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The Head, the Heart, and the Heir #3
The Heir Rises
A prince she loves.
A sorcerer she can’t forget.
Can she live with the person she’s become? Princess Alexandria should be consumed with celebrating her upcoming wedding to Prince Aaron, a ceremony that will unite the kingdoms of Warren and Datten. Instead, still recovering after her traumatic escape from her abusive uncle, she is preoccupied by lost memories, persistent nightmares, mystifying new scars, and the haunting echoes of a cracking whip. The answer to restoring her memories lies in the one place she never wanted to return the castle where she was held captive. Alex fears what her lost memories may reveal–could she be a monster like her grandfather…or is she something even worse? While traveling to her wedding preparations, Alex is attacked by two mysterious sorcerers hunting for Gryphon, the sorcerer who helped Alex survive her imprisonment and trained her to control her growing powers. She doesn’t know his location, but that doesn’t stop them from nearly killing her. Now, Alex’s powers are failing her completely, powerful sorcerers are after her, and Aaron is acting strange. He’s become obsessed with Gryphon and Alex doesn’t know if Aaron is still the same man she agreed to marry. Can she regain her memories and save the man she loves or will Alex find herself alone again?
A sorcerer she can’t forget.
Can she live with the person she’s become? Princess Alexandria should be consumed with celebrating her upcoming wedding to Prince Aaron, a ceremony that will unite the kingdoms of Warren and Datten. Instead, still recovering after her traumatic escape from her abusive uncle, she is preoccupied by lost memories, persistent nightmares, mystifying new scars, and the haunting echoes of a cracking whip. The answer to restoring her memories lies in the one place she never wanted to return the castle where she was held captive. Alex fears what her lost memories may reveal–could she be a monster like her grandfather…or is she something even worse? While traveling to her wedding preparations, Alex is attacked by two mysterious sorcerers hunting for Gryphon, the sorcerer who helped Alex survive her imprisonment and trained her to control her growing powers. She doesn’t know his location, but that doesn’t stop them from nearly killing her. Now, Alex’s powers are failing her completely, powerful sorcerers are after her, and Aaron is acting strange. He’s become obsessed with Gryphon and Alex doesn’t know if Aaron is still the same man she agreed to marry. Can she regain her memories and save the man she loves or will Alex find herself alone again?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
6 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Alice Hanov
17 books228 followersAlice Hanov is a writer who graduated with a degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo. She’s been writing and dreaming up stories since she was seven and only now decided to get them on paper after enthralling her children with them.
She's working on the final book in her debut series The Head, The Heart and The Heir, and starting two new series including Torian Tales, a series of stand alone stories or duologies set in the fantasy world of Torian, from her main series. The first story, Heart of the Siren, will be releasing in November, 2025.
When she isn’t writing Alice is raising her three kids with her husband, helping run their software company Hanov Solutions or can be found reading, painting, knitting and chasing after their three super busy, artistic children who aspire to be artists or you tubers themselves.
She's working on the final book in her debut series The Head, The Heart and The Heir, and starting two new series including Torian Tales, a series of stand alone stories or duologies set in the fantasy world of Torian, from her main series. The first story, Heart of the Siren, will be releasing in November, 2025.
When she isn’t writing Alice is raising her three kids with her husband, helping run their software company Hanov Solutions or can be found reading, painting, knitting and chasing after their three super busy, artistic children who aspire to be artists or you tubers themselves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 19, 2023
I have been blessed with being able to get an arc copy for honest review of this book. Alice did not disappoint either!! I been loving this series and this installment is everything that I wanted from it!!
Alex while powerful is still learning and working through all her past traumas and new ones. Aaron has become the person I’m not rooting for and I am definitely on team Gryphon. However, Aaron’s behavior is slightly explained at the end of the book which is a major cliff hanger!! I need book 4 yesterday.
I will say check the trigger warnings. I feel like Alice handled the sensitive topics well but some of the topics that are brought up may cause some issues for some readers.
Alex while powerful is still learning and working through all her past traumas and new ones. Aaron has become the person I’m not rooting for and I am definitely on team Gryphon. However, Aaron’s behavior is slightly explained at the end of the book which is a major cliff hanger!! I need book 4 yesterday.
I will say check the trigger warnings. I feel like Alice handled the sensitive topics well but some of the topics that are brought up may cause some issues for some readers.
