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maahira_n's review
3.0
3.0 stars
Given this is the author's first book, I'll take it with a pinch of salt.
The storyline itself must be applauded along with the title and cover, A legacy of darkness has a brilliant aesthetic and the world itself was quite intriguing. The plot was compelling, I enjoyed reading about the magic system and the ventures into the different parts of Asterion and beyond.
However, the writing itself was a problem. Perhaps this is because the story was purely plot driven, but it felt very info dumping at times. There was alot of redundancy as well which irked me and the descriptions were pretty mediocre. The characters as well -- as I've mentioned this is a plot driven book -- and so the characters were bland and very much one dimensional.
Especially the sideline characters, who I felt played very little role compared to what they were capable of. But the FMC, Shaye was a nicely written female protagonist. In fantasy novels its very difficult to come across strong female leads who aren't toxic and I think the author balanced Shaye very well. Sorin also, was well scripted though I felt he had very little development as a whole.
And of course, my last point is the plot twist -- or lack thereof. We all saw the supposed bad guy coming a mile away and his introduction enough spilled the beans. There was no interesting revelations to be fair and every revelation felt pretty obvious.
Other than those qualms, I think A legacy of darkness is a quick, light and compelling read for fantasy readers!
Given this is the author's first book, I'll take it with a pinch of salt.
The storyline itself must be applauded along with the title and cover, A legacy of darkness has a brilliant aesthetic and the world itself was quite intriguing. The plot was compelling, I enjoyed reading about the magic system and the ventures into the different parts of Asterion and beyond.
However, the writing itself was a problem. Perhaps this is because the story was purely plot driven, but it felt very info dumping at times. There was alot of redundancy as well which irked me and the descriptions were pretty mediocre. The characters as well -- as I've mentioned this is a plot driven book -- and so the characters were bland and very much one dimensional.
Especially the sideline characters, who I felt played very little role compared to what they were capable of. But the FMC, Shaye was a nicely written female protagonist. In fantasy novels its very difficult to come across strong female leads who aren't toxic and I think the author balanced Shaye very well. Sorin also, was well scripted though I felt he had very little development as a whole.
And of course, my last point is the plot twist -- or lack thereof. We all saw the supposed bad guy coming a mile away and his introduction enough spilled the beans. There was no interesting revelations to be fair and every revelation felt pretty obvious.
Other than those qualms, I think A legacy of darkness is a quick, light and compelling read for fantasy readers!
sarasbooktalk's review
4.0
If you like NA fantasy with magic, royalty , plot twists and betrayal, this book is for you! This book is a great built up for the next book in the series. I'm excited to see the character development and the ending was so good! OMG, that cliffhanger. I liked everything about the magic!!
The world building and introduction to all the characters was not overwhelming as it can be in books. And you can not not like the badass MC.
*I received a ARC for my honest review, my opinions are my own.*
The world building and introduction to all the characters was not overwhelming as it can be in books. And you can not not like the badass MC.
*I received a ARC for my honest review, my opinions are my own.*
lunadaye's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book!
The plot kept me on my toes from start to finish and I was so disappointed when the book ended, I cannot wait for book two!
The TWO main characters ( because this book is written in dual POV) are brilliant! I love that the female lead is strong and independent, and that the male lead isn’t just a ‘hero’ both characters are much deeper and more complex!
The magic system is great, and woven into the story beautifully.
The creatures- even though they exist is folklore are uncommon and exciting as I hadn’t even heard of some of them before.
This book is a breath of fresh air and hits all the right spots! I can’t recommend it enough!
The plot kept me on my toes from start to finish and I was so disappointed when the book ended, I cannot wait for book two!
The TWO main characters ( because this book is written in dual POV) are brilliant! I love that the female lead is strong and independent, and that the male lead isn’t just a ‘hero’ both characters are much deeper and more complex!
The magic system is great, and woven into the story beautifully.
The creatures- even though they exist is folklore are uncommon and exciting as I hadn’t even heard of some of them before.
This book is a breath of fresh air and hits all the right spots! I can’t recommend it enough!
insanebookperson's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and War
ek4therin4h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
onebookmore's review
5.0
I loved J.M Wallace's debut novel, A Legacy of Darkness! The characters, the action, the quest, the enemies-to-lovers romance, the friendships - it's everything I love in a romantasy and more. The world-building and magic are fascinating, well-developed, and immersive. Asterion is described in a way that pulls you right into the story and into Shaye and Sorin's worlds. They come from very different places, and each setting, as well as the places they go to on their quest, is vividly painted. The magic, monsters, other unique fantasy elements are also intriguing and layered.
Written from a dual point of view, the story delves into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of both Shaye and Sorin. It's interesting to see the story from both of their perspectives. Shaye and Sorin are both so compelling, and I loved their journeys - both physical and emotional. Shaye is such a richly developed protagonist, and I was drawn to her story from the very first page. The last of a powerful family of Druids, Shaye is the key to defeating the evil that is destroying their land and killing their people. She is fierce, tough, cunning, and brave, but she is also vulnerable, sympathetic, and sensitive. There are so many layers to her character, which I loved. Throughout the book, Shaye faces so many obstacles, and her journey is not easy.
Now, let's talk about my new book boyfriend Sorin. I think I love him! Sorin is also intricately developed and layered, and his arc is as compelling as Shaye's. He's determined, brave, and strong, and he has some amazing friendships. A newly crowned king, Sorin has a lot on his plate. Fixing the wrongs of his father, defeating the evil that has reappeared, and trying to bring balance to his kingdom are just some of his obstacles. He is far from perfect, but (I hope) he is sincere in his actions.
The secondary characters are also well-developed, and their stories are equally intriguing. I particularly love the found family aspect of the story. A unique group goes with Shaye and Sorin on their quest, and their dynamic is fantastic. The banter, the comradery, the way they all slowly begin to trust each other and work as a unit - this group forms a bond that none of them expected, and it's one of my favorite parts of the story. Of course, one of my other favorite aspect of the story (no surprise here) is the romance!
Enemies-to-lovers romances are one of my favorites, and the budding relationship between Shaye and Sorfin is everything! It's the kind of slow-building, "will they or won't they" kind of love story that I adore. Sorfin is the son of the man who killed her family, so Shaye doesn't trust him at all. Of course, Shaye is slow to trust everyone, and rightly so. There are some major betrayals in her life and in the story that prove she is right to be so discerning when it comes to giving her trust. I loved seeing Soring slowly break down Shaye's walls, and their slow-building relationship is wonderful. I'm totally rooting for Sorin and Shaye to be endgame! They have great chemistry, and I think Sorin deeply cares for Shaye. But after that ending, who knows what will happen!!
There is never a dull moment in the story, and with some surprising revelations, morally grey characters, lies, secrets, and betrayal, and antagonists trying to thwart them every step of the way, Shaye and Soring are in constant danger. They must learn how to work with and trust each other, which proves difficult, especially for Shaye. They go on such an epic quest, and it is suspenseful, deadly, and intense, and I loved it. The pacing is also really well done, and the intensity and suspense build to an unbelievable ending that left me speechless. There's so much to want to say about the plot and the characters, and the love stories (yes, stories! There's a budding romance between secondary characters that is so cute!!), but I don't want to give too much away. All I can say is be prepared to feel all of the feels because this story will take you on a dark, twisted, and fantastic adventure.
Action, romance, a found family, an epic journey, and unique magic and monsters, A Legacy of Darkness is a gripping and immersive debut novel. And that ending! Oh my word!! After that cliffhanger, I need to read the next book ASAP!!! I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy fantasy or romantasy, and I'm so thankful to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Written from a dual point of view, the story delves into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of both Shaye and Sorin. It's interesting to see the story from both of their perspectives. Shaye and Sorin are both so compelling, and I loved their journeys - both physical and emotional. Shaye is such a richly developed protagonist, and I was drawn to her story from the very first page. The last of a powerful family of Druids, Shaye is the key to defeating the evil that is destroying their land and killing their people. She is fierce, tough, cunning, and brave, but she is also vulnerable, sympathetic, and sensitive. There are so many layers to her character, which I loved. Throughout the book, Shaye faces so many obstacles, and her journey is not easy.
Now, let's talk about my new book boyfriend Sorin. I think I love him! Sorin is also intricately developed and layered, and his arc is as compelling as Shaye's. He's determined, brave, and strong, and he has some amazing friendships. A newly crowned king, Sorin has a lot on his plate. Fixing the wrongs of his father, defeating the evil that has reappeared, and trying to bring balance to his kingdom are just some of his obstacles. He is far from perfect, but (I hope) he is sincere in his actions.
The secondary characters are also well-developed, and their stories are equally intriguing. I particularly love the found family aspect of the story. A unique group goes with Shaye and Sorin on their quest, and their dynamic is fantastic. The banter, the comradery, the way they all slowly begin to trust each other and work as a unit - this group forms a bond that none of them expected, and it's one of my favorite parts of the story. Of course, one of my other favorite aspect of the story (no surprise here) is the romance!
Enemies-to-lovers romances are one of my favorites, and the budding relationship between Shaye and Sorfin is everything! It's the kind of slow-building, "will they or won't they" kind of love story that I adore. Sorfin is the son of the man who killed her family, so Shaye doesn't trust him at all. Of course, Shaye is slow to trust everyone, and rightly so. There are some major betrayals in her life and in the story that prove she is right to be so discerning when it comes to giving her trust. I loved seeing Soring slowly break down Shaye's walls, and their slow-building relationship is wonderful. I'm totally rooting for Sorin and Shaye to be endgame! They have great chemistry, and I think Sorin deeply cares for Shaye. But after that ending, who knows what will happen!!
