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The Dragonath Chronicles #1
The Lost Heir
Always a meticulous planner, Darrak Hunter leads a dull life until his dreams become plagued with visions of a peculiar and distant world. Waking up to a brilliant purple sun looming ominously in the sky, Darrak is met by a mysterious violet-eyed sorcerer who whisks him away from the struggling Earth.
Thrown into the clutches of a foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he can to shape the future. Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception.
Thrown into the clutches of a foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he can to shape the future. Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception.
392 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
About the author
Andi O'Connor
11 books154 followersAndi O'Connor is the award-winning author of The Dragonath Chronicles, The Vaelinel Trilogy, and The Legacy of Ilvania. The Speaker is the 2018 Independent Press Award Winner for Fantasy and a Finalist in the 11th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. Andi’s novel, Awakening, is a 2018 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite for Fantasy. Her critically acclaimed novel, Silevethiel, is the 2015 Best Indie Book Award winner for Science Fiction/Fantasy and the 2015 New Apple Official Selection for Young Adult. Silevethiel was also named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2013.
You can frequently find Andi as an exhibitor and guest panelist at Comic Cons throughout the country including the Rhode Island Comic Con, Awesome Con, Philcon, Conclave, WizardWorld, and Chessiecon. You can connect with Andi on Facebook at facebook.com/oconnor.andi, Twitter at twitter.com/OConnorAndi, and Instagram at Instagram.com/andi_oconnor. For more information, visit Andi’s website at andioconnor.net
You can frequently find Andi as an exhibitor and guest panelist at Comic Cons throughout the country including the Rhode Island Comic Con, Awesome Con, Philcon, Conclave, WizardWorld, and Chessiecon. You can connect with Andi on Facebook at facebook.com/oconnor.andi, Twitter at twitter.com/OConnorAndi, and Instagram at Instagram.com/andi_oconnor. For more information, visit Andi’s website at andioconnor.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 3, 2013
"The Lost Heir" left me with very mixed feelings at the end. On one hand, it was a great overall idea. I really liked some of the characters (one was named Cyrus and I had a total surreal moment), and I could see it as a book that I would put on my permanent bookshelf (my real life one). On the other hand, I felt that a lot of it was underdeveloped. The entire thing could have been much more effective if it had just been edited a little better.
It wasn't necessarily spelling or grammatical errors. O'Connor was in the clear with that, as far as I could tell. As an avid devourer of fantasy, I admit that I get nitpicky, so as with every review this should be taken with a grain of salt. I felt like the plot was fine, but the author switched between "fantasy" world and "real" world in a way that was totally jarring. One moment I was smoothly sailing in fantasy land and the next some guy was hitting his alarm clock. Huh?
There were some repetition errors, both in character actions and how they presented their information. (i.e. Darrak went to get a soda twice within the space of two paragraphs).
I had a problem with the way the fantasy language was presented. There were whole sentences of spells where some were translated, but not all. When I see a series of words that look too difficult to try to pronounce I just skip over them anyway, and I don't think that was the author's intent. Furthermore, I had no idea what meno was, exactly, aside from some kind of magic. When I first ran across the word I wished for a brief explanation.
Although by the end of the book, I was thoroughly sick of Ipzaag's explanations of everything. Especially within the first 50 pages, he had way too much random knowledge readily at his fingertips and he was all too happy to explain it. I renamed him The Great Cryptic Explainer, because I got tired of hearing paragraph after paragraph of explanation (What is a dreamweaver? Why am I a dreamweaver all of the sudden even though I have had normal dreams up until this point?). He got on my nerves and I tried hard not to skim through entire paragraphs of information that I felt like the author could have found a better way to show, rather than tell.
There were a few more minor notes. Mostly just on pacing (it /was/ fast paced, but that did not serve to its benefit as the characters were introduced and then given sudden importance. It left me without much empathy for them and, as a result, I was more impatient with their nuances), the over-abundant use of the word "simply", and just small nitpicky things like that.
Overall, it IS a good starter fantasy, I just wish there had been just a little bit more to it. I think that, with some more editing, it could be fantastic and I would definitely add it to my real-life keeper shelf then. In reality, I would give it a 3.5.
It wasn't necessarily spelling or grammatical errors. O'Connor was in the clear with that, as far as I could tell. As an avid devourer of fantasy, I admit that I get nitpicky, so as with every review this should be taken with a grain of salt. I felt like the plot was fine, but the author switched between "fantasy" world and "real" world in a way that was totally jarring. One moment I was smoothly sailing in fantasy land and the next some guy was hitting his alarm clock. Huh?
There were some repetition errors, both in character actions and how they presented their information. (i.e. Darrak went to get a soda twice within the space of two paragraphs).
I had a problem with the way the fantasy language was presented. There were whole sentences of spells where some were translated, but not all. When I see a series of words that look too difficult to try to pronounce I just skip over them anyway, and I don't think that was the author's intent. Furthermore, I had no idea what meno was, exactly, aside from some kind of magic. When I first ran across the word I wished for a brief explanation.
Although by the end of the book, I was thoroughly sick of Ipzaag's explanations of everything. Especially within the first 50 pages, he had way too much random knowledge readily at his fingertips and he was all too happy to explain it. I renamed him The Great Cryptic Explainer, because I got tired of hearing paragraph after paragraph of explanation (What is a dreamweaver? Why am I a dreamweaver all of the sudden even though I have had normal dreams up until this point?). He got on my nerves and I tried hard not to skim through entire paragraphs of information that I felt like the author could have found a better way to show, rather than tell.
There were a few more minor notes. Mostly just on pacing (it /was/ fast paced, but that did not serve to its benefit as the characters were introduced and then given sudden importance. It left me without much empathy for them and, as a result, I was more impatient with their nuances), the over-abundant use of the word "simply", and just small nitpicky things like that.
Overall, it IS a good starter fantasy, I just wish there had been just a little bit more to it. I think that, with some more editing, it could be fantastic and I would definitely add it to my real-life keeper shelf then. In reality, I would give it a 3.5.
