Title: Blood Heir
Series: Blood Heir, #1
Author: Amélie Wen Zhao
Publication Date: November 2019
This hot debut is the first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father's murder.
In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are unnatural—dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, has a terrifying secret. Her deadly Affinity to blood is her curse and the reason she has lived her life hidden behind palace walls.
When Ana’s father, the emperor, is murdered, her world is shattered. Framed as his killer, Ana must flee the palace to save her life. And to clear her name, she must find her father’s murderer on her own. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is far different from the one she thought she knew. Corruption rules the land, and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of her world. And there is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to its core: Ramson Quicktongue.
A cunning crime lord of the Cyrilian underworld, Ramson has sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
A very promising book. Its plot, world-building and magic system is interesting and a total page turner. Although there are some ups and downs about this book. I still did quite enjoyed it.
This book has an action packed battle-of-the-affinities.Yes! I am really a kind of person who loves stories that has an Elemental Powers on it. So no wonder I was really interested on this when I read the teaser from Goodreads. The idea, world building and plot all clicks rightfully into place. Which will leave its readers at times craving for more chapters. Aside from that, this book discusses three issues that are commonly heard at present day. Diversity, Racism and Human Trafficking. It has such an array of ideas that it particularly built a very fascinating storyline.
What I just do not like about this book are: First, the main character. Irrational and temperamental this are the obvious and most annoying characteristic the heroine has. There are times I was already starting to be annoyed with her I just wanted to quit reading the book. But then again, the world-building was really interesting and good that I hesitated unfinishing it. Still it is not too much to hope that she starts to grow and think as an adult in the next sequel. Second, the lack of chemistry between the heroine and the person of interest. It was dull, I do not feel the connection and the spark was just not there. At first I thought it was just me. But then after a few more chapters until I was almost at the end, the connection was still missing between the characters. I just started to give up and just continue, anyway, the story was interesting enough. Third, there are moments that the story is an infodump. With all the flashbacks, history and too much narration, it certainly made the pacing of the story somehow dragging at times. But I do appreciate the backstories, it was how I was able to understand every characters. But I think, it would be much better if it could have been shorten or could have highlighted only the most important info for readers to understand where every character was coming from.
Overall, it was a good book. I might not totally loved it, but it was still worth to read. And definitely a must read book for 2019. I am already excited on what the second sequel have to offer.
A huge thanks to @times.reads for providing me a copy of this book. This book is not available in all Goodbookstores.
