Reviews

The Tournament of Heirs by Amilea Perez

corinam's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

bookish_cat_mom's review

adventurous mysterious tense slow-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

3.5

amateuradventurer's review

3.0

Thanks to the author for providing an ARC of her debut novel!

I’m so glad she choose to write about Aztec culture, there is such a lack of books on the market and the mythology and life is absolutely fascinating! Can we get more of these? Please and thanks.

Overall, the book itself is okay. I was engaged enough to read it, and the premise is interesting. The characters at times felt a little flat or that you were being told what they felt versus watching it happen but for a debut, it’s decent! As Perez grows as an author I would like to see her characters truly grow as well.

melibu's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

quelreads's review

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Tournament of Heirs was such a captivating read! I absolutely loved Metztli shes a strong, badass Hispanic female lead, and I could truly feel her unwavering loyalty to her brother throughout the story. The Aztec-inspired world was rich and immersive, giving Hunger Games and Wakanda Forever vibes with its high-stakes competition and deeply rooted culture. While it did take some time to get to the actual tournament, I felt the buildup was necessary to establish the characters and stakes. Overall, a fantastic read, and I cant wait for the next one!

rachael_booth's review

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious sad medium-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

4.25

aibibyreads's review

4.0

I enjoyed reading this book. It was very different. I do enjoy that it is not like any other book that I have read. I like that it represents Aztec mythology. This is new to me, and I enjoy that I learned something new along the way. This book is definitely one of those super slow burn books, but I enjoy tropes like those, so this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. In fact, I felt that it made it more enjoyable to read. The book felt slow in the beginning, but it soon picked up. I enjoyed the amount of world building that Amiliea added to the story. I felt immersed enough in the storyline that I could picture what era she’s talking about. I do enjoy the energy and the relationship that the siblings have with each other. You have one sibling who is just much fiercer and feisty and willing to go that extra mile and step. One that’s there to protect her family, no matter the cost. There were times when I felt that some of the writing was a bit modernized, but I don’t think that was too much of a big deal. I do like that both characters also have romantic love interests. This definitely has Hunger Games written all over it, but it’s unique in its own way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

sherantsalot's review

adventurous emotional inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is phenomenal! I loved every minute of it. Amilea does a great job writing her characters in way that has you fall in love with them — faults and all. 

I can honestly say it’s different than any other romantasy book I’ve read due to the Mexican/Aztec heritage in the story. 

And I’m a sucker for a main character who questions their gods. You’ll love Metztli and Acalan so much. 

It’s definitely going on my list as one of my favorites this year.

I look forward to reading the next book! 

thepagelady's review

4.0

This was a fantastic read! It's a slow burn full of action with a mix of the hunger games and game of thrones! I loved the sibling dynamic! Acalan is the calm love of books and journals one and Metztli is the strong and protective one! They are very different but have that sibling bond! The romance for both brothers was fun and interesting! I especially enjoyed Metztli's enemies to lovers! There is so much to like and enjoy in this book! You have the romance, the build up to the tournament, exploration of Aztec culture, an animal sidekick and more! I absolutely cannot wait to read more! Thank you Amilea Perez for sharing this book with me!

thereaderwho_neversleeps's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0