June 30, 2013
Thoughts: Sooooooo, I'm having a hard time coming up with a good opening sentence for this review; let's just jump in. I love contractions. I'm a big fan of the vernacular. I like when I am able to connect with how the characters are talking. When they are very proper I have a hard time connecting. Of course, when they are supposed to be that way, it's different. In this case however, Darrak grew up on earth. He should talk like every other college student on earth. He distracted me. Also, the dialogue seemed rather forced at times. The dialogue was mostly in large paragraphs. There was lots of explaining. It was necessary but seemed off. The vocabulary, however, was awesome! I say that as mine is terrible, go figure!
The characters were all unique. I love the unique names and personalities. There were a lot of them though and at times it as hard to remember who was who. The only character that I had a problem with was Mionee. She started out true to who she was but as the story progressed I felt that she gave in to the pressure placed on her. Either that or she changed who she was too quickly. It was like character whiplash.
I think that since this was a series the beginning could have moved slower. Time could have been taken to make it seem more realitic. The extra time could have been used for Darrak to believe. He did believe but it was too quickly to be real. The ending made the book seem more like serial than a series. I feel like the next one is more to be continued than one after another. The books in this series will be very connected to one another. This is definitely not a stand alone novel if you begin to care for the characters like I did.
I love that this took place somewhere not earth. I also love the magic aspect and the language because that shows real dedication to the story and world. This world is worth the read and it was easy and quick so it isn't real a waste of time. It's a fairly simple story to follow though it may turn out to be long.
In Conclusion: This is a quick and easy read. It was fun and I love great other worlds that I can get lost in. Characters in this story are their own people and are each special. I care about a lot of them now. Yay love for fictional characters!
http://one-chapter-ahead.blogspot.ca/
The characters were all unique. I love the unique names and personalities. There were a lot of them though and at times it as hard to remember who was who. The only character that I had a problem with was Mionee. She started out true to who she was but as the story progressed I felt that she gave in to the pressure placed on her. Either that or she changed who she was too quickly. It was like character whiplash.
I think that since this was a series the beginning could have moved slower. Time could have been taken to make it seem more realitic. The extra time could have been used for Darrak to believe. He did believe but it was too quickly to be real. The ending made the book seem more like serial than a series. I feel like the next one is more to be continued than one after another. The books in this series will be very connected to one another. This is definitely not a stand alone novel if you begin to care for the characters like I did.
I love that this took place somewhere not earth. I also love the magic aspect and the language because that shows real dedication to the story and world. This world is worth the read and it was easy and quick so it isn't real a waste of time. It's a fairly simple story to follow though it may turn out to be long.
In Conclusion: This is a quick and easy read. It was fun and I love great other worlds that I can get lost in. Characters in this story are their own people and are each special. I care about a lot of them now. Yay love for fictional characters!
http://one-chapter-ahead.blogspot.ca/
June 3, 2017
Enchanting!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
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May 2, 2017Received from Netgalley for honest review.
This was the first in series and was a very good start to the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters were well written and thought out.
It is set with various POVs and this made for an exciting read throughout.I have got the second in the series and plan to read this soon.
A good start to the series.
This was the first in series and was a very good start to the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters were well written and thought out.
It is set with various POVs and this made for an exciting read throughout.I have got the second in the series and plan to read this soon.
A good start to the series.
March 18, 2013
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this novel, and am glad to be able to share my thoughts on the book.
Though I am a casual fantasy reader, this particular book had the unique ability to draw me in and make me wanting more as the pages went by. Though the book is longer in page count, it went by quite quickly, and I was able to finish in two days (which for me, is quite a feat as I tend to take shorter time frames for reading).
The characters within The Lost Heir are readily relatable and can be empathized with easily. I feel like I'm right there with them as they move through their tribulations, insecurities, and triumphs. The story is told in a way that gives me a sense that I'm another member of the party, not just a casual observer the story is being told to.
The protagonist starts out as a very normal and everyday person that grows on a deep and personal level in which I know what they are feeling and empathize with their emotions and predicaments. Between the internal evolution of all the characters and the development of interpersonal relationships between them, I was literally brought to tears during some intense moments of the plot. This is an exceptionally difficult emotion to arouse within myself, and was deeply touched by what the characters went through and how they dealt with the situations they were presented with by utilizing each other's strengths and guarding one another's weaknesses.
There is also no lack of action and suspense within the story either. There were definite moments when the adrenaline was kicking in and I could hear my heartbeat in my ears while the fury of battle was all around me. Cheering for the victories, taking pleasure in the fall of an enemy, feeling the pain of a setback, and the loathsome fury of an enemy's deceit were all common experiences. Not only do I feel that I'm with the characters interpersonally, I feel as though I'm fighting right alongside them through epic battles.
The Lost Heir is a uniquely engaging story that drives the reader through the story at a steady pace, but still takes the time to slow down and allow for the characters to internalize and develop. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy novels or are looking for something new to grip them at a personal level wherein a deep and entertaining story can be revealed to them in an exceptionally engaging manner. I cannot wait for book two!
Though I am a casual fantasy reader, this particular book had the unique ability to draw me in and make me wanting more as the pages went by. Though the book is longer in page count, it went by quite quickly, and I was able to finish in two days (which for me, is quite a feat as I tend to take shorter time frames for reading).
The characters within The Lost Heir are readily relatable and can be empathized with easily. I feel like I'm right there with them as they move through their tribulations, insecurities, and triumphs. The story is told in a way that gives me a sense that I'm another member of the party, not just a casual observer the story is being told to.
The protagonist starts out as a very normal and everyday person that grows on a deep and personal level in which I know what they are feeling and empathize with their emotions and predicaments. Between the internal evolution of all the characters and the development of interpersonal relationships between them, I was literally brought to tears during some intense moments of the plot. This is an exceptionally difficult emotion to arouse within myself, and was deeply touched by what the characters went through and how they dealt with the situations they were presented with by utilizing each other's strengths and guarding one another's weaknesses.
