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chickwen's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jjjasper12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
an_alaskan_fairy_tale's review against another edition
5.0
I just want to note that I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC copy to review (mostly because I couldn't wait until November to read it), however my review is not influenced by that in the slightest.
I've been really looking forward to reading Heritage ever since I raced through Lichgates and Treason back in July. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint in the slightest. We left Treason with some big changes in store for the characters, and this narrative was largely focused on them processing those changes, learning about themselves, and growing as characters. While it felt like a bit of a shift in tone from the first two novels in this way (since the first was focused on introducing you to a world, and the second continued that but with a lot of plot development) I appreciated Boyce taking the time to let her characters adapt naturally rather than overwhelming that process by having them cram this in between nonstop action. That is not to say that the book felt slow, just that I felt both the characters and the audience had time to breathe between plot leaps, a decision which helped prevent the lead-up to the finale from falling flat as so many penultimate books do. I believe I feel that way because the focus on character development gave this book a separate reason for existing from the novel that will wrap everything up, so it really feels like it stands on its own. One aspect of the novel that I really enjoyed was Boyce's ability to also allow Braeden and Kara's relationship to develop without any drama forced upon them. I understand her decision to have more of that in the first two books, but as they both mature I appreciate that she lets them have a relationship minus the angst. My only complaint is that I have to wait for Illusion! I'm very much looking forward to what is in store for Ourea next.
I've been really looking forward to reading Heritage ever since I raced through Lichgates and Treason back in July. I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint in the slightest. We left Treason with some big changes in store for the characters, and this narrative was largely focused on them processing those changes, learning about themselves, and growing as characters. While it felt like a bit of a shift in tone from the first two novels in this way (since the first was focused on introducing you to a world, and the second continued that but with a lot of plot development) I appreciated Boyce taking the time to let her characters adapt naturally rather than overwhelming that process by having them cram this in between nonstop action. That is not to say that the book felt slow, just that I felt both the characters and the audience had time to breathe between plot leaps, a decision which helped prevent the lead-up to the finale from falling flat as so many penultimate books do. I believe I feel that way because the focus on character development gave this book a separate reason for existing from the novel that will wrap everything up, so it really feels like it stands on its own. One aspect of the novel that I really enjoyed was Boyce's ability to also allow Braeden and Kara's relationship to develop without any drama forced upon them. I understand her decision to have more of that in the first two books, but as they both mature I appreciate that she lets them have a relationship minus the angst. My only complaint is that I have to wait for Illusion! I'm very much looking forward to what is in store for Ourea next.
vicwritesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I hope you enjoyed Heritage. If you have a moment, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, your blog, or any combination thereof" -S. M. Boyce
Well, alright, if you insist. Here goes nothing.
I have been reading ebooks for way too long. I read the first book of Grimoire saga from my phone (because I got it for FREE!!!). Anyway, I absolutely loved Lichgates and I went searching for its 'brothers and sisters' to find that no bookstore in my country has them.
So that's what happened on twitter, year 2013:
Viki (L)
And hey, how is that possible that Estonia's bookstores don't have The Grimoire saga by @thesmboyce
5:48 p.m. Mon Apr 8
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Bummer! They should be able to order it :/
2:42 p.m Tue Apr 9
Somehow I started reading other, more easily accessible books, and left Grimoire saga humming in the back of my mind - never forgetting the amazing world of Ourea, but never really reaching it either.
Time went by and I miraculously got some free money to spend. What was the first thing that crossed my mind? Books. Specific books I had wanted to read for months and months. I pulled myself together and ordered Treason and Heritage. (First paperpacks I have ever ordered! And first books that I actually read on paper in a long long time - has to be special, right?)
Boyce has this special skill to bring her writings alive. I literally live through the words and actions, I can see the story through my own eyes, I am in it, one with it, and that makes me draw the scenes (not that they come out right or even good).
In Heritage, Kara was - not finding better words to describe it - pain in the ass. Well at some points anyway. Stone was trying to teach you and you couldn't handle the pressure! Not that shooting fire through cracks in a rocks could possibly be helpful somehow. Slash. Braeden is trying for what feels like the hundreth time to get fire into a statue dragons mouth while shooting water into seaserpents mouth. Slash. Nah, that skill wouldn't be useful at all.
Meanwhile on twitter:
Viki (L)
#Heritage #GrimoireSaga Amusing that what Kara learns and doesn´t appreciate, is quite the same what Braeden NEEDS to master @thesmboyce
9:07 p.m. Sun, May 4
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Love it! Ten points for getting that reference.
