Title: Lost Heir
Series: Blood Weaver Trilogy
Author: Karina Espinosa
Release Date: 14th June 2024
BLURB
In the stunning sequel to the fantasy romance Blood Weaver, Leila—revealed to be Princess Lyanna of Valoria—faces new trials and deceptions. After escaping the harsh realities of the Central Plains, she returns to her homeland with Prince Caelan of Eldwain and Ronan, a hostage from the fearsome Crimson Clan of the Grasslands. But peace is fragile; the king of Valoria, seeking to avoid a war, commands the release of Ronan.
Now free, Ronan confronts Lyanna, begging forgiveness for deceiving her and unraveling truths that shake the very foundations of her beliefs. As they navigate their complicated feelings, a grand banquet hosted by Lyanna’s father draws not only dignitaries from across Asteria but also uninvited dangers. Shadows from within their own ranks threaten to turn the festive occasion into a nightmare.
Amidst these swirling conspiracies, Ronan and Leila must discover whether they can trust each other enough to confront what lies ahead. As the prophecy looms over them, their choices could save their lands—or lead them to ruin. Will the truths they uncover allow them to stand together, or is their fate already sealed?
REVIEW
I love the dramatic cover, with the swords and crimson sash across them. It has aspects in common with the cover of Blood Weaver meaning it gives a really cohesive look to the series.
The book begins with a scene from the past when a young Ronan visits Eldwain with his father Chief Aryan who tells him to go off & meet his peers. When a young Ronan spots Princess Lyanna with a group of friends including Caelan who turns his back on Ronan calling both him and his people 'barbarians' but later the young Princess Lyanna talks to Ronan and at one point during their interaction even asks to plait his hair. The hair of the men of the Crimson Clan is considered sacred and touched only by their own clan women. Despite this Ronan allows the young Princess Lyanna to touch and plait his hair. This previous meeting, though brief makes an impression on the young Ronan and is probably how he realises Leila is the Princess when he meets her and she reveals she is from Valoria.
Lyanna is really worried about Selene when she gets no reply from a note she sends before she sets off back to Valoria but theres no sign of Selene nor Orion the fae who is supposed to be purchasing her freedom on Princess Lyanna's behalf. Caelan chooses to reveal the reason Marcellus was missing from the battle was that he was buying Selene from Madame Rose at the Rose Petal Lounge. Lyanna questions Caelan whether Marcellus bought or freed Selene. Caelan almost gleefully clarifies that Marcellus bought Selene.
When Lyanna confronts Marcellus about his buying Selene and his intentions towards her, theres an argument Marcellus calls Lyanna a "Crimson Whore.' Caelan enters the argument reminding Marcellus not to talk to his older sister in that way and Marcellus makes a remark about not thinking Caelan would want 'Ronans sloppy seconds' in reference to Lyanna. Lyanna has to deal with the increasingly unwanted attentions & affections of Caelan who seems to think she belongs to him and doesn't keep his intentions very subtle or quiet. If all that isn't enough it seems that at least one of Lyanna's parents is plotting against her and supporting Caelans intentions. Maybe Lyanna can use this parental divide of opinion to her own advantage. Lyanna is determined not to follow the future one parent has mapped out for her, meaning this parent and is far from happy when Lyanna rebels.
It's clear Lyanna feel stifled and trapped now she is back at the Palace but she knows she has to pick her battles with her parents carefully. Lyanna preferred and misses her life as Leila the healer, she has seen and experienced the world outside the Palace and has ideas of her own how things should look in her future. She refuses to be used as a pawn in some power game created by others. With the arrival of Ronan's father the Chief Aryan, leader of the Crimson Clan, at her parents invitation, Lyanna has yet another person intent on using her for their own gains.
With all these problems it's no wonder Lyanna let's her looking out for Selene and protecting her from the Queen and her followers slide, but she isn't afraid to stand up for her friend, and Lyanna and Marcellus uniting and speaking up for Selene brings them closer together again, which is a good thing as I think Lyanna is going to need all the help she can get and as many allies as possible to fight alongside her for the future she desires.
Lost Heir is packed full of amazing characters from the main ones to the smaller ones. Characters I absolutely loved in Lost Heir, were of course Lyanna/Leila, Ronan the brave, loyal Henry. I also continue to like Selene at the moment too.
I will say I warmed a little more to Marcellus, and Silas again. I also immediately took an instant liking to Viktor who we meet when he is guarding Princess Lyanna on her return to the Palace. Its then revealed he is Sir Edric's son. He is very subtle and tactical how he protects Lyanna without making her feel stifled or taking over her life. It is his idea to put Tessa, a mage warrior in place as Lyanna's Lady in waiting.
I aren't sure whether the fae Orion is friend or foe to Lyanna, I'm hoping its friend and if things go wrong with the prophecy he could maybe help put things right. It also seems like Mikhal on one hand is Lyanna's friend but perhaps she should be worried what he will want in return.
I admit to enjoying hating Caelan and really hope that he gets a suitable comeuppance preferably at the hands of Lyanna or if not maybe Marcellus.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing Lost Heir were, Wow! How could you end it there!!! So to say I am eagerly awaiting the final installment is an understatement!
Summing up, definitely recommend reading this series, I'm seriously loving it! It's difficult to say more without giving much away, but I can't wait to see how the prophecy unfurls. I desperately want Lyanna or her more free, happier version Leila and Ronan to be together, but I feel there are more hurdles and battles for Lyanna to climb and conquer and more to be revealed before that can happen. I look forward to reading it.
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