There is also no lack of action and suspense within the story either. There were definite moments when the adrenaline was kicking in and I could hear my heartbeat in my ears while the fury of battle was all around me. Cheering for the victories, taking pleasure in the fall of an enemy, feeling the pain of a setback, and the loathsome fury of an enemy's deceit were all common experiences. Not only do I feel that I'm with the characters interpersonally, I feel as though I'm fighting right alongside them through epic battles.
The Lost Heir is a uniquely engaging story that drives the reader through the story at a steady pace, but still takes the time to slow down and allow for the characters to internalize and develop. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy novels or are looking for something new to grip them at a personal level wherein a deep and entertaining story can be revealed to them in an exceptionally engaging manner. I cannot wait for book two!
July 16, 2017
One glance at The Lost Heir‘s cover is enough to excite any fantasy loving bookwyrm. Add in it’s synopsis? Well, let’s put it this way: I buckled in for the ride and went nowhere. It’s not often that I choose to drop a book. In the year since I began book blogging, only one of my reviews was a DNF. This book marks my second.
A quick perusal of The Lost Heir on Goodreads shows the book to have some rather stellar reviews since its publish date in 2013. This leaves me baffled and wondering whether or not I was reading the same book. Andi O’Connor is great when it comes to descriptions, but beyond that her voice seems largely passive. Additionally, there is so much exposition that it is distracting.
If that alone isn’t a letdown, then the characters we meet in the first several chapters certainly are. When I review a book, I usually spend a paragraph or two on its characters. This is where I praise or ridicule the roles within the book. Only, O’Connor introduces so many characters so early in the book that I cannot recall half of their names, let alone their purposes. Those that merit mention seem unsure of themselves. For instance, Princess Mionee appears as a young, adept sorceress. While seemingly random elements of the early pages receive plenty of backstory, she appears to simply exist. And she’s a villain… apparently? Whereas our presumed hero, Darrak Hunter, is a whiney, college wimp. And the other characters we meet early on? They fail to impress.
My first attempt at reading this book saw me through the five percent of it. The second attempt netted another six percent before I came to the conclusion that, no matter what the reviews say, this book isn’t for me. The premise of The Lost Heir is stellar; it’s a shame the book isn’t.
A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing with a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
A quick perusal of The Lost Heir on Goodreads shows the book to have some rather stellar reviews since its publish date in 2013. This leaves me baffled and wondering whether or not I was reading the same book. Andi O’Connor is great when it comes to descriptions, but beyond that her voice seems largely passive. Additionally, there is so much exposition that it is distracting.
If that alone isn’t a letdown, then the characters we meet in the first several chapters certainly are. When I review a book, I usually spend a paragraph or two on its characters. This is where I praise or ridicule the roles within the book. Only, O’Connor introduces so many characters so early in the book that I cannot recall half of their names, let alone their purposes. Those that merit mention seem unsure of themselves. For instance, Princess Mionee appears as a young, adept sorceress. While seemingly random elements of the early pages receive plenty of backstory, she appears to simply exist. And she’s a villain… apparently? Whereas our presumed hero, Darrak Hunter, is a whiney, college wimp. And the other characters we meet early on? They fail to impress.
My first attempt at reading this book saw me through the five percent of it. The second attempt netted another six percent before I came to the conclusion that, no matter what the reviews say, this book isn’t for me. The premise of The Lost Heir is stellar; it’s a shame the book isn’t.
A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing with a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
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June 2, 2017I received an arc copy of this book for an open and honest review.
I loved this book, it was like a fine wine.....just got better and better the more into the book I got!
The characters were really nicely built up and had depth to them, you were really invested in the story arc the characters were on.
It had twists and turns and threw me off the scent a few times and I didnt expect some elements of the story which was really refreshing.
I cannot wait to read the sequel :)
I loved this book, it was like a fine wine.....just got better and better the more into the book I got!
The characters were really nicely built up and had depth to them, you were really invested in the story arc the characters were on.
It had twists and turns and threw me off the scent a few times and I didnt expect some elements of the story which was really refreshing.
I cannot wait to read the sequel :)
June 12, 2020
Superb story. Darrak’s life is boring until he realizes his visions. Once you start reading, you’ll be lost in the book forever.
June 4, 2013
Darrak thought he led a normal life, but then the sun and clouds turned violet. Then a mysterious man shows up and tells him that he has magic and that the only way to save earth was to travel to a far away land and learn how to use his powers. But when Darrak arrives in Mystandia he get's a lot more than he bargained for as the truth of his past is revealed and he is forced to come to terms with what it all means.
The Lost Heir is a mix of new school and old school, giving you the feeling of traveling back to a time of kings and queens, a time when things were more simple and less complicated by technology. As the story begins we are treated to both worlds and once earth is under attack we are delivered to a time when sorcerer's ruled the lands.
Once Darrak reaches Mystandia things unfold rather quickly. In fact there is so much going on in this story, that at times I found it hard to keep it all straight. Upon Darrak's arrival things in Mystandia quickly become dire as the kingdom is betrayed and put in mortal danger. Now both earth and Mystandia rest on Darrak's shoulders. And the only way to save the kingdom of Mystandia is with magic, magic that Darrak has only just begun to learn and grasp.
The Lost Heir is definitely a story full of magic and I love the way that Andi O'Connor portrays magic in this book. Magic rules the kingdom, it is not hidden, but treasured and respected. In Andi O'Connor's world magic is wielded with the use of a kraylock, a marble boulder that reacts to the magic within the person. But there are those few sorcerer's or sorceresses that can wield magic without the use of the kraylock and are deemed more powerful than all others. In The Lost Heir there are many different layers of magic, limits and capabilities.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world that Andi O'Connor created in this story, it truly made me feel like I had traveled to another land. I for one would love to see a violet sky! The only real problem I had with the story was the fact that I found it hard to believe that the one who betrayed Mystandia could have a change of heart so easily. The betrayal of Mystandia is something that obviously took years of planning and is the work of someone truly evil I don't see how one simple act could make them change their mind and regret everything they had done. Although I do think that this person is getting what they deserved. (You have to read it to really understand what I am talking about, I would tell you, but then that would ruin it!)
