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armin_web's review against another edition
I'm a mood reader and this book was just too high stakes for the mood that I was in and I couldn't stay engaged. I may pick it up again at a later date if I'm ever in the mood for a high fantasy
owlyreadsalot's review
3.0
There was so much going on in this story that there wasn't much time to think of anything else. Many of the chapters were very captivating, the world created and the characters' that followed, but sometimes it might have mixed up the mind, if only just a tiny fraction of it. And by that, I mean there are so many characters and backstory, that it does take a little more to unravel it all, placing it all into order. But, only at times, because it all led to the rest of the story and what it all means for everyone involved.
"You will not marry for love, my sweet girl, but you will sacrifice yourself wholeheartedly so that this world may see a day where peace ensues; so that this war will ease itself into the pages of our history."
That's the beginning of all of this, creating the atmosphere for everything that is to follow, which is a tailspin of a story. With many different personalities to keep the reader interested, many battles to be fought, a plethora of diverse characters, and so much more jam packed into one novel. Even if at times their stories got meshed and a bit too intertwined, I still found a good amount of cohesiveness in all of it. Especially when it came to the reason behind everyone's part in all that made Heir of Lies.
"Looking up, he stalked toward the city that once was said to bustle with life, flourish with culture. It was the heart of their country, where trading routes were established with the Shattered Isles, where the first King of Kiero sat on his throne, where the monarchy was built and then destroyed. Now, red and black smears stained the ivory towers."
Adair, Emory, Brokk, and all those in here, grow as the novel continues, becoming so much more than the youth they once were while in the academy. The romance is not a favorite for me though, but that didn't derail the progress of the characters' much when it comes to what needed to be accomplished. It's a fantasy that brings a good amount of magic and lore into this imagined place. Making it easy for the reader to have quick favorites. Glad I was able to delve into this new world.
***I received this copy from MM Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
"You will not marry for love, my sweet girl, but you will sacrifice yourself wholeheartedly so that this world may see a day where peace ensues; so that this war will ease itself into the pages of our history."
That's the beginning of all of this, creating the atmosphere for everything that is to follow, which is a tailspin of a story. With many different personalities to keep the reader interested, many battles to be fought, a plethora of diverse characters, and so much more jam packed into one novel. Even if at times their stories got meshed and a bit too intertwined, I still found a good amount of cohesiveness in all of it. Especially when it came to the reason behind everyone's part in all that made Heir of Lies.
"Looking up, he stalked toward the city that once was said to bustle with life, flourish with culture. It was the heart of their country, where trading routes were established with the Shattered Isles, where the first King of Kiero sat on his throne, where the monarchy was built and then destroyed. Now, red and black smears stained the ivory towers."
Adair, Emory, Brokk, and all those in here, grow as the novel continues, becoming so much more than the youth they once were while in the academy. The romance is not a favorite for me though, but that didn't derail the progress of the characters' much when it comes to what needed to be accomplished. It's a fantasy that brings a good amount of magic and lore into this imagined place. Making it easy for the reader to have quick favorites. Glad I was able to delve into this new world.
***I received this copy from MM Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
portlockreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
✨ 5/5 !!!! 2024 reread for me. I may have stayed up late 😼
“Heir of Lies” by Mallory McCartney is an exhilarating fantasy novel that completely captivated me. The story follows Emory Fae, a character who resonated with me on a personal level. Emory’s journey of self-discovery and embracing her true identity as the heir to a rebellion against the ruling elite was incredibly inspiring.
.
.
McCartney’s writing style is enchanting, and she effortlessly transports readers into the intricate world of the Black Dawn. The political intrigue, magical powers, and dangerous alliances kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets and unravel the lies.
.
.
But what truly stood out to me were the themes explored in the book. Emory’s struggles with her identity, her quest for truth, and the inner battles she faces resonated deeply with me. It made me reflect on my own journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing who we truly are.
.
.
The characters in “Heir of Lies” are complex and well-developed, and the relationships and friendships that form throughout the story added an extra layer of depth to the narrative. I found myself emotionally invested in their fates, cheering for their triumphs and anxiously holding my breath during their trials.
.
.
Overall, “Heir of Lies” is a remarkable book that combines captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy novels that transport them to new worlds while exploring the complexities of the human spirit.
.
.
.
#bookrecommendations #fivestarreviews #2024bookgoals #mallorymccartney #blackdawnseries #academia #emoryfae #powers
“Heir of Lies” by Mallory McCartney is an exhilarating fantasy novel that completely captivated me. The story follows Emory Fae, a character who resonated with me on a personal level. Emory’s journey of self-discovery and embracing her true identity as the heir to a rebellion against the ruling elite was incredibly inspiring.
.
.
