You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
I've barely started this book and I already know I'm going to rate it low. We've been introduced to a few characters so far but I have no clue who any of them are. Not in a "what is this person's name or role" kind of way, but what kind of personality do they have? Kat is the heir but wants to fight in her father's military. Lucy is the youngest sister who has been sent away from the city to protect her. That's all we know at this point (yes, it's early in the story so we will [hopefully] learn more, but I don't trust this author's ability to do that).
There is a WHOLE BUNCH of telling so far. Kat has cut her hair and dressed in her brother's clothes to blend into the military. The army of Erlingue has attacked and there's a battle scene, but it so flat and boring. Battle scenes shouldn't be boring, especially if it's someone's first time in one! How does Kat feel seeing her compatriots killed around her? Does she regret her choice and actions? Does she feel in over her head? What does the battle smell like? She describes the attacking army's weapons as "she didn't know what 'rifle' meant along the weapon's side" but then goes on to use words like 'bullet' and 'gun'. If Kat doesn't know what a rifle is, how can she know what else they would be called or what the ammo is? The whole battle took place in about two paragraphs.
There's also a lot of repetition, even within the same paragraph. Repetition of Kat being the heir to Arbinad, repetition of Lucy not knowing what was going on. All those words could have been purged and used elsewhere (like during the first battle, maybe?). The book is a headhopper, going from one POV to another in the next paragraph, which is confusing sometimes as a reader. For example, at the beginning an Arbinad scout sees the Erlingue army coming through the trees and escapes to warn the city. (First off, it's a very bad early warning system if your scouts are so far away from the city there's no time to get back to warn them. Beacons of Gondor, anyone?). He's being pursued and ends up being killed and the POV switches from him to the knights chasing him.
I will continue this story because the premise does sound interesting, but I won't be surprised if I end up DNF'ing this if these issues continue.
**Two days later** I give up. 9% into this book and I just can't continue. I came to the line "It brought a smoky smell into the room because the fireplace hadn't been used in several years" and rolled my eyes SO HARD. SO many other ways of writing that sentence so it doesn't read so clunky.
There is a WHOLE BUNCH of telling so far. Kat has cut her hair and dressed in her brother's clothes to blend into the military. The army of Erlingue has attacked and there's a battle scene, but it so flat and boring. Battle scenes shouldn't be boring, especially if it's someone's first time in one! How does Kat feel seeing her compatriots killed around her? Does she regret her choice and actions? Does she feel in over her head? What does the battle smell like? She describes the attacking army's weapons as "she didn't know what 'rifle' meant along the weapon's side" but then goes on to use words like 'bullet' and 'gun'. If Kat doesn't know what a rifle is, how can she know what else they would be called or what the ammo is? The whole battle took place in about two paragraphs.
There's also a lot of repetition, even within the same paragraph. Repetition of Kat being the heir to Arbinad, repetition of Lucy not knowing what was going on. All those words could have been purged and used elsewhere (like during the first battle, maybe?). The book is a headhopper, going from one POV to another in the next paragraph, which is confusing sometimes as a reader. For example, at the beginning an Arbinad scout sees the Erlingue army coming through the trees and escapes to warn the city. (First off, it's a very bad early warning system if your scouts are so far away from the city there's no time to get back to warn them. Beacons of Gondor, anyone?). He's being pursued
I will continue this story because the premise does sound interesting, but I won't be surprised if I end up DNF'ing this if these issues continue.
**Two days later** I give up. 9% into this book and I just can't continue. I came to the line "It brought a smoky smell into the room because the fireplace hadn't been used in several years" and rolled my eyes SO HARD. SO many other ways of writing that sentence so it doesn't read so clunky.
The Heir brought me back to the medieval time period that I strangely didn't realize I missed while I was reading. The time of Kings & Queens, knights and betrothal agreements made to keep the peace.
Thomas was his father's favorite; he was nothing like his older brother Eric. Thomas had a heart and tried to do good every chance he got. But Eric on the other hand was cruel and conniving. So, when the King fell, and Eric ascended to the throne all hell broke loose and his evil grew. Eric somehow convinced his dad to take over Arbinad and from there Eric continued taking over other Kingdoms. But what he didn't realize was that there were survivors from the royal family that will be out for blood sooner or later.
