Rachanee Lumayno

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Memory and Shadow

Kaernan Asthore’s seeker ability allows him to find lost loves. But not every love story ends happily. Guilt plagues Kaernan after a seeking assignment turns deadly, and wishes nothing more than to be rid of his ability. When his father signs him up for a commission to help Lady Adallia Pahame find her lost love, he finds himself hard pressed to say no. Accepting the mission he hopes it will be simple, but as he and show more his companions begin their journey, they will quickly realize there is more at hand than one lost love.

Heir of Memory and Shadow expands on the world introduced to readers in the first novel Heir of Amber and Fire. Readers will be immersed in a kingdom filled with magic and mystery. Kaernan’s ability is vastly different from tracking down dragons, but the journey is no less enjoyable. There will also be a few returning characters from the previous novel who will provide a balanced mix of humor and seriousness to the team dynamics. As they embark on their journey to find Adallia’s lost love, the group will keep readers entertained as they encounter magical challenges and formidable foes. There will be a few unexpected turns along the way that will make readers rethink what they have encountered along the way.

Kaernan is one of my favorite character types, complicated with a good heart. He does all he can to make the right decisions for his companions, but he is a reluctant leader. Kaernan doubts his choices due to the tragedy of his last commission. However, as the story progresses and he gains trust in his travel companions and abilities, Kaernan’s personality and confidence grow. Witnessing a character come into their own and begin to believe in themselves is a wonderful journey.

The amount of tension in this novel is just enough to draw the reader in, but there’s also this sense of camaraderie and positive intentions among the characters that help ease any situation. Heir of Memory and Shadow can be read as a standalone novel, though it does bring a bit of a spoiler to light from book one, honestly the first book will be just as fun to read knowing what happens. I encourage readers who enjoy fantasy novels to give this one a try! show less

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Magic and Mischance

Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

On Adalynn’s twenty-first birthday, she is finally able to enlist in the Rothschan military. With the extra funds provided by her employment, she can help her parents and make long-needed repairs on their home. But the day she enlists, an accident sets the enlistment office on fire and forces Adalynn to run show more for her life. Uncontrollable magic has awakened within her and the kingdom of Rothschan is no longer safe. Adalynn flees to Calia, where she hopes to learn control over her power. But Renton won’t let her escape so easily. With the Rothschan army at his back, Renton is determined to bring the Kingdom of Calia to its knees and capture Adalynn.

Rachanee Lumayno never fails to embrace the bonds of family in each of her novels. Within just a few short chapters the reader can feel how close Adalynn and her parents are. And this makes it all the more heartbreaking when she must leave them behind on her flight from Rothschan. On her own for the first time, Adalynn battles with the uncertainty of her future and a sudden influx of power she never imagined could be real. Sheltered to believe Rotschan was a Kingdom of strict yet fair laws and magic was a myth, she has a lot to learn.

As Adalynn navigates life in Calia, she embraces an entirely new culture of magic and acceptance. While it may take her a while to adjust, she is quick to form new friendships. And when the stakes are increasingly raised, Adalynn will have to rely on her newfound friends to overcome the odds. Readers will be captivated as Adalynn stands alongside her fellows, ready to face down whatever new obstacles Renton throws in their path.

Heir of Magic and Mischance takes readers on a magic-filled adventure with a wonderful cast of characters. There will also be a few character appearances and mentions from the previous novels in the Kingdom Legacy Series. I enjoy how each novel is its own adventure and can be read separately or in order. Though reading them out of order may spoil the previous novels. If you enjoy easy-to-read, lighter-hearted fantasy novels give this one a try! show less

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Amber and Fire

Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Princess Jennica’s world turns upside down when she discovers she’s to be married off to a man she barely knows. But her mother senses something is afoot and aids in Jennica’s escape from the castle. Told to find Kye the dragon seeker, Jennica embarks on a quest to find the dragon Joichan. However, the show more King’s plotting goes beyond mere political gain. Jennica will find escaping an arranged marriage is only the beginning.

Heir of Amber and Fire is a light read with a plot that steers Jennica ever closer to the end of her quest. There are a few interesting character reveals, but nothing overtly startling. I was able to predict many of the twists, but the events leading up to these moments were still a fun read. And when it was time for Jennica to face off against some of her greater challenges, the pages flew by as her will was tested.

Given the lighter tone, Jennica striking out on her own held some minor pitfalls, but nothing too harsh. The writing focused more on Jennica learning how to manage on her own, and the differences she felt interacting with people who didn’t know she was royalty. This was a welcomed departure from high tension stakes, allowing readers time to know Jennica as a character before diving into the more action heavy scenes later on.

There are moments where the pacing is a bit off. Exposition is used to bridge the world-building and highlight the past. And actions such as eating and sleeping are often mentioned instead of leaving the reader to assume these occur. While at times these can add to a story, there is a fine balance to maintain while doing so. However, the companions Jennica finds are a delight to read. The characters are easy to connect with and will bring a smile to your face as they form bonds along their journey. Witnessing their friendships unfold, and the bits of light tension laced between their different goals upped my engagement of the story.

If you’re a reader looking for a book to introduce you to the fantasy genre, Heir of Amber and Fire would be a great read. There is a wonderful mix of fantasy elements within these pages. Fans of dragons, magic, and princesses turned heroines should also give it a try. show less