McCartney’s writing style is enchanting, and she effortlessly transports readers into the intricate world of the Black Dawn. The political intrigue, magical powers, and dangerous alliances kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets and unravel the lies.
.
.
But what truly stood out to me were the themes explored in the book. Emory’s struggles with her identity, her quest for truth, and the inner battles she faces resonated deeply with me. It made me reflect on my own journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing who we truly are.
.
.
The characters in “Heir of Lies” are complex and well-developed, and the relationships and friendships that form throughout the story added an extra layer of depth to the narrative. I found myself emotionally invested in their fates, cheering for their triumphs and anxiously holding my breath during their trials.
.
.
Overall, “Heir of Lies” is a remarkable book that combines captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy novels that transport them to new worlds while exploring the complexities of the human spirit.
.
.
.
#bookrecommendations #fivestarreviews #2024bookgoals #mallorymccartney #blackdawnseries #academia #emoryfae #powers
annieb123's review
3.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Heir of Lies is a crossworlds NA/YA coming of age fantasy (and the first in a series) by Mallory McCartney. Originally released in 2017, this reformat and re-release 21st April 2020 is 456 pages and available in ebook formats (other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the second in the series) are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
It should first be noted that I am emphatically not the target audience, being neither young, nor some would argue, particularly adult. That being said, this is an action packed saga full of never-fully-rendered characters (who blend together confusingly) and none of whom I found particularly sympathetic or agreeable. The book is absolutely *full* of the sort of draaaaaaaaaamaaaaa which I generally avoid wherever possible, and I spent most of the read wanting to bang their heads together, and shaking my own. The writing is competent, but full of the sort of stream of consciousness info dumping which makes books more difficult to read and parse in my experience. There are infinitives split thither and yon along with sentence fragments aplenty. I stopped making notes around page 30 because there were simply too many. The book really does have good bones underneath. The author seems to have a real story to tell, but the narrative needs a ruthless editor (or three). I normally have no trouble with multiple PoV narratives, but with this one I didn't sense any change in style or any demarcation, making the whole quite confusing. (It's also in 3rd person omniscient, which is a strange choice for an multi-PoV book and which never felt like a good fit for the story). There are no chapter-length chapters, just huge rolling sections which go on for what seemed like forever.
I did finish the first volume, and I do love cross realm fantasy and epic fantasy (probably my favorite genre). It was an uphill slog. My epic battle was finishing the book. I do not find myself motivated to seek out the second or (upcoming) third book. For fans of the author, or of young adult drama filled fantasy, it could be a good fit.
Two and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Heir of Lies is a crossworlds NA/YA coming of age fantasy (and the first in a series) by Mallory McCartney. Originally released in 2017, this reformat and re-release 21st April 2020 is 456 pages and available in ebook formats (other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the second in the series) are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
It should first be noted that I am emphatically not the target audience, being neither young, nor some would argue, particularly adult. That being said, this is an action packed saga full of never-fully-rendered characters (who blend together confusingly) and none of whom I found particularly sympathetic or agreeable. The book is absolutely *full* of the sort of draaaaaaaaaamaaaaa which I generally avoid wherever possible, and I spent most of the read wanting to bang their heads together, and shaking my own. The writing is competent, but full of the sort of stream of consciousness info dumping which makes books more difficult to read and parse in my experience. There are infinitives split thither and yon along with sentence fragments aplenty. I stopped making notes around page 30 because there were simply too many. The book really does have good bones underneath. The author seems to have a real story to tell, but the narrative needs a ruthless editor (or three). I normally have no trouble with multiple PoV narratives, but with this one I didn't sense any change in style or any demarcation, making the whole quite confusing. (It's also in 3rd person omniscient, which is a strange choice for an multi-PoV book and which never felt like a good fit for the story). There are no chapter-length chapters, just huge rolling sections which go on for what seemed like forever.
I did finish the first volume, and I do love cross realm fantasy and epic fantasy (probably my favorite genre). It was an uphill slog. My epic battle was finishing the book. I do not find myself motivated to seek out the second or (upcoming) third book. For fans of the author, or of young adult drama filled fantasy, it could be a good fit.
Two and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
auroraparkerwrites's review against another edition
2.0
This had so much potential, but the lack of world building and character development left me with more questions than answers. And unfortunately, I have no desire to continue reading the books further to try and answer those questions. I do love a good mystery, thriller novel, so jumping into the middle of the story for me is normally not a problem. (Even in a reading slump a book never takes me more than a few days to get through, that’s how you can really tell I strrrrruggled to read this). It all felt very rushed and unfinished.
sometimesleelynnreads's review
3.0
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to RockStar Book Tours and MM Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
I swear this book got pretty darn deep when I was reading it. Like, maybe not so much that I was having a crisis or anything like that, but I just had a lot of thoughts about this novel. Good, crazy good thoughts about this. I’m kind of bummed that it comes out in April because then I have to wait even longer for the sequel!
I was already felt so angry for Nei because of the arranged marriage that she had to get into in order to bring peace to her people in the Shattered Isles, and yet even though she was married to the Fae family for a whole freaking year, that didn’t seem to happen. That was in the very beginning of the novel, and I was already heated for her. I could feel how angry she was and how she could have felt like she was failing at her job because even though it was already a year, nothing changed. Her people were being enslaved pretty much, and even with her position as Queen, nobody seemed to care.
This was just such an interesting book, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read the first novel early. I hope to reread it again before the second one comes out and then see how the rest of the series plays out.
I swear this book got pretty darn deep when I was reading it. Like, maybe not so much that I was having a crisis or anything like that, but I just had a lot of thoughts about this novel. Good, crazy good thoughts about this. I’m kind of bummed that it comes out in April because then I have to wait even longer for the sequel!
I was already felt so angry for Nei because of the arranged marriage that she had to get into in order to bring peace to her people in the Shattered Isles, and yet even though she was married to the Fae family for a whole freaking year, that didn’t seem to happen. That was in the very beginning of the novel, and I was already heated for her. I could feel how angry she was and how she could have felt like she was failing at her job because even though it was already a year, nothing changed. Her people were being enslaved pretty much, and even with her position as Queen, nobody seemed to care.
This was just such an interesting book, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read the first novel early. I hope to reread it again before the second one comes out and then see how the rest of the series plays out.
booknotes_athina's review against another edition
2.0
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. It didn't connect with me and I found it very confusing and I couldn't understand what was going on for the majority of the time.
There were different POVs in the story that I didn't enjoyed. The story is about Emory but we didn't see her POV.
Also, I couldn't understand the world and the magic system in it.
I liked the writing though.
Maybe I wasn't in the right mood for this book, maybe it isn't for me.
Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. It didn't connect with me and I found it very confusing and I couldn't understand what was going on for the majority of the time.
There were different POVs in the story that I didn't enjoyed. The story is about Emory but we didn't see her POV.
Also, I couldn't understand the world and the magic system in it.
I liked the writing though.
Maybe I wasn't in the right mood for this book, maybe it isn't for me.
52weekswithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is fast paced, action packed book. I was surprised to be pulled in from the beginning. The story is told by showing us the events as they unfold through the perspective of the four MCs: princess and queen to be Emory, her friends Brokk and Memphis, and the villain Adair.
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I think it was a very inspired choice to start the series with the origin story for all the characters. At this point I feel very involved and very much care to know what happens next.
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Strong points: interesting, dangerous and magical world, love triangle (quadrangle?), interesting, imperfect and complex characters, with tragic backstories, lots of action, interconnected worlds.
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I'm so excited to also have the second book in the series, so I can jump right in from where I left off.
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Thank you to the author @authormalmccartney and R&R Book Tours @shannon_rrbooktours for the gifted copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
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I think it was a very inspired choice to start the series with the origin story for all the characters. At this point I feel very involved and very much care to know what happens next.
.
Strong points: interesting, dangerous and magical world, love triangle (quadrangle?), interesting, imperfect and complex characters, with tragic backstories, lots of action, interconnected worlds.
.
I'm so excited to also have the second book in the series, so I can jump right in from where I left off.
.
Thank you to the author @authormalmccartney and R&R Book Tours @shannon_rrbooktours for the gifted copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
jalsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
OH. MY. GODS!!!
This book was excellent! Very fast-paced and action packed. The characters are very well described, and the world intriguing. Emory is of course my favourite character in the book, her development is so strong. The book has a couple of time skips in the second half, I really struggled with Emory during her time on Earth. She is brave, powerful, and resilient. The perfect recipe for a kick-ass heroine. The thing that I found most intense about Em though, was her age (and her choices made on the last page of the book)! Overall her long term growth is just fantastic.
The best part about this book... THE ENDING!!!
I know. Endings are usually the bane of readers existences. This ending was sharp, painful, and unexpected. It was soooo soooo good! I am left wanting more, I am left with feelings of betrayal, and I am left with a strong desire for the next book.
As soon as the upcoming HC edition hits shelves, I will be buying a physical copy, and getting 'my precious' book signed!
This book was excellent! Very fast-paced and action packed. The characters are very well described, and the world intriguing. Emory is of course my favourite character in the book, her development is so strong. The book has a couple of time skips in the second half, I really struggled with Emory during her time on Earth. She is brave, powerful, and resilient. The perfect recipe for a kick-ass heroine. The thing that I found most intense about Em though, was her age (and her choices made on the last page of the book)! Overall her long term growth is just fantastic.
The best part about this book... THE ENDING!!!