The Lost Heir is full of magic, creative worlds, action, adventure and will leave you on the edge of your seat as Andi O'Connor definitely left us with an ending that makes you thirst for more! I know I kept touching the screen on my kindle in hopes that more pages would appear! One thing is for certain, I will definitely be tuning in to future stories of Dragonath!
*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
The Lost Heir is a mix of new school and old school, giving you the feeling of traveling back to a time of kings and queens, a time when things were more simple and less complicated by technology. As the story begins we are treated to both worlds and once earth is under attack we are delivered to a time when sorcerer's ruled the lands.
Once Darrak reaches Mystandia things unfold rather quickly. In fact there is so much going on in this story, that at times I found it hard to keep it all straight. Upon Darrak's arrival things in Mystandia quickly become dire as the kingdom is betrayed and put in mortal danger. Now both earth and Mystandia rest on Darrak's shoulders. And the only way to save the kingdom of Mystandia is with magic, magic that Darrak has only just begun to learn and grasp.
The Lost Heir is definitely a story full of magic and I love the way that Andi O'Connor portrays magic in this book. Magic rules the kingdom, it is not hidden, but treasured and respected. In Andi O'Connor's world magic is wielded with the use of a kraylock, a marble boulder that reacts to the magic within the person. But there are those few sorcerer's or sorceresses that can wield magic without the use of the kraylock and are deemed more powerful than all others. In The Lost Heir there are many different layers of magic, limits and capabilities.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world that Andi O'Connor created in this story, it truly made me feel like I had traveled to another land. I for one would love to see a violet sky! The only real problem I had with the story was the fact that I found it hard to believe that the one who betrayed Mystandia could have a change of heart so easily. The betrayal of Mystandia is something that obviously took years of planning and is the work of someone truly evil I don't see how one simple act could make them change their mind and regret everything they had done. Although I do think that this person is getting what they deserved. (You have to read it to really understand what I am talking about, I would tell you, but then that would ruin it!)
The Lost Heir is full of magic, creative worlds, action, adventure and will leave you on the edge of your seat as Andi O'Connor definitely left us with an ending that makes you thirst for more! I know I kept touching the screen on my kindle in hopes that more pages would appear! One thing is for certain, I will definitely be tuning in to future stories of Dragonath!
*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
January 26, 2014
Darrak Hunter is just your typical college student that strives for perfection in every aspect of his life, except for taking the time to clean his room. However life as he knows it, changes suddenly when he starts having dreams of a town with a purple sun. As the characters from his dreams become reality, he is whisked away to the planet of Dragonath, where he learns he is the true heir to the world. Darrak and his new friends must risk their lives in order to save their planets.
The Lost Heir provides a thrilling and intriguing start to the Dragonath Chronicles. Readers will be quickly swept up in the race to save Earth and Dragonath. The author describes the planet and sky in vivid detail. The characters each face their own challenges, while growing individually and as a group. The pace of the plot is slow at times, due to the explanations which set-up the premise for the whole series, while the characters appear to accept their circumstances a bit too quickly sometimes. Overall this novel is a must read for fans of the fantasy/sci-fi genre.
This book is an easy, fun read. The flow leans towards a young adult book, but it is definitely enjoyable by readers of all ages. I am very excited and anxious to see what happens next with Darrak and his entourage.
Notes:
The author of this book provided a copy for me to review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
The Lost Heir provides a thrilling and intriguing start to the Dragonath Chronicles. Readers will be quickly swept up in the race to save Earth and Dragonath. The author describes the planet and sky in vivid detail. The characters each face their own challenges, while growing individually and as a group. The pace of the plot is slow at times, due to the explanations which set-up the premise for the whole series, while the characters appear to accept their circumstances a bit too quickly sometimes. Overall this novel is a must read for fans of the fantasy/sci-fi genre.
This book is an easy, fun read. The flow leans towards a young adult book, but it is definitely enjoyable by readers of all ages. I am very excited and anxious to see what happens next with Darrak and his entourage.
Notes:
The author of this book provided a copy for me to review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
May 23, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in the goodreads giveaway. Overall I thought the ideas in the book were creative and interesting. It was quite entertaining to peer into the author's magical, parallel world of Earth. The characters were likable and I especially liked Andrillian because she was a cool and bad ass female character. However, I felt like the book dragged on a little and I felt it was a little unrealistic because of Mionee's easy change of heart. Also, Darrak seemed to adjust to Mystandia a bit too easily without giving a second thought to his home planet, Earth. But all in all, this was an amazing debut novel and is intricately and beautifully written. The author pays a lot of attention to detail and her unique style of writing really shines through. It is a great book and if I had to choose whether to read it or not, I would want to read it all over again.
October 27, 2013
Derrak Hunter is a college student and a loner. One night he dreams of a world with a purple sun only to wake up and find the yellow orb that used to be in the sky is now purple! And there's a strange man in his room who tells him he's a sorcerer from a world called Dragonath and to save Earth from the changes that are taking place, Darrak must go with him back there. Turns out, Darrak's roots come from Dragonath. Darrak goes with the sorcerer and discovers how lonely his life really was with out friends because now he has some.
I received this book in one of Goodread's giveaways. I will be buying the rest of the books in the Dragonath Chronicles if I'm not fortunate to win them as well.
I received this book in one of Goodread's giveaways. I will be buying the rest of the books in the Dragonath Chronicles if I'm not fortunate to win them as well.
December 14, 2014
The Lost Heir by Andi O'Connor is the story of Darrak Hunter. A loner in college, he is plagued with visions of a distant, purple sunned world. When Earth's sun begins to glow purple in the sky, he is met by a mysterious sorcerer explains that his is the descendent of a ruler from another world. The sorcerer takes him to the world of Dragonath, where he begins to learn about his own powers.
The story is intriguing and keeps the reader engaged. However, the dialog is a bit awkward since Ms O'Connor tends to have her characters use proper, academic english as opposed to more natural speech. However, this draw back is easily over looked, though it could prove a distraction to the reader.