August 19, 2023
Oh my god..... This book!!!! Every book of Alice's, once I start reading I literally can't stop until I am done. And then I immediately want the next one. Especially since this ended with such a huge cliffhanger!!! Loved the revelation in this book and can't wait for the revelation I've been waiting for, hopefully the next one will have that one! Until book 4!
January 17, 2025
Received an ARC for my honest opinion.
I have been lucky enough to be on Alice's arc & street teams for a while now, and I have got to say....THIS IS MY FAVORITE in the series so far.
I can only imagine what's to come. With that being said, there are some more mature topics in this book that need to be considered. While they are handled really well, some readers may be sensitive and should check any warnings Alice may have posted on her author website.
I am by no means a fast reader, but I couldn't put this book down. It is a must, must read.
I have been lucky enough to be on Alice's arc & street teams for a while now, and I have got to say....THIS IS MY FAVORITE in the series so far.
I can only imagine what's to come. With that being said, there are some more mature topics in this book that need to be considered. While they are handled really well, some readers may be sensitive and should check any warnings Alice may have posted on her author website.
I am by no means a fast reader, but I couldn't put this book down. It is a must, must read.
September 20, 2023
Firstly, thanks to Alice for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
Once again, I enjoyed the story and characters of this series. They are so well written, you really do feel like you know them all individually. Especially now we’ve reached book 4 in this series, I’m finally feeling confident with whose who and which house they belong too!
My only reason for giving this 4 stars, rather than 5 is that sometimes the pacing can be off. I 100% think that some scenes where Alex is off doing things (as she does) would benefit from more internal monologue within her head, just to transition between each location more smoothly (and so that it doesn’t feel like a list of her day to day activities).
There are some really tough subjects discussed within this book, I would recommend checking out the TW before considering reading. All are handled well and with empathy in my opinion.
It’s quite a cliffhanger at the end, Alice strikes again with the gripping last chapter!! The next book can’t come quick enough.
Once again, I enjoyed the story and characters of this series. They are so well written, you really do feel like you know them all individually. Especially now we’ve reached book 4 in this series, I’m finally feeling confident with whose who and which house they belong too!
My only reason for giving this 4 stars, rather than 5 is that sometimes the pacing can be off. I 100% think that some scenes where Alex is off doing things (as she does) would benefit from more internal monologue within her head, just to transition between each location more smoothly (and so that it doesn’t feel like a list of her day to day activities).
There are some really tough subjects discussed within this book, I would recommend checking out the TW before considering reading. All are handled well and with empathy in my opinion.
It’s quite a cliffhanger at the end, Alice strikes again with the gripping last chapter!! The next book can’t come quick enough.
Read
August 13, 2023Oh my goodness! Okay this book was soooooo good. I continue to love these characters so much in every book! I cannot see what happens in the next one! Absolutely amazingly written!!! Thank you so much Alice for giving me the opportunity to read your books
September 11, 2023
This book was amazing! So hard to put down! Alice did a great job with all the twists and turns and that cliff hanger ending…. When is the next book out?!
From the beginning of this book Aaron was giving off major Tamlin vibes. And then he got worse. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to ever forgive him, but I’m looking forward to seeing what Alex does!
From the beginning of this book Aaron was giving off major Tamlin vibes. And then he got worse. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to ever forgive him, but I’m looking forward to seeing what Alex does!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
Love this author!!! I have had the honor of being an ARC reader for all of her releases. This is a fantastic continuation into the world of Torien and the battles that lie within. We watch Alex try to grow her power, learn to control it and overcome her trauma, all the while planning a wedding and trying to keep all of the surrounding kingdoms safe as well as her own!! Fantastic story and world!!! Can not wait to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
OMG! I couldn’t put it down. This book is the third book in the The Head, The Heart and Th Heir series by Alice Havoc. It is so good. In this book Alex is getting ready for her wedding to Prince Aaron but still has this pull to Gryphon. The book is fast paced and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I will be counting the days to book four! This is a must read for anyone who love fantasy, magic and a love triangle!
I received this book as an ARC book from the author and leave this review voluntarily!
I received this book as an ARC book from the author and leave this review voluntarily!
September 2, 2023
Loving the continuance of this story. So easy and fun to read. Love how the characters are getting more complex and not always likeable. Although I am annoyed at how good it is because now I have to wait to read the next book in the series! I just want to keep reading.
August 28, 2023
The Heir Rises is the third book in The Head, the Heart, and the Heir series by Alice Hanov. This series in general is fantastic. A lost princess, tight-knit friendships, love, and magic: what more could you want?