There is never a dull moment in the story, and with some surprising revelations, morally grey characters, lies, secrets, and betrayal, and antagonists trying to thwart them every step of the way, Shaye and Soring are in constant danger. They must learn how to work with and trust each other, which proves difficult, especially for Shaye. They go on such an epic quest, and it is suspenseful, deadly, and intense, and I loved it. The pacing is also really well done, and the intensity and suspense build to an unbelievable ending that left me speechless. There's so much to want to say about the plot and the characters, and the love stories (yes, stories! There's a budding romance between secondary characters that is so cute!!), but I don't want to give too much away. All I can say is be prepared to feel all of the feels because this story will take you on a dark, twisted, and fantastic adventure.
Action, romance, a found family, an epic journey, and unique magic and monsters, A Legacy of Darkness is a gripping and immersive debut novel. And that ending! Oh my word!! After that cliffhanger, I need to read the next book ASAP!!! I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy fantasy or romantasy, and I'm so thankful to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
thecajunbookworm's review
3.0
Things I liked:
-The explanation of the magic system in the beginning. It was super easy to keep track of the different Magi in my mind that way.
-The overall story line, a woman who is trying to just live her life in a world that was turned upside down and then gets to go on a quest to make some things right.
-I loved the romance. It's so sweet to watch it build.
-The last couple of chapters where things get totally turned on their head!
What I didn't like:
-Side characters weren't used to the best of their ability. Something happens to one and I didn't actually care that much. I wanted more comradery and dialogue from them. We start to see it a bit in the end but not enough throughout the entire book.
-I knew who the bad guy was going to be halfway through. I wish something would have been said/done before so that I wouldn't have guess so easily.
-Need more descriptions of what characters (besides MC's) looked like besides just their physical build.
-More emphasis on the fact that the female MC is the old king's niece. She would have been pretty important.
Overall it's a decent story, I'm actually WAY more excited for book 2 due to the sneak peak at the end! I can't wait to see how Shaye and Sorin come out in it. But PLEASE let us get some more development from the side characters!
-The explanation of the magic system in the beginning. It was super easy to keep track of the different Magi in my mind that way.
-The overall story line, a woman who is trying to just live her life in a world that was turned upside down and then gets to go on a quest to make some things right.
-I loved the romance. It's so sweet to watch it build.
-The last couple of chapters where things get totally turned on their head!
What I didn't like:
-Side characters weren't used to the best of their ability. Something happens to one and I didn't actually care that much. I wanted more comradery and dialogue from them. We start to see it a bit in the end but not enough throughout the entire book.
-I knew who the bad guy was going to be halfway through. I wish something would have been said/done before so that I wouldn't have guess so easily.
-Need more descriptions of what characters (besides MC's) looked like besides just their physical build.
-More emphasis on the fact that the female MC is the old king's niece. She would have been pretty important.
Overall it's a decent story, I'm actually WAY more excited for book 2 due to the sneak peak at the end! I can't wait to see how Shaye and Sorin come out in it. But PLEASE let us get some more development from the side characters!
alihreads's review
5.0
Shaye was an orphan after he parents died. She was sent to the palace to live with her aunt and uncle where she tried to learn magic but never seemed to work. She befriended bastian and they were thick as thieves. During the winter solstice there is an uprising. She can’t find bastian but escapes with the help of a blue eyed stranger.
Another family takes her in as their own. She grows up and another king is in charge but when he dies things change. Magical creatures are appearing creating havoc and lands are dying. The nefari (blood magic) dark welders are blamed for the cause.
She joins the new king on a quest to find the ancient relic to help control magic and fix the world as they know it.
Another family takes her in as their own. She grows up and another king is in charge but when he dies things change. Magical creatures are appearing creating havoc and lands are dying. The nefari (blood magic) dark welders are blamed for the cause.
She joins the new king on a quest to find the ancient relic to help control magic and fix the world as they know it.
hayleydxrling's review
4.0
Holy moly this was a truly excellent read! I enjoyed every second of it and was immersed in the world from page 1. Each character was so wonderfully developed and dynamic, even the minor characters, and I loved each of them in their own way. The world was richly built, even without long world-building paragraphs - I enjoyed how it all unfolded more and more as the story goes on. The twists and turns at the end kept me hooked and I was desperate to read more and was devastated when I ran out of pages to read!
AND WHEN I TELL YOU MY JAW DROPPED AT THAT ENDING!!!
I recieved a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
AND WHEN I TELL YOU MY JAW DROPPED AT THAT ENDING!!!
I recieved a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
stephmcnutt28's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinions.
Fantasy is not usually my genre of choice, but I found the world in this story to be well built and just complex enough to keep me engaged. The characters were lovable but flawed, and the plot was interesting and engaging. There were elements of found family, an unwilling heroine, and a good love triangle.
Fantastic read!
Fantasy is not usually my genre of choice, but I found the world in this story to be well built and just complex enough to keep me engaged. The characters were lovable but flawed, and the plot was interesting and engaging. There were elements of found family, an unwilling heroine, and a good love triangle.
Fantastic read!
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