I will certainly be looking forward to reading the sequel.
The story is intriguing and keeps the reader engaged. However, the dialog is a bit awkward since Ms O'Connor tends to have her characters use proper, academic english as opposed to more natural speech. However, this draw back is easily over looked, though it could prove a distraction to the reader.
I will certainly be looking forward to reading the sequel.
August 14, 2013
Andi O’Connor pens "The Lost Heir" in a plot filled with fantasy, and magick, with plenty of action and suspense to keep you at the edge of your seat. I found the characters to be very relate-able and with the author's writing style, I felt I was right there with the characters. This is the author's debut novel and I think (IMHO) she's off to a great start. A must read for all fantasy lovers.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
Once again, here’s a book that’s been on my kindle since 2015. So, I had no idea what the book was about before I started reading. In some ways, I enjoy not knowing the blurb or storyline. But, I want to say that the cover is spot on for the genre. I knew it would be about magic.
Still, I came away from the story feeling ambient about the novel. First off, as noted in a prior review, there are too many characters that get introduced all at once, and with some incredibly strange names. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make your new world amazing, but think about the readers. Even after finishing the book, I can’t tell you who some of the characters are by their names. That’s bad.
And, it is an amazing world that Andi O’Connor built. The boy/girl finding they are more than they seem is a well-used trope, but it works here. The biggest problem I had with the storytelling is, every character talks and acts the same way. Even Darrak, who grew up on Earth and was going to college, would not be talking in the same high-brow syntax of the people from Mysttandia. Characters that talk the same way just means the author doesn’t understand how to write compelling dialogue. Which is strange as there are just huge chunks of dialogue as a way of explaining everything. Basically, this is a dialogue-driven story versus a character-driven story. Sometimes I got lost in who was doing the actual talking and had to go back to find out.
And that would explain why the characters weren’t as dimensional as they could’ve been. I mean, Darrak just lost his home and his parents, yet he does very little mourning. Even when the High Sorcerer is murdered, there is very little emotion.
Anyway, I liked the premise of the story. We have a slower-paced action adventure story with intrigue, a budding romance and lots of magic. You can’t go wrong there. I do recommend it as most readers seemed to enjoy it. I give it 3 stars.
Still, I came away from the story feeling ambient about the novel. First off, as noted in a prior review, there are too many characters that get introduced all at once, and with some incredibly strange names. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make your new world amazing, but think about the readers. Even after finishing the book, I can’t tell you who some of the characters are by their names. That’s bad.
And, it is an amazing world that Andi O’Connor built. The boy/girl finding they are more than they seem is a well-used trope, but it works here. The biggest problem I had with the storytelling is, every character talks and acts the same way. Even Darrak, who grew up on Earth and was going to college, would not be talking in the same high-brow syntax of the people from Mysttandia. Characters that talk the same way just means the author doesn’t understand how to write compelling dialogue. Which is strange as there are just huge chunks of dialogue as a way of explaining everything. Basically, this is a dialogue-driven story versus a character-driven story. Sometimes I got lost in who was doing the actual talking and had to go back to find out.
And that would explain why the characters weren’t as dimensional as they could’ve been. I mean, Darrak just lost his home and his parents, yet he does very little mourning. Even when the High Sorcerer is murdered, there is very little emotion.
Anyway, I liked the premise of the story. We have a slower-paced action adventure story with intrigue, a budding romance and lots of magic. You can’t go wrong there. I do recommend it as most readers seemed to enjoy it. I give it 3 stars.
July 15, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I found this a well written story, with a great fantasy world and characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to read the second in the series.
I found this a well written story, with a great fantasy world and characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to read the second in the series.
July 6, 2019
DNF at 47% I had zero interest in the story line, in any of the characters was getting annoyed with cliches and the insta love marriage proposal was my limit. I really wanted to like this one too
December 11, 2015
Synopsis
“Their situation was hopeless. Darrak closed his eyes. A single tear glided down his muddy cheek as he grieved for the only friends he’d ever known.” (Chapter 32)
Darrak Hunter, a dedicated college student, starts having dreams of a different world: a beautiful place with purple clouds. One day he wakes up to find Earth’s own sun has turned violet and purple clouds fill the sky. A sorcerer appears in his dorm room and tells him he is the lost heir to the kingdom of Mystandia. After traveling to this new world, Darrak must learn how to use his new-found magic and embrace his destiny. He embarks on a quest to try and save the world from a cunning Organization that seeks to take over both Mystandia and Earth. With the help of some new and powerful friends, can Darrak overcome plots of betrayal and save two worlds?
Strengths
This is an action-packed story! Not much opportunity to get bored because there is always something happening. O’Connor paints a vivid and complex tapestry of story lines and characters that gives the reader a realistic sense of what living in Mystandia might feel like. One of the biggest strengths to the story is the depth of the characters. Not only do we get to know Darrak and his struggles, but a myriad of allies and enemies are showcased, adding tremendous depth to the story. I loved getting to know Mionee, arguably the main antagonist. She has a rich and compelling backstory, making me very sympathetic to her situation. I also love that there are a ton of strong female characters to look up to.
I loved all the magic, aspects of which were explained in fascinating detail. The themes of betrayal and family were helpful in moving the story along and keeping everything connected, and there were even bits of a love story strung throughout to keep me happy. :)
Weaknesses
There were two primary weaknesses that I found in The Lost Heir: too many loose ends and unrealistic character behavior. First of all, I know that this is only the first installment of the Dragonath Chronicles series, so some loose ends are expected. However, there were so many points that I wish were addressed before the end. Even a Part 1 book should have a sense of conclusion, even if it’s on a small scale. Rather than going into too much detail (or giving away spoilers!), here’s a quick list of questions I had at the end:
What happened to Cyrus? (He’s a bad guy.)
Who is behind The Organization?
Who, specifically, is hunting Darrak and his friends?
What happened regarding the binding ceremony between Mionee and Garenth?
How did the people on Earth respond to the purple clouds and how did they affect the ecosystem? There were allusions to what Darrak thought might be happening, but no direct information.
Disclaimer: I recognize many of these questions will probably be answered in the next book, and I’m probably just being super impatient, but there ya go.
Next, some of the dialogue and actions between certain characters were…somewhat inappropriate. For example, a servant talking back to a king would probably result in their death, or at least immediate termination of employment, right? There is a scene where a handmaid is arguing extremely disrespectfully with the king, a not-very-nice guy. In another scene, Mionee’s plan requires that a certain servant be moved to work for her, but doesn’t know if the king will approve her transfer. Shouldn’t the king himself have better things to do than approve transfers between the servants?? These things don’t seem believable.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable fantasy read. Lots of action, cool magic, and an interesting story line featuring some exceptional characters with rich histories. I can sometimes be an impatient reader, and I have a feeling that once I read the next installment all of my questions will be answered. However, I still feel that there could have been a more developed ending so the reader isn’t left in a lurch. If you’re looking for a fantasy read, go find a copy of The Lost Heir and immerse yourself in a world of magic and cool characters, then let me know what you think!!
4 out of 5 stars
Originally posted on Cindy's Treasury of Good Tales. For more of my reviews, go to http://goodtales.novelblogs.com
“Their situation was hopeless. Darrak closed his eyes. A single tear glided down his muddy cheek as he grieved for the only friends he’d ever known.” (Chapter 32)
Darrak Hunter, a dedicated college student, starts having dreams of a different world: a beautiful place with purple clouds. One day he wakes up to find Earth’s own sun has turned violet and purple clouds fill the sky. A sorcerer appears in his dorm room and tells him he is the lost heir to the kingdom of Mystandia. After traveling to this new world, Darrak must learn how to use his new-found magic and embrace his destiny. He embarks on a quest to try and save the world from a cunning Organization that seeks to take over both Mystandia and Earth. With the help of some new and powerful friends, can Darrak overcome plots of betrayal and save two worlds?
Strengths
This is an action-packed story! Not much opportunity to get bored because there is always something happening. O’Connor paints a vivid and complex tapestry of story lines and characters that gives the reader a realistic sense of what living in Mystandia might feel like. One of the biggest strengths to the story is the depth of the characters. Not only do we get to know Darrak and his struggles, but a myriad of allies and enemies are showcased, adding tremendous depth to the story. I loved getting to know Mionee, arguably the main antagonist. She has a rich and compelling backstory, making me very sympathetic to her situation. I also love that there are a ton of strong female characters to look up to.
I loved all the magic, aspects of which were explained in fascinating detail. The themes of betrayal and family were helpful in moving the story along and keeping everything connected, and there were even bits of a love story strung throughout to keep me happy. :)
Weaknesses
There were two primary weaknesses that I found in The Lost Heir: too many loose ends and unrealistic character behavior. First of all, I know that this is only the first installment of the Dragonath Chronicles series, so some loose ends are expected. However, there were so many points that I wish were addressed before the end. Even a Part 1 book should have a sense of conclusion, even if it’s on a small scale. Rather than going into too much detail (or giving away spoilers!), here’s a quick list of questions I had at the end:
What happened to Cyrus? (He’s a bad guy.)
Who is behind The Organization?
Who, specifically, is hunting Darrak and his friends?
What happened regarding the binding ceremony between Mionee and Garenth?
How did the people on Earth respond to the purple clouds and how did they affect the ecosystem? There were allusions to what Darrak thought might be happening, but no direct information.
Disclaimer: I recognize many of these questions will probably be answered in the next book, and I’m probably just being super impatient, but there ya go.
Next, some of the dialogue and actions between certain characters were…somewhat inappropriate. For example, a servant talking back to a king would probably result in their death, or at least immediate termination of employment, right? There is a scene where a handmaid is arguing extremely disrespectfully with the king, a not-very-nice guy. In another scene, Mionee’s plan requires that a certain servant be moved to work for her, but doesn’t know if the king will approve her transfer. Shouldn’t the king himself have better things to do than approve transfers between the servants?? These things don’t seem believable.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable fantasy read. Lots of action, cool magic, and an interesting story line featuring some exceptional characters with rich histories. I can sometimes be an impatient reader, and I have a feeling that once I read the next installment all of my questions will be answered. However, I still feel that there could have been a more developed ending so the reader isn’t left in a lurch. If you’re looking for a fantasy read, go find a copy of The Lost Heir and immerse yourself in a world of magic and cool characters, then let me know what you think!!
4 out of 5 stars
Originally posted on Cindy's Treasury of Good Tales. For more of my reviews, go to http://goodtales.novelblogs.com
March 3, 2015
Thousands of years ago a sorcerer sent Haeleena away from her homeland of Mystandia to live on Earth. It was the only way he could think to hide her and keep her safe from the war that was brewing in their home.
In present day the people of Mystandia are anxious to learn who the new Grand Sorcerer will be. Mionee, the youngest daughter of the current Grand Sorcerer, hopes it will be her. In fact she has made a plan in case it isn't her. She's building an army and she plans to take down anyone in her way even if that includes her brother and her father. No one can stop her now that she is learning black magic.
On the other side of the palace Ipzaag is silently preparing for the naming of the new Grand Sorcerer. While he hopes his father will chose him there have been rumors that he will chose his sister instead. Nevertheless Ipzaag carries on with his day as though it is any other, training with his apprentice.
Darrak lives on Earth. He's been having weird dreams that seem so real and when he wakes up he remembers every detail. He's also found that the purple sphere his parents gave him as a child is acting weird. He assumes he's jut tired from studying too much and thinks nothing of it until he day the Sun changes colors.
That same day the Grand Sorcerer appears to Darrak and takes him to Mystandia. He explains that Darrak can perform mene, a type of magic and proves it to him on the way. Once Darrak is in Mystandia he learns the secret of his heritage. He is a decent of Haeleena. He is the rightful ruler of Mystandia and will need to take his place once he learns to strengthen his magic. It's too much for Darrak to take in and he has difficulty with the change in worlds.