Each book gets better and The Heir Rises is no exception. In this book we follow Alex after she returns home from being held at her evil uncle's castle. Other than recuperating, Alex is anticipating her upcoming wedding to Aaron, but things just keep getting in the way.
This third installment is fast-paced and so hard to put down. I definitely recommend readers to check out this series. You won't regret it!
Each book gets better and The Heir Rises is no exception. In this book we follow Alex after she returns home from being held at her evil uncle's castle. Other than recuperating, Alex is anticipating her upcoming wedding to Aaron, but things just keep getting in the way.
This third installment is fast-paced and so hard to put down. I definitely recommend readers to check out this series. You won't regret it!
November 15, 2023
Each book in this series has been unique and the characters have faced different challenges. This book is centered around how running from our problems doesn't solve them and can make things worse. A lot of things could have been solved with better communication - both in saying the things and listening to what's being said. It's a trap I think a lot of us fall into because it's so much easier to see it from the outside (enter Harold). And these characters are basically children dealing with situations they shouldn't have to face but watching them grow in this series is fantastic. I'm so invested in Alice's Torian babies. I'm also super excited about the new sorcerers arriving in the story. So much potential for power and growth and relationships and of course, comedy.
There were some things content-wise in this book that made me scream and want to rip out my hair. Even though I get it - or at least I think I do 🤔 - I don't know if some of these things are forgivable. Or if they're supposed to be. With so much left of the series, I just have no idea what's going to happen!!!!!!! Only truly great books can kick every single one of your feelings. I cried in sadness, felt sick from pain, screamed in rage, and was full on ready to drop kick [read to find out who] off a cliff. I loved and hated every second of it.
There were some things content-wise in this book that made me scream and want to rip out my hair. Even though I get it - or at least I think I do 🤔 - I don't know if some of these things are forgivable. Or if they're supposed to be. With so much left of the series, I just have no idea what's going to happen!!!!!!! Only truly great books can kick every single one of your feelings. I cried in sadness, felt sick from pain, screamed in rage, and was full on ready to drop kick [read to find out who] off a cliff. I loved and hated every second of it.
December 4, 2023
Phenomenal!
The Heir Rises is a fast-paced continuation of the The Head, the Heart, and the Heir series. Alice Hanov’s world building and diverse characters deliver in this third installment. I especially enjoyed witnessing more of the kingdoms’ dynamics, Alex’s pivotal relationships among the kingdoms (such a queen in the making!), historical tid bits providing more background, and the introduction of a few new fun characters.
Expect to see more of Alex and Aaron’s growing relationship as well as more Gryphon (YES!). The tension between these three is palpable in The Heir Rises. I usually don’t care for love triangles, but I am very invested in this story – especially given the cliffhanger ending.
This series is captivating! Hanov weaves a fantastic tale, and I cannot wait to discover what happens next.
Please mind the trigger warnings.
The Heir Rises is a fast-paced continuation of the The Head, the Heart, and the Heir series. Alice Hanov’s world building and diverse characters deliver in this third installment. I especially enjoyed witnessing more of the kingdoms’ dynamics, Alex’s pivotal relationships among the kingdoms (such a queen in the making!), historical tid bits providing more background, and the introduction of a few new fun characters.
Expect to see more of Alex and Aaron’s growing relationship as well as more Gryphon (YES!). The tension between these three is palpable in The Heir Rises. I usually don’t care for love triangles, but I am very invested in this story – especially given the cliffhanger ending.
This series is captivating! Hanov weaves a fantastic tale, and I cannot wait to discover what happens next.
Please mind the trigger warnings.
August 11, 2023
The Head the Heart and the Heir series just keeps getting better! I was given an ARC of the Heir Rises and I was SO EXCITED to continue on with the series. Alice Hanov has built a very rich and interesting world in Torian, and her characters continue to evolve in a way that keeps you wanting more. Alex and Aaron continue their journey together, but this book takes some turns that I was NOT expecting! I wanted to toss the book aside in anger at the characters a few times, but had to keep going to see WHY my favorite character was acting this way! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book and now I am soooo annoyed with Alice that she left us with such an intense cliffhanger! GIVE ME BOOK 4 NOW!
September 7, 2023
This book deserves way more than 5 stars. It is by far my favorite so far in the series. Nobody, but NOBODY, does high fantasy quite like Alice Hanov. Her intricate details to every aspect of the worlds she creates makes the reading experience both immersive and exhilerating.
