a while to care about. On the end I was glued to the pages to learn what happens to both of them!
This one is also our finalists for the SPFBO on fantasy faction!
wdomingue's review against another edition
4.0
9/10
I really wish I had access to Book 2, because I wanted to jump right in and see what happened next. This was so close to 5* for me, and I may even give it the bump later on, but I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fantasy fan. The story is not lesser in any way for its younger protagonists, but presents their role very well and believably for the world around them.
I really wish I had access to Book 2, because I wanted to jump right in and see what happened next. This was so close to 5* for me, and I may even give it the bump later on, but I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fantasy fan. The story is not lesser in any way for its younger protagonists, but presents their role very well and believably for the world around them.
selinadragonair's review against another edition
4.0
Well done for an indie book, especially the clan life got me hooked. From time to time there were a few passages which weren't really exciting (like the second half of Rans story), but overall I liked them all well enough to want to know what will happen in book two!
tawallah's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0