Things are heating up as Mionee and her warriors learn of Darrak's heritage. Mionee will stop at nothing to eliminate him and take her place as the next Grand Sorcerer. She believes she has the power and the warriors behind her to do it. That is, until she learns that a Chosen has appeared in Mystandia. There hasn't been a Chosen in Mystandia in thousands of years so why is one appearing now? A Chosen is a person who doesn't need a kraylock to do magic. They are rare and powerful people. After the Chosen appears there seems to be a Dreamweaver and a Dreamseer as well.
Suddenly Mionee isn't so sure she can win the war. The Grand Sorcerer and his son are not sure they can win either. It will be a battle of magic that Mystandia hasn't seen in thousands of years and the winner will become the new Grand Sorcerer and rule all of Mystandia. Who will come out on top?
When I first started the book I had some trouble keeping the characters straight. There were so many of them with so many unusual names. However, the more I read the easier it became as the characters started to take shape in my mind. I really came to care about the different characters.
I did not like Mionee. I felt that she was a spoiled brat who wanted everything her way or no way. I spent the entire book hoping she wouldn't come out and top and cheering every time someone stopped one of her soldiers. I really liked the Grand Sorcerer, Ipzaag, and Darrak. They are all strong men with powerful magic who only want what is best for Mystandia and for the people the care about. They would each put down their own lives to do what is right.
While the book started off a little slow because of the character development it soon became fast paced as the war was beginning. There was a lot going on and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I did think that at some points the book went a little too fast. Poor Darrak got pulled into a world he didn't know existed, told he was the rightful heir, and then was made to go on the run from warriors all in the span of 24 hours.
Overall I think that this is a great book for anyone that enjoys fantasy series. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series so I can find out what happens to all of the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
In present day the people of Mystandia are anxious to learn who the new Grand Sorcerer will be. Mionee, the youngest daughter of the current Grand Sorcerer, hopes it will be her. In fact she has made a plan in case it isn't her. She's building an army and she plans to take down anyone in her way even if that includes her brother and her father. No one can stop her now that she is learning black magic.
On the other side of the palace Ipzaag is silently preparing for the naming of the new Grand Sorcerer. While he hopes his father will chose him there have been rumors that he will chose his sister instead. Nevertheless Ipzaag carries on with his day as though it is any other, training with his apprentice.
Darrak lives on Earth. He's been having weird dreams that seem so real and when he wakes up he remembers every detail. He's also found that the purple sphere his parents gave him as a child is acting weird. He assumes he's jut tired from studying too much and thinks nothing of it until he day the Sun changes colors.
That same day the Grand Sorcerer appears to Darrak and takes him to Mystandia. He explains that Darrak can perform mene, a type of magic and proves it to him on the way. Once Darrak is in Mystandia he learns the secret of his heritage. He is a decent of Haeleena. He is the rightful ruler of Mystandia and will need to take his place once he learns to strengthen his magic. It's too much for Darrak to take in and he has difficulty with the change in worlds.
Things are heating up as Mionee and her warriors learn of Darrak's heritage. Mionee will stop at nothing to eliminate him and take her place as the next Grand Sorcerer. She believes she has the power and the warriors behind her to do it. That is, until she learns that a Chosen has appeared in Mystandia. There hasn't been a Chosen in Mystandia in thousands of years so why is one appearing now? A Chosen is a person who doesn't need a kraylock to do magic. They are rare and powerful people. After the Chosen appears there seems to be a Dreamweaver and a Dreamseer as well.
Suddenly Mionee isn't so sure she can win the war. The Grand Sorcerer and his son are not sure they can win either. It will be a battle of magic that Mystandia hasn't seen in thousands of years and the winner will become the new Grand Sorcerer and rule all of Mystandia. Who will come out on top?
When I first started the book I had some trouble keeping the characters straight. There were so many of them with so many unusual names. However, the more I read the easier it became as the characters started to take shape in my mind. I really came to care about the different characters.
I did not like Mionee. I felt that she was a spoiled brat who wanted everything her way or no way. I spent the entire book hoping she wouldn't come out and top and cheering every time someone stopped one of her soldiers. I really liked the Grand Sorcerer, Ipzaag, and Darrak. They are all strong men with powerful magic who only want what is best for Mystandia and for the people the care about. They would each put down their own lives to do what is right.
While the book started off a little slow because of the character development it soon became fast paced as the war was beginning. There was a lot going on and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I did think that at some points the book went a little too fast. Poor Darrak got pulled into a world he didn't know existed, told he was the rightful heir, and then was made to go on the run from warriors all in the span of 24 hours.
Overall I think that this is a great book for anyone that enjoys fantasy series. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series so I can find out what happens to all of the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
September 16, 2015
There doesn't seem to be the right words to describe this book other than truly amazing. The author provided me a copy of the book and I couldn't be more honored. This was one of the best books I have read this year.
Darrak is a college student dedicated to his studies when one day he awakens from a dream of a world with purple clouds and a purple sun, only to discover the clouds on Earth are purple. If things are not weird enough a strange man appears in his room telling him he is something called a Dreamseer, and the heir to land far from earth, the land he is dreaming of. Once he returns to Dragonath, Darrak realizes the intense danger he is now in. He and his companions embark on a journey to a neighboring country to ensure his safety. Along the way they face battle after after from enemies and learn new abilities among one another.
This book is captivating from the very beginning. you are thrown into the story as much as Darrak is thrown into a new life and battle for his survival. Every character pulls at your emotions and enhance the story. There are too many characters that I loved to even mention.
Andi O'Connor has a wonderful gift with words. She creates a world in Dragonath that makes readers want to experience in reality. I became so engrossed in the story I lost track of time. I enjoyed the numerous levels and types of magic as well as the rarity of gifts. This novel goes above and beyond the typical fantasy novel.
to read a full review with interview visit: http://literarykat.blogspot.com/2015/...
