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A review by stewardofbooks
The Head, the Heart, and the Heir by Alice Hanov
4.0
Alex, or rather, Princess Elizabeth Alexandria of Warren, is no ordinary princess. She is also a warrior and a powerful sorceress. Having spent most of her life in hiding, she returns to palace life and has to learn a lot. Suitors must be managed, etiquette learned, names memorised and above all her power must be mastered. Alex soon realises that even back in the arms of her loving friends and family, there are secrets. Powerful secrets with dangerous consequences. Secrets that revolve around her.
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!
This book did not go in the direction I was expecting! Wow! I am still in shock after that ending...
Alice Hanov has managed to capture all the well-loved and familiar aspects of a YA fantasy (you know - the feisty female lead, the love triangle, the magic, the political intrigue) and she has made it all new. I was in no way prepared for all the twists and I love that! The story is beautifully crafted and characters are really amazing. They show real growth, something that is hard to create authentically, and they are real people with both good and bad. But what really made this book stand out to me, is the worldbuilding. All the details surrounding the different kingdoms, noble houses, sorcerer lines and even the detail around the physical places are so real and well-thought out. I feel like I could go to Torian and know how everything looks and who belongs where.
There is only reason that I didn't add a fifth star. I am awkward about physical romance scenes and I felt that one or two of them were a little unnecessary but that is just personal preference.
I am excited for the rest of the series!