Title: Heir to the Throne
Series: Descent of Kings 02
Author: Maria Albert
Genre: High Fantasy
Length: Super Novel (450pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29th July 2013)
Heat Level: Nil
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: “It would not be the first time I made such a grave tactical error. I have made many. It is not your responsibility to save this world from the evil that threatens to consume it, Aras. Do not blame yourself for my shortcomings.” —Prince Talon of the Amontir
When his bonds to his cousins Hunter and Beryl are unexpectedly severed, Talon is devastated, fearing his kinsmen dead. In his darkest hour, Talon succors a young Wood Elf, Aras, unaware of the crucial role his new friend is destined to play.
Prince Jargas thought he would never learn the secret of his grandsire’s line and his lost heritage. He never suspected the answer might lie in a Dwarven dungeon or that it could cost him the life of his beloved twin sister, Jarina.
Young apprentice trader Rion and his guard, Tarrell, thought Athanark would be their new home until they met Talon and Aras.
Friends become enemies and enemies become friends as new alliances are forged, men die, cities burn, and kingdoms fall. Everyone has secrets, and no one is who or what he seems.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4075
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Talon is devastated when his bonds to both Hunter and Beryl are broken; he is driven to near madness at the thought of both his kinsmen dead. But, the Wood Elf he rescued, Aras, helps to keep him sane and also helps to save his people when unwitting betrayal could lead to the Amontirs downfall. Aras knows far more of the Enemy than he should and is far from the simple Wood Elf than he seems, he will play a pivotal role in the upcoming war. Prince Jargas stumbles across an Amontir when seeking to reunite his father’s people; he also learns the secret of the lost heritage of his mother’s line. Rion and Tarrell thought Athanark would be their home but a devastating attack has Talon and Aras coming to their rescue and leading them in a new direction.
This is a great second installment to an epic high fantasy adventure, with allies becoming enemies, bonds being broken and re-forged and doubts and fears being realized. This story continues on from not long after Prelude to War ended, we re-join Talon as he is inexplicable drawn to a small town that is being plagued by wolven. The story then switches to Aras as he leaves his home and sets out on a journey still feeling the bitter sting of his father’s rejection. Then other players come into play, Jargas, Hunter, Beryl, Rion, Tarrell, and Thorn keeping the story flowing and adding many new secrets and revealing hidden details the longer we read.
Trying to describe the details of this story is much too hard to do, there is so much going on, and that many secrets being hidden that it is a very heavy story to read. Trying to keep track of the multiple characters and the details that each are hoarding can get confusing. And, then there are the characters themselves some we know and new ones being introduced adding to the heavy weight as many of them have two names we must keep track of. This really is a story that will drag you into a world of mystery, intrigue, and danger with characters that come alive as you read about them and with a storyline that is soaked in detail.
I have to recommend this to those that love heavy high fantasy, mystery, intrigue, new secrets being revealed, friends and enemies becoming blurred, danger, hope, fear and anger and with new twists coming to the fore.