Reviews

The Heir of Exile by J. Houser

readlovereviewblog's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book can be read as a standalone fantasy novel. Still, you should read it after the central Seeder Wars Trilogy due to spoilers. This story seems to be written from the anti-hero's point of view, focusing on Leah as she discovers who and what she is. As she embraces her newfound knowledge, she also learns some family history that helps interconnect this book to the previous books in the series. Young love and second chances are prevalent themes in this story, with Leah and Marcus being the primary characters. This book is a very different perspective than the previous books, and I really enjoyed this young adult high school fantasy fiction.

The prologue of this book begins with Beata. We know her as Sorens' wife. Things are tense between Soren and Beata as this book starts in the past from where the last book ended.

Then we jump to Leah. She gets a thrill from being naughty while shopping and using her gifts not in the best way, but she does hint at a deformity; not sure what it is, but maybe we will find out. Leah is intriguing, but it seems we're back in high school. This book has a whole new generation of characters. Still, somehow I think they will tie back to characters from the Seeder Wars trilogy we loved.

We get some more hints as to whom Leah is maybe connected with family-wise and why she is in the human world. We also get a different perspective on the Seeder/Ivy War. The ya relationship is very sweet, except that she is lying and using him for her own vengeful means. Hang on as you read this; it finally makes sense who she is and who he is related to; the biggest question is, what and will he ever know the truth? Also, what will she do?

I honestly didn't think she would do that; she keeps surprising me. Oh, this book turns heart-shattering as misconceptions are revealed. I don't resent the ruling that the Queen decides. I think it is pretty favorable considering the circumstance. The truth of past lives gets dark; it is unfathomable the things that come to light eighteen years in the future. Of course, the ending of this book turns into a true teenage love story.

The author hints at another anti-hero book coming with a more new adult feel, and I can't wait. I loved every moment of this fantasy fiction book and young adult romance. This is the perfect start to a new trilogy that continues the story with so many unique characters and generations of families. This series is remarkable, and I love every minute of what J. Houser creates.

nerolireads's review

Go to review page

4.0

In the 4th installment of the Seeder Wars series we follow Leah as she discovers that she isn't a freak, but an Ivy, a race that can shoot vines from their wrists. She was always made to believe there was something wrong with her and seems to have made certain choices in her past because of it. As she finds out who she really is and the secrets that have been kept from her about her past and heritage she struggles with coming to terms with who she is while also seeking justice for her family.
The path she chooses is difficult and treacherous. Will Leah stay true to herself or will she loose herself in the process?

It's an interesting, entertaining read. This was my first introduction to the series and it can definitely be read as a standalone, though reading the entire series may create some better understanding of the magical world Leah belongs to.

unsaidmuffins's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious 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

5.0

I was exceptionally fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this novel.  I say extremely fortunate because I was already counting down the days until it is released.  My review is honest and given freely.  I am a great fan of the Seeder Shadow wars and the author.  I have not been this excited to read the next novel in a series since I was first reading Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games.  I'm not comparing the books - just the feelings of anticipation and excitement I felt when faced with each new book, new chapter and new characters.

This is book four and it can be read as a stand-alone.  It would be completely enjoyable and entertaining if the reader had zero knowledge of the first three books.   It's not like picking up book four of Harry Potter, for example.  It's more like picking up the first book about a new character when reading any of Tamora Pierce's series.  It's very much the same world - we have Seeders and Ivies but the world is different now.  No spoilers.  We get to meet Leah, and love her and journey with her as she discovers the Green Lands and the truth of where she comes from and why she can shoot vines out of her arms.   It's written in a way that is inclusive to every single reader.

Prior knowledge of spies, assassins and secret identities had me busy second-guessing characters and side-eyeing the plot wondering if something unexpected was coming - sometimes it was and sometimes it was something completely different to what I had thought up.  Something much better.  In my head I was talking to the characters like, 'I see you.  But who are you really?  And what are you really up to?"  Which made reading just so much more fun.  

Once I started reading, I had trouble putting this book down.  Especially once I reached the middle.  I think I sat and read for about five hours because the idea of stopping never even entered my head.  J. Houser has this magical way of creating scenes that just really makes the reader feel like they are inside the story, the mythical fly upon the wall who gets to see all the good stuff.  I truly cannot recommend this book enough.  
More...