Kat and Lucy were the only members left from their family. Kat instructed for Lucy to escape before the war came to them so she could be safe. But little did Kat know, Lucy will always be running away from danger, just when she thinks she's safe. And for Kat, she gave me Mulan vibes when she cut her hair to join her father's army. He wouldn't let her help even knowing she is an excellent archer. So, she did what she though was best, even if it put her in more danger than she was expecting.
When Kat and Thomas's worlds collide they make an awkward but unbeatable team. They are betrothed together from an arrangement years ago, but she doesn't trust Thomas after what his family did to hers. But the more time they spend together the more she starts to care. I love how the characters develop in this novel. They all came from different backgrounds, but with the war they had to learn how to improve and live a different life.
This book is definitely more YA for any young readers. And the ending definitely makes it seems like something is building up to something big. I was left with so many unanswered questions that I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!
Thomas was his father's favorite; he was nothing like his older brother Eric. Thomas had a heart and tried to do good every chance he got. But Eric on the other hand was cruel and conniving. So, when the King fell, and Eric ascended to the throne all hell broke loose and his evil grew. Eric somehow convinced his dad to take over Arbinad and from there Eric continued taking over other Kingdoms. But what he didn't realize was that there were survivors from the royal family that will be out for blood sooner or later.
Kat and Lucy were the only members left from their family. Kat instructed for Lucy to escape before the war came to them so she could be safe. But little did Kat know, Lucy will always be running away from danger, just when she thinks she's safe. And for Kat, she gave me Mulan vibes when she cut her hair to join her father's army. He wouldn't let her help even knowing she is an excellent archer. So, she did what she though was best, even if it put her in more danger than she was expecting.
When Kat and Thomas's worlds collide they make an awkward but unbeatable team. They are betrothed together from an arrangement years ago, but she doesn't trust Thomas after what his family did to hers. But the more time they spend together the more she starts to care. I love how the characters develop in this novel. They all came from different backgrounds, but with the war they had to learn how to improve and live a different life.
This book is definitely more YA for any young readers. And the ending definitely makes it seems like something is building up to something big. I was left with so many unanswered questions that I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!
Book: The Heir
Author: Claudia Klein
My Perspective:
The titled was what intrigued me, as I am a reader with a fancy for royal romance story. The Heir, was an interesting read. The story began with an eerie sense, then delved into a country being conquered. Siblings being ripped apart - separated by war and hate. The struggle for power is something most men are overwhelmed with and would do anything to have, being ruthless and down right wicked, going the wrong way. I like Lucy, she was caring and saw that everyone was equal despite social status and she tried her very best to care for her subjects. Kat also stood out as she wanted to help her father from the start to save her people but she couldn't. Thomas indeed made a better king, and I hope in the other book he lived up to being who his father thought he could or was.
This is my honest perspective.
I did receive an ARC copy of this book from the Author. Reading it, I found the story to be okay just not my favorite. There is very much hope and potential, that one will enjoy. This is a recommended read for those who love the genre of Fantasy and or historical novel.
Author: Claudia Klein
My Perspective:
The titled was what intrigued me, as I am a reader with a fancy for royal romance story. The Heir, was an interesting read. The story began with an eerie sense, then delved into a country being conquered. Siblings being ripped apart - separated by war and hate. The struggle for power is something most men are overwhelmed with and would do anything to have, being ruthless and down right wicked, going the wrong way. I like Lucy, she was caring and saw that everyone was equal despite social status and she tried her very best to care for her subjects. Kat also stood out as she wanted to help her father from the start to save her people but she couldn't. Thomas indeed made a better king, and I hope in the other book he lived up to being who his father thought he could or was.
This is my honest perspective.
I did receive an ARC copy of this book from the Author. Reading it, I found the story to be okay just not my favorite. There is very much hope and potential, that one will enjoy. This is a recommended read for those who love the genre of Fantasy and or historical novel.