After leaving us in book two with Alex having gone through some absolutely horrific things, I wasn't sure what long term effects that would have on her character.
The story itself is so engrossing, I was at the end of the book (and it is a thick one) before I was ready for it. We were forewarned of the cliffhanger, so I was semi mentally prepared, but still.....
Side note: Gryphon is just everything is this book and is solidified as my favorite character:
"That smirk makes me want to set him on fire."
After leaving us in book two with Alex having gone through some absolutely horrific things, I wasn't sure what long term effects that would have on her character.
The story itself is so engrossing, I was at the end of the book (and it is a thick one) before I was ready for it. We were forewarned of the cliffhanger, so I was semi mentally prepared, but still.....
Side note: Gryphon is just everything is this book and is solidified as my favorite character:
"That smirk makes me want to set him on fire."
December 21, 2024
Twists and turns.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Alice has shown how much more so it is when magic plots against you. This book takes us further into the relationship of Alex, Arron, and to a part Gryphon. The twists and turns are done so masterfully that you can easily believe in them happening. Then when you think they are finally over the hard part, A new twist develops that will have you staying up all night for just one more chapter till the next thing you know your picking up book four to read some more. I highly recommend making sure you have no where to go the next day because this book will easily keep you up till dawn and still saying, 'Just one more chapter.'
Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Alice has shown how much more so it is when magic plots against you. This book takes us further into the relationship of Alex, Arron, and to a part Gryphon. The twists and turns are done so masterfully that you can easily believe in them happening. Then when you think they are finally over the hard part, A new twist develops that will have you staying up all night for just one more chapter till the next thing you know your picking up book four to read some more. I highly recommend making sure you have no where to go the next day because this book will easily keep you up till dawn and still saying, 'Just one more chapter.'
December 10, 2023
4.5 stars
This was an emotional one! I teared up at times. Poor Alex struggles with what happened months earlier, the nightmares affecting her in awful ways. Her relationship with Aaron is a little tense now, as his jealousy surrounding Gryphon grows.
Some truths are revealed in this book, some newer characters brought into the fold, and others hurt at the hands of some who just want the Heart, no matter the cost.
I know I’m supposed to like Aaron, and I do, but I really like Gryphon! I’m excited to see how the drama between them plays out in the next book.
I love the magic system and the world in this series, and the characters too. I will be a little sad when it’s all over.
This was an emotional one! I teared up at times. Poor Alex struggles with what happened months earlier, the nightmares affecting her in awful ways. Her relationship with Aaron is a little tense now, as his jealousy surrounding Gryphon grows.
Some truths are revealed in this book, some newer characters brought into the fold, and others hurt at the hands of some who just want the Heart, no matter the cost.
I know I’m supposed to like Aaron, and I do, but I really like Gryphon! I’m excited to see how the drama between them plays out in the next book.
I love the magic system and the world in this series, and the characters too. I will be a little sad when it’s all over.
December 7, 2023
Like the other books in the series, this book is fast-paced, filled to the brim with drama, and doesn't shy away from the difficult parts of life and trauma. My only complaint about this book is that it feels like a "middle book," by which I mean that it doesn't seem to have a clear plot of its own and is only really used to further the series plotlines. That being said, I really enjoyed the character depth and the cultural immersion the book provides, and I think it is an excellent continuation of the series.
December 15, 2023
I am so invested in this series and this 3rd installment did not disappoint. Alex, Aaron, and the entire clan have *so* much going on. Wedding plans are in the air. Attacks are starting to come from several fronts and this will test the young leaders.Alex is in so much emotional and physical pain from what she has gone through and once again, her strength comes out in such a beautiful way. Aaron has his battles in this story and wow, are they monumental! I am loving how this story is progressing!!! I'm looking so forward to the next book!! I cannot wait!
July 29, 2025
Holy cliffhanger
I was enthralled from beginning to end. I'm thankful to be reading this series after many books are already published because I wouldn't want to be left standing on that cliff. Life is getting intense for Alex and Aaron in this book. The titans of the other lines know of her existence and are trying to manipulate her into going to the Forbidden Lands with them. Some family secrets get revealed. So much happens that leaves everyone reeling and everyone on guard. I can't wait to jump into the next book.