I know. Endings are usually the bane of readers existences. This ending was sharp, painful, and unexpected. It was soooo soooo good! I am left wanting more, I am left with feelings of betrayal, and I am left with a strong desire for the next book.
As soon as the upcoming HC edition hits shelves, I will be buying a physical copy, and getting 'my precious' book signed!
georginap92's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the authorfor a gifted eBook in exchange for an honest review
“Greatness comes down to a person’s decisions and what they choose to stand by. Even when every odd is against them”
Heir Of Lies is re-released novel originally called Black Dawn, it has now been released with bonus content and a now trilogy. Heir Of Lies is the first book in this trilogy and is a multiple point of view book that follows four friends as their lives are completely changed forever. They have all grown up together at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. However, after an unexpected visit ignites new tensions amongst those in the royal circle, and there are whispers of dark magic emerging in Keiro; Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most--the truth.
I love the layout and the flow of the book it is very good, I really enjoyed the multiple point of view aspect to the book, as well as the time travel aspect. I found myself really entranced in the book and needing to finish it, there are a series of action sequences which are all very engrossing and I found myself really caught up in the pace of those action scenes. However, there is an occasional change of pace with the slower scenes within the book, such as Emory’s training and disappearance.
I found that the numerous plot twists in this book were very surprising and completely unexpected, I honestly did not see most of them coming, plus I love the fact the book started at The Academy, rather than after the amazing plot twist in the middle, spoilers! It was also good to get a prologue so that there was more depth to the book and understanding of the main plot, as well as understanding the story behind The Academy.
The character development is great and with more books in the series I feel there is more development to come, each of the main characters special abilities are very fascinating, such as Emory’s being a Leech, and there are several characters to keep up with, however that is expected with a rebellion. The character writing is very good as there were numerous times that my opinions and feelings towards the characters were constantly changing; I found myself starting to care about Brokk the most; after everything he had been through at the hand of his friends, I really felt for him as he suffered the most. Plus, Memphis really made me mad at times, and as much as Adair was the “bad guy” there were a few times I really felt bad for him. However, Emory I am still undecided on, as I find her behaviour slightly annoying, but with ore books in the series I cannot wait to see if she
changes.
I would recommend the Black Dawn trilogy to anyone whose main genre is YA and fantasy, as this book has it all, action, romance, betrayal, magic (and dark magic), demons, special abilities, and loyal friends. I honestly cannot wait for the next book in the series Queen To Ashes, in fact I’m about to start it now! Plus, as a little bonus there is also a lovely, illustrated map at the start of the book with descriptions to Kerio’s and the Shattered Isles layout
⭐⭐⭐
“Greatness comes down to a person’s decisions and what they choose to stand by. Even when every odd is against them”
Heir Of Lies is re-released novel originally called Black Dawn, it has now been released with bonus content and a now trilogy. Heir Of Lies is the first book in this trilogy and is a multiple point of view book that follows four friends as their lives are completely changed forever. They have all grown up together at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. However, after an unexpected visit ignites new tensions amongst those in the royal circle, and there are whispers of dark magic emerging in Keiro; Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most--the truth.
I love the layout and the flow of the book it is very good, I really enjoyed the multiple point of view aspect to the book, as well as the time travel aspect. I found myself really entranced in the book and needing to finish it, there are a series of action sequences which are all very engrossing and I found myself really caught up in the pace of those action scenes. However, there is an occasional change of pace with the slower scenes within the book, such as Emory’s training and disappearance.
I found that the numerous plot twists in this book were very surprising and completely unexpected, I honestly did not see most of them coming, plus I love the fact the book started at The Academy, rather than after the amazing plot twist in the middle, spoilers! It was also good to get a prologue so that there was more depth to the book and understanding of the main plot, as well as understanding the story behind The Academy.
The character development is great and with more books in the series I feel there is more development to come, each of the main characters special abilities are very fascinating, such as Emory’s being a Leech, and there are several characters to keep up with, however that is expected with a rebellion. The character writing is very good as there were numerous times that my opinions and feelings towards the characters were constantly changing; I found myself starting to care about Brokk the most; after everything he had been through at the hand of his friends, I really felt for him as he suffered the most. Plus, Memphis really made me mad at times, and as much as Adair was the “bad guy” there were a few times I really felt bad for him. However, Emory I am still undecided on, as I find her behaviour slightly annoying, but with ore books in the series I cannot wait to see if she
changes.
I would recommend the Black Dawn trilogy to anyone whose main genre is YA and fantasy, as this book has it all, action, romance, betrayal, magic (and dark magic), demons, special abilities, and loyal friends. I honestly cannot wait for the next book in the series Queen To Ashes, in fact I’m about to start it now! Plus, as a little bonus there is also a lovely, illustrated map at the start of the book with descriptions to Kerio’s and the Shattered Isles layout
⭐⭐⭐