I really enjoyed the over all feel of this book. It is a great adventure story about 2 different princesses that have to leave their kingdom due to unexpected war. One decides to stay behind and help fight for her kingdom along side her father and brother. The other is sent to a farther away kingdom to be kept safe. I would definitely consider this more of a YA book then anything else. There are hints of romantic likings that are rather sweet between the prince of the kingdom of the enemy and one of the princesses. Over all I was splendidly surprised at the story. Gives very much mediaeval king Arthur vibes, definitely going to finish out the series.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Having a hard time rating this book, because although it was a struggle to get through it, there’s something to the storyline, to the world that’s built, that’s of interest.
The summary of the book gives a lot of promise, but the book itself doesn’t quite deliver.
In terms of storyline it does follow the summary, sure, but that’s one of the few positive things I can say about it.
The book itself is too flat, with a lot of telling instead of showing and the whole thing leans towards boring this way. What doesn’t aid is the repetition -sometimes even happening within the same paragraph or sentence.
The confusing thing is also that there’s multiple pov’s, without a clear indication when it switches. Overall it’s easily discerned, but even so it’s weird when it pops from one to another.
What also would have improved this book, would have been to not have Eric’s pov and instead have a build up to that information, to have the other characters figure that stuff out with us as readers. That would have made for a great plottwist, action and suspense.
And Lucy’s pov felt a bit unneeded too -except perhaps for the Everscene stuff. Because her pov was honestly boring, flat out.
The summary of the book gives a lot of promise, but the book itself doesn’t quite deliver.
In terms of storyline it does follow the summary, sure, but that’s one of the few positive things I can say about it.
The book itself is too flat, with a lot of telling instead of showing and the whole thing leans towards boring this way. What doesn’t aid is the repetition -sometimes even happening within the same paragraph or sentence.
The confusing thing is also that there’s multiple pov’s, without a clear indication when it switches. Overall it’s easily discerned, but even so it’s weird when it pops from one to another.
What also would have improved this book, would have been to not have Eric’s pov and instead have a build up to that information, to have the other characters figure that stuff out with us as readers. That would have made for a great plottwist, action and suspense.
And Lucy’s pov felt a bit unneeded too -except perhaps for the Everscene stuff. Because her pov was honestly boring, flat out.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This teen fantasy by local author, Claudia Klein (Nineveh, Ind.) is fast paced and full of intrigue. When the country of Arbinad falls, princesses Kat and Lucy are separated and their father, the king, is killed. Lucy flees to an allied island country and Kat is taken prisoner when Erlingue soldiers mistake her for a soldier. Over the course of one day the sisters' lives are upended forever.
The princes of Erlingue couldn't be more different. Eric wants to become king and conquer the continent, while Thomas just wants to keep the peace and let his father rule. When Eric murders his father and ascends the throne he wants to enslave more people and wage war; he will stop anyone who gets in his way, even if it's his own brother. Prince Thomas soon finds himself in a dungeon cell with none other than Princess Kat. She has every reason to hate him as his family and countrymen razed her country and killed her people, but they form an uneasy alliance. Can they escape? Can she get her country back? Most importantly, can she trust a prince who just waged war on her homeland? The Heir is told through multiple perspectives and is the first in a trilogy.
The princes of Erlingue couldn't be more different. Eric wants to become king and conquer the continent, while Thomas just wants to keep the peace and let his father rule. When Eric murders his father and ascends the throne he wants to enslave more people and wage war; he will stop anyone who gets in his way, even if it's his own brother. Prince Thomas soon finds himself in a dungeon cell with none other than Princess Kat. She has every reason to hate him as his family and countrymen razed her country and killed her people, but they form an uneasy alliance. Can they escape? Can she get her country back? Most importantly, can she trust a prince who just waged war on her homeland? The Heir is told through multiple perspectives and is the first in a trilogy.
I'll start with the sentence compositions and structures because I thought some of the lines were really cool. I discovered plenty of fresh ways to describe events that are typically replaced by clichés in most books, so that's a plus. The scenes were very vividly described, making it possible for you to envision what was happening (the final fight scene seemed to be the best described). However, there were some plot holes that I hope will be filled in by the subsequent book. Moving on to character development, I will say that each one was fantastic on its own, but when it came to Kat and Thomas' relationship, it wasn't the best, if I may say so. Because of this, I felt like the climax was rushed, and Kat's opinion of Andrew as well as Thomas' ultimate plan both let me down. Thus, I’m interested in seeing more interpersonal development in the upcoming book!
And if you enjoy quick reads and fantasy, I do suggest that you check out The Heir.
And if you enjoy quick reads and fantasy, I do suggest that you check out The Heir.
Before starting my review, I would like to thank the author, Claudia Klein, for generously offering me a digital copy of her book "The Heir". I would also like to reassure everyone who might be reading my review, that it's exclusively based on my honest opinion! Shall we begin?
The Heir is a book full of action and suspense. Set in a medieval background, it constitutes a story of self-discovery and resilience, with a touch of romance and dark magical forces plotting behind the scenes. It's one of those stories all fantasy readers love to read!
Two neighbouring kingdoms end up in war after one invades the other. Two princesses follow separate ways after they are forced to flee to safety, two brothers taking opposite sides, while a great evil is lurking in the shadows, slowly setting its great plans to motion.
Something I really enjoyed about this book are the two main female characters. They are both strong and brave in their own unique ways and we see them grow beautifully as the story progresses. There are a lot of obstacles that appear in everyone's path, but in the end, somehow, everyone manages to overcome them. Another trait I enjoed is how the author uses different perspectives to narrate her story, which enables us readers to delve into the different characters' points of view, maybe not too deep but deep enough in order to understand what everyone has in mind. Many times I got those vibes of historical - epic adventure movies we all have watched, which feature medieval kingdoms at war, with those epic battles and princes and princesses doing everything to save them, even though I don't think I can name a specific one at the moment.
The plot is quick paced, and keeps you constantly intrigued, preventing you from losing interest even for a minute and making you want to read one more chapter and then another and so on.Taking into account that this title is the first of a book series, I believe that any questions left unanswered will be dealt with in the sequel.
All in all, this book is a really nice choice, especially for everyone who enjoys fantasy themes. I would strongly recommend it without thinking twice!!!
The Heir is a book full of action and suspense. Set in a medieval background, it constitutes a story of self-discovery and resilience, with a touch of romance and dark magical forces plotting behind the scenes. It's one of those stories all fantasy readers love to read!
Two neighbouring kingdoms end up in war after one invades the other. Two princesses follow separate ways after they are forced to flee to safety, two brothers taking opposite sides, while a great evil is lurking in the shadows, slowly setting its great plans to motion.
Something I really enjoyed about this book are the two main female characters. They are both strong and brave in their own unique ways and we see them grow beautifully as the story progresses. There are a lot of obstacles that appear in everyone's path, but in the end, somehow, everyone manages to overcome them. Another trait I enjoed is how the author uses different perspectives to narrate her story, which enables us readers to delve into the different characters' points of view, maybe not too deep but deep enough in order to understand what everyone has in mind. Many times I got those vibes of historical - epic adventure movies we all have watched, which feature medieval kingdoms at war, with those epic battles and princes and princesses doing everything to save them, even though I don't think I can name a specific one at the moment.
The plot is quick paced, and keeps you constantly intrigued, preventing you from losing interest even for a minute and making you want to read one more chapter and then another and so on.Taking into account that this title is the first of a book series, I believe that any questions left unanswered will be dealt with in the sequel.
All in all, this book is a really nice choice, especially for everyone who enjoys fantasy themes. I would strongly recommend it without thinking twice!!!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There are no twists or turns it’s predictable.
* 3.5-4 stars *
This was a very cute fantasy story and overall, I enjoyed it! It had elements typically found in this genre, but also uniquely written as well. My reason for not rating it 5 stars, was because I personally felt like it was missing a more in depth look into the characters stories and bonds that they began to form with each other. I'm hoping everything melts together in book two.
This was a very cute fantasy story and overall, I enjoyed it! It had elements typically found in this genre, but also uniquely written as well. My reason for not rating it 5 stars, was because I personally felt like it was missing a more in depth look into the characters stories and bonds that they began to form with each other. I'm hoping everything melts together in book two.