Darrak is a college student dedicated to his studies when one day he awakens from a dream of a world with purple clouds and a purple sun, only to discover the clouds on Earth are purple. If things are not weird enough a strange man appears in his room telling him he is something called a Dreamseer, and the heir to land far from earth, the land he is dreaming of. Once he returns to Dragonath, Darrak realizes the intense danger he is now in. He and his companions embark on a journey to a neighboring country to ensure his safety. Along the way they face battle after after from enemies and learn new abilities among one another.
This book is captivating from the very beginning. you are thrown into the story as much as Darrak is thrown into a new life and battle for his survival. Every character pulls at your emotions and enhance the story. There are too many characters that I loved to even mention.
Andi O'Connor has a wonderful gift with words. She creates a world in Dragonath that makes readers want to experience in reality. I became so engrossed in the story I lost track of time. I enjoyed the numerous levels and types of magic as well as the rarity of gifts. This novel goes above and beyond the typical fantasy novel.
to read a full review with interview visit: http://literarykat.blogspot.com/2015/...
March 30, 2015
I received a copy through goodreads first.
The Lost Heir is about Darrak a young man who starts having dreams of strange things. Meanwhile in a separate world a war is brewing and Darrak is more connected then he ever thought. Follow the adventure Darrak as he is brought into a world to help stop a war with a group of interesting heroes and heroines.
This is definitely a fantasy novel. If your into magic and different realm stories, this is most likely for you. I would love to know how the author came up with the names and ideas for this story line. It is so different from any fantasy I've read. The lost heir is part of a series and has a cliff hanger ending so if your looking for a single novel this is not it. I couldn't put it down at the end. I think Andi is going places in young adult fantasy.
The Lost Heir is about Darrak a young man who starts having dreams of strange things. Meanwhile in a separate world a war is brewing and Darrak is more connected then he ever thought. Follow the adventure Darrak as he is brought into a world to help stop a war with a group of interesting heroes and heroines.
This is definitely a fantasy novel. If your into magic and different realm stories, this is most likely for you. I would love to know how the author came up with the names and ideas for this story line. It is so different from any fantasy I've read. The lost heir is part of a series and has a cliff hanger ending so if your looking for a single novel this is not it. I couldn't put it down at the end. I think Andi is going places in young adult fantasy.
January 2, 2015
This book was received as part of a goodreads giveaway.
This book takes place mostly on a world called Mystandia. This is a world of magic where the main character finds himself after having to flee Earth. On Mystandia he finds out things about himself as well as the threats against him. Most of the book follows his flight from these threats.
This book was okay, but it seemed almost too easy. Everything comes together almost too perfectly and the conversations feel too proper. The book does move quickly throughout the story. Overall the book did leave me wondering what will happen in the next book.
This book takes place mostly on a world called Mystandia. This is a world of magic where the main character finds himself after having to flee Earth. On Mystandia he finds out things about himself as well as the threats against him. Most of the book follows his flight from these threats.
This book was okay, but it seemed almost too easy. Everything comes together almost too perfectly and the conversations feel too proper. The book does move quickly throughout the story. Overall the book did leave me wondering what will happen in the next book.
July 4, 2013
This was an interesting book about a young man who grew up on Earth and found out he belonged on another world. A world with violet skies and magic. He seems to take the change of fate and location in stride very well even though his former home is under attack and gacing an uncertain fate.
The characters all have distinct personas and some under go great personal development throughout the book. It is a very interesting storey if a bit long on the explainations at times. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see where they rnd up and whst happens to Earth.
The characters all have distinct personas and some under go great personal development throughout the book. It is a very interesting storey if a bit long on the explainations at times. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see where they rnd up and whst happens to Earth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
Earth, and Dragonath with its violet sun and clouds, are two worlds that are dissimilar, but ultimately they are pulled towards a dismal fate. Princess Mionee from a country in Dragonath called Mystandia seems to be brewing trouble in both worlds with forbidden magic, while Darrak, a nerdy perfectionist, has to jump in this unknown conflict where both worlds are on the verge of destruction if he fails to forego his trials...
Read the rest of the review here: nightmarenovels.novelblogs.com/the-lo...
Read the rest of the review here: nightmarenovels.novelblogs.com/the-lo...
October 20, 2016
I loved the idea and the premise of this novel, and the author did some really interesting things - such as make her fantasy world a different planet, instead of parallel universe - that I really appreciated. But there were some flaws in the writing that I struggled with. The dialogue felt stiff and too formal, plus there were a lot of times when the explanations for things felt a little too stiff as well. I was being told too much instead of learning it through the writing. This book has a lot of potential, and I hope maybe the author improves with later works.
January 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Although the story has a few jumps in it, it allows the reader to realize nothing happened....so why talk about it unless you wanted to make the book longer. Filled with easily likable characters, this book was very easy to read. I find myself very excited to obtain the 2nd book and continue the journey!
We received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
We received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
December 17, 2016
Watch the Skies had the author in for a visit and it was a great discussion. This is another I could share with my daughter.
June 18, 2013
Loved it.
April 2, 2017
Wow what a read this was. As soon as I got this book to review I opened it and couldn't stop reading this. It was absolutely a great read. I really enjoyed it.
We go into a great adventure with Derrak who gets put into a distance world were he has to face with his past so the future can be more brighter for him.
The Author did a great job with the vivid details in this story. I felt I was right there with Derrak along his journey. There was a lot of action going on in this story and it was just to hard to put this book down. I am looking forward to what may come next.
Deffenitly reading more books by this author and recommend this book to my Fantasy lover readers and who likes magic. You won't be dissaponted.
I received a copy of this book to give my honest opinion.
We go into a great adventure with Derrak who gets put into a distance world were he has to face with his past so the future can be more brighter for him.
The Author did a great job with the vivid details in this story. I felt I was right there with Derrak along his journey. There was a lot of action going on in this story and it was just to hard to put this book down. I am looking forward to what may come next.
Deffenitly reading more books by this author and recommend this book to my Fantasy lover readers and who likes magic. You won't be dissaponted.
I received a copy of this book to give my honest opinion.
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