6:31 p.m. Mon, May 5
There's more to a person that meets the eye. Kara's grandfather Agneon is a beautiful example of how what other people see is not all the truth there is. He was a killer, yes, but did he want to be? No one knew the guilt he felt.
I enjoyed seeing Braeden's less confident side. To say or not to say, how to say and what to say. The way he was afraid of losing the one person he truly cared about. Theese moments in the books make me think if there exists a man like that in the real world. Someone who'd walk through fire for you, refuses to let you leave, is ready to conquer the world for you. Someone like Braeden. Because I feel I don't want anything less. Love...
Oh, and then he goes and tries to get himself killed. You must know the shock I felt, reading about the horrible pain he was in. Screaming. I had tears in my eyes. And Gavin, you idiot, found it a great time to debate about the good and bad points of giving him the antodote. Huh.
Viki (L)
Noo noo no no no. Braeden got hit by a Sartori!! That didn't just happen, did it? #Heritage by @thesmboyce #GrimoireSaga
12:58 PM - 14 May 2014
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Shhhhhh *spoilers*
8:31 PM - 14 May 2014
But apparently, I am good at spoilers. For that leads to my favorite monologue:
Viki (L)
I absolutely LOVE Gavin's monologue after he realizes some important things Might be my favorite part from the book #Heritage by @thesmboyce
Evelyn irritates me. Niccoli is a mystery. And Deidre brings forth confused feelings. Gurien I appreciate, Cedric I have begun to respect, Stone I find amusing. I kind of love the name Remy, though I know little of the man behind the name.
Grimoire saga is asdfghjklöä if you know what I mean. It´s an isen. It steals your soul, you live it, you breath it. It is a yakona trying to survive it´s Blood´s commands. It is a vagabond bringing the readers peace and happiness. It is a drenowith deforming a simple pages of writing into a masterpiece.
Well, alright, if you insist. Here goes nothing.
I have been reading ebooks for way too long. I read the first book of Grimoire saga from my phone (because I got it for FREE!!!). Anyway, I absolutely loved Lichgates and I went searching for its 'brothers and sisters' to find that no bookstore in my country has them.
So that's what happened on twitter, year 2013:
Viki (L)
And hey, how is that possible that Estonia's bookstores don't have The Grimoire saga by @thesmboyce
5:48 p.m. Mon Apr 8
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Bummer! They should be able to order it :/
2:42 p.m Tue Apr 9
Somehow I started reading other, more easily accessible books, and left Grimoire saga humming in the back of my mind - never forgetting the amazing world of Ourea, but never really reaching it either.
Time went by and I miraculously got some free money to spend. What was the first thing that crossed my mind? Books. Specific books I had wanted to read for months and months. I pulled myself together and ordered Treason and Heritage. (First paperpacks I have ever ordered! And first books that I actually read on paper in a long long time - has to be special, right?)
Boyce has this special skill to bring her writings alive. I literally live through the words and actions, I can see the story through my own eyes, I am in it, one with it, and that makes me draw the scenes (not that they come out right or even good).
In Heritage, Kara was - not finding better words to describe it - pain in the ass. Well at some points anyway. Stone was trying to teach you and you couldn't handle the pressure! Not that shooting fire through cracks in a rocks could possibly be helpful somehow. Slash. Braeden is trying for what feels like the hundreth time to get fire into a statue dragons mouth while shooting water into seaserpents mouth. Slash. Nah, that skill wouldn't be useful at all.
Meanwhile on twitter:
Viki (L)
#Heritage #GrimoireSaga Amusing that what Kara learns and doesn´t appreciate, is quite the same what Braeden NEEDS to master @thesmboyce
9:07 p.m. Sun, May 4
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Love it! Ten points for getting that reference.
6:31 p.m. Mon, May 5
There's more to a person that meets the eye. Kara's grandfather Agneon is a beautiful example of how what other people see is not all the truth there is. He was a killer, yes, but did he want to be? No one knew the guilt he felt.
I enjoyed seeing Braeden's less confident side. To say or not to say, how to say and what to say. The way he was afraid of losing the one person he truly cared about. Theese moments in the books make me think if there exists a man like that in the real world. Someone who'd walk through fire for you, refuses to let you leave, is ready to conquer the world for you. Someone like Braeden. Because I feel I don't want anything less. Love...
Oh, and then he goes and tries to get himself killed. You must know the shock I felt, reading about the horrible pain he was in. Screaming. I had tears in my eyes. And Gavin, you idiot, found it a great time to debate about the good and bad points of giving him the antodote. Huh.
Viki (L)
Noo noo no no no. Braeden got hit by a Sartori!! That didn't just happen, did it? #Heritage by @thesmboyce #GrimoireSaga
12:58 PM - 14 May 2014
S. M. Boyce
@iamstayinghere Shhhhhh *spoilers*
8:31 PM - 14 May 2014
But apparently, I am good at spoilers. For that leads to my favorite monologue:
Viki (L)
I absolutely LOVE Gavin's monologue after he realizes some important things Might be my favorite part from the book #Heritage by @thesmboyce
Evelyn irritates me. Niccoli is a mystery. And Deidre brings forth confused feelings. Gurien I appreciate, Cedric I have begun to respect, Stone I find amusing. I kind of love the name Remy, though I know little of the man behind the name.
Grimoire saga is asdfghjklöä if you know what I mean. It´s an isen. It steals your soul, you live it, you breath it. It is a yakona trying to survive it´s Blood´s commands. It is a vagabond bringing the readers peace and happiness. It is a drenowith deforming a simple pages of writing into a masterpiece.
raeanne's review against another edition
4.0
In three words: HOLY FUCKING SHIT. Yes, Heritage is so worth reading. I loved it all: characters, plot, romance, and setting. I can’t go into it without spoilers but damn. I’m a huge fan of this couple, especially how they’re growing together.
Kara keeps stepping up and impressing me. There’s more than just one woman representing as well so there’s no Token Girl problems either. I find Aurora quite compelling among the standout supporting characters.
Finding out more about Carden was just what I wanted. However, there was this one moment that I know was supposed to give surprise depth but it didn’t come off as believable. I was left puzzled and unmoved by something that felt like a bait and switch rather than seeing more sides to a well-rounded character. Everything else is spot-on.
I’ve also been dying for more information about their races. There’s some in Heritage but it’s minor and only relevant to the romance aspect. I’m disappointed with not finding out the history and explanation behind Braedon’s people. But, Illusion is still forthcoming so there’s hope yet.
Rating: 4 stars.
Kara keeps stepping up and impressing me. There’s more than just one woman representing as well so there’s no Token Girl problems either. I find Aurora quite compelling among the standout supporting characters.
Finding out more about Carden was just what I wanted. However, there was this one moment that I know was supposed to give surprise depth but it didn’t come off as believable. I was left puzzled and unmoved by something that felt like a bait and switch rather than seeing more sides to a well-rounded character. Everything else is spot-on.
I’ve also been dying for more information about their races. There’s some in Heritage but it’s minor and only relevant to the romance aspect. I’m disappointed with not finding out the history and explanation behind Braedon’s people. But, Illusion is still forthcoming so there’s hope yet.
Rating: 4 stars.
daisey's review
4.0
I love S.M. Boyce’s world of Ourea and her characters. I enjoy seeing how Braeden and Kara continue to grow and develop through each book, and for me that was the best aspect of this portion of the story. Although I wished more of the book involved Kara and Braeden learning, working, and fighting together, they both made important steps forward in their individual journeys. Kara learned so much more about her power, her personal family history, and her connection to Ourea. Braeden’s decisions show his growth as a leader who will do what is best for his world, not just for his own personal interest. I knew there would be twists in the story, but the specific details and betrayals still caught me by surprise. The book was full of suspense and I couldn’t help but keep reading towards the battle that I knew had to be coming. Then the battle happened, the book ended (along with a final twist in the epilogue), and I remembered this was still the middle of the series. I was disappointed with this book only because I was hoping for more. It definitely left me with a feeling of frustration as a middle book whose main purpose seemed to be preparation and building anticipation for the next book. In which case, I guess it was a success, because I’ll be reading Illusion as soon as possible.
auburnedge's review
4.0
This is the third in the series and I found this one to be much more in depth emotionally than the other books. You learn Karas past and what makes her what she is today. It's a roller coaster and you are surprised by how well SM Boyce created this whole new world. If you haven't started the series by now what are you waiting for?
csparkles's review
5.0
This is the third book in the series and it ended on a sort of cliff-hanger that has me anxiously waiting for the publication of the fourth and final novel. The author has also written a couple of side stories involving the history of the worlds and a couple of the characters present in the past. This is a great, not-very-well-known fantasy series that I will re-read often.
printedadventures's review
3.0
Third book in the Grimoire Saga .
Again, I'm sorry I can't provide a better review because I read through all the books without stopping....
But I enjoyed the series that much.
And it's been a while that I felt I needed to read through a whole series. Plus a fantasy one at that.
Again, I'm sorry I can't provide a better review because I read through all the books without stopping....
But I enjoyed the series that much.
And it's been a while that I felt I needed to read through a whole series. Plus a fantasy one at that.