I was enthralled from beginning to end. I'm thankful to be reading this series after many books are already published because I wouldn't want to be left standing on that cliff. Life is getting intense for Alex and Aaron in this book. The titans of the other lines know of her existence and are trying to manipulate her into going to the Forbidden Lands with them. Some family secrets get revealed. So much happens that leaves everyone reeling and everyone on guard. I can't wait to jump into the next book.
November 21, 2023
We are dropped right back into the world of Torian and Alex is home, preparing for her wedding, as well as trying to heal from the horrible things that happened to her in the second book, Broken Sons. She has lost memories and Aaron wants her to find a way to restore them, neither of the realizing the consequences of it happening.
For my full review please visit my blog: https://adustibookshelf.wordpress.com...
For my full review please visit my blog: https://adustibookshelf.wordpress.com...
August 28, 2023
So, I'm reading along minding my own business and getting lost in this epic tale and then, bam out of no where it ends. Of course it ends on the biggest cliffhanger. Of course I now have the biggest book hangover knowing full well I'm not going to be getting more of this fascinating world for quite some time.
Am I sad? Yes, I am. Am I happy? Yes, I am because this series has a way of completely taking over my life and immersing me in a world that is so vivid and stunning that I just want to stay inside of its pages as long as I can.
Now I'll just wait (im)patiently for the next installment.
Am I sad? Yes, I am. Am I happy? Yes, I am because this series has a way of completely taking over my life and immersing me in a world that is so vivid and stunning that I just want to stay inside of its pages as long as I can.
Now I'll just wait (im)patiently for the next installment.
October 31, 2024
I have been speeding through this series and cant get enough. This installment took our epic adventure fairytale and added a little darkness...maybe a touch more than a little. It never slows down, Alex continues to adapt and overcome but the struggle is real. If you've made it to book two and are wondering, keep going! It just keeps getting better.
August 8, 2023
I couldn't put this down. I love this entire series. But I will say this one is slightly darker than the others. Alex is dealing with trauma, but she is so so strong!!! There will be things you don't see coming because that's Alice's MO! Alice keep writing so I can keep reading!
November 18, 2023
Coming back to the series, it is like you get immediately brought back to where you left off before. You’re back at the sides of your favourite characters and explore the magic system, the history and the risks unfolding in front of you! It was an incredible read.
December 5, 2023
I love this series ! Have you ever read a book, where you have to stop a bit because you are worried about what will happen next- that is this book. Alex and Aaron have both gone through so much! The ending made me scream- ahhhh need more!
September 4, 2025
Fantasy, Romance, Magic
3rd in Series, Cliffhanger
I am loving this series and characters, as the characters grow and more become a part of the story, and can't wait to dive into the next book.
Love the cliffhanger, really makes me want to get the next book.
3rd in Series, Cliffhanger
I am loving this series and characters, as the characters grow and more become a part of the story, and can't wait to dive into the next book.
Love the cliffhanger, really makes me want to get the next book.
October 10, 2023
I love Alice and I love being on her street team….but it’s painful! 😭😭😭 *sniffles* I’m ready for book 4 now 😂😂😂
November 3, 2023
Review will come tomorrow when I can gather my thoughts on how to write a proper review for this Bloody fantastic book I absolutely recommend it.
January 14, 2024
Good emotion in this book, I felt all the feelings! The plot developed well in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
January 18, 2024
Extraordinary!
'The Heir Rises' by Alice Hanov is one of my very favourite books. Book 3 in The Head, The Heart and The Heir Series''.
I love how Hanov's characters have matured and really grown in their roles. The more I read the more and more difficult it becomes to choose a favourite character.
If I start quoting characters and why they are all so marvelous in their own particular way I raise the possibility of accidentally telling you something that spoils the story.
You need to read the earlier books in this series, in order, to really appreciate Hanov's story and writing.
We have four copies of this book at our house, plus my kindle version. Four very loud recommendations from us!
What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading 💕
'The Heir Rises' by Alice Hanov is one of my very favourite books. Book 3 in The Head, The Heart and The Heir Series''.
I love how Hanov's characters have matured and really grown in their roles. The more I read the more and more difficult it becomes to choose a favourite character.
If I start quoting characters and why they are all so marvelous in their own particular way I raise the possibility of accidentally telling you something that spoils the story.
You need to read the earlier books in this series, in order, to really appreciate Hanov's story and writing.
We have four copies of this book at our house, plus my kindle version. Four very loud recommendations from us!
What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews